Noticed a crack running from the bottom of my rear window down to the bottom of the upper portion of the rear lift gate to the left of the Ford emblem on my 2005 Explorer. Crack just appeared for no reason. Did not take it in or have it fixed. Ford will not own up to this flaw so I will not pay to have it fixed. I will not buy another Ford since they don't stand by their product. I only have 41000 miles on it and I bought it brand new.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

On Friday, 8/12/11, at approximately 5:30 pm, I noted an approximately 2" long crack on the rear hatch panel, located just above and beside the Ford emblem. As of this past Monday, 8/15/11, this crack has now extended all the way across the panel. I have had this vehicle for 3 years without any type of body damage or accidents. This is not an area where another vehicle would have hit mine. As far as I know, this just appeared with no reason. I have done extensive research on the internet and noted this is a common problem with this year, make and model of Ford and is apparently based on defective glue. I contacted a local Ford company and was advised that this is not under warranty.

- Hull, GA, USA

The paint on our 2005 eddie bauer Explorer is bubbling and peeling off and has been doing this since 2008, but now is getting worse. When at the Ford dealer while getting the computer changed wich is another problem with fuel efficiency, we asked about the paint and we were told that there isn't any type of recall. We are also having problems with having to change tires every 15000 miles. Thi truck has many defects.

- Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, FL, USA

Crack in the rear hatch panel caused by a defect in the design of the vehicle known by Ford Motor Company but no recall issued.

- Arlington, TX, USA

The Ford Explorer from the mid-2000S is starting to show multiple defects. Ford co. Advised owners to report these problems through this complaint form because as of now they are not doing anything to recall the defects. The back panel below the back window cracks vertically right near the Ford emblem. Some cars have multiple cracks. The majority of this type of Ford Explorer body type are showing the crack. It happens around the 5 year mark. I believe it is due to freeze/thaw happening at the back window, which then cracks the body. It is an expensive repair job and owners are advised to not even bother because it will happen again. It appears abruptly and is disconcerting to see this suddenly and for no personal reason happen to your car due to bad design. Newer Explorer have been redesigned so it doesn't happen. The second defect which is happening now to many Explorer owners at the 5 year mark is the failure of the heating system. The damper flap starts clicking non-stop and there is no heat. Again the repair is expensive because the entire dashboard has to be taken off to repair. These defects are widely discussed on the internet and this is the only real formal way to document them. The Ford Explorer has proven to be a real lemon, full of design defects and a real disappointment.

- Alsip, IL, USA

My 2005 rear panel underneath window cracked by the emblem.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a fracture in the rear panel of the rear window. In addition, the air conditioner blend door was fractured and would not allow air to pass through the ventilation system. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

The rear liftgate cracked from the bottom up to and around the Ford emblem all the way to the rear window. I called the dealer and was told that this a very common problem and that there was no recall so I would have to pay for the repair.

- Oak Harbor, OH, USA

Paint is peeling from the roof (over the drivers side and front passenger side) in the grooves of the roof. Also, the paint is peeling from the top of the liftgate.

- Lynn Haven , FL, USA

Electrical system, body structure, gas pedal.

- St.Paul, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the structure underneath the tailgate cracked under the window. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and was advised that the crack was cosmetic and not considered a safety issue; therefore, there was nothing they could do. The contact stated that if the pieces fall off of the vehicle while driving a crash could occur. The failure mileage was 87,000.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

Crack in panel beneath rear window. Known defect in Explorer 02-05. Safety issue to other drivers should panel section(s) come off. Possible safety issue due to water, dirt getting into any underlying electronic equipment.

- Edmond, OK, USA

After coming back from a vacation to the airport to get my car, I noticed the tailgate of my blue 2005 Explorer XLT was cracked all the way through with a 8" long crack from the bottom of the glass to the bottom of the tailgate. After a brief internet search, it turns out that this is a widespread problem that Ford knows about, which they refuse to do anything about. I even have a Ford full-extended warranty that covers everything and they still refuse to do anything. The repair will be $400-$500, which I am not going to pay for. It's a Ford design flaw, they knew it back in 2002, yet continued to produce Explorer with the same defect for three or more years. The safety issue is that the tailgate piece is broken and can come flying of the vehicle at anytime.

- Lynn Haven , FL, USA

I noticed the plastic trim panel below my rear hatch glass cracked in half after getting my truck washed at a touchless car wash!! I've noticed hundreds of complaints across the internet about this, so it doesn't seem this is a random occurrence.

- Canton, OH, USA

2005 Ford Explorer has paint peeling along the roof rack. The dealership said this is not covered by Ford. While researching the problem on the internet, I found that this is a common problem for other owners.

- Menasha, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was parked when he noticed that there was a large crack that extended from the window to the lift gate. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.

- Boynton, FL, USA

Plastic piece under the rear lift-gate window with a large crack across its entire height just to the left of the Ford emblem. Ford dealership indicated it was just poor engineering and they will not cover or assist with the cost of repair or replacement, nor was there any plan to make available a metal version or properly engineered replacement panel.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

Rear tailgate window portion with Ford logo cracked vertically. I am assuming that this is from regular use since nothing hit the car. I only use the upper portion or the tailgate as if you use the larger portion of the tailgate, anything that you have in the rear of the car falls out. I would think that this issue could cause the rear window to be less than secure.

- Rosemont, IL, USA

Hatch panel between window and latch split (cracked) when I closed window after putting in groceries. Car has 60,000 miles, called dealer in July to see if a recall had been established due to the fact that I know of 7 other 2005 Ford Explorer with the exact same crack, happened the exact same way. Told me no but sounds like a defect. Didn't offer to take care of.

- Corona, CA, USA

The rear panel under my back window is cracked on my 2005 Ford Explorer. What happens if it falls off and the person behind me has a crash trying to avoid it" will Ford take responsibility for their poor engineering" doubt it. This particular complaint is rampant on the internet. I want to make sure the guy behind me can be assured he won't have to play Dodge the plastic when it falls off.

- Huntingburg, IN, USA