6.9
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
$1,000.00
Average Mileage:
46,519 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints
Most common solutions:
- ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (20 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
- (1 reports)
body / paint problem
Helpful Websites About 2005 Ford Explorer cracked panel below the rear window
2009Feb 03
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
I saw the complaints on your website with regard to the problem that I am having. My rear panel cracked right near the windshield wiper (that is now not working) - this started with a small crack and is now completely split in half. I am waiting for one piece or the other to fall off. I called the 1-800 number listed in another member's post and got the same response about taking it to a dealer and that there currently is no recall in place for this issue. My mother has a 2002 Ford Explorer with the same EXACT problem - don't tell me that there isn't a defect and FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT! I can't afford to fix this problem and my warranty expired a long time ago. The customer service representative said that if enough people call about this issue then they will investigate - I believe investigating means contacting all the dealerships to see if this is really a problem, so I will take my vehicle in and at least get it documented. Tell anyone you know or see with this issue to call Ford and complain - please help all of us!
2006Oct 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
How can Ford justify the price of an Explorer and the body crack before you have had it a full year and then when you take it in they tell you what it will cost to fix it.Your cost not theirs because this is not a saftey hazard. I guess when it finally gets bad enough that the back glass fall out driving down the road and causes an accident then maybe it will be a drving hazard. Why is it someone has to get hurt before something is done. I though Ford took more pride in their automoblies than that. This is a real eye sore and poor advertising for them.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 11
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,200 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
Dealer service said there will not be a recall because it is not safety related. Body-shop person said part is about $150, glue is about $100, and that's before the labor charges, and said the body-men hate these repairs because they are very hard to get all the glue off.
2009Oct 09
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
They better replace this free of charge or it's the last Ford I buy. Nobody hit the back of the car and we didn't hit anything, it just appeared. Apparently the door can't handle being shut. I didn't realize that hatch was made of cheap plastic.
2009Mar 01
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
This problem (i.e. crack in the hatch pannel below the rear glass) is clearly a manufacturer defect. Ford should fix it but refuses. Now I know why they are not using the Government help. because they still have all that extra money from not fixing veichles they sold that clearly have manufacturer defects. At least GM will own up to thier defective vehicles. Though this issue is relatively minor to say an engine blowing up or a transmission going out, Ford's refusal to resolve this issue has mare then likely caused me to never buy another ford or associated vehicle again. Thank you Ford Motor Co. for making my next vehicle purchase decision a little easier. Unless you fix this problem, I'll be buying from your competition.
Later
Mike
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 12
Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
I feel if there are so many complaints regarding this problem there should be a recall.
2008Dec 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
After researching and finding this to be a common problem Ford should step up and stand behind their product especially in a time when they should be trying to create customer loyalty. How many U.S. car makers will have to go under before they realize their products are inferior!
2007Jul 18
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
I noticed one day that the panel below my rear window was cracked. It's like it just magically appeared overnight! The thing is a terrible eyesore, and I'm so tired of Ford refusing to repair what is clearly a defect. While out and about (I live in Houston, TX, seems like a lot of these issues are in TX) I have seen numerous other Explorers with the same issue. One guy even pulled over to ask me how it happened. He said he simply closed his tailgate one day and it cracked.
This is one of three different issues I have had with my Explorer - it would also randomly die (scary, right?!?) and my cruise control cuts out intermittently. The other two problems started within a few months of buying it new. Sometimes I wish I had just kept my Saturn!
2009Mar 26
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 39,200 miles
Within 24 hours of noticing this crack we saw 25 cars with same problem from Tallahassee, FL to Boca Raton, FL. We saw it on Mountaineer models of Mercury cars as well. FORD FIX IT... IT'S YOUR POOR WORKMANSHIP!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Feb 22
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
My husband and I were out to dinner and he notice this BIG crack going down the panel below the rear window. It was obvious that it was not hit or that I didn't do anything to it. Then the other day I was driving down the road and in front of me was another Ford Explorer with the same problem. I don't feel that I should have to pay to have this fixed. It is definitely Ford's problem. I noticed also that they don't make the Explorer like that anymore.!
2009Mar 11
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
AT a time when customer loyalty is vital to Ford's life expectancy, Ford needs to do the right thing and pay for this obvious factory issue.
2006Jul 01
Explorer ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
I haven't tried to get this repaired yet. Based on this site, I don't hold much hope of Ford coming to the rescue. If they do not, I am a two time new Ford buyer, but WILL NOT buy a third. Toyota here I come!
2009Feb 22
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I CANT SEE HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN. YOU CAN IN MY CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE,THEY SHOULD FIX THIS FOR FREE.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 01
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Whats up with ford?! billion dollar company and they cant fix their mistakes? the back panel on my explorer cracked, it seemed like overnight just sitting in the driveway! i know i didn't hit it with anything and i was quoted $980 at the local ford dealership. thats ridiculous! the front windshield did the same thing. big crack all the way across the drivers side, out of nowhere! insurance fixed that of course but ford needs to take responsibility and fix these! the man who manages the local car wash here told me that almost every one he has seen is cracked liked this because there is only 2 thin strips of glue holding that panel on. you can tell its hollow. and yet ford expects us to pay out of pocket for their poor craftmanship. ridiculous!
2008Dec 14
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 29,000 miles
I called my local Ford dealer because I had an Extended warranty and was told it would have to be fixed at another location body shop. But, I was also told that it was not covered under any warranty. I was told I would get a call back in regards to price of repair and I have not heard a word. I do not think I should have to fix a crack on the exterior that was sitting in a driveway when it just cracked during a nighttime change in temperature while visiting family in Texas. And I regret buying an extended warranty.
JR, Purcell, Oklahoma
2009Jan 01
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
The rear panel under the glass hatch has cracked good. It is a huge eyesore. Ford will only repair it if I pay for the parts and labor. It is clear that this problem is a defect that ford should own up to and place a recall on. The American auto makers can't really afford to lose anymore business to the foreign auto companies. I will never buy another FORD again!.
2008Dec 15
Explorer LTD 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
The back Hatch of my 2005 ford is severely cracked. Ford KNOWS this is an issue. When it rains moisture gets inside my explorer, the windows on the inside will completely fog up making it hard to see. I called my dealer, he referred me to the Ford company to complain. He's worked for Ford for 25 years and KNOWS this is a problem with the explorer. Ford says I would have to pay for their defective problem. However, if enough people called them to complain and this problem was documented by many (they need a large amount of complaints) they may issue a customer satisfaction coupon to have the vehicle fixed and Ford will pay for it. so everyone call 800-241-6372 and Complain! ask that this problem be documented.
Be aware though, after your complaint they will tell you that you have an award to buy a car at employee cost. I believe they call it the Vincent Certificate. I've owned fords for Many years and this is my last one, I'm tired of all the problems,the run around and no resolutions
2008Aug 08
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
I wanted to write and mention/complain that my Ford Explorer has a crack in the rear window panel (tail gate) that showed up. I live in Texas and thought at first it was from another car but it showed no other visible signs. I am thinking that the heat cauesd it. It is definitely noticeable and wondering how to fix it. I thought about getting glue and fixing it myself. If anyone has any btter advice or if it is a recall problem I would like to know how to get this resolved. Thanks.
2008Jul 27
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
I'm very upset about the large crack on the rear under the glass. It's a shame that nice vehicles have this. Just in our small town I have seen at least 10 Ford Explorers with this large crack. Every one that I've seen is dark in color. I've seen a white one and it does not have this crack. I'm worried that sooner or later it will start leaking inside when it rains. When the weather is hot the crack closes up that you can hardly see it. Late in the afternoon when the temperature drops and it gets cooler the crack opens up again.
Also there are two more complaints I have about my Explorer. The passenger door electric window on the drivers side hangs up and makes noise and jerks when you put the window down. Also when driving the vehicle makes a strange sound for just a few seconds. It sounds like a moan coming from the back. I dont know if it's from the air conditioning or what. It does not happen all the time, but it does concern me.
2008Mar 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
My 2005 back panel cracked near the emblem. Read about hundreds of the same complaint. Called Ford and offered to pay half to fix it and suggested they recall it. Had no luck. Owned nothing but Ford since I started driving. Very disappointed that they are doing nothing about the problem it is an obvious design defect. And go figure in 2006 the design changed and tailgate is different.
2007May 11
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0
- Automatic transmission
- 37,548 miles
My Explorer developed the same crack they all seem to develop. I took it to Bill Curry Ford in Tampa Florida, barely out of factory warranty and they would not fix it knowing the part is defective from Ford.
2008Feb 12
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 36,000 miles
Just like the 250+ complains on the 2002 section, I am having the same problem. During a cold week the back panel cracked for no reason. Ford refuses to fix this.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your body / paint problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 04
Explorer XLT V6
I was actually just looking online to see if other people have cracks in their vehicles as well. My questions were answered here...
Hopefully, Ford will try to resolve this issue with anyone who purchased this model.
How many people does it take to file a class action suit?
krista
Northwood, NH, USA
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