I rarely use the back window but noticed that after using it recently the panel below the rear window had a crack in it about 6 inches across. It is also showing minor cracking at the same location but at the other side of the panel. I am sure that this will also become a major crack. With all of the other complaints of the same type, I am sure that this is a Ford defect that should be covered by Ford. I was in the market for another Ford vehicle recently but decided to shop for another brand. I hate to admit it, but the Japanese do make a better mousetrap. I swore that I would not buy a foreign vehicle but I am now looking at Toyota.

A crack in the rear tailgate panel popped-up after no contact or incident other than the shutting and closing for normal use. Ford dealership would not fix as car out of warranty even though all repair work has been performed by this dealership. This vehicle has also had the rear tailgate glass replaced twice. After reviewing all the other postings, it is clear Ford has a problem with this and one can only guess the % of these vehicles that have this issue. When we go to replace our 2000 Ford Minivan and right before I don't sign the papers and walk out, I will let Ford know why I will not buy their products again as they know they have a problem but would rather lose customer loyalty then fix a known problem.

We just had our explorer in for the recall on the back window recall, when I went to pick it up the back tailgate was cracked just like everyone elses. I asked the dealership about it and they said that it was a fairly common problem, but since I just missed my warranty that ford would not pay for it. They said that it would normally be about 400.00 dollars to fix, but that they could use this program that they have (some kind of rebate), and that it would only cost me about 100.00. I called ford and told them what happened and they said that they could not do anything about it because my warranty was up and that it was not a recall. I asked if they was some else I could complain to and they told me I could call the people that determine if there is a need to have a recall, but they can not do a thing. I did file a complaint with our attorney general, but what good is that going to do. I think it is crap that they do not stand by their products and I think it is funny how this problem happens right after the warranty runs out!!!!

One day we just noticed it was cracked. Our vehicle was out of warranty so we did not even bother to contact dealer. I did have a couple of e-mail discussions with Ford. They logged my complaint and said they would get back with me. They contacted me again only to lof my complaint again. I also complained about the clear coat coming off, cd's stuck in cd player, windows that won't work, sun roof that leaks, abs light stays on and head rest broken. I will brag about it though. It has 130k miles on it now and still drives like a new one. We have kept it serviced ourselves. The engine and transmission have been good. We just purchased a new 2006 Explorer. I would not have recomended an explorer to anyone because of the cosmetic defects. But its hard to beat a ride that is as comfortable and mechanically reliable as the Explorer.

Same problem with the back liftgate. Under 50K miles on my explorer, and not it has a significant crack right under the back window. I had the liftgate recall work done towards the middle of last year and never had any problems beforehand. Now I go out one day and have a crack suddenly appearing on my back tailgate. Has anyone gotten anywhere with Ford on this? The guy at the local dealership said Ford is not covering the expenses because to them it is not a "safety issue". First off, I don't know how your back tailgate developing a significant crack is not safety related. Secondly, Ford should pay for the expenses because it is a "customer service" issue. Does anyone think the problem could be directly related to the work done on the recall? If so, there's no way Ford shouldn't cover the costs of this new problem.

I have the same problem with my Explorer. One day the back window liftgate is fine and the next morning I go out and see that it has cracked all the way from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the liftgate. I rarely use the window liftgate, I use the big liftgate a lot. The crack/split is pretty straight as if there would have been a seam there. I am also having a problem with the paint or clear coat fading off the car in various places. This is a 2002 Explorer and it is a bunch of bull to be having these problems! My dealership said that it is no longer under warranty so I would have to pay for repairs. This is my 3rd Explorer and it will be my last. I'm ready for a vehicle that the maufacturer will stand behind and acccept responsibility for its defects.

I have owned Ford products all my life (10 fords) and my father was a Ford man too. The 2002 Explorer my wife drives we bought new. The lift gate developed a crack from top to bottom about 3 inches to the right of the Ford emblem. No abuse or damaged caused this defect. I suspect the Ford epoxied the fiberglass panel to the rear glass and the differences in expansion of the two materials caused the crack. This is definitely a manufacturing defect and Ford should repair at their cost. I will never buy another Ford if they don't repair. I am willing to join a class action suit against them if they continue to refuse to repair. It is kind of ironic that the crack is next to their emblem.

I'm so frustrated... I took my car to Walmart for an oil change and when I picked it up I noticed this same crack on the back panel. I know it wasn't there before I took it there. Walmart is telling me they won't fix it because they had no reason to go back there, even though they probably accidently opened the hatch and forced it shut causing the crack. Ford is telling me they won't fix it when it's obviously a defective design. Now I'm going to probably have to get a lawyer involved. It's pretty bad when a company upsets you so much that you'd rather spend $500 on a lawyer than spend $500 just to fix the problem yourself.

I recently discoverd this same crack on my liftgate. I took it to Ford immediately. They then proceeded to tell me that there was a Service Bulletin out on this problem, but because I was no longer in Basic Warranty, I was SOL. It seems to me that this is happening to people long after warranty would cover it and I agree that something needs to be done. I'm in the middle of contacting Ford itself and the techy gave the same response as the dealership. I gave him a speel about how they should stand by their product and that since they admit to the mistake they should be owning up and fixing their mistake. Not saying much for customer satisfaction. He wouldn't give me the answer I wanted, so I asked for someone higher up. We'll see who calls me. But I agree that maybe we should do an action on this one. It's unjust what they are doing. I've been to several different websites and have found a lot of us. I don't know how to do it, but Ford should pay!

i called the ford dealer and was told that my warrantee expired august 21 2005 and i clld thm about the problem the day it happened on nov 25 2005 they sd there was nothing they could but did mention tht they havent heard any complaints about this and that it is unfortunate that i would have to pay for this out of pocket -- i feel that on a 2002 vehicle wth 31000 mile that this crap should not happen an if it does the dealership should fix as a defect if anyone has any suggestions please let me know before i drive it thru the showroom window

SAFETY CONCERN: 2002 Ford Explorer XLT. Defective applique located below tailgate glass has developed a crack from top to bottom. The location of this crack is approximately 3 inches to the left of the Ford emblem. The dealer sent me to the body shop, which provided me with an estimate of $334.68 to replace the defective part. Although the dealership was familiar with this problem, my vehicle has approximately 105,000 miles and as a result the dealership would not pursue this a warrantable repair. They essentially ignored my grievance. As I left the dealership, I happen to notice a blue 2002 Explorer similar to mine on the used car lot. As I approached the vehicle I noticed it had the identical crack (from top to bottom), located in the same position (3 inches to the left of the Ford emblem). This vehicle; VIN #1FMDU73E72ZCO6416 had only 56,069 miles on it. I contacted Ford at 800 392-3673 and spoke with Jennifer. The reference number for my complaint is; Ref #1428853335. Jennifer investigated and confirmed that a bulletin had been issued for this complaint with instructions for its repair. However, Ford has not yet agreed to pay for any repairs or to reimburse the consumer for any repairs already made. This is a safety concern as this applique could break off and cause serious damage to another vehicle or passerby. I made this concern know to Jennifer, but was assured that it had not been deemed a recall repair.