6.5
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
$565.00
Average Mileage:
71,684 miles
Total Complaints:
161 complaints
Most common solutions:
- ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (97 reports)
- ford should fix it if reported,being it's a known defect!!! (35 reports)
- not sure (15 reports)
- part needs to be replaced (7 reports)
- replace (3 reports)
- re-initiate the charity repair solution (2 reports)
body / paint problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Safercar.Gov - This is the site you need to file your complaint with, it is the national safety site for recalls and defects. The more people that complain the better. Call them @1-888-327-4236. I just filed mine today.
2012Apr 24
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,909 miles
With thousands of complaints about the cracking in the hatch below the window, Ford should REALLY mean the Quality is Job 1 and repair this obvious defect.
2011Dec 14
Explorer Advance Trac RSC 6Cyl 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
I really don't see how Ford doesn't want to do any call backs on any of the Ford Explorers that are having trouble with the back panel that is cracking. ford is such a big corporation with millions and they don't want to take any responsibility in what is happening to our means of transportation especially for the ones who can't afford to go ahead and buy a new car or the money to fix it.
I am very concern that water can start accumulating inside and then what am I suppose to do. Ford should take full responsibility.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jun 02
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
If it is a defect in the car and they clearly know it is they should fix the problem. When I go to have my car washed they dont want raise the back for fear the glass might fall out.
2006Sep 07
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 37,000 miles
Now have 3 cracks one on each side of the emblem and one behind the emblem.
This should be a Ford recall 9 out of 10 2002 to 2005 Explores have this problem.
I have been a Ford customer for over 45 years and have just purchased my first non Ford SUV. Ford has lost but another customer.
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2007Dec 21
Explorer XLT 6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
All you hear over and over is how we should purchase American made cars but when I purchased my Explorer I never realized that Ford would ignore such a noticeable defect. I can drive around my area and notice how many other Ford buyers have this same defect. The dealers are not interested in helping and of course the BIG Ford company isn't interested either as they already made their money off of us. Why should they going to have to spend their money on satisfying their customers. Next time, I'm buying foreign!
NEVER AGAIN FORD!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Mar 02
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Based on volume of complaints, should be recalled by Ford.
2012Mar 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
With the problems Ford has had in the past, one would think the company would jump all over this. I saw over 150 complaints just on this website. How many Ford owners are not publicly complaining about this? I've been a dedicated Ford owner for many years, but this problem is making me think twice about purchasing another Ford, which I was planning on doing soon.
2011Dec 15
Explorer XLT 6-cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
CRACKS IN CENTER PORTION OF TAILGATE APPEARED LATE FALL. ONE VERTICAL CRACK ON RIGHT SIDE, FOLLOWED RECENTLY BY ANOTHER CRACK ON THE LEFT. WINDOW STILL WORKS, BUT AM SURE PROBLEMS ARE COMING.
NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I AM NOTICING OTHER SIMILAR MODEL FORD EXPLORERS.
MANY WITH IDENTICAL TAILGATE CRACKS. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD. EXPENSIVE REPAIR
2011Nov 03
Explorer XLT 4.6L Sohc V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
This Ford Explorer model is a lemon! My rear panel is cracked, and I'm having transmission problems.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Dec 15
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Ford sucks!! I have had nothing but problems from the day I got this explorer. Then this crack on the lift gate. I will never but another ford. Rear end problems, ac problems, window not working, middle rear seat belt never worked, and the cd player never worked had it replaced and the new one doesn't work. Will just quit running when using cruise control. If you are thinking of buying a ford, I would say my money!
2012Feb 02
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This is my third Explorer, and the second one for the rear panel to crack. Ford fixed the first one because the SUV was still under warranty, unfortunately, not the case for this one. My Ford dealer says it will cost $1500 to repair. They said I could take it to a body shop to fill the crack in, but that it probably woudn't hold. I can't justify a $1500 repair for a six year old vehicle. I'm getting ready to trade vehicles this summer and don't think it will be another Ford. I'm afraid to find out how much the trade-in value is going to be impacted. I've written directly to Ford, but don't have any high expectations for any help. From the complaints I've read on this site, looks to me like Ford just doesn't care about its customers any more. It's very depressing to someone who has been a Ford owner for over 35 years. I may be an old dog - but I can learn new tricks - Look for me at the NON-FORD dealers this summer.
Update from Mar 5, 2012: I'm even madder now. I received a three sentence form letter back from Ford Co saying 'Feedback from our customers is important to us, and helps us to provide higher quality vehicles and improved service to our customers. We recognize that we must meet the needs of the buying public if we are to be successful in today's competitive market. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us." Letter doesn't even reference the problem - just a generic form letter. Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'll be buying elsewhere this summer.
2011Apr 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Had never heard of this till my wife came home and showed it to me. Now I see it on every other Explorer I pass. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect and should not be the responsibility of the consumer to pay for the repair notwithstanding how old the vehicle is. THIS IS NOT FAIR WEAR AND TEAR, BUT A DEFECT IN DESIGN. While not a safety issue, if FORD truly wants to be the number one car company then they need to continue to do the right things such as repair obvious manufacturing defects.
2011Nov 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 45,245 miles
click to see larger images
I have a cracked rear tailgate panel. This was replaced in 12/07. It is cracked AGAIN. I believe it cracks from the motor of wipers being turned on while it is still cold outside. I have only 20,000 miles from the time it was last replaced. FORD says they will not fix. They also told me to call NHS and report problem. They have so many problems it is all over the internet. I will never buy another Ford again!! In one month I have taken pictures of this problem on so many Explorers. Why don't they fix this problem. Age of car should not matter. Disappointed and will fight to get this fixed. Future Ford of Roseville in Ca just called me and told me it would cost up to 1,000 to fix. BAD BAD Business.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Nov 01
Explorer ES 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Seeing as so many vehicles are having this problem ford should implement a recall policy
2012Jan 02
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
cracked liftgate by the ford emblem. looks like heck and seems like it is very hard to close now....come on ford...you know it a problem. drive anywhere you'll see it..
2011Dec 09
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
As I can see from this site it seems to be a big problem with the Ford Explorer's. I was loading my explorer last week and started to see a little crack in the panel and wasn't sure how it happened. I was going to get a paint shop to look at it and find out how much it would cost to fix the small crack. However, the next morning the crack was huge. I did a search on the internet and came across this site and noticed that I'm not the only one with the problem and it was a ford problem. Did a bit more looking and found this link of a current court case: http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/06/17/Ford.pdf and http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1223-ford-cracked-tailgate-class-action-lawsuit- I guess this is BIG problem with our ford models. I am happy knowing someone has started a class action suit against Ford regarding this issue. I've owned a Ford all my life.. (4) Mustang Cobra's a GT and two explorer's. Never had a problem until now. I hope this class action gives all of us new panels and the repair charge to boot.
2011Aug 15
Explorer XLT 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Ford should do a recall as there seem to be a lot of similar complaints. We've driven behind other Explorers with the same cracked back
2011Dec 12
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 114,942 miles
click to see larger images
Xmas Shopping@Wal-Mart, it was Monday night. Came out with my bags, got ready to lift tailgate; that's when the black line was noticed, rubbed my hand across and realized it was cracked from underneath window down the panel near the Ford emblem. Called Insurance Company to report it. I thought someone had hit my tailgate. Police said, no hit and run. They accused Me of closing the tailgate and causing it to crack. I corrected Him right then and said, "Why would I want to damage something I work hard too pay for". Needless to say, no report was written. So, I have to pay the deduction in order to have it fixed. I'm pissed, it's the Holidays and I'm going to Florida for Xmas. Taking it tomorrow for scheduling repair. Got on Google and see I'm not the only Victim. I've had my Vehicle for 4yrs. and this was the first complaint.
2011Dec 07
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
ford should at least address this problem for it is definite manufacturer defect and if ford refuses to acknowledge this issue. we the people should band together and sue ford ourselves.
2011Nov 07
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 149,000 miles
The crack, on my 2005 Explorer, has extended from the top to the bottom around the Ford emblem on the back of the vehicle. A friend of mine has the same problem, with her Explorer, and the window exploded today and cut her hand. So I would like to have it fixed and paid for by Ford before my window explodes and causes injury to any one in my family.
2011Sep 21
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I will not get a good price when I purchase another car. I am very unhappy and dissatisfied with Ford. I will not purchase another Ford.
2011Dec 29
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I have seen three other ford explorers in Charlotte with cracks at the very same place as my car. Ford should recall and fix. I take care of my car and this crack just appeared out of nowhere.
2007Nov 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
it's not that it creates any functional problems, but is obviously a design flaw....once I noticed mine I started observing others....at a minimum, at least 80% of the explorers I see with the same body design, have this crack....
Ford should just 'pony' up and do the recall and repair it......when I pay 25-30K for a car I don't expect it to have a 'design' flaw!!!
2011Jun 15
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Where is Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs Guy when you need him? He is the popular spokesperson for FORD. Isn't he for the working man? FORD did the right thing when they did not take bailout money, which is why many of us stayed with them. Just do the right thing NOW! Prior to buying this Explorer, I drove a 99 Explorer for 12 years. Just passed it on to my grandson. I LOVE Ford Explorers! What I don't like is FORD MOTOR COMPANY"s attitude that this is my problem instead of theirs.
2011Sep 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
click to see larger images
This crack appeared in my father's Ford Explorer in September. I started investigating and finally did a Google search, and to my surprise found all these other people with the SAME crack !! I've also started noticing other Ford Explorers with the EXACT SAME crack in the EXACT same place!!!! Why hasn't Ford owned up to this and recalled. I have a VW Beetle and I can assure they would have already recalled this crap. I guess Ford isn't going to own up unless this hurts someone???? Are they not concerned with their reputation and quality of vehicle?????????
2011Nov 08
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
My Explorer is in great condition, I take very good care of it.
This crack is significant & annoys me every time I see it.
Ford needs to step up and do the right thing; redesign it and fix all of its Ford Explorers at their expense
2012Jan 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 165,000 miles
click to see larger images
My concerns are about a crack that developed in my 2005 Ford Explorer rear door hatch as a result of a design flaw.
Thanks,
Danny Armstead
130 Shennandoah St
Cherokee, AL
2011Dec 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Never noticed this problem until it happened to me. Now I see it on almost every similar model on the road and in parking lots. Hard to understand how they are not responsible for fixing this.
2011Jun 01
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
i see it all the time in explorers. a very common problem. should be dealt w/ by ford!!
2011Dec 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 46,200 miles
This crack appeared overnight.Looks terrible.Not a safety issue, unless the window hatch falls out and hits a car behind.Then Ford will do something about it.Remember years ago the problems explorer had with overturned vehicles. Let the lawsuits begin.
2011Dec 01
Explorer N/A V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I have a crack from the rear glass to the second panel that showed up overnight,
I called the dealer to ask questions about it and they stated that it was not a factory defect or recall. Is this the american was or am I in the wrong country. #1 it showed up overnight #2 it was not my fault #3 I live in AMERICA where ford vehicles are suppose to be made and where they are suppose to please the customer. this is very unacceptable
and Ford company should handle this in the proper manner to please the customer or they will lose alot of well respectd customers because this will spread out and they will see a customer decline because of their ignorance. to the ford company do whats right and fix the problem because I know I am not alone.
2010Jun 30
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD WOULD WANT AS MANY EXPLORERS RIDING AROUND FOR EVERYONE TO SEE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ABOUT 1 OUT OF 3-4 I SEE ARE CRACKED. I AM SAD TO TO SAY I LIVE IN LOUISVILLE WHERE THESE SUV'S WERE BUILT
2011Nov 28
Explorer EB 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
I like my Explorer. It has been a very reliable vehicle. I see the tail gates cracked everywhere and I knew it was a matter of time. I took great care closing the tailgate (I do not slam!). The vehicle is garage kept and well maintained. This is very disappointing. My vehicle looks awful to me. I really believe Ford should fix this or at least heavily discount the repair.
2011Nov 25
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
click to see larger images
Recently Purchased this 2005 Eddie Bauer Explorer used, excellent condition, Low mileage. Was very pleased with it so far, till last week was looking at the rear liftgate and noticed a 10 inch crack from the rear window through the ford emblem to the next lower panel. Was and still am upset, feel like Ive been voided by Ford Motors whom Ive been so loyal to the brand for almost all my life. I then went on line and googled Ford Explorer rear liftgate crack and found several other unlucky people with the same issue and even found out there is a group action lawsuit that was filed in Jan of 2011 for this. Hope that it will work and get Ford which I have backed up all my life, to back us all up and fix this problem!
2011Nov 24
Explorer ES 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,500 miles
The panel below the rear window has crack on my 2005 Ford Explorer, this is the second time in the past two years Ford should make this good,the first time I pay to have it fix,I think Ford should look in to this and fix it for me with no charge.
2011Nov 18
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 96,005 miles
Ford should issue a recall as this many people are complaining. Word of mouth to friends should be motivation enough.
2011Nov 02
Explorer XLT 8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Noticed a big crack where the emblem is under the rear window. Contacted dealership and they said they had many problems with this but no recalls. Contacted Ford Motor Co. they denied there is a problem then had a survey to ask how well they've done! This was the first ford and the last I'll ever buy. Customer last, profits first....that's why there's no owner loyalty when they screw the consumer over!
2011Feb 02
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Eddie Bauer Special Edition for nothing. Looks horrible with the crack below the rear hatch window. Ford says they will not cover this, says it's just cosmetic and does not affect the driveability but that's not the point. What car has cracks in the body of their car? I have never seen a car like this.
2010Oct 20
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I have the same problem with the crack in the back hatch of my Explorer....just to the left of the Ford Emblem. I also see them everywhere I go. I had mine repaired at a body shop. They filled it in with some type of bondo, but it only lasted like a month and then chipped away. Now it is getting worse. Its been there about a year and I think the weather/regular wear is just getting to it. I need a new piece, but I am guessing Ford isn't going to give me one!!! I am going to find something to fill it in myself and then paint it with touch up paint. It can't possibly look any worse, so what the hell?
2011Mar 31
Explorer XLT 3.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
My experience was just like all the rest. I came out of Wal Mart one day to where I thought I had left my Explorer and found in it's place a car with a huge crack all the way through the paint skirting around the Ford emblem and stretching vertically all the way down the panel beneath the rear window. I thought it was just me, but I have recently noticed lots of Explorers with an identical crack. I otherwise love my Explorer. If Ford values its reputation and wants to keep satisfied customers, it needs to offer free repairs for what is obviously a manufacturers defect.
2011Mar 04
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
I have had Ford vehicles since 1991 and had the first edition Explorer.I never had this type of defect. This is a definite defect in design! I see many Explorers in parking lots that have this same defect. If it is happening over and over it is not the consumer it is the manufacturer and they should be responsible.
2011Oct 10
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
2005 Explorer in great condition. It's my sons truck and he is away at college. This weekend we noticed the crack in the rear trim piece below the back glass. I have noticed it on other explorers. The cause is not defective plastic, it's more associated with faulty rear glass hinges. The pins fail letting the rear glass sit lower than it should causing the striker bar on the rear latch to hit harder than it should. It doesn't take many closers to cause the plastic to fail. The rear glass hinges are about 65.00 each and they are right and left hand specific. Once I replaced these, the rear glass opens and closes very easily. This would have not let this piece crack. If you have an explorer that does not have a crack yet, check how easily it opens and closes. If there is any difficulty at all, replace the hinges and save yourself a more costly repair.
2009Aug 11
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,817 miles
Pretty much same as rest, on right side next to the Ford button. Remember these vehicles are built Ford tough..... really Ford? Must be a kitten getting a lap of milk then if that's their scale for toughness. Don't get me wrong I like my Explorer but I don't like having parts crack. Cost to fix would be around $680 CDN. I use my Explorer for work and closing in on 214 000km, I open and close that hatch about 5 times a day and have to be reminded at least that many times of how weak a product they put on this "Built Ford Tough" vehicle. With lines like that they should think of going into politics, cause we're buying the lines their saying. Oh, I tried DIY welds and crap, but with the expansion of the glass depending on temp. no luck.
With so many of their customers griping about it they could even say they'd cover half, seeing as how that's probably why they didn't need a bail out by putting a part on they knew was faulty.
2011Jul 01
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I got my ford explorer two years ago and i was very disappointed to no i got a huge crack under my rear window on my lift gate and ford doesn't want to do anything about it.I liked my ford until that happened i will never recommend a explorer to anyone else. i think ford should recall this part its ugly and could be dangerous.I shouldn't have to pay for a default that's happening on all explorers.I see this everyday driving down the road and even stopped to ask people how they feel about this. And those people are not happy either.To those people looking to buy one beware yours will crack too and you will be left to pay for it if you want it fixed.I thought ford made enough money to fix there problems guess not.there customer service sucks.
2011May 02
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,230 miles
You pay good money for a " quality " product and this is what you get. Ford should stand behind their products. This was not a cheap vehicle. I don't feel that we should pay for a design flaw. Of course, Ford already has our money so what do they care. I will not be buying a Ford product again.
2011May 10
Explorer LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
click to see larger images
My 2005 garage kept, pampered with only 6 payments left Ford Explorer was parked way out in the parking lot at the grocery store. I came out to put my groceries in the back and saw this ugly crack and I was so upset I thought someone had hit my car, maybe a truck carrying wood or something. My husband got home and he said no one hit you the panel cracked. I got online and started looking and found it is a defect. I contacted the dealership that I got it from and they were so ugly about it that I made it clear that I have bought my last Ford. They kept telling me how old it was, so what!! It looks brand new!! My husband has done an excellent job with the upkeep, never mind how many times it has been in the shop for out of pocket repairs, ugh!! I read the Ford wont recall for this problem because it is not a safety issue, please!! My back glass is loose!! I want so bad to set up a web page, have business cards made so people can leave their contact information, get my friend the attorney to file a class action suite against Ford. I don't want any money, I just want our vehicles fixed!! I would want it to read that they have to pay all legal costs and any expenses incurred and repair all our vehicles and supply us with a one while they are repairing our and a written guarantee that if it happens again it will be repaired. This is a blemish on our Explorers it decreases the value and I just hate looking at it. Man I feel better!! I would feel great if it could be done....
2011Aug 28
Explorer XLT 4.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,418 miles
Contacted Ford on this matter and they say its out of warranty. That's funny cause the bodies of the vehicles should have a warranty that covers defects from their manufacturer. We take pride in our vehicles and keep them in good working order and buy America Made and they just say its not their problem. That is funny they made the vehicle and I'm not the only one with the problem, my neighbor has an 2004 Explorer and hers is the same way. She was told that she missed the recall on this matter. If they had a recall they should fix the problem no matter when it was recalled. We work hard for our money and they think we can just throw $700.00 to $1000.00 into repairing a defect that they won't fix. MY NEXT VEHICLE WON'T BE A FORD. IT SEEMS LIKE HONDA MAYBE ONE I WILL LOOK AT BUYING. I'LL ALSO LET EVERYONE I KNOW HOW FORD DEALT WITH THIS DEFECT..................
2011Aug 19
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
It is a known defect, apparently common to a lot of Explorers. Ford should come up with an alternate panel to replace the "engineered" panel, one which will not be subject to cracking.
The crack is a result of the different coefficients of expansion between the glass and the plastic panel. The crack is occurring where the plastic cross-section is the smallest, at the very left or right of the Ford emblem. I would be happy to have a plastic panel replacement without a Ford emblem, or an emblem which does not cause a reduction in cross-sectional area of the panel (one that is attached to, but not nested in). I also would be happy to get an after-market panel, and then fix it just one time.
What is Ford's one-liner that used to be on TV?...something about "With Ford, quality is Priority One."
2010Dec 11
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
My 2005 Explorer (Eddie Bauer Advance Trac V8- yes, we paid a LOT for it) has the same issue as everyone else. The liftgate cracked to the right of the Ford symbol. I have seen tons of this same defect on the road. I just returned from an eight hour road trip and saw six different Explorers/Mountaineers with this problem on the highways. We seem to spend over a $1000 a year on repairs as it is and the last thing I want to spend more money on is an obvious defect by Ford. I hope some kind of resolution is offered by the company.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Apr 28
Explorer XLT V8
if ford does not fix this problem i will never buy a ford product again!!!!! wife wanted a ford escape will not buy if ford does not back-up it's product
pck1955
Norwood, PA, USA
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