2002 FORD EXPLORER Structure Problems

September 2, 2023 at about 6 pm I pulled over to grab a couple water bottles from the rear of my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport cause my engine was overheating. I got out walked to the rear of my vehicle pushed my unlatch button on the tailgate and I lifted the glass part of the rear hatch. Both air hinges were not working correctly to keep it up so I gently rested the glass on my hair that was put up in a bun and just a little bit of the glass was resting on the very top of my head where my hair was slicked back for my bun so my hands were free to grab the bottles of water. (My hair was the softest of resting place's). As I reached in the back to grab the water bottles I heard the loudest bang and hundreds of little pieces of glass fell everywhere around me. I was in so much distrot that I actually thought someone had shot at me with a fire arm but missed me and hit the rear glass instead. The top of my head was stinging and it felt like I had just been smacked with a tree branch and the glass had went all over me causing a few minor cuts and scrapes as I fell to my knees in shock my heart racing faster than I had even imagined a heart could beat while histaraclly crying from the trauma that just occurred I fell to the ground and for a full 15 minutes i sat there surrounded by glass and tears in so much shock, dazed and confused before I stood up and looked around at everything that then I only realized I WASN'T shot at because there was no bullet or bullet hole nor did a vehicle drive by nor was there any people closer than a mile to me when I realized that the glass had shattered for some UNKNOWN reason ON ITS OWN that it scared me so bad it traumatized me. After that day I was pulled over multiple times by numerous police agency's (sheriff, Medford PD, Central Point PD and State Police) because I didn't have the money to fix it let alone have the knowledge that it had a recall so I could get it replaced. I have pictures but it will not allow me to upload them.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAL LIFT GATE, THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS WINDOW SUDDENLY SHATTERED. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE PERSON SUSTAINED A FACIAL LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (FUTURE FORD LOCATED AT 650 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

Mileage: 184,000

SUMMER,SPRING WEATHER, ALL FOUR, CLEAR, GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT SLIDE UP OR DOWN THROUGH ITS' POWER BUTTON, ELECTRONICALLY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER HINGE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PERRY FORD OF SANTA BARBARA (440 HITCHCOCK WAY, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, (805) 682-2411) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

Mileage: 204,000

THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. IT WAS UNOCCUPIED PARKED IN THE CARPORT.

Mileage: 150,150

REAR HATCH PANEL APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON

Mileage: 102,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE ON THE REAR DOOR HANDLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK BETWEEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE ON THE REAR DOOR HANDLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK BETWEEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DISCONTINUED THE PART. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOFS WERE DISCONTINUED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE AND BALL STUD BRACKET IS COMING APART. THE BRACKET HAS DISENGAGED. GLASS IS POTENTIALLY GOING TO FALL, BRAKE AND/OR CAUSE INJURY. IT IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED DURING A RECALL BUT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE.

LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE AND BALL BRACKET IS BROKEN/DISENGAGED. IT IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. IT CAN FALL, BRAKE AND/OR CAUSE INJURY. THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED DURING A RECALL. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.

THE REAR LIFTGATE MOUNT BROKE OFF AND WINDOW FELL ON MY DAUGHTERS HEAD AND BENT THE OTHER MOUNT AND BROKE LEFT STRUT OFF. CAN'T LINE IT UP TO GET IT TO CLOSE AND LATCH SHUT. CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR OR LIFTGATE WILL FALL OFF. GOING TO GET SOME ROPE AND TRY TO TIE IT ON. IT WAS IN FRONT OF HOUSE WITH THE WHOLE HATCH OPEN TO GET GROCERIES OUT

Mileage: 150,000

BACK TAILGATE WINDOW IS CROOKED, AIR PRESSURE THING FELL OFF ON RIGHT SIDE CAUSING A LACK OF SUPPORT ON THAT SIDE AND HINGES ARE STARTING TO BEND TO THE LEFT ALSO. WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS WINDOW WILL FALL OFF OR HOW MUCH LONGER IT WILL BE SUPPORTED WITHOUT THE SUPPORT ON THE RIGHT. IT'S JUST SCARY, WE DON'T USE THIS TAILGATE WINDOW AT ALL SO IT MAY BE FINE? IT IS LIKE THIS WHILE STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY, TURNING ETC.

Mileage: 85,000

AFTER LOADING MY LUGGAGE I CLOSED MY TRUNK AND THE WHOLE BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED THE STRUTS BROKE AND THE LITTLE BLACK THING THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW UP TOP BROKE TOO. I GOT A CUT ON MY HAND, GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE. SO STRESSED..

Mileage: 218,000

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6L IS HAVING MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT ONLY 110K MILES. IT HESITATES SHIFTING GEARS AND SLIPS WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLS WHEN STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT HAS THE INFAMOUS CRACK DOWN THE BACK HATCH. BOTH ARE PROBLEMS THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT YET FORD DOES NOTHING. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS A VERY EXPENSIVE COST TO REPAIR AND IT SHOULDN'T BE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY WHEN FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM.

Mileage: 110,000

I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING UP. THEN THE BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I NEARLY CRASHED TRYING TO GET TO THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS RIGHT THERE FOR ANOTHER ACCIDENT. IT WAS INCREDIBLY DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. LUCKILY MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE WINDOW WAS RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. ......UPDATED 04/01/16 *BF *CN

Mileage: 135,000

COLUMN GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHEN PUTTING IN GEAR. COULD NOT REMOVE KEY OR PUT IN PARK

Mileage: 82,000

CAR STALLED ON BUSY STREET, THEN WAS RESTARTED AND LOST POWER. THEN FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. TOTAL LOSS WAS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

Mileage: 215,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW WAS CLOSED AND IT SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE WINDOW WAS REPLACED, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE EXACT ISSUE. UPDATED 03/21/16.*JB

Mileage: 91,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER STAINS BY THE VISORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,748.

Mileage: 133,748

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. UPON OPENING AND CLOSING THE REAR HATCH, THE ROD ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,043. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN

Mileage: 111,043

VEHICLE LEAKS TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM WHAT A APPEARS TOBE THE TRANS BELL HOUSING AND WAS TOLD BY EXPERTS AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE,MAIN SEAL TRANNY DAMAGED AND TRANS NEEDS TOBE PULLED,COSTING HUNDREDS TO FIX.WAS IN FIRST ACCIDENT IN 30YRS BECAUSE TRANNY WOULD NOT ENGAGE,SHIFT TO PROPER TORQUE FOR SPEED WHEN NEEDED.CAUSING SLUGGISH LATE SHIFT TO ALMOST STOP,AND CAUSING CRASH. CAN YOU HELP?.................ANYONE? THANKYOU!

Mileage: 154,000

REAR PANEL HAS CRACK 2 TIMES. WE PAID 600.00$ FOR FIRST REPAIR. 3 MONTHS LATER THE REAR PANEL CRACKED AGAIN. NO CRASH OR ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 150,000

VEHICLE PARKED IN STALL WHEN GEAR SELECTER WAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK WITH FOOT ON BRAKE SAID VEHICLE EXPERIENCED WIDE OPEN THROTTLE SURGED FORWARD KNOCKING DOWN LIGHT POLE ONLY COMING TO STOP ONTOP OF FIRE HYDRANT OR VEHICLE WOULD OF KEPT GOING AS WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING!

Mileage: 177,492

THE REAR WINDOW SHUTTERED INTO 100 PIECES DURING THE DRIVING. THE REAR PANEL HAS CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

HUGE CRACK ON BACK PANEL BELOW WINDOW!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 40,000

THERE WAS A RECALL FOR FAULTY HINGES YEARS BACK, FORD REPLACED. I NOTICED FAULTY HINGE WHEN WAXING VEHICLE, HINGE IS ASKEW. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, VERIFIED IT WOULD NEED REPLACING OR GLASS WINDOW COULD FALL OFF, INFORMED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIR. SINCE THE FAULTY HINGE IS THEIR PRODUCT, I THINK THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE, AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SERVICED EVERY 3 MONTHS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED, I HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE REPLACING FAULTY FORD PARTS. THE GLASS HINGE IS A FORD HAZARD THAT I BELIEVE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

CRACK IN REAR LIFT GATE PANEL THAT LED TO SHATTERED REAR WINDOW UPON NORMAL CLOSING. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

MY DAUGHTER WENT TO OPEN MY REAR HATCH AND THE WINDOW FELL. THE HINGE COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE CAR. I WENT TO FORD TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A RECALL ITEM BUT THAT IT HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED IN 2005. I ASKED IF IT HAD BEEN FIXED WHY WOULD THE SAME PROBLEM OCCUR. THEY COULDN'T GIVE ME AN ANSWER. ALL THEY SAID WAS THAT THEY ONLY PAY FOR THE FIRST OCCURRENCE NOT AND SUBSEQUENT OCCURRENCES. MY ISSUE IS THAT IF AN ITEM CONTINUES TO BREAK THAT IS NO LONGER AND ISSUE WITH THAT ITEM ITS AND ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE ITEM. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHAT IF THE GLASS FELL ON MY DAUGHTER OR SHATTERED ON HER. I DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO REPLACE A FAULTY FORD ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 97,800

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE LIFTGATE HINGE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE GLASS TO SHIFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

PAINT JOB ON ENGINE HOOD IS BUBBLING UP. SUV HAS BEEN REGULARLY WASHED AND WAXED; SO ONE WOULD NOT EXPECT PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT JOB. BASED UPON INTERNET RESEARCH, FORD HAS PAINT JOB ISSUES WITH VEHICLES SOLD FROM 2000-2005. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

REAR LIFT GATE PLASTIC PANEL CRACKED, ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER. I HAVE NOTICED MANY FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WHY HAS FORD IGNORED THIS DEFECT, I SEE MANY COMPLANTS ON-LINE WITH THE SAME FLAW BY OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS.. *TR

Mileage: 135,260

I PURCHASED THIS TO USE AS A SECOND VEHICLE FOR CAMPING TRIPS SO THE MILEAGE ON IT IS VERY LOW FOR ITS AGE. SUDDENLY ONE DAY OF NORMAL LOCAL DRIVING, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RUN VERY ROUGH. IT COULDN'T SEEM TO ACCELERATE AND RPMS WERE HIGH. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH EMERGENCY FLASHERS ON SINCE THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE ANY MOMENT. SINCE O/D FLASHING MEANS SOMETHING WITH TRANSMISSION, I TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS WHO BOTH DIAGNOSED A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT ABOUT $3,500. I WAS SHOCKED THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 43000 MILES ON VEHICLE DESPITE ITS AGE. BOTH SHOPS INFORMED ME THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD TRANSMISSIONS. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE WITH THIS REPAIR. THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME IN ANY WAY. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE AND I AM NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO TAKE ON SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A SECOND VEHICLE. RIGHT NOW IT IS SITTING UNUSED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHILE COSTING ME TO KEEP IT INSURED. CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SINCE I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A REPUTABLE PRODUCT. FORD ABANDONED ME WHEN THEIR PRODUCT FAILED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. THE LEAST FORD COULD HAVE DONE WAS ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKES AND NOT CHEAT THE PUBLIC. OTHER ISSUES I AM HAVING IS FLAKING PEELING PAINT AND A CRACK THROUGH THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE REAR DOOR PANEL. *TR

Mileage: 43,857

BACK TAILGATE PANEL WAS CRACKED (DEFECT) AND THE BACK WINDOW JUST EXPLODED WHEN THE TAILGATE WAS OPEN. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

THE REAR HATCH IS SPLITTING DOWN THE MIDDLE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE METAL IS COMING APART AND MAY FLY OFF DURING HIGH RATES OF SPEED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS EMAIL IS TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT WHICH MAY OCCUR. I AM AWARE OF A PENDING LAWSUIT REGARDING COSMETIC DEFECTS BUT WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRING ONCE THE METAL SEPARATES AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS ALSO A PAPER TRAIL IN CASE I AM THE TRUCK THE CAUSES THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY FORD EXPLORER FROM THE DEALERSHIP I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS PART OF THE HATCH IS ALSO CONNECTED TO THE REAR GLASS WINDOW THAT LIFTS OPEN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND WILL BE RECALLED EVENTUALLY SO I SHOULD KEEP CHECKING BACK. THE RECALL NEVER HAPPENED AND AFTER 10 PLUS YEARS THE CRACK GOT LARGER LETTING MOISTURE IN AND RUSTING. MEANWHILE I WAS NOTICING THE MAJORITY OF FORD EXPLORERS FROM THAT YEAR HAD THE SAME CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH IN THE SAME PLACE! ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I WENT TO SIMPLY OPEN THE REAR HATCH AND THE GLASS WINDOW BUCKLED AND SHATTERED WITH AN EXPLODING SOUND SIMILAR TO A GUNSHOT. GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE! THE PIECE WITH THE CRACK LITERALLY BROKE IN HALF. THANKFULLY NO ONE GOT HURT, BUT IF MY KIDS WERE IN THE CAR OR MY FACE WAS ANY CLOSER IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. I TRULY BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE REAR HATCHES IN THESE MODELS TO PREVENT INJURIES. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SEVERE RUST ISSUES ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING LOWER BODY WORK, SPECIFICALLY UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS IN ADDITION TO EMERGENCY BRAKE COMPONENTS. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE I TOOK IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REPAIR THE DAMAGED BODY WORK AREAS BY USING ANTI-RUST TREATMENTS AND APPLYING NEW PAINT AS RECOMMENDED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE ISSUE THOUGH IS STILL ONGOING TO THE POINT WHERE DOOR SEALS ARE NO LONGER WATER TIGHT AND SMALL PIECES OF BODY WORK ARE FLAKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF WIND RESISTANCE AND BUMPS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I HAVE ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE RUSTED EMERGENCY BRAKE COMPONENTS WHICH I WAS ADVISED WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL OR SAFE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES (PRIMARILY BETWEEN 2002 AND 2004) ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND THAT SUPPOSEDLY FORD IS AWARE OF A KNOWN PAINT DEFECT THAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE, HOWEVER NO RELATED RECALLS OR FURTHER INFORMATION HAS SURFACED. (EXAMPLE TESTIMONIALS HERE: HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAW.COM/WORDPRESS/MORE-PROBLEMS-FOR-FORD-PAINT-DEFECTS-IN-2000-2005-MODELS/ ) MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AND WELL MAINTAINED AND I WOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE SEEING AN ISSUE AS SIGNIFICANT AS THIS GIVEN THE VEHICLE'S AGE AND MILEAGE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS I AM NOT CONFIDENT IN THE OVERALL SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

GOT HOME AND NOTICED A CRACK ALL THE WAY THRU PANEL BELOW WINDOW ON LIFTGATE. *TR

Mileage: 143,000

REAR LIFT GATE FIBERGLASS TRIM BELOW WINDOW CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. VEHICLE WAS SITTING STILL IN DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I WENT OUT TO START IT THIS IS WHEN I NOTICED THE CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

I WAS TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AS SOON AS SPACE OPENED BETWEEN ME AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I ACCELERATED. WHILE GAINING SPEED I LOOKED IN MY RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE IF I COULD CHANGE LANES. WHILE LOOKING IN MY MIRROR THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BACK OF HIS VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT OF MINE. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT MY AIRBAG(S) FIRED BUT DID NO DEPLOY. YOU COULD CLEARLY SMELL THAT THEY FIRED AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOW ON. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT CINCH UP AND RESTRAIN ME EITHER. THIS CAR HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS ONE. AS I SEE IT, IT WAS A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE SRS. *TR

Mileage: 82,000

THE REAR BACK HATCH CRACKED. *TR

THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DESIGN FLAW SUCH THAT THE REAR PANEL CRACKS. WHEN MOISTURE GETS IN IT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE SIX PROBLEMS EXPERIENCES ON THIS EXPLORER ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) FALSE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR 2) REAR WINDOW WIPER NO LONGER WORKED 3) DEAD BATTERY 4) BACK-UP WARNING SIGNALS NO LONGER WORK 5) REAR WINDOW CAN NO LONGER OPEN 6) BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. *TR

Mileage: 107,315

THE LIFTGATE HINGE FRACTURED ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL NEARLY BREAKING MY HAND. THIS HINGE WAS RECALLED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 / FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. IN CONTACTING CUSTOMER SERVICE TONIGHT ON A FORD TRANSMISSION ISSUE, I DISCOVERED THE PREVIOUS HINGE RECALL AND THEY INDICATED THAT HINGE HAD BEEN REPLACE ONCE IN 2004 AND IT WAS MY BAD LUCK THAT IT FAILED A SECOND TIME. THEY WOULD MAKE NO RESTITUTION FOR THE FAILED PART. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS A PREVIOUS RECALL AND NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE AGAIN. IT IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THEY SHOULD ADDRESS, REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART I PURCHASED THROUGH FORD AND REPLACE THE OTHER HINGE BEFORE IT ALSO FAILS AND HURTS SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

THE LIFTGATE HINGE FRACTURED ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL NEARLY BREAKING MY HAND. THIS HINGE WAS RECALLED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 / FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. IN CONTACTING CUSTOMER SERVICE TONIGHT ON A FORD TRANSMISSION ISSUE, I DISCOVERED THE PREVIOUS HINGE RECALL AND THEY INDICATED THAT HINGE HAD BEEN REPLACE ONCE IN 2004 AND IT WAS MY BAD LUCK THAT IT FAILED A SECOND TIME. THEY WOULD MAKE NO RESTITUTION FOR THE FAILED PART. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS A PREVIOUS RECALL AND NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE AGAIN. IT IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THEY SHOULD ADDRESS, REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART I PURCHASED THROUGH FORD AND REPLACE THE OTHER HINGE BEFORE IT ALSO FAILS AND HURTS SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

THE HINGES ON THE BACK HATCH ARE BREAKING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY STATE THIS WAS ALREADY FIXED ONCE UNDER RECALL. THEREFORE, I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN. IF THE SAFETY RECALL WAS COMPLETED PROPERLY, I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE FAILING AGAIN; THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THEY DID NOT FIX IT PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME AND SINCE IT WAS A RECALL, I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT AGAIN. THIS WILL BE A SERIOUS ISSUE IF THE WINDOW COMPLETELY BREAKS OFF. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

CAR LEAKING UNKNOWN FLUIDS .. THERE ARE OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. RECALL ID 09509. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE HATCH FRACTURED AND ALLOWED WATER TO PENETRATE THE VEHICLE. THE WATER THEN MADE CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY FLICKER WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT SECURELY. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL FLICKER AT TIMES AS WELL. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND USUALLY IT IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM PRETTY SURE IT IS RELATED TO THE DOOR AJAR MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE FACTORY ALARM SO I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNLOCKED AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OFF AND WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS. ALSO WE HAVE A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. YOU CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BY LOOKING AT OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPLORER UP UNTIL NOW BUT IT DOES BOTHER ME THAT THESE TWO ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON YET FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 137,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS SHATTERED ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HINGES FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,738. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,229. *TR

Mileage: 140,738

REAR PANEL BELOW WINDOW CRACKED FROM COLD WHILE SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. *TR

Mileage: 80,126

THE BACK DOOR IS CRACKED BETWEEN THE WINDOWS THE THE LATCH. THIS MORNING THE LATCH STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN'T KEEP THE REAR LATCH CLOSED. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

WE OPENED THE REAR WINDOW TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUNK, LIFTED THE WINDOW AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED AND CRASHED ON MY HUSBAND'S HEAD. IT SEEMS AS IF THE HYDROLICS FAILED ON EACH SIDE OF THE REAR WINDOW. GLASS JUST SHATTERED AND WAS EVERYWHERE. MY HUSBAND'S HANDS WERE CUT AND HIS HEAD WAS BANGED UP. *TR

Mileage: 98,559

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED CRACK ON THE LIFTGATE EXTERIOR PANEL. THE DEFECT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WOULD SWING OPEN SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND POSSIBLE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,500.

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE 10MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS WERE DETERIORATING BETWEEN THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPOXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER LTD, THE REAR LOGO PANEL STARTED COMING LOOSE. I USED SPECIAL ADHESIVE TO ATTACH IT, BUT IT JUST WOULDN'T STICK. I TRIED PULLING IT OFF, BUT IT WOULDN'T BUDGE ON THE OTHER SIDE, SO I TRIED A DIFFERENT ADHESIVE. IT STUCK FOR A WHILE, BUT AS I WAS GOING DOWN A BUSY STREET, IT FLEW OFF ALMOST HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS VERY EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURY. *JS

Mileage: 182

NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK, THEY WERE OPERATING PROPERLY AND JUST QUIT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IN AN EMERGENCY, (SUCH AS A CRASH). THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE. IF A FIRE OCCURRED THE RESULTS COULD BE TRAGIC. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. YET THEY CHOOSE NOT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY OF THE KNOWN DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS. MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, BUT THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE HAPPENS ON LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ALSO. *TR

Mileage: 143,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT TWO CRACKS DEVELOPED UNDER THE HATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 130,000

THE REAR HINGES GAVE WAY, AND THE BACK HALF GLASS EXPLODED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

THE TRUNK OF MY VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A SIZABLE CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL ONLY THROUGH NORMAL USE. I HAVE SEEN THIS ON A NUMBER OF OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES AND KNOW IT IS NOT ONLY ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR LIFT GATE AND WINDOW WOULD NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AND IT WOULD ALSO WOBBLE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK BECAUSE THEY WOULD DETECT THE LIFT GATE WAS NOT CLOSED ENGAGING AND A WARNING SOUND ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FRACTURE THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE LIFTGATE AND THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT WERE ONLY MANDATED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE UNDER THE RECALL ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 135,000

VERTICAL CRACK REAR LIFE WINDOW ASSEMBLY NEAR 2002 FORD EXPLORER LOGO. VERTICAL CRACK GOES BETWEEN WINDOW GLASS AND BOTTOM OF LIFT WINDOW. I FEEL THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW GLASS WILL FAIL ON THE HIGHWAY AND SERIOUSLY EFFECT OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE HAIL OF GLASS. RECALL OF HINGES HAD BEEN COMPLETED RIGHT AFTER ORIGINAL NEW PURCHASE. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL WAS AJAR WHEN THE PISTONS FAILED, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO SLAM SHUT AND SHATTER THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE PISTONS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY NOR WAS THERE A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE THEREFORE; THE CONTACT WOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE $700 IN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

Mileage: 156,000

VERTICAL CRACK IN HATCH OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I LOOK AT OTHER EXPLORERS IN THE SAME TIME PEREIOD AND THEY ALL HAVE THE EXACT SAME CRACK!! *TR

Mileage: 235,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED BUT HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 30,000

THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIFT GATE PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR PANEL. *TR

Mileage: 154,627

I HAVE 2 ISSUES WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER..THE FIRST ISSUE IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I BOUGHT THIS LAST YEAR AND TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT 2 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAD THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY DEAL WITH LOOK AT IT AND WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. WHEN I GO TO PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE THE VEHICLE WONT MOVE. ONCE I START DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING AND WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I HAVE TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS BECAUSE IT WONT GO AND WANTS TO DRIFT BACKWARDS AND WANTS TO STALL AND I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY DRIFTING INTO SOMEONE. I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS EVERYDAY AND IT'S GETTING OLD NOW. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE REAR HATCH/DOOR.. TODAY I TOOK NOTICE THAT THERE IS A CRACK RIGHT UNDER THE WINDOW WHERE THE REAR FORD EMBLEM IS LOCATED. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

REAR PANEL CRACKED IN HALF, VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT IT JUST HAPPENED. *TR

THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED. FOUND OUT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP OUT. MY REPAIR COST WILL BE ABOUT $500. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN DEFECT. FORD SHOULD REPAIR AT NO COST TO ME.

Mileage: 100,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EXT WAGON. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT IN AN AWKWARD MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE SUDDENLY RECURRED AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO STATED THAT 3 OUT OF 4 WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE FAILED. THE WINDOWS ARE NOT WORKING NORMALLY. THE LIFTGATE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE 3 WINDOW REGULATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

Mileage: 10,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THERE ARE CRACKS ON THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW, THESE SEEM TO HAPPEN IN COLD WEATHER. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORERS WITH SIMILAR CRACKS. I GOT AN ESTIMATE AND IT IS 1500.00 TO FIX. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS! *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK FROM THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL GOING DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,916.

Mileage: 65,916

ON THE AFTERNOON OF DEC. 10, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:45 PM I NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE REAR PANEL OF MY '02 FORD EXPLORER - EDDIE BAUER ED. I HAD ASSUMED THAT THIS WAS VANDALISM AND REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. ON MONDAY I GOOGLED THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND COME TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY A DEFECT IN FORD EXPLORERS - '02 - '04. I CONTACTED THE FORD COMPANY WHO TOOK MY COMPLAINT AND REFERRED ME TO MY NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP. IN SPEAKING WITH THE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS NOT A "SAFETY DEFECT" AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ESTIMATED COST WOULD BE BETWEEN $450-500. I ALSO READ THAT BACK IN 2006 WHEN THIS DEFECT OCCURRED THAT FORD WAS PROVIDING A "SPECIAL ASSISTANCE OUT-OF-WARRANTY" ON EXPLORERS WHERE THEY WOULD PAY ALL BUT $100. NOW APPARENTLY SINCE JAN. 2007 THEY HAVE STOPPED THIS AND NOT THE OWNERS ARE TO PAY FOR THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIR. I DO NOT SEE THIS AS BEING FAIR DUE TO THE FACT THIS DAMAGED WAS NOT DUE TO MY OWN DOING OR ANOTHER PARTY. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR IF NOT ALL, AT LEAST HALF. *TR

VEHICLE RECALLED FOR A PART CAUSING ENGINE FIRES. TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MAKES THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO SHIFT COST OF REPAIR I CANNOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME ( NEW IS $ 3000 ). *TR

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR LIFT GATE, DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED05/04/11 *BF UPDATED 05/09/11

Mileage: 92,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN USING THE REAR LIFTGATE, IT WOULD NOT STAY OPEN AND IT WOULD CLOSE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 04V442000 STRUCTURE BODY HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN DONE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL AND HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

MY FORD 2002 EXPLORER HAS EXCESSIVE BUBBLING AND PEELING OF PAINT ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD. REPORTED THREE TIMES TO FORD ONLY TO BE TOLD, "NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY". SEEN HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET. *TR

WHILE RAISING THE GLASS SECTION OF THE LIFTGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE LEFT STRUT BECAME DISENGAGED, AND THE BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT, AS MY BROTHER LITERALLY HAD THE GLASS IN HIS HANDS WHEN IT EXPLODED, AND MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. PLEASE NOTE, THE GLASS DID NOT MERELY SHATTER. IT EXPLODED. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM CARMAX LAST YEAR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, ONE OF WHICH INCLUDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRUT BRACKETS AND HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE. UPON REVIEWING MY SERVICE INVOICE, I FOUND THAT ONLY THE LIFTGATE HINGES WERE REPLACED; THE STRUT BRACKETS WERE NOT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE ORIGINALLY, AND THEY NOTIFIED FORD. FORD CLAIMED THAT THE STRUTS HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 2002 ~ WHICH WAS TWO YEARS BEFORE THE RECALL EVEN OCCURRED. THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR. HOW DO I KNOW THAT FAULTY STRUTS WERE NOT INSTALLED IN 2002, SINCE THE RECALL DIDN'T EVEN OCCUR UNTIL 2 YEARS LATER? I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS, AND IT IS AMAZING THAT FORD GETS AWAY WITH THIS! THIS IS MY LAST FORD, THAT'S FOR SURE! THIS IS MY SECOND EXPLORER, AND I HAVE BEEN A VERY LOYAL CUSTOMER, BUT NO MORE! FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND IT'S PRODUCT AND THEY APPARENTLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

CRACK IN REAR WINDOW SURROUND, NEAR CENTER AT A BOTTOM. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR PANEL CRACKED, AND I TRAVELED AROUND THE COUNTRY AND I SAW SEVERAL CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I VISITED TOO MANY WEBSITES AND THERE'S MORE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ON THAT ISSUE. THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED AND GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY, AND SOMEDAY THE GLASS IS GOING TO EXPLODE. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGE IN THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED AND THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) YET THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE LIABLE FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

Mileage: 60,000

I HAVE PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS IN MINT CONDITION ON THE OUTSIDE AND FAIR ON THE INSIDE, WELL AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK A FEW MONTHS ONE DAY I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK BY THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING, AND I HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, SO THIS TROUBLED ME KNOWING THAT THIS CRACK HAD JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED ON MY TRUCK. WELL I WENT TO THE STORE LATER THAT DAY AND PASSED ANOTHER CONSUMER ON MY WAY OUT OF THE STORE AND NOTICED THEY WERE DRIVING THE SAME KIND OF TRUCK, AND LO AND BEHOLD THEY HAD THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE. I GOT THEIR ATTENTION AND ASKED IF THERE WAS SOME KIND OF INCIDENT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED IT, AND THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT IT TOO JUST APPEARED ON THEIR TRUCK, I HAVE NOTICED MANY FORD EXPLORERS RANGING FROM 2002- 2005 HAVING THIS SAME CRACK, KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE NICE VEHICLES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE OR NOT, BY IT BEING SO CLOSE TO THE REAR WINDOW, BUT IT DOES CONCERN ME THAT I PAY MONEY FOR A NICE VEHICLE AND THERE ARE DEFECTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT ADDRESS. I HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK WITH PICTURES IN THE SAME PLACE ON THE TRUCK, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE PLASTIC AND REPAIR THE CRACKS. PLEASE HELP US , THE CONSUMERS IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. *TR

1. I TOOK OUR 2002 EXPLORER IN FOR THE RECALL OF THE BACK WINDOW. WHEN THEY INSTALLED IT THEY PUT A SMALL CRACK IN PANEL IN THE BACK BELOW THE WINDOW. 2. THE CRACK GREW UNTIL FINALLY THE WHOLE PANEL CRACKED IN HALF. THE EDGE IS QUITE SHARP AND THE PANEL IS A BIT LOOSE NOW. 3. FORD REFUSED TO FIX IT. WE TRACK 2002 EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND THAT 1/6 HAVE IT. I SAW ANOTHER TODAY PROMPTING ME TO SEND THIS. HERE ARE RELATED ARTICLES: WWW.FORDPROBLEMS.COM/EXPLORER/CRACKED-REAR-PANEL.SHTML WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

2002 EXPLORER'S PANEL ON THE BACK GATE BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE GATE IS CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT SPOTS. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL COME OFF AND CAUSE A TRAFFIC CRASH OR WORSE. *TR

Mileage: 100,600

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED IN HALF AND THE WINDOW GLASS FELL AND WAS HANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TIED DOWN THE GLASS TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING AND SHATTERING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH UPPER GLASS PLASTIC TRIM CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS ALLOWED WATER INTO THE TRIM THAT CAUSED THE BOLTS HOLDING THE LATCH TO RUST THROUGH AND COMPLETELY FAIL. I REPLACED THE ENTIRE GLASS LAST SPRING (2009). THE REPLACEMENT PART ALSO CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF MICHIGAN WINTER. THE LATCH BOLTS IN THIS UNIT ARE NOW RUSTING AS WELL. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS AT A DIFFERENT RATE THAN THE GLASS. SINCE THEY ARE BONDED TOGETHER, THE WEAKER PLASTIC FAILS. THE CRACKS CONTRACT AND EXPAND DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

RE NHTSA # 04V-442. 2002 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE SHEARED AND GLASS FELL ON ME. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT THAT FORD RECALL 04S20 (PERFORMED IN 2004) WAS ONLY WARRANTEED FOR 1 YEAR, SO I PURCHASED NEW HINGE KIT (2L2Z-78420A68-AA) AND INSTALLED MYSELF. AFTER EXAMINING OLD PARTS, I NOTICED SIGNIFICANT REDESIGN. AFTER DISCUSSION WITH A FORD SERVICE MANAGER IT APPEARS THAT INITIAL RECALL REPAIRS WERE INSUFFICIENT AND BY HIS ESTIMATE THE HINGES LAST ABOUT 3 YEARS. THERE WERE SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RECALLED PARTS AND PROCEDURES SINCE 12/04. MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 12/20/04 SO THE MOST RECENT PROCEDURE WAS NOT FOLLOWED AT THE TIME AND MOST RECENT PARTS WERE NOT INSTALLED. FORD WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ONCE ANY RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. I WAS NOT INJURED BECAUSE I WAS OPENING THE HATCH SLOWLY AND HAD NOT LET GO BEFORE THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL. I BELIEVED THAT THE SAFETY DEFECT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THE DANGER STILL EXISTS. I SUGGEST A WARNING NOTICE BE SENT TO ALL OWNERS THAT HAD RECALL PERFORMED BEFORE THE FINAL PROCEDURES (RCRIT-04V442-7848) WERE DEVELOPED. IT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE FORD TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR THE DEFECTIVE RECALL REPAIR - INCLUDING GLASS BREAKAGE - AS THEY DID FOR THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

PANEL ON THE REAR UPPER HATCH CRACKED WITH A VERY LOUD POP STARTLING ME THE PANEL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET FORD WANTS $500 FOR THE MINOR FIX. *TR

APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. LARGE CRACK IN VEHICLE BELOW REAR WINDOW POSSIBLY DUE TO PREVIOUS RECALL IN OCT 2004 - SAFETY RECALL 04S20. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK. HE ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE WINDOW IN PLACE BY USING DUCT TAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS WHICH WAS RELATED TO HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF. CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 75

THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING O HAPPEN. MY PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IN 2002 EXPLORER MAY SOON FLY AND HIT ANOTHER CAR ON THE FREEWAY AND CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT. THIS IS A PROBLEM FROM HUNDREDS OF OTHER FORD EXPLORERS. A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE MAJOR ACCIDENTS HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER -- A CRACK APPEARS IN THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HIS RESIDENCE WHEN HE OBSERVED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE EXHIBITED A CRACK NEAR THE EMBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN UPDATED 05/10/10

Mileage: 100,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW - THE HINGES OR THE SLIDES ON THE SIDE DID NOT HOLD THE WINDOW UP FOR THE WINDOW SECTION OF THE REAR DOOR. WHILE PARKED, THE GLASS DOOR CAME DOWN ONTO THE HEAD OF A PERSON, THE GLASS IN THE WINDOW EXPLODED HITTING THE PERSON IN THE HEAD, CAUSING THE PERSON TO FALL BACKWARDS INTO THE BOTTOM FRAME OF THE REAR WINDOW ASSEMBLY. THE PERSON SUFFERED A LARGE KNOT ON THEIR HEAD AND GLASS CUTS. THE FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THIS IS A "COMMON PROBLEM" THEY HAVE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL OR TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

I OPENED THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO MY FORD EXPLORER IN ORDER TO LOAD GROCERIES INTO THE BACK. THE GLASS CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD AND I PUSHED IT BACK UP OFF OF ME WHEN IT EXPLODED ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE MOLDING CAME DOWN ONTO MY HEAD AND MY BACK (I WAS STILL LEANING INTO THE CAR). BECAUSE IT WAS VERY COLD OUT, I WAS WEARING A HEAVY COAT WITH A HAT AND THE HOOD PULLED UP ONTO MY HEAD, SO THIS CUSHIONED THE IMPACT ONTO MY BACK AND HEAD. GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK, BUT THE LAST ONE WAS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT LIFTGATES SHOULD JUST BE FALLING OFF OF CARS OR EXPLODING, EVEN IF THE CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD. *TR

Mileage: 94,000

REAR DEFROSTER HAD BEEN ON TO UN FOG THE GLASS. REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED AFTER PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO RELEASE THE LIFTGATE. VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WEATHER WAS 19 DEGREES F WITH WINDCHILL OF 10 DEGREES F. *TR

Mileage: 99,675

A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE LIFT-GATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. NO APPARENT OTHER DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. DISCOVERED WHEN PREPARING TO OPEN REAR HATCH. EXTENDS FROM WINDOW DOWNWARD TO LATCH/RELEASE POINT. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 01/08/10.*JB

Mileage: 75,600

I GOT A FORD EXPLORER 2002 AND THE HATCHBACK DOOR IS CRACKED, I HAD A FORD EXPLORER 2003 BEFORE AND IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I HAD SEEN OTHER FORDS EXPLORERS FROM YEAR 2000 TO 2004 WITH THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE FORD HEADQUARTERS COMPANY AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX THE CRACK BECAUSE I HAD TO CONTACT YOU TO COMPLAIN SO THIS WILL BECOME A RECALL AND THEY WILL FIX IT FOR ME OTHERWISE THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT. I ONLY BUY FORD CARS BECAUSE I LIKE AMERICAN CARS AND ALSO I FEEL I AM HELPING THE ECONOMY KEEPING JOBS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BUT I COULD BUY ANY OTHER BRAND! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY COMPLAIN AND MAYBE FIND A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE BACK LIFT GATE / PANEL DIRECTLY UNDER THE GLASS, CRACKED FOR NO REASON. ONE DAY HEADING TO LUNCH I NOTICED THIS PIECE CRACKED. NOW, I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THIS ON OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND EVEN FOUND A WEBSITE CONTAINING LOTS OF OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON 12-21-09 AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO FORD EXPLORER OWNERS TO GET THIS FIXED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO, IN ORDER TO GET THIS CORRECTED. MICHAEL SMITH THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.*TR

Mileage: 166,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED UNDER THE REAR WINDOW DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS.. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH LIFT-GATE UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS. CONSEQUENTLY WATER HAS ENTERED THE DOORS AND LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY BETWEEN $600-$700 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

FOLLOWING THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000 RECALL REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGE ON THE REAR HATCHBACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACKS IN THE BODY HAVE APPEARED IN THE PANELING AROUND THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW. THESE CRACKS APPEAR TO BE STRESSED INDUCED AND MAY POSE A HAZARD TO THE REAR WINDOW IF THE FRAMING AROUND THE WINDOW CONTINUES TO DEGRADE AND CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

FOLLOWING THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000 RECALL REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGE ON THE REAR HATCHBACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACKS IN THE BODY HAVE APPEARED IN THE PANELING AROUND THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW. THESE CRACKS APPEAR TO BE STRESSED INDUCED AND MAY POSE A HAZARD TO THE REAR WINDOW IF THE FRAMING AROUND THE WINDOW CONTINUES TO DEGRADE AND CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. SECONDLY, THE REAR LIFT-GATES PANEL SPLIT IN HALF. THIRDLY, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. NONE OF THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. HE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, NO DEBRIS, AND OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED. AS THE SCREEN WAS CLOSED NO INJURIES, BUT POTENTIAL FOR CUT AND EYE INJURIES BY RAZOR SHARP GLASS. NO ONE BEHIND US AFFECTED. HUGE NOISE VERY STARTLING. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HATCH ON THE VEHICLE, THE GLASS STUART BRACKETS POPPED OFF AND CUT HIS HEAD AND WRIST. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 139,000.

Mileage: 139,000

I TOOK A TRIP FROM HOME IN OK TO CANTON, TX ON RETURN HEARD LOUD NOISE WHEN I STOPPED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED I FOUND OUT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS COMING OUT. IN MARCH OF 2008 I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE EXPLORER. WHEN I HAD IT INSPECTED I WAS TOLD THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COST ME OVER $2000.00. MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW SLIPPING AND AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I FEAR THE WORSE IF I HAVE MY TRANSMISSION CHECKED. WHO DO WE CONTACT TO HAVE A LAWSUIT STARTED? MY TRUCK NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, REAR END ASSEMBLY. MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW HAS CRACKED. I HAVE ALL THE COMPLAINTS LISTED EXCEPT FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING OFF IN MY HAND. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH CRACKED REAR TAILGATE APPLIQUE. HAVE SEEN MANY MORE ON THE ROAD. FORD SAYS THERE IS NO DEFECT. THEY WANT $350 TO FIX. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BELOW THE WINDOW WAS CRACKED. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW PANEL WOULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE GLASS TO SLIDE OUT AND SHATTER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPED A CRACK BELOW THE REAR HATCH WINDOW EXTENDING DOWN AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. SINCE THEN I HAVE OBSERVED THESE ON DOZENS OF EXPLORERS. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NOR WAS THE HATCH BEING USED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. FORD IN NO WAY ACKNOWLEDGES THE ISSUE THAT HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON MESSAGE BOARD. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. WHILE IN THE CAR WASH, TWO THIRDS OF THE REAR PANEL FELL OFF THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT AND THAT FORD HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS IF IT FELL OFF IN A CAR WASH WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55-65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY? ALSO, I AM NOT THRILLED ABOUT THE IDEA OF HAVING TO SPEND $500 TO FIX A PIECE OF MY VEHICLE THAT SHOULD REMAIN INTACT. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

SEVERE CRACKS IN BACK WINDOW HOUSING. CRACK IS SO SEVERE, CONSIDERATION OF WINDOW FALLING OUT IS POSSIBLE. INFORMATION PANEL REGISTERS DOOR AJAR WHICH CONSEQUENTLY FLASHES INTERNAL LIGHTS, RE-LOCKS DOORS, SETS WARNING BELLS TO GO OFF. OFTEN, DOOR AJAR DOES NOT REGISTER, BUT ELECTRIC LOCKS LOCK RE-LOCK AND LOCK MANY TIMES WITH WARNING BELLS GOING OFF, INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERING,MANY TIMES IN ONE INSTANCE. ALL ACTIVITIES HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY, WITHOUT CAUSE OR REASON CAUSING SEVERE DISTRACTION TO DRIVER. THEFT ALARM GOES OFF AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOCKED SEVERAL HOURS; FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHEN UNLOCKED AND RE-LOCKED, CONTINUES TO GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I BELIEVE THE REAR WINDOW HOUSING BREAK IS THE ROOT OF ALL THIS ACTIVITY. *TR

Mileage: 101,589

2 CRACKS IN THE HATCHBACK ABOVE THE LOGO. *TR

MY WIFE OPENED THE REAR HATCH TO GET GROCERIES OUT. IT STARTED FALLING ON HER. HER FRIEND REACHED TO LIFT IT UP AND IT EXPLODED ON MY WIFE WHEN SHE TRIED TO LIFT IT OFF MY WIFE. I AM DEBBIE'S HUSBAND. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2004. THEY RECALLED IT IN 2006 TO PUT THE NEW HINGES ON, THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE FORD'S RECALL FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT PEOPLE ARE STILL HAVING THE ISSUE AFTER THEIR SO CALLED FIX. ITS TIME FOR FORD TO REALLY FIX THE PROBLEM OR PAY CONSUMERS FOR THEIR LOSS THROUGH A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I TRIED TO TELL MY WIFE TO STICK WITH GM SUV'S. THE FORD HAS BEEN A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT IN MANY AREAS. IT NEVER GOT THE MILEAGE WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD GET. WE GET 16 TO 17 ON THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE TOLD WE COULD GET 24. THE CHEVY VORTECH DOES GET THE 24 MPG AND OUR SAFARI VAN DOES IT DAILY. *TR

Mileage: 94,910

WE HAVE A FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002. THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE WOULD NOT STAY UP ON ITS OWN, SO MY SON PUSHED IT UP, AND THE REAR WINDOW GLASS EXPLODED. HE AND MY HUSBAND RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND IT CAME VERY CLOSE TO MY SONS EYES. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OTHERS HAD VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AT WWW. CARCOMPLAINTS.COM IN 2004 WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SECONDARY TO A RECALL REGARDING THE SHOCKS ON THE REAR WINDOW. WE TOOK IT IN AND THEY SUPPOSABLY FIXED IT. I DON'T KNOW WHY IT MY WINDOW EXPLODED, BUT WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IT THE GLASS HAD GOTTEN IN MY SONS EYES WE WILL BE CALLING THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. BY THE WAY IT IS GOING TO COST 1400 DOLLARS TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

CRACK IN HATCHBACK DIRECTLY BELOW WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 69,500

BROKEN TAILGATE PANEL ON EXPLORER MY 2003 AND 2002. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMALL SCRATCH JUST BELOW THE GLASS ON THE PLASTIC PORTION OF 200 EXPLORER LIFTGATE. ON FRIDAY FEB 6, 2009 THERE WAS A SPLIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS TO POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL ALREADY ISSUED BY THE NHTSA. *TR

Mileage: 80,148

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW IS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES..... AND LOOKS LIKE IT IS NOT GOING TO LAST MUCH LONGER. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY OF THE SAME MAKES AND SOME IN THE SAME YEAR AND NEW YEARS. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND THINK THAT THIS ISSUED NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AND RECALLED ASAP. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OTHER STEPS I MIGHT TAKE TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I AM EMBARRASSED OF IT AND THINK THAT FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. *TR

Mileage: 90

WHEN I SAW A CRACK ON THE FORD APPLIQUE, I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE WHO I SHOULD CONTACT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER; TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT; NO DENTS, DINGS, ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER TOLD ME I MUST HAVE SLAMMED THE TRUNK TOO HARD IN COLD WEATHER. IF THAT WERE THE CASE, I SHOULD HAVE CRACKS IN ALL FOUR DOORS (AND THE HOOD). THEY WANTED TO GIVE ME THE NAME OF A BODY SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I SAID, NO, THIS SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. I CONTACTED FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE, THEY REPLIED THAT THERE'S NO RECALL NOR IS IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I WILL NOT! THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT I DID! THIS IS POOR WORKMANSHIP! I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FORD TAURUS STATION WAGONS BEFORE THIS EXPLORER, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM... I PLACED THIS COMPLAINT ON "AUTO BEEF". MY COMPLAINT WAS #304, THERE ARE NOW 315 COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID THIS COULD FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

WHEN I SAW A CRACK ON THE FORD APPLIQUE, I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE WHO I SHOULD CONTACT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER; TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT; NO DENTS, DINGS, ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER TOLD ME I MUST HAVE SLAMMED THE TRUNK TOO HARD IN COLD WEATHER. IF THAT WERE THE CASE, I SHOULD HAVE CRACKS IN ALL FOUR DOORS (AND THE HOOD). THEY WANTED TO GIVE ME THE NAME OF A BODY SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I SAID, NO, THIS SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. I CONTACTED FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE, THEY REPLIED THAT THERE'S NO RECALL NOR IS IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I WILL NOT! THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT I DID! THIS IS POOR WORKMANSHIP! I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FORD TAURUS STATION WAGONS BEFORE THIS EXPLORER, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM... I PLACED THIS COMPLAINT ON "AUTO BEEF". MY COMPLAINT WAS #304, THERE ARE NOW 315 COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID THIS COULD FALL OF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS 2 CRACKS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IN THE BACK REAR PANEL. I NOTICED THE FIRST ON AROUND JANUARY 2007 AND THE SECOND ONE JANUARY 2009. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

THIS 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONLY 62,153 MILES AND THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY HUBS HAVE FAILED. THE PROBLEM IS IN THE DESIGN OF THIS PART BECAUSE IT HAS NO AXLE AND IS ASSEMBLE TO THE FRAME BY THREE BOLTS. IF THIS PART GOES BAD ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE WHEEL WILL COME OFF , GOD HELP THE DRIVER AND THE PEOPLE ON THE SAME PATH. THIS SUV NEEDS TO BE RECALL! *TR

Mileage: 62,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCES AND THIS HAS LED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS AND NOW THAT I REALIZE THAT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WELL I HOPE YOU CAN HELP I WAS EXPECTING FOR THIS VEHICLE TO LAST LONGER THAN MY 1994 DODGE RAM. AND ANOTHER THING THE SIDE OF THE WINDOWS STARTED PEALING OFF MY BACK DOOR IS CRACKED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE RIGHT AND NONE OF MY THREE OF MY WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING AT ONE TIME. THIS CAR IS FULL OF MALFUNCTIONS AND I THING THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND PAID 25,000 FOR THIS PIECE OF JUNK. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO THE TOP PANEL OF THE BACK TAILGATE BEGAN CRACKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE "FORD" SYMBOL. YESTERDAY MORNING I CAME OUT TO FIND ANOTHER CRACK IN THE PANEL IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT EXCEPT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE "FORD" SYMBOL. THE FIRST CRACK IS ABOUT 1/8" WIDE AND SPLIT APPROXIMATELY HALFWAY DOWN THE BACK PANEL. THE SECOND CRACK SPANS FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL TO THE BOTTOM AND IS APPROXIMATELY 1/4-1/2" WIDE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND THERE IS NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR OTHERWISE. THE PANEL HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED OR FIXED YET. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW HATCH HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I CONTACTED FORD AND FORD SAID THAT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY THAT THEY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE COMMON ANSWER THAT FORD IS GIVING TO EVERYONE THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM TOO. *TR

THE BACK PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW OF MY FORD EXPLORER 2002 CRACKED FOR NO REASON. I NOTICED THAT MANY FORD AND MERCURY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM - THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

UNEXPLAINED CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH LID. *TR

THE LIFTGATE CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. IT STARTED A YEAR AGO WITH ONE CRACK, THEN ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED 6 MONTHS LATER. A FEW WEEKS AGO A 3 CRACK APPEARED. THE FORD DEALER REFUSED TO HELP AND A CALL TO FORD WAS NOT RETURNED. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE CLIP ON APPLICATOR IS AND HAS BEEN SPLITTING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM EVERY TIME SOME ONE CLOSED THE LIFT GATE I SAW THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND IT COST {US -S 300 DOLLARS TO INSTALL A NEW ONE AT THE DEALERS SHOPS TO REPAIR. SOME THING NEED TO BE DONE FORD MANUFACTURE NEED TO REIMBURSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEMS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX MY EXPLORER SO I AM WAITING TO SEE IF FORD CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ME AND OTHERS LIKE ME WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. PLEASE FOR A REPLY AT MY EMAIL THANK YOU SINCERELY E J. *TR

CRACKED PANEL ON BELOW WINDOW ON 2002 EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

CRACKED TAILGATE APPLIQUE (UNDER REAR GLASS). DEALER WON'T REPLACE, CAR UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. WAS NEVER HIT OR ABUSED. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW HATCH HAS CRACKED FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2002-2004 BLOCK OF FORD EXPLORERS. I HAVE JUST OVER 100K MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND FORD SAID THAT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY THAT THEY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE COMMON ANSWER THAT FORD IS GIVING TO EVERYONE THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM TOO. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT, NOR ANY INCIDENCES OF PROPERTY DAMAGE. IT HAPPENS THAT ON A SATURDAY DURING THE SUMMER, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE LIFTGATE OF MY VEHICLE. IT IS A CLEAN AND TOTALLY STRAIGHT CRACK DIRECTLY UNDER THE GLASS, MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES LONG AND 1 TO 1/12 WIDE. WHILE DRIVING AND EVERYTIME I SEE AN EXPLORER, I LOOK TO SEE IF THERE IS A DEFECT IN THAT PARTICULAR AREA OF THEIR VEHICLE AND I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL, WHICH PROMPTS ME TO THINK THAT THIS IS IN FACT A DEFECT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND AM TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE OVER $1800.00 TO HAVE REPAIRED AS THEY WILL NEED TO ORDER AN ENTIRE LIFT GATE VS. REPAIRING THE ONE THAT ON THEIR CURRENTLY. HAVE YOU HAD ANY REPORTED INCIDENCES SUCH AS THIS? I NOTICED THIS IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. *TR

MY DOOR WAS FROZEN SHUT, I PULLED IT OPEN AND NOW I CANT CLOSE IT. IT "BOUNCES" OFF THE DOOR HINGES WHEN I TRY. IT HAPPENED WHEN I GOT OUT OF WORK AT MIDNIGHT AND I DROVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITH MY CAR DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING AS I WAS DRIVING. GOOD THING IT HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE NO ONE WAS DRIVING AROUND. IF SOMEONE WAS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM WITH MY DOOR. I HAD TO HOLD MY DOOR SHUT WITH THE WINDOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MPH THE WHOLE WAY TO MY HOUSE. TAKING TURNS WAS VERY HARD BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I WAS HOLDING THE DOOR, IT STILL WAS OPENING. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I COULD'VE HURT MYSELF AND OTHERS. HOPEFULLY THIS IS SOMETHING TO GET FIXED QUICKLY BECAUSE I HAVE FINALS THIS WEEK AND I WONT BE ABLE TO GET THE SCHOOL WITHOUT MY CAR. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE MORNING WITHOUT ANY DIRECT ACTION. NOW I HAVE 2 CRACKS. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

Mileage: 50,200

1. DUE TO A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. ), THE LIFTGATE GLASS OPERATION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED IN 2005. SINCE EARLY 2007, THE SAME GLASS STRUTS AND HINGES ARE APPARENTLY HAVING PROBLEM -- FIRST IT TOOK EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE GLASS TO THE FULLY OPENING POSITION, THEN WHILE THE GLASS IS LIFTED OPEN, IT UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED DOWN. I GOT HIT 3 TIMES AT MY HEAD OR HANDS BY THE SUDDEN DROPPED GLASS AND FRAME; IT COURSED BLEEDING ON MY HAND ONCE. THIS IS CERTAINLY OF SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I REALLY DOUBT IF THE FORD DEALER (GAINESVILLE FORD IN GAINESVILLE, FL) CORRECTLY PERFORMED THE RECALL JOB IN 2005, AS THEY HAVE A REPUTATION OF LOW STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND TECHNIQUE . BUT, FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENFORCING THE RECALL JOB MEET THE STANDARD. OTHERWISE, WHAT IS POINT OF GOING THROUGH THE RECALL? 2. SINCE JULY OF 2008, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL START HAVING CRACKING UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS OR HINGES, THE SAME SYSTEM THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. NONETHELESS, THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL, SINCE THE CRACK APPEARING REFLECTS THE LIFTGATE BEING UNSTABLE AND THE GLASS HAVING MUCH HIGHER RISK OF ACCIDENTALLY BREAKING, THEREFORE COURSING INJURY. THIS VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 60 K MILES, HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE. THROUGH SEARCHING INTERNET, I FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A QUITE COMMON ISSUE FOR EXPLORER 2002 MODEL. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS KIND SAFETY ISSUE IGNORED BY FORD FOR SO LONG. PLEASE HELP TO GET FORD TO TRULY REALIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVE THE MASSIVE AFFECTED PUBLIC JUSTICE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR J. JAMES JIA

Mileage: 48,000

1. DUE TO A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. ), THE LIFTGATE GLASS OPERATION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED IN 2005. SINCE EARLY 2007, THE SAME GLASS STRUTS AND HINGES ARE APPARENTLY HAVING PROBLEM -- FIRST IT TOOK EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE GLASS TO THE FULLY OPENING POSITION, THEN WHILE THE GLASS IS LIFTED OPEN, IT UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED DOWN. I GOT HIT 3 TIMES AT MY HEAD OR HANDS BY THE SUDDEN DROPPED GLASS AND FRAME; IT COURSED BLEEDING ON MY HAND ONCE. THIS IS CERTAINLY OF SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I REALLY DOUBT IF THE FORD DEALER (GAINESVILLE FORD IN GAINESVILLE, FL) CORRECTLY PERFORMED THE RECALL JOB IN 2005, AS THEY HAVE A REPUTATION OF LOW STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND TECHNIQUE . BUT, FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENFORCING THE RECALL JOB MEET THE STANDARD. OTHERWISE, WHAT IS POINT OF GOING THROUGH THE RECALL? 2. SINCE JULY OF 2008, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL START HAVING CRACKING UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS OR HINGES, THE SAME SYSTEM THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. NONETHELESS, THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL, SINCE THE CRACK APPEARING REFLECTS THE LIFTGATE BEING UNSTABLE AND THE GLASS HAVING MUCH HIGHER RISK OF ACCIDENTALLY BREAKING, THEREFORE COURSING INJURY. THIS VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 60 K MILES, HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE. THROUGH SEARCHING INTERNET, I FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A QUITE COMMON ISSUE FOR EXPLORER 2002 MODEL. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS KIND SAFETY ISSUE IGNORED BY FORD FOR SO LONG. PLEASE HELP TO GET FORD TO TRULY REALIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVE THE MASSIVE AFFECTED PUBLIC JUSTICE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR J. JAMES JIA

Mileage: 48,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT CLOSED THE REAR HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE FAILED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. NHSTA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WAS REFERENCED. THE INSURANCE AGENCY WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 124,996.

Mileage: 124,996

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE LIFTED THE LIFTGATE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD ONLY HOLD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING BACK DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONE OF WHICH INJURED THE CONTACT'S BACK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DEEMED AS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Mileage: 80,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH HAS A CRACK IN IT. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKING BELOW GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 69,000

FORD 2002 EXPLORER HAS LARGE CRACK ON LIFTGATE PANEL RUNNING FROM JUST OF THE LEFT OF THE FORD INSIGNIA TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH REPLACEMENT DESPITE THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND THE ADMISSION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. THE LIFTGATE WAS RECALLED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WITH THE CYLINDERS. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT I WAS LIFTING MY REAR GLASS WINDOW NOT THE WHOLE LIFTGATE JUST THE GLASS I WAS ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY UP WHEN I HEARD THIS LOUD NOISE AND WAS SHOWERED BY FALLING GLASS AND THEN EVENTUALLY STRUCK BY THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. I CALLED FORD THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO FIX THIS ISSUE I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT SEEMS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER I HAVE A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE LIFT GATE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCHING AND FIND THAT THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON. I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL. I AM AFRAID THAT THE PANEL BEING BROKEN MAY CAUSE IT TO COME OFF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. I FEEL THAT THIS CRACK MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IF I WAS IN A WRECK. I FEEL THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPLACE THIS PART. THEY HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS AS I CAN SEE FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE LIFTGATE ON THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, A PIECE OF GLASS LANDED IN THE CONTACT'S HAIR. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB

Mileage: 63,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER - REAR APPLIQUE (PLASTIC TRIM) UNDER THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED, AND A PORTION OF IT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE TRAVELING 70MPH. SAME PROBLEM AS REPORTED AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. FORD HAS SAID IT WAS TEMP RELATED, HOWEVER, I'M IN FLORIDA, THE VEHICLE NEVER SAW ANY TEMP BELOW 40, FREEZING WASN'T CONSIDERED. TSB 0485 IF I'M READING IT CORRECTLY. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

CRACK DEVELOPED IN AREA BELOW LIFT GATE GLASS. NOW THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE BUZZER. THE GLASS DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND IS INOPERABLE AND THE AREA BELOW THE GLASS HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN AWAY. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOLDING ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT MANUALLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE, THE REAR GLASS EXPLODED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 011010000; HOWEVER, IT FAILED TO SUFFICIENTLY CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,249 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,259.

Mileage: 76,249

ON 10-14-2008, TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE NYS VEH INSPECTION. MIDAS MECH INFORMED ME THAT A 5 INCH PIECE SNAPPED OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PASS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING . YOU COULD SEE THAT THE COIL SPRING WASN'T SEATED RIGHT ANYMORE. VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROX 66,400. NEVER USED OFF ROAD. MECH INFORMED ME THAT 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS (WHICH IS TRUE BECAUSE I RECENTLY JUST REPLACED BOTH ABOUT 1000 MI AGO AT $1400) AND FOR THE STRUT COIL OVER SPRINGS SNAPPING. ENOUGH ALREADY!! WHEN WILL THE GOV MAKE FORD OWN UP TO DESIGN AND SAFETY FAILURES !!!??? I COULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS COIL SPRING PIECE SNAPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE TIRE OR THE BRAKE LINE OR THE FUEL TANK!! *TR

Mileage: 66,400

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR DOOR, THE REAR LIFTGATE AND HINGE ON THE TOP LEFT SIDE BECAME LOOSE. THE REAR GLASS FELL OUT AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE CONTACT AND HER CHILD. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC AND WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). SHE CALLED FORD AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD BE MADE FOR FREE SINCE THE FAILURES ARE IDENTICAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000.

Mileage: 69,000

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HOOD IS CORRODING. IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. I REALLY DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THEN 2 MONTHS AGO 2 MORE SPOTS APPEARED. ON 10/3/08 I WENT TO A BODY SHOP TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO PAINT, AND I SURPRISED TO HEAR HIM TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS REALLY A FORD PROBLEM BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THE HOOD IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE PAINT ISN'T STICKING. THAT SAME DAY, I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER NEAREST TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT INDEED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE HOODS AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE GUY AT THE BODY SHOP SAID. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS A 2002, 5 YEARS HAS PASSED AND I CANNOT HAVE IT REPLACED FOR FREE. THIS IS UNFAIR. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND NO ONE AT FORD INFORMED US. HAD I KNOWN THAT IT WAS THEIR PROBLEM, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT REPLACED WHEN THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. *TR

SAME AS NOTED FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORE 02 OWNERS.....THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE IN 03. I HAVE NOW ATTACHED A SIGN USING STICK ON LETTERS THAT READ ON THE BACK PANEL "FORD QUALITY' WITH AN ARROW POINTING TO THE CRACK AS THE DEALER AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS EVIDENT BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS. I THINK FORD NEEDS THIS TYPE OF PUBLICITY! *TR

Mileage: 61,000

RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED FROM WINDOW DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF DOOR. (TOP HALF) I THOUGHT AT FIRST THAT SOMEONE MUST HAVE TRIED TO BREAK IN USING A PRY BAR. WENT THROUGH THE CAR WASH AND WHEN I CAME OUT I NOTICED THE CRACK. PISSED ME RIGHT OFF..I HATE DRIVING DAMAGED CARS.. THIS WAS NOT CALLED FOR..WHY DID IT CRACK? *TR

Mileage: 82,545

REAR GATE PLASTIC THAT IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SNAPPED DUE TO COLD WEATHER MOST LIKELY. DON'T KNOW WHY THERE IS GLASS UNDERNEATH THIS SECTION, THE WHOLE THING SHOULD BE METAL.

Mileage: 51,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE LIFTGATE THAT JUST APPEARED ONE DAY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND AM NOT SURE WHY THIS HAS NOT BECOME A RECALL. *TR

PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXP EDDIE BAUER ED USED WITH 35,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED WITHIN 3 WEEKS DUE TO 4WD MALFUNCTION COVERED BY WARRANTY. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND IS IN NEED OF A SECOND REPLACEMENT. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WINDOW WAS NOT MEANT TO BE LOWERED HALFWAY. THE REAR HATCH HAS ALSO CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN FROM WINDOW TO LOWER PANEL. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUES WITH THIS OCCURRING, BUT UPON FURTHER RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS CONTINUOUSLY AND DEALERSHIP REPORTS IT TO BE A MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRICAL SWITCH REPAIR COST AT AROUND $400. HAVE CONTINUED TO DRIVE VEHICLE, BUT WILL NO LONGER DRIVE VEHICLE AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THIS IS A PRECURSOR TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MAY POSSIBLY TRADE-IN THIS VEHICLE AND LOSE MONETARY VALUE FOR PRIVATE SALE. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING THIS VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE PARTY AND RISK INJURY TO NEXT OWNER. SHAME ON FORD FOR NOT TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

A CRACKED REAR PANEL ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TO DATE, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY SAFETY ISSUES, BUT I'VE CHECKED OTHER ONLINE SITES AND SEEN QUITE A FEW SUBMISSIONS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND ACCORDING TO OTHER OWNERS, THE PROBLEM WILL PROBABLY REOCCUR (IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING COLD WEATHER). FORD HAS NOT LISTED IT ON THEIR RECALL SITE. *TR

MY HUSBAND OPENED THE LIFTGATE TO MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER TO BRING OUR HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT INTO THE HOUSE. AFTERWARDS, HE WENT TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE, JUST AS NORMAL, AND THE GLASS, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF PIECES AND THE FRAME BELOW THE GLASS CRASHED TO THE GROUND. GLASS WAS FOUND HALFWAY DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, UNDER THE CAR, INSIDE THE CAR, AND ON TOP OF THE CAR. THE HINGES WERE CLEARLY BOTH BROKEN AND WIRES WERE SEPARATED FROM THE LIFTGATE. MY HUSBAND WAS STANDING TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN HE CLOSED THE LIFTGATE AND LUCKILY ONLY HAD A MINOR CUT ON HIS TOE. THE LIFTGATE DID NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AND WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING OR FORCED TO CLOSE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. I ESSENTIALLY HAVE A THREE-SIDED CAR RIGHT NOW. FORD ISSUED A RECALL (04S20) ON THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE AND BALL STUD BRACKET EARLIER AND I HAD THAT REPAIR COMPLETED ON 09/25/07. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPLOSION IS VERBATIM OF WHAT WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER FORD CUSTOMER CARE DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY STATING THAT PART IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AS DOES THE DEALER WHO ORIGINALLY REPAIRED THE RECALLED PART. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DISASTROUS IF MY HUSBAND HAD NOT BEEN STANDING OFF TO THE SIDE OR IF ANYONE HAD BEEN INSIDE THE CAR, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR ANY INCIDENTS THAT HAPPEN INVOLVING THE HINGE AND BALL BRACKET EVEN IF THE REPAIR WAS MADE AS THEY REQUESTED PER THE RECALL. DOORS DO NOT JUST 'COME OFF' FOR NO REASON. THEIR METHOD OF 'REPAIRING' THE RECALL IS NOT SUFFICIENT AS THERE ARE BLOGS ONLINE WITH MANY OTHER EXACT COMPLAINTS. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

PAINT IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING ON THE HOOD AND FENDER OF MY 2002 EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW HATCH ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED. THIS TIME IT CRACKED AND FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. 2 VEHICLES BEHIND ME HAD TO DODGE THE DEBRIS, AND FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. *TR

Mileage: 43,212

MARCH '07: REAR GATE SPLIT UNDER WINDOW DECEMBER '07 THROUGH JAN '08: REAR DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT TWICE, REAR AXEL HUBS AND BEARINGS REPLACED; DIFFERENTIAL NOISE STILL LOUD JUNE '08: TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

I HAVE PROBLEMS CLOSING THE BACK WINDOW. YESTERDAY I WAS SIMPLY TRYING TO CLOSE THE BACK WINDOW, THEN ABOUT 1/3 WAY DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE THE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED ALL OVER ME FOR THE SECOND TIME! VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHILDREN. (GOOD THING MY CHILDREN WERE ABOUT 15FT AWAY, BUT THEY WITNESS THE WHOLE THING). THE FIRST TIME THE WINDOW SHATTERED, IT WAS MAYBE AROUND 2004-05. (I CAN VERIFY UPON REQUEST). SUPPOSEDLY DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM. (YEAH RIGHT!) VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD!! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE REAR TAILGATE HATCH WINDOW WAS A QUARTER OF THE WAY DOWN, THE CONTACT'S SON RETRIEVED ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AND THE MIDDLE PIECE OF THE REAR END WAS LITERALLY HANGING OFF. THE WINDOW GLASS SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. HIS SON WAS UNINJURED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE WINDOW ITSELF. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, NOR A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,739.

Mileage: 136,739

LAST SUMMER 2007, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I TOOK IT INTO A BODY SHOP TO ASK HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND THAT THE PART HAD BEEN RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I LOOKED UP ONLINE THE RECALL AND SAW THAT IT WAS FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF MY EXPLORER SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN THE VIN NUMBER AND SAID THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR WASN'T A PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME EXACT PART AND CAR. I THEN CALLED THE FORD NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD BY 2 AUTOSHOPS THAT IF I DON'T GET THE PART REPLACED IT COULD CRACK COMPLETELY AND THE WINDOW CAN FALL OUT OF THE CAR. *TR *DT*JB *DT *TR

Mileage: 63,000

I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE HINGE ON THE LIFTGATE HAD ACTUALLY BROKEN, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE. MY HAND WAS CUT AND I WAS HIT IN THE HEAD BY THE LIFTGATE. WHILE DEVASTATING, IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. I HAD THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE SERVICED AND REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO DUE TO A RECALL ISSUED BY FORD FOR A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. APPARENTLY, THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED WITH OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS OR WASN'T REPAIRED AT ALL. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD, THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND REFERRED ME TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO SAID IT WAS A FORD PROBLEM. I AM STUCK WITH THE 1,400.00 BILL BUT FORD LOSES MY BUSINESS. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

CRACK ON REAR HATCH OF VEHICLE, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WENT TO OPEN THE BACK LIFT GLASS, AND THE WINDOW FELL, AND COMBUSTION IN THOUSANDS OF LITTLE PIECES, RIGHT IN MY FACE! I HAVE PICTURES, ANYWAY I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN HORSEHEADS, NY, THEY REPLACED THE WINDOW DUE TO THE EXPLOSION, AND I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK BACK THERE 4 TIMES BECAUSE THEY WIRED IT WRONG, AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IF MY WIRING FROM THE BACK WINDSHIELD TO THE DASH OF MY TRUCK DOES NOT GET FIXED I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT I WILL BE FORCED TO OBTAIN AN ATTORNEY FOR FORD! PLEASE HELP!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 70,000

THE FUEL SYSTEM ON MY FORD EXPLORER WENT OUT COMPLETELY AT 40,000 MILES. ALSO, THE BLACK PANELS BETWEEN THE WINDOWS ARE FADED AND PEELING. *TR

Mileage: 40,435

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE HATCH CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS OF THIS YEAR MODEL. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ALL THOSE WHO OWN ONE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. FORD REFUSES TO FIX IT OR EVEN MAKE PARTIAL RESTITUTION FOR HAVING IT REPAIRED. *TR

REAR TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THE HINGES TO BE EXPOSED SINCE THEN THE TAILGATE WOULD EXHIBIT RANDOM DOOR AJAR INDICATIONS. RECENTLY THE PLASTIC PANEL ON THE OUTSIDE UNDER THE GLASS HAS SPLIT VERTICALLY IN THE MIDDLE. *TR

Mileage: 74,900

CRACK APPEARED IN WINTER 2006 IN HATCH BELOW REAR WINDOW. THIS WAS A FLORIDA CAR UP TO JUNE 2006. ALL WAS FINE IN FLORIDA. I SUSPECT COLD HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THESE CRACKS. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE AS I AM HOPING FOR A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE MORNING WITHOUT ANY DIRECT ACTION. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

Mileage: 73,561

THE PAINT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PEELING OFF THE PANELS BETWEEN THE WINDOWS AFTER 3 YEARS (AND IT'S PRIMARILY PARKED IN MY GARAGE). AFTER CONTACTING FORD AND APPEALING TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR ASSISTANCE, I DECIDED I COULD LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE IT WAS COSMETIC FLAW EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERS ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. HOWEVER, ON DEC 26, 2007, I WENT OUT TO MY CAR IN THE MORNING WHILE OUT OF TOWN,AND NOTICED A THREE INCH CRACK IN THE BODY OF THE REAR HATCH, JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD LOGO. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF BEING CLOSED TOO HARD OR ANY OTHER LOGICAL CAUSE. IT JUST CRACKED ON ITS OWN. I CALLED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR AN ESTIMATE. I COMPLIED WITH THIS REQUEST AND TOOK IT IN. THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT AT ONE TIME, THERE HAD BEEN FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR, BUT NOT ANYMORE. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. SO FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, BUT SINCE I TOOK CARE OF MY VEHICLE BY PARKING IT OUT OF THE ELEMENTS, IT DID NOT MANIFEST UNTIL THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRACKED PLASTIC IS A BIT SHARP AND I DO NOT WISH TO CUT MY HAND WHEN CLOSING THE DOOR. *TR

A CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, ON THE FIBERGLASS PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 2WD, 4.0 FI. I TOOK THE CAR IN AT ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF OLD, WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS "TAKEN CARE OF" AT FORD'S COST. ABOUT 3-6 MONTHS AFTER THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY EXPIRED I NOTICED THE SAME CRACK START TO REAPPEAR AND WITH IT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY, THE FORD DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AT THEIR COST. AS OF 4/10/08 I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE FIBERGLASS PIECE OF THE REAR HATCH LID OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL TODAY WHEN I GOT TO LOOKING FOR THE PRICE OF A REAR WINDOW. WHILE SEARCHING I SEEN THAT THERE WAS ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THAT SOME HAD EVEN HAD THE WINDOW SHATTER ON THEM. WELL I AM NOW ONE OF THEM. TODAY AS I OPENED MY REAR HATCH THE PASSENGER SIDE PIECE THAT SECURES THE WINDOW TO THE BODY OF THE EXPLORER JUST FELL OFF CAUSING THE WINDOW TO SHATTER AND GLASS TO CUT MY ARMS, AND FACE, AND ALSO SENT PIECES OF GLASS INTO MY EYE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

2002 CRACK ON HATCHBACK PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW. ON DECEMBER 26, 2007 I WENT INTO MY GARAGE AND NOTICED 2 CRACKS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM, EACH ABOUT 3 TO 4 INCHES LONG. I KNOW FOR SURE THEY WERE NOT THERE THE NIGHT BEFORE BECAUSE WE HAD TAKEN SOME PACKAGES OUT OF THE HATCHBACK, AND THERE WERE NO CRACKS. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A FAULTY MANUFACTURED HATCHBACK. WHEN I SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE WEB, IT WAS SURPRISING TO FIND OUT THAT IT HAD THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THAN ANY OTHER EXTERIOR COMPLAIN. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. ONCE THE CRACKS RUN DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL THERE IS BIG POTENTIAL THAT THE WINDOW WILL FALL OUT. THIS LEAVES THE WINDOW AT RISK TO FALL OUT AND INJURE SOMEONE. *TR

CRACKED LIFT GATE/ UPPER HALF. *TR

Mileage: 68,400

AFTER SEEING OTHER 2002-2006 FORD EXPLORERS ON THE STREET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF HAVING A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WINDOW I DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING WE COULD DO ABOUT IT. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE THE HINGES BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD SLAM SHUT WHICH I BELIEVE CAUSED THE CRACK. I TALKED TO FORD WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED AND THEY SAID BASED ON MY MILEAGE THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT 500. MY QUESTION TO FORD WAS WHAT DOES THE MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT I BELIEVE WAS A RECALL DEFECT THAT ULTIMATELY CAUSED THIS PROBLEM? I NOTICED ON THE NEW MODEL EXPLORERS THEY REDESIGNED THEM SO THE GLASS OPENS UP WITHOUT THE PANEL. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW COULD ACTUALLY FALL OUT IF THE DOOR IS SHUT AND COULD BREAK AND CAUSE AN INJURY. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AND HOPEFULLY GET THIS RESOLVED SOON. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

OUTSIDE COVER ON HATCH LID CRACKED JUST BELOW THE GLASS. HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TALKED TO THE OWNERS AND THEY ALSO HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. I HAVE TALKED TO 15 OTHER OWNERS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MORE CARS WITH THIS CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT REAR WINDOW LIFT PANEL CRACKED (DEALER REPLACED ONCE DUE TO SMALL STRESS FRACTURES WAS THE EXPLANATION GIVEN ME) REPLACEMENT PANEL CRACKED WITHIN 6 MONTHS, SAME PLACE AS FIRST CRACK, BUT EXTENDING ALL THE WAY THROUGH PANEL. DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPLACE. THIS POSSES A DANGER IF THE PANEL FLIES OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER FORDS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD OFFER A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK HATCH WAS PARTIALLY OPENED, AND WHEN OPENED ALL THE WAY IT SHATTERED. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL 04V442000 - STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. KG

Mileage: 80,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE RESULTING IN THE RIGHT SIDE COMPLETELY FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE PART THAT IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE ON THE EDGES DUE TO INEFFICIENT ADHESIVE. APPARENTLY THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT DEFECT OCCURRING TO OTHER OWNERS OF 2002 EXPLORERS. THIS IS ALSO A COMPLETELY REPLACED REAR WINDOW FOLLOWING THE SHATTERING OF THE ORIGINAL ONE IN MARCH 2004 DUE TO BAD STRUTS. AFTER HAVING THE SHATTERED WINDOW REPLACED, IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF THE FOLLOWING YEAR DUE TO THE FAULTY HINGE (WHICH WAS RECALLED). I HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF OVER $700 FROM THE FORD DEALER TO FIX THIS APPLIQUE. I FEEL THAT WITH THIS MANY COMPLAINTS IT'S INEXCUSABLE FOR FORD TO NOT ISSUE A RECALL. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD AGAIN AFTER THIS NOR WILL ANYONE IN MY FAMILY WITH THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR

Mileage: 64,200

REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *TR

THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW IS CRACKED FOR NO REASON WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO A FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT IS NORMAL AND FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DUE. SO I CALLED THE FORD SERVICE NUMBER IN MY FORD HANDBOOK AND THE MANAGER CONFIRMED THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT ITS NOT A RECALL OUT BECAUSE ITS NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM AND IF I WANTED IT FIXED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. SO I ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE RATE AND I WAS ALSO TOLD THEY KNEW ABOUT THAT TOO (THE TRANSMISSIONS FAIL UNDER 100,000 MILES) BUT THERE ISN'T A RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR GLASS WAS CRACKED FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS. HE NOTICED ANOTHER CRACK BEGINNING TO FORM AT THE TOP AS WELL. ONE CRACK IS IN THE CENTER AND THE OTHER IS ON THE TOP RIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSUME A SMALL PORTION OF THE COST TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT STATE WHETHER THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,700. UPDATED 04-02-08 *BF

Mileage: 25,000

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHOCKS WERE NO LONGER HOLDING UP THE WINDOW WHEN OPEN. REPLACED BOTH SHOCKS, CLOSED THE LIFTGATE GLASS AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED, RESULTING IN THE BOTTOM TRIM PIECE FALLING AND SHATTERED GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE. FORTUNATELY THEIR WERE NO INJURIES. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

I DRIVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER MODEL, 4 DOOR. THE ARMS (4) WHICH HOLD BOTH THE BACK DOOR UP WHEN OPEN AND THE BACK GLASS UP WHEN OPEN DO NOT RAISE UP FULLY. I FIND MYSELF CONSTANTLY BUMPING MY HEAD ON EITHER THE DOOR OR THE GLASS. LAST NIGHT AFTER A BASEBALL PRACTICE FOR MY 10-YEAR OLD SON I POPPED OPEN THE BACK GLASS TO PUT HIS BASEBALL BAG IN THE CAR. THE GLASS WENT UP PART WAY AND UNTHINKINGLY I HIT MY HEAD ON THE GLASS. I PUSHED THE GLASS UP SO I COULD PLACE THE BAG IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GLASS PANE EXPLODED. IT SHOWERED GLASS SHRAPNEL OVER THE TWO OF US. WE WERE BOTH SHOCKED THAT THE GLASS WINDOW WOULD JUST CATASTROPHICALLY EXPLODE. WE ARE VERY LUCKY WE WERE NOT INJURED. I FEEL THAT THIS ACCIDENT IS A PUBLIC HAZARD. I WILL AVOID A POOR DESIGN LIKE THIS WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR. WHEN I REPORTED IT TO PAYTON WRIGHT FORD IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, THE SERVICE ADVISER SHRUGGED IT OFF AND STATED YES I'VE SEEN THAT HAPPEN, LIKE IT WAS AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE. I WAS TOLD TO REPORT IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THAT FORD WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND A CRACK APPEARED OVERNIGHT IN THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING DEFECT IN FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO FIX THE DEFECT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000(STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) IN MAY OF 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE FIXED BACK IN APRIL 2007, HOWEVER THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED AGAIN. TL THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE GLASS BROKE AND SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 21 DAYS TO HAVE THE GLASS INSTALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY $948 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS THE BRACKETS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. SHE ALSO SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY DIDN'T OFFER HER ANY ASSISTANCE.

Mileage: 100,000

2002 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION TYPE 5R55W STARTED TO SLIP AND THE VEHICLE HAS 110,000 MI. NEXT MY O/D DASH LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THEN THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT WENT ON. DEALER STATED IT WAS JUST A BAD SOLENOID REPLACEMENT COST OF $1,000 OR WORSE? SECOND OPINION STATED THAT THERE IS A BURIED CODE IN THE DIAGNOSTIC ABOUT THE OVERDRIVE WASN'T WORKING AND THE TEST DRIVE BY MECH. NOTED THAT 5TH GEAR WASN'T WORKING. THE INDEPENDENT MECH. STATED THAT HE WAS SORRY WHEN HE FOUND OUT IT WAS AN EXPLORER BECAUSE HE HAS A LOT OF THIS WORK. THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHAULED TO THE SUM OF $2,710. SAFETY CONCERN? WELL YOU HAVE YOUR FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY WHILE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OR WORSE. TO ME THIS IS AS BIG AS A SAFETY ITEM AS THEIR BACK GLASS LIFT GATE THEY RECALLED. OR THEIR ROLL OVER ISSUE FOR THAT MATTER. SO I MAY BE ONE PERSON BUT YOU JUST HAVE TO TYPE IN THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ARE INCREDIBLE. OK SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SO GO TO THEIR TSB AND THIS IS LITTERED WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION FROM THE START BUT APPARENTLY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH FOR FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. I WOULD ASK THAT THE NHTSA DO WHAT IS IN THEIR POWER TO REQUEST FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE AND REIMBURSE US FOR FIXING AN OBVIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS THE CRACK IS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN MARCH OF 2007, THE CONTACT FOUND A CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN ON JANUARY 6, 2008 AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,500. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

Mileage: 14,500

I LIFTED MY REAR UPPER TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, AND THE WINDSHIELD LITERALLY EXPLODED ON MY HEAD, INCLUDING DROPPING THE LOWER PART OF THE TAILGATE ON TOP OF ME. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AND MY LOCAL FORD DEALER CLAIMS THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. MY LOCAL BODYSHOP HOWEVER WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS TAILGATE HAD A PREVIOUS RECALL RELATED TO THE HINGES I BELIEVE, WHICH I DID HAVE DONE, BACK IN 2005. MY CAR HAS 75,000 MILES AND IS USED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING. *TR

THE REAR WINDOWS WAS RECALLED AND THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. NOW THE BACK WINDOW FAILED AS I AM TOLD BY THE FORD DEALER HAS CRACKED. AFTER SOME SEARCHING I SEE THIS IS PRETTY COMMON AFTER THE REPAIR. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WINDOWS_WINDSHIELD/REAR_LIFT_GATE_WINDOW_EXPLODED.SHTML *TR

Mileage: 38,000

STRESS FRACTURE RUNNING VERTICALLY ALONG PLASTIC PANEL OF LIFTGATE DIRECTLY UNDER BACK WINDOW APPEARED. THE CRACK IS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM RUNNING FROM THE GLASS THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL. NO FORCE OF ANY KIND WAS APPLIED TO THE AREA TO CAUSE THIS CRACK. I LIVE IN A COLD WEATHER CLIMATE WITH RAIN AND SNOW AND AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT WATER GETTING INSIDE AND EFFECTING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SINCE THIS IS A COMMONLY DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, THAT COULD LEAD TO FURTHER MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS, FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE PANEL. *TR

2 LARGE VERTICAL CRACKS IN BACK PANEL OF TAILGATE EXTENDING DOWN FROM WINDOW. *TR

2002 EXPLORER REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHEN MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER CLOSED THE TOP LIFT GATE. REAR WINDOW RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 8/2007 FORD WILL NOT COVER COST ($1,400.00) FOR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

WENT TO OPEN LIFTGATE WHEN PARKED IN THE DARK AND CUT HAND ON CRACKED PANEL. CALLED FORD, THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE PLASTIC PANELS ARE CRACKING IN THE COLD/HOT TEMP CHANGES BUT ARE NOT RECALLING THEM. WE TAPED THE CRACK SO OUR CHILDREN WON'T GET HURT. PLEASE HELP. IF YOU GO TO WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 69,999

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH PLASTIC PANEL CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH, TOP TO BOTTOM DIRECTLY ABOVE AND BELOW THE OVAL FORD EMBLEM. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE RAN THE VIN. NO. AND TOLD ME THIS PANEL HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. *TR

Mileage: 52,040

CRACKS APPEARING ON THE TAILGATE OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE UNDERNEATH THE BACK WINDOW, RIGHT NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. I HAVE A CRACK FROM THE TOP OF THE FRAME TO THE BOTTOM. I HAVE HAD THIS CRACK ON MY VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, OR WAS NOT ON RECALL. SINCE THEN I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE WITH THE SAME CRACK IN THE BACK UNDERNEATH THE BACK WINDOW NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. *TR

THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED VERTICALLY FROM THE GLASS ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL FOR NO APPARENT REASON (I.E. HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WHILE REAR WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY CLOSED). I HAVE NOTICED THAT MOST EXPLORERS IN MY AREA WITH THE SAME LIFTGATE HAVE THE SAME VERTICAL CRACK IN THE SAME LOCATION. CONCERNED WITH POTENTIAL GLASS BREAKING DUE TO SOME STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE WINDOW LIFTGATE. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

THE PANEL JUST BELOW THE BACK LIFT GATE WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IN TWO PLACES. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE EXACT SAME CRACKS AND THERE ARE 100'S OF REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT. FORD CORPORATE SAID TO CONTACT A DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM SO THEY OFFERED NO HELP WITH THE SITUATION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HOFFMAN FORD DEALERSHIP IN EAST HARTFORD, CT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD SPLIT THE REPAIR COST WITH ME. THEY NEVER FOLLOWED THRU WITH THE OFFER. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CALL ME WHEN THEY HAD THE PART BUT THAT NEVER HAPPENED. IT IS OBVIOUS FORD CORPORATE KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS A DEFECT. THE OUTSIDE OF A CAR SHOULD NEVER CRACK FOR NO REASON. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

THE LIFT GATE (WINDOW PORTION) OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS SUSTAINED A CRACK DIRECTLY DOWN THE MIDDLE UNDER THE GLASS. THE CRACK IS CLEAN CUT AND APPEARS TO EXPAND AND CLOSE WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD AND CONTRACTS AND CLOSES WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THE CRACK APPEARED. I NOTICED IT APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTH AGO AND HAS NOT HAD ANY INCIDENCES THAT WOULD WARRANT THE CRACK. SINCE I'VE NOTICED THE CRACK, I'VE SEEN TWO OTHER EXPLORES THAT HAVE THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME LOCATION AS MINE, AND STARTING WONDERING IF THIS IS A BODY DEFECT. CAN YOU PLEASE RESEARCH THIS CONCERN FOR ME AND NOTIFY ME OF YOUR FINDINGS? *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2007, THE HINGE FAILED ON THE LIFTGATE AND THE GLASS FELL OUT AND SHATTERED. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND A RECALL WAS FOUND. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER. FORD STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNERS, HOWEVER, IT WAS DONE IMPROPERLY AT THE TIME. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,600. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB

Mileage: 91,600

2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH TAILGATE PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE TAILGATE ASSEMBLY IS IN QUESTION**CC THE CONSUMER STATED FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND WILL NOT LONGER HONOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. *TR

THE PROBLEM IS MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE, MY PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKING FOR NO REASON, I DO NOT USE IS PART OF THE LIFTGATE, AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 100 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SAFETY PROBLEM THAT WILL ALLOW THE REAR WINDOW TO FALLOUT OR EXPLODE WHEN OPERATING THE DOOR OR NORMAL DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE . FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANELS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER OF 2002 AND UP FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS TAILGATE DESIGN. *JB

Mileage: 53,000

REAR LIFTGATE ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES BELOW THE WINDOW. HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY SAME VEHICLES. HAVE HAD MANY COMMENTS ON IF FORD HAS ISSUED A RECALL. *JB

Mileage: 138,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE HAD CRACKED RIGHT BELOW THE GLASS. THE CRACK IS SPREADING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB

Mileage: 45,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. HE NOTIFIED FORD WHO STATED THAT COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 65,590 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Mileage: 37,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THREE DAYS LATER, SHE DISCOVERED A CRACK BELOW THE WINDOW OF THE REAR DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES ON LOCATION WITH THE SAME FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HER VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT SERVICED WITH FORD. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,750. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

Mileage: 58,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, PLASTIC TRIM PIECE BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS CRACKED ALL THE WAY. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT WITHOUT PROPER STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE REAR GLASS HINGE POSTS, BUT THE WILL NOT FIX THE PLASTIC WHICH BROKE AS A RESULT OF NORMAL CLOSING OF THE HATCHBACK. I FOUND A FORUM WITH 129 POSTINGS ON IT TODAY CLAIMING THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PORTION ON THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFTGATE CRACKED VERTICALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*AK

Mileage: 75,000

NOTICED CRACKED PANEL (APPLIQUE) BELOW REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (SUV) 1ST THOUGHT WAS SOMEONE HIT ME WHILE I WAS PARKED. THEN REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THAT TEMP WAS 19 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER GOING ONLINE TO CAR COMPLAINTS FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. CONTACTED FORD CO. THEY TOLD ME TO GET AN ESTIMATE. METRO FORD GAVE ME ESTIMATE OF $302.89, CALLED FORD CO. BACK THEY SAID THEY WON'T PAY. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS FIX, EVEN IF I DID, BET IT WILL CRACK AGAIN WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING AGAIN. IT HAS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE PART. ONLINE COMPLAINTS SAY FORD KNOWS IT'S A FLAW BUT THEY ARE NOT HELPING US CONSUMERS. *TR

REAR LIFTGATE OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPS CRACK ON PIECE BELOW GLASS. *JB

Mileage: 54,800

2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACK IN REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *JB

REAR HATCH ON 2002 EXPLORER TRIM PIECE AT BOTTOM CRACKS..THSI IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT WILL NOT FIX

Mileage: 85,000

IN DECEMBER, 2006, FOUND CRACK IN HATCHACK DOOR JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO EXPLAIN WHAT I SAW AND WHAT THEY WOULD DO TO TAKE CARE OF THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS ONLY COSMETIC AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT PAY TO REPLACE, THAT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBLILITY

Mileage: 58,000

ON A COLD DAY, I DISCOVERED THAT THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE REAR GATE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 32 DEGREE F AT THE TIME. *JB

Mileage: 65,000

DAUGHTER CAME OUT OF SCHOOL TO FIND CRACK BENEATH REAR WINDOW. THOUGHT TO BE RESULT OF HIT AND RUN IN PARKING LOT. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. REPAIRED AT NO COST TO US, NO PROBLEM. GOOD DEALER! WE ARE VERY GOOD FORD CUSTOMERS, HAVING BOUGHT EXCLUSIVELY FORDS FOR 20+ YEARS. THIS WILL NOT DETER US FROM BUYING FORD AGAIN. *JB

THERE IS A LARGE CRACK IN MY TAILGATE THAT STARTS AT THE BACK WINDSHIELD GLASS AND RUNS HALFWAY DOWN MY TAILGATE. I GUESS THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THESE CRACKS AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IN PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS. I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN IF THEY ARE GOING TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS...PLEASE HELP US GET THEM TO RECALL THIS. THANKS. *JB

Mileage: 79,000

WHILE CLOSING REAR TAILGATE WINDOW OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER,FIBERGLASS PORTION OF THE TAILGATE SHATTERED. NO INJURY WAS INCURRED; HOWEVER, THE POTENTIAL DOES EXIST. INQUIRED MANUFACTURE, AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART THEREFORE, THEY FELT NO LIABILITY TO REPLACE THE PART. SINCE THE INCIDENT, I HAVE NOTICED 5 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

Mileage: 79,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON FEB 3RD THE LIFT GATE SPLIT IN 2 PIECES. MANF. DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING AND HAS NEITHER OFFERED ANY KIND OF MONTEREY ASSISTANCE OR ISSUED A RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO PAY THE REPAIR OUT OF MY POCKET BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THEY UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HAZARD BUT ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY LIFTGATE CLOSED IS THE 2 PUMPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GATE. OBVIOUS HAZARD!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE WHERE THE TAIL GATES ARE FAILING. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE FORD DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT??? *JB

Mileage: 47,500

REAR HATCH CRACKED TWO SPOTS. *JB

THE FIBERGLASS PANEL ON THE BACK HATCH OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED FROM THE GLASS STRAIGHT DOWN APPARENTLY DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT FOR SOME REASON THIS HAD HAPPENED A LOT THIS WINTER. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE TAKEN CARE OF OR AT LEAST A 50/50 SPLIT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE MANAGER TOLD ME BECAUSE OF THE MILES ON MY VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT A LOT OF THE FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE THE 2 PIECE FIBERGLASS PANELS ARE CRACKED ALSO THAT ARE DRIVING AROUND. CAN FORD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS? I HAVE NO OTHER DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. BUT THIS IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND YOU CAN BET WHEN I GO TO TRADE IT IN FORD WILL DISCOUNT FOR THIS DEFECT. *JB

Mileage: 90,000

TAILGATE EXTERIOR APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM

THE TAIL GATE DOOR PANEL BELOW THE GLASS HAS TO LINE CRACKS. IT BEGAN TO SEPARATE. IT ALSO HAPPEN TO MY FATHER IN-LAW. I HAVE ALSO SEEN IT IN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS CRACKED. THE APPLIQUE HELD THE BACK REAR GLASS ONTO THE LIFTGATE. THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED IF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNWILLING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE CRACK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAD 67200 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 67,200

LEFT PANEL BELOW TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT TO VEHICLE - NOTHING HIT THE CAR AND THE CAR DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

Mileage: 49,823

THE LIFTGATE EXTERIOR CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE WITH NO PRESSURE BEING APPLIED, MAYBE THE WEATHER MADE IT CRACK, BUT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *JB

Mileage: 52,355

ON A 10 DEGREE NIGHT, I WOKE UP TO FIND A NASTY CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT NOT ONLY CRACKED, BUT SEPARATED AND MADE ABOUT AN 1/8" GAP. ANOTHER CRACK BESIDE IT FORMING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FALL OUT ANY TIME. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THIS BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE!!!!!!! TELL ME HOW THAT IS FAIR, THAT WE PAY THE MONEY FOR THESE VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLES, AND THERE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THEM, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I CAN'T BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DENIAL. IT IS FORDS PLACE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT IS UNETHICAL FOR FORD TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS AND VERY BAD FOR BUSINESS. I CAN'T USE MY BACK HATCH ANYMORE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CRACK AGAIN AND PIECES FALL OUT. I CARRY FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE AND DO MY PART TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE, NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO COVER SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT!!!!!! COME ON FORD, CUT US SOME SLACK. CH . *NM

2002 FORD EXPLORER - PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (APPLIQUE) CRACKED. FORD DEALER CLAIMS IT HAPPENS WHEN WEATHER IS TO HOT OR COLD. *NM

Mileage: 59,950

THE BACK PANEL OF OUR FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED THE VERTICAL LENGTH OF THE TO PANEL. HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

Mileage: 60,000

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW AS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN 5 OTHERS WITH IDENTICAL CRACKS. FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABLE ACTIONS. *JB

I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL IN MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS PANEL COULD BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *NM

I WALKED AROUND THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TODAY TO FIND THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW MY REAR WINDOW WAS SEVERELY CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. I HAD A MINOR CRACK WHICH I REPAIRED ON MY OWN BEFORE. IN NEITHER INSTANCE DID I HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES TO CAUSE THE CRACKS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND CONTACTING A FEW FORD DEALERSHIPS, I'VE DISCOVERED THAT HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE PHANTOM SPLITTING OF A BODY PANEL ON A MODERN VEHICLE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. MY VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS NOW IN QUESTION; I AM CONCERNED THAT THE HATCH-BACK GLASS IS NOW NOT ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED DUE TO THE MULTIPLE CRACKS BELOW IT. PLEASE, FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL 2002 EXPLORER DRIVERS AND THE TRAVELERS BEHIND THEM ON THE ROAD, SEE TO IT THAT THIS DEFECT IS REMEDIED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITH A PRODUCT RECALL. *JB

TWO LARGE CRACKS IN BACK BODY PANEL BELOW BACK WINDOW. APPEARED SPONTANEOUSLY AND HAVE STEADILY WORSENED. TWO SEPARATE DEALERS HAVE STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $400-500 TO HAVE IT FIXED. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY OTHER 2002 EXPLORERS AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF FORD OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM OR FIXING THESE CARS. *JB

Mileage: 25,000

THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE HAS DEVELOPED TWO VERTICAL CRACKS, APPROX 1/8TH" IN DIAMETER RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL (APPROX 5 INCHES) TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE 'FORD' EMBLEM. THESE DEVELOPED SPONTANEOUSLY OVER TIME, ONE AFTER ANOTHER. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR OTHER TRAUMA TO TRIGGER THESE CRACKS. RESEARCH REVEALS THAT _MANY_ OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT. I NOTICED THE SAME CONDITION ON SEVERAL OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORERS SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND TOWN. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS MOST OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *JB

Mileage: 70,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. IT IS A VERTICAL CRACK THE HEIGHT OF THE PANEL TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS IN GETTING FORD OR MY DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE REPAIR IS $571.20. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACK MAY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF MY REAR WINDOW. *JB

Mileage: 72,750

THE UPPER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE WAS OPENED TO ACCESS CARGO AND AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UP POSITION, THE GLASS EXPLODED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HUSBAND WAS SHOWERED WITH GLASS AND JUST MISSED BEING HIT BY THE ATTACHED LOWER PANEL THAT FELL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IF PASSENGERS WERE SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE A PARENT IS HOLDING A CHILD WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE BACK, THEY COULD INCUR SERIOUS INJURIES. GLASS SHATTERING OVER YOUR HEAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE DID GO IN FOR THE RECALL SENT OUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO REPLACE A BRACKET. OBVIOUSLY, THIS DID NOT DO A THING TO PREVENT THIS WINDOW FROM BREAKING, FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND TRIED TO DO THE CHEAPEST THING POSSIBLE TO FIX IT, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY. FORD SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND ALBEIT MY OPINION, I BELIEVE THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SHOULD BE ON THE HORIZON. WE WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER TOMORROW AND FINDING OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS ON THE INTERNET ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RESOLVED BEFORE IT CAUSES A DEATH OR LIFE CHANGING INJURY. *JB

Mileage: 128,000

THERE IS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GATE THAT HAS A VERTICAL CRACK.. INITIALLY, THE REAR WINDOW WAS A RECALL, NOW THE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW HAS CRACKED. THE REAR WINDOW WAS REPLACED, AT NO COST, BUT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECT/CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL. *JB

CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR GLASS. 02 FORD EXPLORER. WENT TO PICK UP KIDS FROM MOTHERS HOUSE, AND WALKED AROUND TRUCK, AND SAW IT. CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP, IN AN UPSIDE DOWN FASHION. ALL THE WAY THROUGH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. LOTS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, AND AROUND TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFRAID IT IS ALSO A REAR GLASS PROBLEM, AS THE REAR GLASS IS ATTACHED TO THE CRACKED PEICE. ALSO HEARD THERE WAS AT ONE TIME A RECALL ON THE REAR GLASS OF THE 02. *NM

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS THE CRACK IS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE LOCATION OF THIS CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM UNDER THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW.

THE BACK LIFTGATE OR HATCH BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK THAT HAS JUST MAGICALLY APPEARED. THE CRACK IS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND ANOTHER 1 INCH BESIDE IT. IT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR GLASS. I WAS ON A WEBSITE THAT HAS ABOUT 65 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR'S MODEL OF EXPLORER. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS AN OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE THEY DID HAVE A RECALL. *NM

Mileage: 45,900

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT I BELIEVE IT IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. I AM (SORRY 'WAS') THE PROUD OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. IT HAS SUDDENLY DEVELOPED 2 STRESS CRACKS IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW - ONE ACTUALLY GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE PANEL FROM END TO END!. THEY WERE MOST CERTAINLY NOT THERE THIS MORNING WHEN I PARKED MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD IN ATLANTA TODAY, I'VE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET THIS EVENING AND I AM ABSOLUTELY ALARMED TO DISCOVER THAT THE CRACKING IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS YEAR/MODEL EXPLORER IN COLD CONDITIONS - WHY IS FORD NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?? *NM

Mileage: 71,891

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFT GATE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW CRACKED AT AROUND 65,000 MILES. TWO WEEKS LATER IT CRACKED AGAIN. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS REPORTED ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. *JB

Mileage: 65,000

THE PROBLEM IS MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE, MY PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKING FOR NO REASON, I DO NOT USE IS PART OF THE LIFTGATE, AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 100 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SAFETY PROBLEM THAT WILL ALLOW THE REAR WINDOW TO FALLOUT OR EXPLODE WHEN OPERATING THE DOOR OR NORMAL DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE . FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANELS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER OF 2002 AND UP FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS TAILGATE DESIGN. *NM

Mileage: 72,895

THE MIDDLE PANEL UNDER THE GLASS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR HAS CRACKED. I SUSPECT IT WAS DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I HAVE SINCE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOTICE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS. IN ADDITION, THIS PAST SUMMER MY SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF THE BARREL. I HAD 4 KIDS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. FORD RESPONDED BY TELLING ME THAT I HAD 75K MILES AND NO WARRANTY AND I DIDN'T TYPICALLY GET MY CAR SERVICED THERE SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO BE WILLING TO "WORK WITH ME" TO GET IT RESOLVED. WHEN I TOLD HIM I HAD MY 'REGULAR' MECHANIC LOOK AT IT HE SAID THAT THE LABOR RATE WAS PROBABLY CHEAPER WITH HIM THAN AT FORD. WELL - NOW TELL ME WHY I WOULD SERVICE MY CAR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP? OH YEAH...IN CASE I GET CRACKS OR SHIFTERS FALL OFF AND MAYBE THEY'LL 'WORK WITH ME' ON THE PRICE. BIG INCENTIVE. OH YEAH, MY FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T WORK - ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM. MY PREVIOUS EXPLORER (ABOUT 10 YEARS BACK) HAD THE SAME PROBLEM . THE GUY UP THE STREET HAS AN EXPLORER (2003) AND IT DOESN'T WORK EITHER. *JB

Mileage: 75,000

TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR WINDOW HAS A CRACK NEAR THE WINDOW MOLDING. NO INCIDENT OCCURRED WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO CRACK. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED ANOTHER VEHICLE, SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 03/07/07*JB

FORD REPLACED THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE ON THIS EXPLORER PER YOUR RECALL NOTICE ON SEPT. 1, 2005. ON JANUARY 13, AS I CLOSED THE LIFTGATE (GENTLY, NOT SLAMMING IT) IT EXPLODED INTO SHARDS OF GLASS THAT WENT ALL OVER THE GARAGE AND CUT MY FACE. GLASS FLEW IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAD ONLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES FROM ITS FULL OPEN POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NOTHING TO IMPEDE THE CLOSURE, AND THE LIFTGATE DID NOT STRIKE ANYTHING ON ITS WAY DOWN. *NM

Mileage: 75,312

MY LIFT GATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER JUST CRACKED LAST NIGHT AND UPON RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR EXPLORER. IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE REAR LIFT GATE AND FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE THAT I FOUND WHILE DOING A QUICK SEARCH. THIS PIECE IS GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THEN PAINTED TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS GOING TO COST $500 OR MORE WHICH SHOULD BE FORDS RESPONSIBILITY. *JB

Mileage: 76,000

(1) EXCELLENT CARE OF VEHICLE, NO ACCIDENTS (2) REAR PANEL ON HATCH CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON FIRST COLD DAY OF FALL 2006 (APPEARS TO BE STRESS FROM THERMAL EXPANSION/CONTRACTION) (3) DEALER SAID $350 TO REPLACE PANEL AND PAINT AND WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY FROM FORD

Mileage: 60,000

THERE ARE NO IDENTIFIABLE EVENT LEADING UP TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE PROBLEM. IT WAS COLD AT NIGHT WHEN I FOUND THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE. PROBLEM: FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR TAILGATE CRACK. THE TAILGATE HAS A CLEAN CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM UNDER AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD OVAL. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE TAILGATE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER NORTH AMERICA. *NM

Mileage: 57,500

THE TAILGATE UNDER THE GLASS THAT LIFTS UP IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE GLASS TO THE PART WHERE YOU CAN LIFT THE WHOLE TAILGATE RIGHT BY THE KEY HOLE. I HAVE NOTICED A FEW OTHERS CRACKED IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN. I HAVE INFORMED MITSIBISHI WHERE I BOUGHT IT USED BUT THEY SAY I HAVE TO CONTACT FORD. WHAT DO I DO? *NM

Mileage: 68,500

2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V6 4X4 REAR WINDOW LOWER PLASTIC PANEL COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGHOUT. *JB

AT 74000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION! THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SAID THAT "WE WERE THE ONLY ONE'S WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM" (YEAH RIGHT!) IT COST US $6000 OUT OF OUR POCKET TO FIX. AT 86000 MILES THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOW. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. AGAIN, STAYTON FORD TOLD US THAT,"WE WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE." AT AROUND 85000, 95000 AND 105000 MILES, THE REAR SEALS LEAKED. WE WERE PROMISED EACH TIME THAT THEY WOULD LAST "FOR AT LEAST 50000 MILES." WE WERE ALWAYS A FEW MILES AWAY FROM GETTING THEM REPLACED FOR FREE SINCE THEY'RE LIMITED WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. AT 111000 MILES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT "HAYWIRE." EVEN WHEN ALL OF THE DOOR AND HATCH ARE CLOSED, THE DOME LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF (MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT) BECAUSE IT SENSES THAT A "DOOR IS A JAR." SOMETIMES, THE KEY PAD THAT'S LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SETS OFF THE ALARM WHEN WE PUSH THE FIRST NUMBER ON THE KEY. TOTALLY UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE! *NM

Mileage: 85,000

THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GETS VERTICAL CRACKS. IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AT ABOUT 60,000. THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT REPLACED THE REAR PANEL AS PART OF THE HINGE WARRANTY RECALL. AT THE TIME, IT HAD 1 VERTICAL CRACK. I NOW HAVE 100K ON MY CAR AND THE CRACKS HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN. I NOW HAVE 3 VERTICAL CRACKS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT. MY DAUGHTER HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE 48 PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT FORD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND WILL NOT COVER REPAIR OF THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WITH THE CRACKS THE UPPER REAR PANEL HAS LOST IT'S INTEGRITY AND THE WINDOW COULD DISLODGE. *JB

Mileage: 68,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH 51,300 MILES. ON 11/23/06 TWO LONG CRACKS DEVELOPED IN MY LIFT GATE PANEL JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. ONE CRACK EXTENDS THE FULL LENGTH OF THE PANEL. THE OTHER EXTENDS FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL AND EXTENDS TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THESE CRACKS DEVELOPED COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE OR FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE PANEL. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE CARPORT. I RESEARCHED MY DAMAGE AND FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL EXPLORER WITH THE SAME DAMAGE IN THE SAME LOCATION. SEVERAL OF THEM ADVISED THAT FORD WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE LOCATION OF THE DAMAGE POSES A REAL DANGER IF THE PANEL COMPLETELY SEPARATES. IF SEPARATION OCCURS THE GLASS CAN POSSIBLY SHATTER CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. I AM CONVINCED THE DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE PANEL WHICH IS IN NO WAY MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. I AM REQUESTING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY ISSUE A RECALL ON THE PANEL FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON TO DISCUSS THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. *JB

Mileage: 51,890

CRACKED ON THE BACK PANEL, BETWEEN THE WINDOW GLASS AND FORD LOGO. *JB

CRACK APPEARED UNDER BACK GLASS ON DRIVERS SIDE ALL THE WAY THROUGH PANEL DOWN PAST FORD EMBLEM, ANOTHER CRACK IS ON PASSENGER SIDE BACK ALL THE WAY THREW , BUT NOT DOWN QUITE AS FAR. *NM

CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (FORD CALLS THIS AN APPLIQUE). *NM

Mileage: 32,000

VERTICAL CRACK ALL THE WAY THROUGH REAR-PANEL BELOW REAR GLASS ABOUT 2 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. HAVE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND WITH THE SAME CRACK.

Mileage: 121,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WAS LIFTED UP, AND THE HYDRAULIC SUPPORT DEVICE FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE REAR HATCH TO CLOSE FORCEFULLY ON THE ARM OF THE CONTACT. THE LEFT ARM OF THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HUGE BRUISE, AND WAS WEARING 3 LAYERS OF CLOTHING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND THE SUPPORT DEVICE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT A CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF THE REAR HATCH FAILED WITH A CHILD PRESENT.

Mileage: 62,950

REAR LIFTGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER HAS A CRACK IN IT. I WORKED FOR FORD FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. I PERSONALLY HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE. WITH FORD HURTING FOR BUSINESS YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THESE TO KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS. I PERSONALLY OWN TWO FORD PRODUCTS AND UNLESS THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM THEN I WILL PURCHASE MY NEXT VEHICLES FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. *JB

Mileage: 58,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEING WASHED BY HAND, THE LIFTGATE GLASS BECAME UNFASTENED AND FRACTURED WHEN THE GATE WAS OPENED. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSED PERSONAL INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP.

Mileage: 59,578

WELL....HERE IS THE 2ND COMPLAINT THAT I'M FILING ON MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 10 MILES. I THOUGHT I WOULD GET THE BRAKES CHECKED SINCE I HAD 68,000 MILES ONLY TO FIND OUT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS BAD AND NEEDING REPAIR. FORD DROPPED THE BALL ON THAT!!! NOW I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PANEL HAS CRACKED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!!! THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THEM!!! *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRACKET CONNECTING THE RIGHT STRUT TO THE LIFTGATE ROTATED OUT OF POSITION, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO FALL AND SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 01I010000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE SIDE AND REAR GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

THERE IS A TWO TO THREE INCH CRACK IN MY BACK HATCH DOOR IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT IS IN THE BODY WORK RIGHT TO THE LEFT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. I CALLED FORD AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD RESOLVE THIS FORM ME AS I FELT NEVER SHOULD A CRACK IN THE BODY OF A VEHICLE OCCUR. THEY SAID THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL EACH TIME I CALLED AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK BACK. THAT'S AS FAR AS THEY WOULD GO. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND SAW ANOTHER EXPLORER WITH A WORSE CRACK THAN MY OWN. I DO NOT HAVE THIS PERSON'S INFORMATION AS I HAVE MISPLACED IT. I TALKED WITH MY OWN VEHICLE PLACE (FRED BEAN'S OF WEST CHESTER) WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY WILL NOT HANDLE THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGING ME. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR SUCH AN INCIDENT AS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO CREATE THE PROBLEM. A COUPLE YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD THE HINGE ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF THEN IT WASN'T TOO LONG AFTER THAT THE ISSUE AROSE. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE IMPACT OF CLOSING THIS HATCH WITH WEAK OR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED HINGES MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS CRACK. WHEN I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT THE FORD PLACE, THE PERSON OF WHOM REMAINS ANONYMOUS FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, SAID TO ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN ABOUT 10-100 OTHER VEHICLES COME IN TO THEIR PLACE ALONE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE AND NO ONE WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE CONTACT ME. *NM

I HAVE TAKEN IN MY 2002 FORD TWICE TO HAVE THE HATCH HINGE REPAIRED. THE THIRD TIME I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WAS BECAUSE I GOT A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. THE RECALL DESCRIPTION WAS FOR: THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK. AFTER A YEAR OF IT'S RECALL THE HINGE AGAIN POPPED OUT BUT THIS TIME THE REAR GLASS OF MY VEHICLE DID SHATTER. I TOOK MY VEHICLE AGAIN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP (WHERE I'VE TAKEN IT NOW FOR THE FOURTH TIME) AND THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY ALREADY "FIXED" THE RECALLED PART THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO REPLACE THE REAR WINDOW HATCH. TWO THINGS ARE POSSIBLE: 1. THE FORD DEALERSHIP INSTALLED THE RECALLED PART INCORRECTLY OR 2. THE RECALLED PART WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. I AM NOT GOING TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR THE RECALLED PART TO BE FIX. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHUTTING THE LIFTGATE GLASS IT SHATTERED AND RAINED DOWN. THE BROKEN GLASS CUT THE ARM, LEG AND FOOT OF THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A REPAIR WOULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE WINDOW CYLINDER DID NOT APPEAR TO BE DAMAGED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 01I010000 WHICH PERTAINS TO THE SIDE AND REAR GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Mileage: 66,000

ON THE BACK LIFTGATE, THE MIDDLE BODY PIECE HAS CRACKED AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED AROUND THE FORD SYMBOL. DEALER HAS REPLACED ONCE AND WILL NOT REPLACE AGAIN. THE AXLE HOUSING IS LEAKING NEXT TO THE DIFFERENTIAL. *NM

Mileage: 40,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AT VARIABLE SPEEDS, SOMETIMES NOT ENGAGING THE NEXT HIGHER GEAR OR AT TIMES THE ENGINE WOULD RACE, THEN SLAM INTO GEAR WITH A BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE 5TH GEAR IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REBUILT, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED ON 7 OCCASIONS. THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE WAS REPLACED, BUT CONTINUED TO FALL OUT OF THE HINGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.

Mileage: 8,027

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFTGATE LATCH WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED. WHILE TRYING TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SCREW THAT HOLDS THE LIFTGATE HAD LOOSENED, AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE HINGES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HINGE, BUT THAT RECALL WAS CLOSED. *AK

Mileage: 84,000

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW HINGE BROKE SCRAPING THE REAR WINDOW. *KB THE LIFTGATE HINGE SNAPPED OFF AS THE CONSUMER OPENED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW. THE BROKEN HINGE ALSO CAUSED THE REAR CLASS TO SCRAPE THE PAINT ON THE UPPER REAR PORTION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE GLASS BROKE OFF THE HINGE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HE DEALER. THEY ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. THE TECHNICIAN CHECK THE VEHICLE VIN AGAINST THE RECALL AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V442000. THE CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE THE HINGE REPLACED. *NM

Mileage: 32,256

ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC "THE CAGED NUT BROKE FROM 8 AN INCH BOLT WITH WASHERS ON THE REAR END" HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. *JB

Mileage: 57,945

VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING, WHINING NOISE FROM REAR END AS WELL. OVER DRIVE LIGHT ON, THEN FINALLY VEHICLE STOPPED ENGAGING GEARS. 2002 EXPLORER HAS BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR ONE YEAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. FORD NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS 58000 MILES. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT REAR HATCH WINDOW BLEW OUT TWO TIMES WITH THE SECOND TIME GLASS BLEW OFF SO VIOLENTLY IT DAMAGED PAINT ON NEW VEHICLE (DEALER AND FORD MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIR AND INSTRUCTED ME TO FILE INSURANCE CLAIM) DAMAGE TO OTHER CAR WAS CLEARLY DUE TO DEFECT IN WINDOW HATCH MECHANISM AND THEY SHOULD PAY. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. *JB

CRACKING IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I FEAR THE NATURE OF THE CRACK HAS INCREASED THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE REAR WINDOW TO FALL OUT DURING DRIVING. CRACK HAS JUST APPEARED DUE TO NO CONSEQUENCE OR MISUSE. THIS APPARENTLY IS BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. *NM

THE BACK GLASS LIFT GATE WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE DUE TO A RECALL BROKE. THE GLASS DOOR OPENED WITH THE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB, AND AS I REACHED INTO THE CAR TO PUT A STROLLER IN THE DOOR, IT SLAMMED DOWN AND HIT THE BACK OF MY HEAD FORCING MY CHIN TO ALSO SLAM INTO THE FRAME OF THE DOOR. *JB

Mileage: 32,000

CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 DATE: 2004-SEP-13 COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS THE FORD EXPLORER HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED FALL OF OCT 11,2005. ON JUNE 3,2006, ABOUT 8 MONTHS, THE EPOXY/TAR USED TO "SECURE" THE STRUT BRACKET ON THE GLASS FAILED IN 90+DEGREE WEATHER (MODERATE SUNNY DAY, IT WILL GET HOTTER). FROM OBSERVATION, USING ADHESIVE TO PREVENT THE BALL JOINT FROM PIVOTING WAS A BAD DESIGN. I OPENED THE GLASS LIFTGATE AND STARTED TO REACH IN AND THE GLASS LIFT GATE SLAMMED DOWN ON MY HEAD. DUE TO LOCAL TEMPERATURE AND REGULAR VIBRATION FROM DRIVING AND THE LOAD FROM THE STRUT, THE ADHESIVE YIELDED AND THE BALL JOINT ROTATED CAUSING THE STRUT TO POP OFF CAUSING THE GLASS LIFTGATE TO COME DOWN ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. HAD THIS HAPPEN TO MY WIFE, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BEING PETITE. I NOTIFIED THE FORD COMPANY AND THE DEALER, BOTH DECLINE TO REPAIR THE REPAIR PERFORMED UNDER RECALL AS IT WAS PASS THEIR WARRANTY OF 12 MONTH OR 12,000 MILES. IT WAS OVER THE 12,000 MILES. SO I GUESS AFTER 12 MONTH OR 12000 MILES, FORD IS NO LONGER LIABLE IF THE RECALL REPAIR INJURES OR KILLS SOMEONE AS IT WAS A REPAIR UNDER A RECALL. *JB

Mileage: 83,400

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE THREE CRACKS IN THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR ABOVE THE EMBLEM. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED. *AK

Mileage: 22,000

2002 EXPLORER HATCH CRACKED. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE REASON WHY THE HATCH CRACKED WAS BECAUSE THE WINDOW AND THE PANEL WERE GLUED TOGETHER AND CONTRACTED AT A DIFFERENT RATE. *JB

BROKEN PLASTIC BODY PANEL ON REAR HATCH OF EXPLORER 2002--VERTICAL BREAK IN PANEL PIECE OCCURRED JUST AFTER PURCHASE. CRACK WIDENS IN COLD WEATHER AND SHRINKS IN WARM, SO IT CAN'T BE PATCHED. JUST COSMETIC, BUT RAMPANT WITH THIS CAR. FORD APPARENTLY DEVELOPED A "BETTER" PANEL, BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERING THIS A RECALL DEFECT. VERY FRUSTRATING, BUT PROBABLY SHOULD BE EXPECTED BEHAVIOR. *JB

Mileage: 51,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A JERKING MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING WAS AGAIN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE FRONT PADS WERE REPLACED. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD POP OPEN. THERE WAS A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB

Mileage: 45,656

REAR LIFT HATCH ,THE PIECE OF BODY UNDER THE GLASS, STARTED OUT AS A SMALL CRACK. NOW HAS SPLIT AND SEPARATED ALL THE WAY DOWN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP HOPING TO BE TREATED WITH A LITTLE FAIRNESS. WRONG..IT CAN BE FIXED, BUT AT MY EXPENSE.. DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. IT HAPPENED ON IT'S OWN AND I'M FINDING OUT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE IT'S HAPPENED TO. THE NUMBERS SHOULD SHOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE FORD COMPANY.*JB

Mileage: 63,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S LIFT GATE STRUT DISENGAGED, IT FRACTURED THE GLASS AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000, CONCERNING THE LIFT GATE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE RECALL WORK WAS PREFORMED; ALTHOUGH, THE REMEDY DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR.

Mileage: 91,000

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS (45K MILES) THAT WAS RECALLED IN SEPTEMBER 2004 FOR THE BACK LIFTGATE. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE IN AUGUST IN 2005 AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. IN JANUARY OF 2006, THE LIFTGATE SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A CRACK (3-4 INCHES IN LENGTH)RIGHT BELOW THE BACK WINDOW, JUST TO THE RIGHT OF CENTER. AFTER TAKING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT SINCE IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS OF REPAIR (ABOUT $300). THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT BECAUSE FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A "SAFETY ISSUE". I BELIEVE IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRACK IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR WINDOW AND WILL PROBABLY GROW IN SIZE THE LONGER IT GOES UNREPAIRED. A NOTICEABLE CRACK THAT SUDDENLY DEVELOPS UNDER THE BACK WINDOW WOULD SEEM TO BE AN OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. FURTHERMORE, IT IS A "CUSTOMER SERVICE" ISSUE WHICH FORD SHOULD ADDRESS. ALSO, I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING IN THE LIFTGATE UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. THESE APPEAR TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WOULD SEEM TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND I AM NOT THE ONLY FORD CUSTOMER HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER. I AM EXPECTING FORD TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT IN THE 2002 EXPLORER. *NM

Mileage: 44,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A CRACK BY THE FORD SYMBOL IN THE BACK. THERE ARE NO DENTS OR DEBRIS AROUND THE CRACK. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED.

Mileage: 57,203

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR STATE INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND FLAKED OFF WHEN TOUCHED. THERE IS CORROSION ON THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS SUBMERGED IN SALTWATER. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED.

Mileage: 34,617

IN NOVEMBER 2005, THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED OVERNIGHT. THE CRACK IS DIRECTLY IN LINE WITH THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND IT IS CAUSED BY COLD TEMPERATURES AND WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID GETTING INTO THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE AND FORCING A CRACK. THE NIGHT THIS OCCURRED THE TEMPERATURE REACHED 10 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO. BECAUSE OF THIS CRACK, I NO LONGER CAN USE THIS PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE WHERE THE REPRESENTATIVE DID AN INVESTIGATION INTO MY CLAIM AND NO WARRANTY OR RECALL WILL COVER THIS DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE COST OF THE REPAIR IS $300.00. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A VEHICLE THAT IS MADE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. *JB

Mileage: 58,000

THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW DEVELOPED A 1/4 INCH CRACK FROM RUNNING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. *JB

Mileage: 37,000

UPSIDE DOWN "Y" CRACK FOUND IN LIFTGATE/HATCH FROM BOTTOM OF REAR WINDOW TO BOTTOM OF HATCH DOOR, TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT 3 YRS AGO, BUT WAS TOLD IT WASN'T COVERED - OUT OF WARRANTY. AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STABILITY OF THE REAR WINDOW AND LIFTGATE. THIS PRODUCT DEFECT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD AND REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. *JB

TWO LARGE CRACKS BELOW LIFTGATE WINDOW . I TOOK TRUCK IN FOR RECALL 04S20 AND DEALERSHIP SAID CRACKS WERE NOT FORDS PROBLEM BULL ----- SHAME ON FORD I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON INTERNET COMPLAINTS AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM . I THINK THEY SHOULD FIX IT CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC ON THE HATCHBACK UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK

Mileage: 36,000

DT: THE CONTACT HAD NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 01I010000 REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS IN FEBRUARY 2005. THEN, THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WHEN HE SHUT THE LIFTGATE. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK

Mileage: 47,000

IN MAY, 2005, FORD DEALER PERFORMED FIX FOR NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. THIS RECALL IS INTENDED TO PREVENT THE REAR TAILGATE GLASS FROM FAILING. THE ALARMING ISSUE IS THAT 5 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL FIX WAS PERFORMED, THE REAL TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE TAILGATE GLASS WAS IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS OCCURRED INSIDE A CLOSED GARAGE SO WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION SENT THOUSANDS OF PIECES A GLASS FLYING AS FAR AS 15 FEET. THIS COULD HAVE INJURED ANYBODY STANDING NEAR THE REAR OF THE CAR. IN THIS CASE, NOBODY WAS NEAR THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. PERHAPS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE RECALL FIX, OR PERHAPS THE RECALL FIX WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. BOTH THE FORD DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS COSTS. *NM

Mileage: 72,000

CRACK BELOW REAR WINDOW. *NM

Mileage: 41,000

FORD REPLACED HINGES ON BACK WINDOW 3 TIMES PER SAFETY RECALL BEFORE GETTING IT RIGHT. NOW, THE PANEL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW IS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS IT IS NOT RELATED. FORD BODY SHOP SAYS IT IS. *JB

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 EXPLORER AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND THE BACK WINDOW BLEW OUT. JUST SPONTANEOUSLY BLEW UP, SENDING GLASS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. IN APRIL 2005, THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR A BACK GATE GLASS PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS IT WAS FIXED. NOW, SIX MONTHS LATER, THE GLASS JUST BLOWS UP AND CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BACK GATE. THIS IS ODD AND FRIGHTENING. HAD MY CHILDREN BEEN IN THE THIRD SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH GLASS AND INJURED. LUCKILY, I HAD JUST LEFT THEM OFF AT SCHOOL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FOR US. *JB

I HAVE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE BENEATH THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. IT APPEARED AS A SCRATCH AND HAS MORPHED INTO A FULL BLOWN CRACK ABOUT SIX INCHES LONG. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END. THE REAR END MADE AN EXTREMELY LOUD ROARING SOUND. TOOK THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE TO THREE DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. ONE SAID IT WAS THE TIRES, AND THE OTHER TWO MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS AN EXPENSIVE REAR END PROBLEM. SHE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THEY ALL HAD THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD A RING AND PINION REPLACED IN THE REAR END NOT LONG AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THEY TOLD HER THAT THIS WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS , INCLUDING THE REAR AXLE. THIS NOISE ORIGINALLY STARTED AT 55-65 MPH, AND NOW IT WAS MAKING NOISE AT 40-70 MPH. AFTER GOING OVER 70 MPH COULD NOT HEAR IT AS BADLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RING AND PINION. A STRANGE SOUND THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, LIKE A BUZZING SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE HATCHBACK GLASS FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. IT JUST POPPED OUT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THEY DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE GLASS IN THE HATCH. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE PURCAHSED HER VEHICLE STILL HAS RECORDS OF WHAT WAS REPLACED ON VEHICLE.*AK

REAR HATCH WINDOW LIFT FAILED AND CAUSED REAR GLASS TO SHATTER (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT). THE WINDOW WAS LIFTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE REAR AND THE LIFT ARM APPARENTLY WAS WEDGED UNDER THE GLASS AND IT EXPLODED SO LOUDLY THAT NEIGHBORS 2 HOUSES AWAY RAN OVER AND PEOPLE WALKING DOWN THE STREET CAME TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE HAD THE GLASS REPLACED BY A GLASS COMPANY--THIS TOOK 4 DAYS DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE GLASS. THEY ALSO INDICATED THEY HAD JUST (THE SAME DAY) REPLACED ANOTHER WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. THE STRUTS WERE NOT REPLACED AND WE WERE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE HATCH DOOR UNTIL THEY ARE. OUR DEALER WAS NOT RESPONSIVE ON THIS MATTER BUT I BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION. THE GLASS CO SAID THAT THE WINDOW DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN OR AFTER 2002 SO THE STRUTS ARE LOWER AND SUPPORT THE GLASS CORRECTLY. *JB

DT: CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL 04520 IN 10-04. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY PUT HIM ON A LIST AND INDICATED THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK. IN 2-05 HE RECEIVED A CARD FROM FORD STATING DEALER COULD NOW ORDER PARTS FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS, AND THEY WILL ORDER THEM. THE DEALER SAID AGAIN HE WOULD BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. THE RECALL WAS ON LIFTGATE BACK WINDOW BRACKETS. THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T CALLED CONSUMER. *AK *NM

Mileage: 17,000

REAR HATCH HINGES POPPED OFF OF BOLTS, KNOWN PROBLEM, RECALLED SOME VEHICLES, DID NOT NOTIFY EVERY OWNER. WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS.

DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LIFTGATE STRUT, AND REPAIRS WERE DONE. BUT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE PART POPPED OFF, ON THE FOURTH OCCASION THE PART BROKE AGAIN. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. *AK

2002 FORD EXPLORER SAFETY BAR TO THE TAIL GATE CRACKED. *MR THE SAFETY BAR CRACKED AND CAUSED THE BACK WINDOW TO FLEX. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR ON HIS 2003 MODEL AS WELL. *SC *JB

DT: THE COMPLAINED STARTED IN 10/04. RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO CHECK ON THE PARTS. THE LIFTGATE BUSTED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS INSTALLED. DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS ON 12-30-2004. DECEMBER 31, 2004 CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER WOULDN'T GET THE CONSUMER A RENTAL CAR .SO THEY STAPLED PLASTIC OVER THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER MADE SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO FORD ASKING FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ONE TO CONSUMER. THE GLASS WAS REPLACED IN MARCH, BUT STILL WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY. A LIGHT APPEARED INDICATING A DOOR WAS AJAR, AND IT WAS ALWAYS THE LIFTGATE. AND COULDN'T OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE DEALER TO HELP FIX THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY BECAUSE IT COST THE DEALER TOO MUCH TO FIX THE VEHICLE THE FIRST TIME.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS GETTING THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM RECALL LIFTGATE REPAIRS ON VEHICLE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL WORK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED THERE. *NM

CAR WAS PARKED. WHEN MY WIFE WAS WALKING TO THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE BACK DOOR (HATCH AREA) OF VEHICLE WHICH IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE GLASS. TAKE NOTE THAT IF THIS PANEL FALLS OFF (AND COULD WITH THE CRACK), IT COULD FALL ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING HARM OR TRAGEDY. IF THE PANEL ALSO FALLS OFF, THE GLASS IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED WHICH ALSO CAN RESULT IN IT FALLING OFF ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR ONTO THE HIGHWAY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 63,000

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V442000 IN OCTOBER OF 2004 REGARDING THE LIFTGATE. SHE CONTINUED TO CONTACT THE FORD DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED AS OF YET BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS. *AK *SC *JB

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE AND DRIVER LIFTED UP THE LIFTGATE AND GLASS SHATTERED. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V442000) REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. NO PARTS AVAILABLE. *NM *BF *NM

RECALL 04V442000 WAS ISSUED FOR THE LIFTGATE IN OCTOBER 2004. DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON 3/20/05 I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL JUST BELOW THE UPPER LIFT GATE. THE CRACK IS TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM AND EXTENDS FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PLASTIC PANEL. UPON CONTACTING MY DEALER, I WAS INFORMED BY THEIR BODY SHOP THAT THIS REPAIR WAS COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. WHEN I WENT TO THE BODY SHOP AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE ORGINAL WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, MY ORIGINAL WARRANTY STARTED 6/29/01. I HAVE ONLY JUST REACHED 36,128 MILES TO DATE. I HAD PURCHASED AN ESP PREMIUM CARE CONTRACT, BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR MY VEHICLE REQUIRED EVEN THOUGH I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE ESP THAT IT OFFERED "BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE." IF I WANT THIS CRACK REPAIRED IT WILL HAVE TO BE OUT OF MY POCKET TO THE TUNE OF $450. IN ANY EVENT, I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT WILL INEVITABLY WEAKEN THE UPPER LIFTGATE WINDOW FRAME. I ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE UPPER LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL WITH THIS VISIT TO THE BODY SHOP. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFO. FROM FORD. THIS CRACK SEEMS AS THOUGH IT COULD ONLY ADD TO THE DANGEROUS SITUATION ONLY READY IMPOSED BY THE UPPER LIFTGATE. AT THE VERY LEAST, I FEEL THAT MY EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN SHOULD COVER THIS REPAIR ENSURING THE SAFETY OF MY UPPER LIFT GATE WINDOW. I PAID OVER $900 FOR THE ESP COVERAGE.*AK

Mileage: 36,050

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER SAW THE TAILGATE FRAME CRACKED AROUND THE GLASS WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 90,000

THE BACK HATCH ON MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT I HAVE SEEN. *AK

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER TO HONOR THIS RECALL SINCE MID DECEMBER 2004. DEALER KEPT INSISTING THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK

CONSUMER STATED A RECALL FOR THE LIFTGATE HAS WAS ISSUED. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. *AK *TT

Mileage: 65,000

RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE LIFTGATE ON THE CONSUMER'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALL BUT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR IT. *BF PRIOR TO THE LIFTGATE BEING REPAIRED IT OPENED TWICE WITHOUT USING THE LATCH RELEASE. THE PLASTIC PANEL WHICH IS A PART OF THE LIFTGATE CRACKED BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL. *NM

RECALL CAMPAIGN: RECALL ISSUED FOR LIFTGATE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *BF PRIOR TO THE LIFTGATE BEING REPAIRED IT OPENED TWICE WITHOUT USING THE LATCH RELEASE. THE PLASTIC PANEL WHICH IS A PART OF THE LIFTGATE CRACKED BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL. *NM

Mileage: 43,877

REAR LIFTGATE STRUCTURE BELOW THE GLASS HAS CRACKED. CRACK IS 6 INCHES LONG AND GROWING. IT SEEMS THIS IS A ISSUE THAT IS RELATED TO THE DESIGN FLAW COVERED (RECALL 04S20). THIS FLAW WILL EVENTUALLY EFFECT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE REAR LIFTGATE STRUCTURE AND MAKE UNSAFE.*AK

Mileage: 54,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000/REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL ON THE LIFT GATE. PARTS TO REPAIR THE RECALL WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR AT LEAST 5 MONTHS. NOW, THE LIFT GATE HAS CRASHED AND BROKEN AND THE DEALER IS TELLING THE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE IS 4000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE OWNER WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE HATCHBACK SLAMMED DOWN AND BROKE THE BACK PANEL. *TC

Mileage: 40,000

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V442000) REAR LIFTGATE GLASS NO PARTS AVAILABLE. NOTICE WAS RECEIVED ON NOV. 2004 HOWEVER STILL NO PARTS AVAILABL TO REPAIR LIFTGATE. *TT

THE PANEL THAT HOLDS THE BACK GLASS UP IS IN THE LIFTGATE CRACKED. THIS MAY CAUSE THE GLASS TO FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING . DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

Mileage: 50,000

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE PARTS IN ORDER TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. THIS WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL OFF.*AK

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER. AS A RESULT, THE LIFTGATE BROKE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' ISSUED FOR 2002 FORD EXPLORER, PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF (THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW) *SC

SEVERAL PROBLEMS - AT 9,000 MILES MY BRAKES WENT AND HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS RESURFACED BY 23,000 MILES MY REAR BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND MY FRONT BRAKES WERE NEARLY GONE. THIS COST ME OVER $1,000 TO REPAIR. AT 25-27,000 MILES MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS PROPERLY. GOING IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE WOULD "BANG" INTO GEAR, THEN GOING FROM PARK TO ANY GEAR THIS WOULD HAPPEN. ON LEVEL GROUND AND ON HILL. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY GUESSED AT THE PROBLEM AND FIXED SOMETHING IN THE TRANSMISSION. AT 32,000 MILES THE PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE LIFTGATE WINDOW COMPLETELY CRACKED. SINCE UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALERSHIP IS FIXING THIS. THERE HAS BEEN A "WHINING" NOISE WHILE USING THE GAS PEDAL FOR SOME TIME THAT THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT RECREATE.... I EXPECT THAT TO GO WRONG AS SOON AS MY WARRANTY EXPIRES. I THINK YOU ONLY GET 36,000 MILE WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE VEHICLE WILL FALL APART AFTER THAT!*JB

Mileage: 9,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE GLASS RECALL. THIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE AVAILABLE PARTS IN ORDER TO REPAIR.

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE GLASS RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE PARTS IN ORDER TO REPAIR.*AK

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. SARASOTA FORD, 941-366-3673. *AK

Mileage: 51,000

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000/REAR CONCERNING LIFTGATE GLASS. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. HOWEVER, BOTH HINGES WERE FRACTURED, AND THE GLASS FELL OUT OF POSITION. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. NO PARTS AVAILABLE.*AK

PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW REAR WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. FORD DELORSHIPS AND THE FORD MOTOR CORPORATION REFUSE TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DELORSHIP AND FORD THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS 2002 EXPLORERS NATIONWIDE. SOME HOW, THEY STILL BELIEVE ITS NOT NECESSARY TO RECALL. THEY HAVE, HOWEVER, ISSUED A TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO DELORSHIPS NATIONWIDE WITH INTRUCTIONS ON EXACTLY HOW TO FIX IT.*AK

ORIGINALLY INFORMED FORD DEALER OF LOUD SHUDDER IN VEHICLE UPON STARTING WHEN COLD AT ABOUT 11,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT IS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TRANSMISSION AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT--"KEEP ON DRIVING IT." TRANSMISSION OVER-DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER AT ABOUT 69,400 MILES. FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM AND HAD THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR FOR OVER THREE WEEKS. REPORTED BROKEN SEAL IN TRANS AND WORN TORQUE CONVERTER. TROUBLE "LOCKING OUT" AFTER REPAIR SO THEY REPLACED THE WARPED VALVE BODY.

Mileage: 69,649

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS STILL WAITING FOR PARTS, AND RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. *AK

BY THE FORD SYMBOL IN THE BACK THERE IS A CRACK ABOUT 6-8 INCHES LONG. NO DENTS OR DEBRIS AROUND CRACK. THE CRACK JUST HAPPENED.*AK

THE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REAR LIFTGATE RECALL 04V442000 HAS'NT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR 3 MONTHS, AND THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. *JB

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 6 INCH CRACK UNDER WINDOW. *NM

CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED RECALL LETTER/RECALL NUMBER 04V442000. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 4 MONTHS NOW. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

REAR LIFT GLASS ASSEMBLY. SHATTERED UPON OPENING, LIFT GLASS SUPPORT BRACKET TWISTED OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING THE FAILURE. 2 INJURED, AN ADULT AND A CHILD. *NM

Mileage: 33,000

NO PARTS FOR TAILGATE. NHTSA'S RECALL # 04V442000. *NM

CRACK IN REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE HINGES WHICH LED TO THE WINDOW NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE CORRECTLY. *NM

PART THAT HOLDS THE BACK WINDOW IN THE FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR

RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE STRUT MOUNTING BRACKETS (04S20) BUT HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THEM REPLACED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. *NM *TC (RECALL# 03V094000) *JB

THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER 2004 AND WE STILL ON JANUARY 19TH HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY REPAIRS MADE TO OUR VEHICLE. I HAVE A WRITTEN STATEMENT THAT WOULDN'T FIT HERE THAT I WOULD LOVE TO SEND YOU WITH ALL THE DETAILS. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO FAX OR MAIL IT IN. *NM

1. NO EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE. 2. REAR HATCH APPLIQUE PANEL IS DAMAGED AND CRACKED. 3. NOTHING. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS 45K MILES. 9000 MILES BEYOND THE WARRANTY. *JB

Mileage: 44,757

AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL FOR THE TAILGATE LIFT CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V442000. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PREFORMED UNTIL THE WEATHER WARMED. *TC

Mileage: 23,000

THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN FOR THE LIFTGATE REAR GLASS BRACKETT NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. MANUFACTURER DOES NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. *AK

Mileage: 21,000

RECALL CAMPAIGN: NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL#04S20 REAR LIFTGATE. FREEWAY FORD 281-588-5000. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM

PLASTIC BODY PIECE UNDER REAR GLASS ON DOOR CRACKED DUE TO STRESS. BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. NO IMPACT. *AK

Mileage: 42,000

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS BOUGHT NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2004 FOR THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGE (04S20). I HAVE BEEN WAITING OVER 2 MONTHS FOR PARTS TO BE AVAILABLE. IT WAS FINALLY REPAIRED ON 1/6/05 AT KEATING FORD DEALERSHIP. TODAY 1/9/05 MY WIFE HAD DRIVEN TO THE GYM AND WAS CALLED TO THE FRONT DESK. CRACKLING HAD BEEN HEARD BY FELLOW GYM MEMBERS PRIOR TO THE REAR GLASS SHATTERING TO PIECES AND METAL FRAME IS BUCKLED. NO EVIDENCE OF VANDALISM WAS PRESENT. THE NEW PARTS MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE OR INSTALLED IMPROPERLY. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, LIBERTY MUTUAL. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED SHE HAD A CALL A FEW DAYS AGO ABOUT A SIMILAR INCIDENT FROM ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNER. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND LEFT A MESSAGE BUT UNFORTUNATELY, BEING A SUNDAY, IT IS CLOSED. *AK

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER NUMBER 04V442000/REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE THE REPAIR MADE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING SINCE SEPTEMBER 2004; THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN AS OF YET. THE DEALER INFORMATION IS 3400 14TH W, BRADENTON FL. 34205, 941-747-4411. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB RECALL CAMPAIGN: # 04S20 ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM JOB #1 2002 THROUGH MARCH 10, 2002 AT ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT (SLAP) OR THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002 AT LOUISVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT ( LAP). *TC

END GATE CRACKED, NO APPEARANT REASON. *AK

Mileage: 99,000

RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE MADE THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED WHILE OPENING THE LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER.*AK

NHTSA RECALL 04V442000 ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SHOWED THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER, CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE . *AK

THE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS RECALL 04V442000 WEREN'T AVAILABLE ON THE DATES INDICATED IN THE RECALL LETTER. THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD ANY INDICATION ON WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. *AK

FORD EXPLORER, 2002. STRESS CRACK (ABOUT ONE EIGHTH INCH WIDE, SEVEN INCHES LONG) IN FRAME BELOW REAR HATCH WINDOW, TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD NAME PLATE. CRACK OCCURED WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL FORCE BEING APPLIED (NO COLLISION, NOT STRUCK BY FOREIGN OBJECT, ETC.) THE FRAME IS SIMPLY NOT ABLE TO CARRY THE WEIGHT OF THE GLASS WINDOW. CONSEQUENTLY, THE REAR GLASS WINDOW APPEARS TO BE IN DANGER OF FALLING OUT. THIS IS THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM AS REPORTED AT WWW.NHTSA.DOT.GOV IN OID NUMBERS: 10049180, 10052830, 10052901, 10053989, 10079762, 10104457, 10105660. IN EACH CASE, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR FORD WOULD FIX THE DEFECTIVE WINDOW FRAME. AND LIKEWISE, THEY WILL NOT FIX THE ONE ON MY VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRENTY IN EFFECT. AN INDIVIDUAL IN THE BODY SHOP AT MY DEALER SAID THAT HE HAS RECENTLY SEEN ABOUT A DOZEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS.*AK

Mileage: 46,850

THERE IS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC JUST UNDER THE LIFTGATE GLASS DOWN TO THE LIFTGATE HANDLE. IT JUST APPEARED ON A COLD MORNING IN NEW JERSEY WITH NOTHING DONE TO CAUSE IT. I KNOW FORD MAKES VEHICLES THAT CAN WITHSTAND THE COLD WITHOUT CRACKING, RIGHT? HOPEFULLY, THIS WILL NOT AFFECT THE STURDINESS OF THE REAR GLASS. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS 37000 MILES ON IT, FORD WOULD NOT FIX IT. NOT THE WAY TO GET RETURN CUSTOMERS.*AK

Mileage: 35,896

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04S20 REPAIRS CONCERNING LIFTGATE WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED. FAMILY FORD 973-347-5379. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V442000. *TC

Mileage: 98,000

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER WAS CLOSING THE REAR HATCH AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND ALTHOUGH THE BALL AND SOCKET JOINT TO THE HATCH WINDOW WAS RECALLED, MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST CONSUMER UNLESS A WAIVER WAS SIGNED SO THAT CONSUMER WILL NOT SUE THE MANUFACTURER. CONSUMER REFUSED TO SIGN WAIVER, BUT WOULD ONLY LIKE TO GET THE DEFECT REPAIRED. THIS OCCURRED PRIOR TO CONSUMER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION NOT TO OPEN THE HATCH AFTER THIS DEFECT HAPPENED. *AK

Mileage: 29,990

THE PANEL ON THE REAR LIFTGATE WHICH CONTAINS THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED FOR NO REASON AND I WAS INFORMED BY 2 DEALERSHIPS THAT IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE PAST TO SIMILAR FORD VEHICLES BUT THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR MINES BECAUSE IT HAS OVER 36,000 MILES ON IT, BUT MY COMPLAINT IS THAT IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND THE AMOUNT OF MILES SHOULD NOT MATTER TOWARDS FORD REPAIRING THIS DEFECT.*AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V442000 REAR CONCERNING TAILGATE GLASS. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE IN LATE NOVEMBER. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE IN. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR FOUR MONTHS. *AK CONSUMER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DECEMBER 15, 2004 TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT COMPONENT. *NM

Mileage: 32,500

04 V 442 000/REAR LIFTGATE GLASS: THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER TO HONOR THE RECALL. *JB

THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, AND THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, DOOR RUBBER PANEL FAILED TO STAY ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED,AND VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. HOWEVER, THE RUBBER PANEL WAS ADJUSTED PROPERLY BY THE MECHANIC. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. *AK

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MALLEN, 440-442-8000. *AK

Mileage: 6,000

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE REAR HATCH . THE CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. DEALER HAD NO PARTS FOR THE RECALL. *AK

Mileage: 27,000

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK.....*AK

Mileage: 16,824

MY CHILDREN AND I WENT TO THE BOWLING ALLEY AND MY SON WENT TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE TO GET HIS BOWLING BALL BAG AND WHEN HE WENT TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE IT SHIFTED TO THE LEFT AND EXPLODED AROUND HIM. I TOOK VEHICLE TO FRITTS FORD SATURDAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT FORD WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THE GLUE HOLDING THE HINGE WAS STILL THERE AND THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE ON THE PANEL AND IT HAD BROKEN THE GLASS INSIDE THE PANEL WHERE WE COULD NOT SEE IT. THE DAMAGE HE "SAW" WAS 2 SUPERFICIAL SCRAPES ON THE PAINT, THERE WAS NOT ANY DENTS, CREASES OR BOWING OF ANY KIND TO THE PANEL. EVEN THOUGH I HAD DONE MY RESEARCH ON THIS SITE AND KNEW THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STRUTS, I COULD TELL THAT THIS MAN WOULD NOT LISTEN TO ME AND I WOULD NOT GET IT REPAIRED THERE. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO RACEWAY FORD AND AM WAITING FOR THE ADVISOR TO CALL ME BACK. AT RACEWAY THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A RECALL AND SEEM WILLING TO HELP ME. *AK

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERED WHEN IT WAS OPENED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 27,500

THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW ASSEMBLY CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF THE FRAME. VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE AT THE TIME OF THE OCCURRENCE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. VEHICLE WAS 2000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. *AK

Mileage: 38,500

WE OWN A FORD EXPLORER IN MY WIFE'S NAME DIANA GIRALDO. ON SUNDAY 9/19/2004 SHE OPENED THE BACK LIFTGATE AND THE HINGE BROKE AND THE TOP HALF (GLASS ) OF THE LIFTGATE ALMOST CAME DOWN ON HER. THE SUV WAS BROUGHT BACK TO FULLERTON FORD IN SOMERVILLE NJ WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. THEY CHARGED US FOR REPAIRS AND THE PART ALSO FOR A LOANER CAR WHILE THEY WERE REPAIRING IT. IT TURNS OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS WHICH I FOUND ON YOUR WEB SITE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THEY SAID THE RECALL LETTERS HAVEN'T WENT OUT YET SO WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THEY ONLY REPLACED THE HINGE AND NOT THE LIFTGATE STRUTS WHICH WAS THE PARTS IN THE RECALL ALSO. RECALL NUMBER 04V442000 ON YOUR SITE , FORD RECALL NUMBER 04S20 *AK

WHILE OPENING MY REAR HATCH WINDOW OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE DRIVER-SIDE HINGE (STRUT.PCO) WHICH LIFTS THE WINDOW CAME OFF, DECOMPRESSING HARD ENOUGH TO COMPLETELY SHATTER THE WINDOW ABOVE ME. I HAD SEVERAL CUTS TO MY NECK, ARMS AND HEAD BUT NOTHING LIFE THREATENING. I WENT TO FORD ABOUT THIS AND THEY ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF SUCH A PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE I AM BEYOND THE 36K FACTORY WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT DO THE REPAIRS FOR ME. I ASKED ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I PAID $2000 FOR AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS. I HAD TO PAY MY $500 INSURANCE DEDUCTABLE TO COVER THE REPAIRS AT MY LOSS. SINCE JUNE, I HAVE SEARCHED ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND FIND LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS WHICH NOT ONLY HAD THE SAME OUTCOME, BUT THE SAME SORT OF FREAK ACCIDENT. WHY DOES FORD NOT VALUE SAFETY? IF MY 2 YEAR OLD CHILD WERE STANDING NEXT TO ME AS HE ALWAYS DOES, HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED.*AK

Mileage: 54,000

THE RIGHT SIDE PISTON ASSEMBLY ON THE REAR TAILGATE FAILED. AS I WAS GOING TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE, THE WHOLE WINDOW SHATTERED ON TOP OF ME, RESULTING IN GLASS IN MY FACE AND THE TOP OF MY HEAD. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEEN THAT THERE IS A "SAFETY CAMPAIGN" CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HAVE GOTTEN NO RESPONSE. *JB

Mileage: 47,000

DRIVERS SIDE LIFT ARM ON REAR HATCH FAILED TO RETRACT, CAUSING HATCH TO CLOSE WITH ARM EXTENDED RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO LEFT HINGE ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR HATCH. LIFT ARM WAS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF DRIVERS SIDE LIFT ARM AND DRIVERS SIDE HINGE. REAR HATCH NOW DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY. *AK

Mileage: 74,000

WHILE CLOSING THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE ENTIRE GLASS PORTION EXPLODED. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. (RECALL#04V442000) THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. SCC PE04045.PCO. *JB

ON JUNE 4, 2001, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO WORLD FORD KENDALL SERVICE (FLORIDA REGISTRATION #MV-06413) FOR REPAIR (INVOICE #W71526) OF THE LEFT REAR LIFTGATE CYLINDER WHICH WAS DETACHED FROM ITS BRACKET, THE MECHANIC (JOSE FUENTES) TRIED THREE TIMES TO REPAIR IT ACCORDING TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S TECHNICAL SERVICE ADVISORY #01T02 AND WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (JOSE TEJEDO) EVEN WENT TO ONE OF THEIR STOCK VEHICLES, A NEW 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO CHANGE THE LIFT GATE CYLINDER WITH MINE AND IT DETACHED AFTER TWO CLOSINGS, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO STATED THAT THE FLIP-UP GLASS WAS BENDING IN THE MIDDLE DURING CLOSING AND CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO SHATTER, HE ALSO STATED THAT FORD NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A BETTER WAY TO FIX IT AND THAT FORD NEEDS TO RECALL IT. PE04045_PCO RE-EVAL TO DET TO BE VALID SINCE PE OPENING_PCO *SC

WHILE OPENING THE REAR DOOR HINGES BROKE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HINGES AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, A FEW MONTHS LATER WHILE CLOSING THE REAR DOOR THE GLASS BROKE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER, AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE WINDOW. *AK

WHEN CLOSING THE REAR HATCH GLASS WINDOW SHATTERED. *AK PE04045.PCO *TS

Mileage: 40,000

THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE BECAME LOOSE AND THE LIFT GATE ARM SNAPPED OUT, I ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR SIX MONTHS, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER THE PERSON AT THE PARTS DEPT HAD EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE WITH EXACTLY THE SAME VEHICLE EXCEPT HIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY MY HAS 54K, HE RECOMMENDED CONTACT THEIR BODY SHOP WHICH IT WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUE THEY CHECKED ANY RECALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE THEIR COMPUTER REPORTED A SOMEHOW FAMILIAR ISSUE WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THEY ALSO MENTION THAT AS OF 2004 THEY HAD REDESIGNED THE LOCATION OF THE LIFT GATE ARM PLACEMENT. THEY SUGGESTED NEW PARTS FROM FORD FOR $21.77 + LABOR. I'M LOOKING THIS AS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED SINCE HAS BEEN A LITTLE USE TO THIS VEHICLE AND THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM AT THE LOCAL DEALER OR DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH ONLINE. PE04045.PCO. *JB

Mileage: 54,100

THE HINGE BROKE ON THE LIFTGATE OF THE VEHICLE.*AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 10,900

THE REAR HATCHBACK HINGES FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL INTO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 49,260

THE HINGES ON THE REAR DOOR POPPED OFF AND SHATTERED THE GLASS. THE GLASS FELL ONTO THE TODDLER STANDING BY THE DOOR. THE REAR DOOR WAS DEFECTIVE TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD NOT BE CLOSED. *AK

Mileage: 45,439

1) I OPENED THE TOP PART OF THE LIFT GATE, AND LEFT IT OPEN 2) I HEARD A LOUD CRASH, WHILE NOBODY WAS WITHIN 15 FEET OF THE VEHICLE. THE WINDOW HAD CATASHROPHIC FAILURE, AND LAID ON THE GROUND IN PIECES. IT APPEARS THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE LIFT GATE WAS TOO INTENSE FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE GLASS. 3)IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY, AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET.*JB

Mileage: 32,559

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNDER CARPORT. THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS EXPLODED, WHEN THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS FAILED AS WELL AS THE LOWER HALF OF BODY OF GATE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE "NORMAL," AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PARKED IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME THAT DAY. OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD US HE "HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE".*AK PE04045.PCO *SC *JB

THE REAR WINDOW GATE ON OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS SHATTERED TWICE FROM THE SIMPLE ACT OF CLOSING THE WINDOW.1.) MY WIFE ON BOTH OCCASIONS WAS LOADING THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOW SHATTERS AND SPRAY BITS OF GLASS TO A 5 -8 FT RAIDUS. 2) THIS LAST INCIDENT SHE WAS IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT. SHE WAS CLOSING THE WINDOW GATE WHEN THE GLASS SHATTERED AT ABOUT THE HALF CLOSED POSITION. THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW GATE FELL TO THE GROUND, GLASS HIT THE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OUR CAR. GLASS HIT HER IN THE FACE AND ALL OVER HER UPPER BODY. LUCKILY SHE HAD HER SUN GLASSES ON, SO NO GLASS WAS THROWN INTO HER EYES. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE HAD MY 7 YEAR OLD SON BEEN HELPING HER LIKE HE NORMALLY DOES. 3.) FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO AKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM CAUSING US TO INCURR OVER $1500 IN REPAIR COSTS OR AN INSURANCE CLAIM. THE FORD DEALERSHIP WE USE SAYS THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURANCE AND THEY HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS OF THIS TYPE ON 2002 EXPLORERS. PARTS ARE READILY AVAILABLE BUT IT INVOLVES BODY WORK SO IT TAKES UP TO A WEEK TO GET IT FIXED. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 82,150

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 42,000

THE LIFTGATE BRACKET CRACKED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED DRIVER WAS STANDING AGAINST THE LIFTGATE, AND SUSTAINED CUTS FROM THE PIECES OF GLASS. RECALL 01I01000 WAS ISSUED FOR THIS COMPONENT, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 60,000

REAR TAILGATE HAD A FRACTURE ABOUT 10 INCHES LONG AND THE MOLD WAS TOUCHED UP WITH PAINT PRIOR TO SHIPPING OR SELLING. IT WAS CRACKED. DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 42,000

I OPENED THE TOP PART OF THE TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LAST NIGHT AND THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE AND FELL ON MY HEAD. LUCKILY THE GLASS DIDN'T BREAK AND I WASN'T INJURED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CASE OF THIS HAPPENING, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT. ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE THIS HAPPENED TO (SAME YEAR AND MODEL) WAS TRAPPED UNDERNEATH THE HATCH MOMENTARILY. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM THIS PERSON OF THE INCIDENT THAT OCCURED TO HIM. THIS SEEMS TO BE EITHER A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT OR SOMETHING AND LUCKILY MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO LIKES TO CLIMB IN THE BACK WHILE I'M LOADNG THE TRUCK, WASN'T THERE OR IT WOULD HAVE HIT HER IN THE HEAD. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS OTHER THAN PAY AN ARM AND A LEG TO GET IT FIXED AND HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN! *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 38,000

RECALL 01L010000, DRIVER'S SIDE LIFTGATE BRACKET SNAPPED, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SHATTER. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 39,700

REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WHEN OPENED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK DUP OF 10079152.PCO

Mileage: 40,000

WHILE CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW REAR GLASS UNEXPECTEDLY SHATTERED. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 32,000

HINGE ON LIFTGATE GLASS BROKE AND PARTIALLY FELL OFF, CAUSING MINOR BRUISES FINGER & HEAD INJURIES. PE04045.PCO. *AK

Mileage: 80,000

FORD 2002 EXPLORER. I HAD MY ONE YEAR OLD IN A GROCERY CART, POPPED OPEN THE HATCH, OPENED IT AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER THE CART WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH SWINGING OUT TOWARD THE CART. THANKFULLY MY CHILD WAS NOT HARMED. I WENT TO FORD, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL AND THAT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND THAT IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. *NM PE04045.PCO

I OPENED ONLY THE WINDOW PORTION OF MY BACK HATCH AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE HYDRAULIC ARMS WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE GLASS SO I BEGAN LOWERING IT AND THE GLASS SHATTERED IN MY HANDS. CONSEQUENT REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST OVER $700 BEING AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY THOUGH JUST OVER 2 YEARS OLD. *AK PE04045.PCO

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. I NOTIFIED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THIS ITEM. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THIS WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT, AND THAT I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE PLASTIC TO CRACK. THEY WERE VERY UNSYMPATHETIC TO MY NEEDS. THIS IS A TWO YEAR-OLD CAR, AND I FEEL THAT IF THEY DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM, BY BACK WINDOW WILL NOT BE SECURE, THEREFORE CAUSING YET ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR ME. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN A NUMBER OF EXPLORER'S COME IN WITH THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. THIS CRACK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MILEAGE OR ABUSE TO THE CAR. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE AND REPAIR THIS DEFECT AT NO CHARGE TO ME, AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL.*AK

Mileage: 44,000

AFTER I PARKED THE EXPLORER AT THE MALL, I OPENED THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS TO TAKE OUT THE STROLLER. AFTER I SET THE STROLLER UP, I REACHED UP TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. AT THIS POINT, WHILE MY HAND IS STILL ON THE LIFTGATE, THE GLASS SHATTERED AND EXPLODED WITH GLASSES FLEW EVERYWHERE. THE BABY STROLLER IS COVERED WITH GLASSES. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD NOT PUT MY 8 MONTHS OLD BABY IS THE STROLLER OR ELSE HIS FACE WOULD BE COVERED WITH GLASSES. AT THIS POINT, I FELT A SHARP PAIN ON MY RIGHT HAND AND SAW THAT THERE WERE TWO CUTS AND I WAS BLEEDING EVERYWHERE. AFTER DROPPING THE EXPLORER AT A DEALER NEARBY, I WENT TO THE URGENT CARE AND GOT 12 STITCHES FOR THE CUTS. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER ON MONDAY TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR 2 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE FORD CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CALL ME BACK. AFTER TWO DAYS OF WAITING, I CALLED BACK AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT IT MIGHT TAKE UP TO 7 DAYS BEFORE THEY CAN CALL ME BACK. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION BY ODI (OPENED ON 06/02/2004). APPARENTLY, SHORTLY AFTER THE INTRODUCING THE 2002 EXPLORER FOR SALE, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE INSTRUCTION (SSI 01I-010) IN APRIL OF 2001 TO CORRECT A LIFTGATE LIFT CYLINDER MOUNT ISSUED IN 56,000 VEHICLES BUILT FROM 2/5/2001 TO 3/30/2001. ALL VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT PERIOD WERE TO HAVE AN IMPROVED LIFT CYLINDER MOUNTING DESIGN. MY EXPLORER WAS BUILT ON 04/20/2001. HOWEVER, I AM VERY SUSPICIOUS THAT THIS BUILD DATE MIGHT BE WRONG SINCE I KEPT THE WINDOW STICKER AND THE DEALER'S INVOICE WHEN I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER AND THE DATES ON THOSE IS 04/09/2001. WHY IS THIS DATE (04/09/2001) BEFORE MY EXPLORER'S PRODUCTION DATE (04/20/2001)? MY EXPLORER MIGHT HAVE BEEN BUILT DURING THIS 2/5/2001 - 3/20/2001 PERIOD SINCE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM WITH KNOWN BUILD DATES AFTER APRIL 2001 PERIOD. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 70,000

RETURNING HOME ONE SUNDAY EVENING FROM GROCERY SHOPPING WITH MY GRAND-DAUGHTERS(AGES 4 AND 5),I REMOVED THEM FROM THE VEHICLE AND SENT THEM IN THE HOUSE, WHILE MY TEENAGE SON AND I UNLOADED THE GROCERIES. AFTER THE LAST OF THE GROCERIES WERE REMOVED, MY SON STARTED TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. AS I STOOD NEXT TO HIM, THE LIFTGATE GLASS HAD ONLY MADE IT HALFWAY DOWN ,WHEN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION .THE LIFTGATE GLASS HAD DISINTEGRATED AS IF SHOT WITH A GUN. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT, I HAD THE EXPLORER BACKED INTO THE GARAGE. SO WHEN THE GLASS EXPLODED,IT FLEW OUTWARD TOWARDS US ,AS WELL AS INWARD INTO THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, I DROVE THE EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE LIFTGATE GLASS MISSING. I WAS FORTUNATE TO STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WHEN I ASKED THE FORD SERVICE ADVISOR TO CONFIRM THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, HE WAS NOT REASSURING. NOT HAVING THAT CONFIRMATION THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO COVER THIS UPSET ME GREATLY. I WAS CALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP LATER THAT DAY (MONDAY), ONLY TO TRY TO PERSUADE ME TO AGREE TO $500 DOLLARS WORTH OF MAINTENANCE, UNRELATED TO THE LIFTGATE PROBLEM. IN THIS SAME CALL, THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID CONFIRM THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM.TWO DAYS HAVE GONE BY, AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CALLED AND FOUND OUT THEY HAD ORDERED A NEW LIFTGATE GLASS AND WOULD REPLACE IT. HOWEVER, BY THE END OF THE WEEK (FRIDAY), I CALLED THEM AGAIN,SINCE NO ONE WAS CALLING ME WITH UPDATES AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE DOOR. AND BECAUSE OF THIS THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MORE DAYS, SINCE THEY NOW WILL HAVE TO PAINT THE NEW LIFTGATE DOOR TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE. AT THIS WRITING,THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK NOW. I DON'T HAVE AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF WHAT WAS SPECIFICALLY CHANGED (I.E. PARTS), BUT I WILL INSIST ON A DETAILED LIST OF WHAT WAS DONE AND WHY. PE04045. *AK

WHEN UNLOADING THE VEHICLE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 41,000

MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH PAINT. FAILURE TO PROPERLY APPLY UNDER COAT RESULTING IN PAINT CHECKING AND OXIDATION. ENTIRE CAR WILL NEED TO BE REPAINTED.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

THE LIFTGATE LATCH APPEARED TO BE FAULTY. IT BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS CLOSING THE LIFTGATE AND THE LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE. DEALER WOULDN'T WARRANTY, SUGGESTED THAT TRY TO USE MY CAR INSURANCE TO COVER THE COSTS. *AK PE04045.PCO

REAR WINDOW WAS IN THE UP/OPEN POSITION FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND SHATTERED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. IT SEEMED TO BOW SLIGHTLY PRIOR TO EXPLODING. UPON INSPECTION, THE HYDRAULIC STRUTS SEEM TO HAVE LOCKED IN PLACE, WITH THE RESULTING PRESSURE ON THE GLASS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE RIGHT HINGE ALSO SHEARED OFF. SHATTERED GLASS SPREAD OVER A FEW FEET TO THE INTERIOR AND SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. WAITING FOR DEALERSHIP TO REOPEN AFTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND TO DISCUSS THE MATTER.*AK PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 30,700

ON MAY 15, 2004 WHILE AT A WALMART IN NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, THE REAR HATCH HINGE BOLT ON MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER SHEARED OFF AND FELL ON HER HEAD CAUSING A CONCUSSION AND OTHER RELATED INJURIES. *AK PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 28,000

MUD, SNOW, DIRT, DEBRIS AND EXHAUST FUMES WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM UNDER THE DOOR. *PH FORD IS ALREADY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING. *LA

ON A HOT DAY, I OPENED THE GLASS LIFTGATE & THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT GLUE CAME UNDONE, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO NOT SHUT PROPERLY. I THEN REMOVED THE STRUT SO THAT I COULD CLOSE THE LIFTGATE WITHOUT BREAKING THE GLASS, & CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I NEVER OPENED IT AGAIN. A MONTH LATER, THE GLUE ON THE HOLDING STRUT & THE GLASS ON THE DRIVER SIDE BECAME UNDONE. (ALSO, ON THE FIRST WARM DAY OF THIS SPRING SEASON, I POWERED DOWN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT WINDOW, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO GET IT TO GO BACK UP, ALTHOUGH THE POWER WAS WORKING. IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT THIS IS ALSO ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INFERIOR BONDING PRODUCT USED ON THIS WINDOW. THE INTERIM REMEDY WAS THAT I TAPED THE WINDOW UP WITH DUCT TAPE TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE FROM THE ELEMENTS & THEFT.) IT'S CLEAR THAT SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 2 SECTIONS OF MY NEW VEHICLE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BONDING PRODUCT USED ON THESE WINDOWS. I FOUND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE. (RECALL NO. 01I010000.) THERE IS ALSO A PHONE NO. TO CALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AS FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT AND TORQUE THE LIFTGATE GLASS BRACKET ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. I CALLED THIS NUMBER AND WAS ADVISED THAT, ALTHOUGH I HAVE THE EXACT VEHICLE AND PROBLEM AS THE RECALL REQUIRES, MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT RENDER ME ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, ALTHOUGH I CLEARLY HAVE AN AFFECTED VEHICLE,  I WAS NOT OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN.GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, THE NEWNESS OF THE VEHICLE & THE FACT THAT IT HAS HAPPENED ON TWO WINDOWS, THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM (ON THE BACK WINDOW) ON MY EXACT VEHICLE. IF FOR SOME REASON MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED, IT OBVIOUSLY SHOULD BE INCLUDED. AFTER ALL, HOW DO THEY INITIALLY DETERMINE WHICH GROUPS OF CARS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED IF NOT BY THE CONSUMERS COMPLAINING OF THE PROBLEM? BEING FIXED TOMORROW FOR $800.*AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 25,000

I LIFTED THE TOP PORTION OF THE TAILGATE TO RETRIEVE ITEMS FROM CAR. AS IT LIFTED, THE BOLT THAT HINGES THE RIGHT TOP SIDE OF THE TAILGATE BROKE OFF, THE HYDROLIC PORTION LET GO AND THE TAILGATE CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE AFTER THAT, AND IT WAS HANGING DOWN ON AN ANGLE, UNDRIVEABLE AS IT CONTINUED TO FALL FURTHER DOWN AND MAKE "CRACKING" NOISES. IT IS CURRENTLY BEING FIXED, HOWEVER FORD IS NOT TOO CONCERNED! MY CAR IS 500 MILES OVER WARRANTY (1 1/2 YEARS OLD), AND THEY SAY I AM RESPONSIBLE TO PAY A PORTION OF THIS BILL.*AK PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 36,500

I WAS OPENING THE DOOR TO GET MY DAUGHTERS DIAPER BAG AND HINGE BROKE. MY HUSBAND WAS TRYING TO PUT IT BACK AND THE GLASS SHATTERED IN HIS HANDS. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE STANDING NEXT TO THE VEHICLE AS THE GLASS SHATTERED. THIS COULD HAVE TAKEN MY ENTIRE FAMILIES EYE SIGHT. THE GLASS LITERALLY EXPLODED. THIS ISSUE IS DEFINITELY UNSAFE!!! ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE YOUNG CHILDREN AROUND. AND MOTHERS ARE OPENING UP THE HATCH TO GET OUT A DIAPER BAG WITH A CHILD IN HAND. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS HATCH. WE TOOK IT TO FORD. THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL.*AK PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 34,500

REAR HATCH LIFT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER GLASS SHATTERED WHEN I CLOSED IT AFTER PLACING A DIAPER BAG IN THE BACK I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TEXAS FORD TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL I WAS TOLD NONE. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE MY GLASS BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THAT I SHOULD FILE ON MY INSURANCE. *JB PE04045.PCO

THE CONSUMER LEANED OVER INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE REAR WINDOW HINGE BROKE AND FELL ON TOP OF THE CONSUMER'S HEAD. THE HINGE WAS REPLACED, BUT IN THE PROCESS, THE "FLIP OPEN" REAR WINDOW SHATTERED, SUBSEQUENTLY THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW ALONG WITH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES WERE REPLACED. (PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WOULD OPEN WITHOUT ONE OPENING THE ENTIRE REAR DOOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE) *AK *SC PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 18,000

WHILE STANDING UNDER THE RAISED LIFTGATE (TOP HALF) LOADING GROCERIES, THE GLASS SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY SHATTERED CAUSING MY WIFE AND I TO BE SHOWERED BY SHARDS OF GLASS AND THEN HIT ON OUR HEADS AND BACKS WITH THE FALLING LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED US HEAD, NECK AND BACK TRAUMA AND ALSO A SCRATCHED CORNEA TO MY WIFE'S LEFT EYE. FORD REFUSES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS INCIDENT.*AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 36,250

GLASS LIFT HATCH OPENS WHILE DRIVING. *AK REAR DOOR LIFTGATE INTERMITTENTLY UNLATCHES AND UNLOCKS WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO FIX PROBLEM. FORD WEREN'T ABLE TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *LA

Mileage: 18,000

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW PROBLEM. THERE WAS A CRACK AT THE BASE OF THE WINDOW APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES WIDE. *AK *SC

Mileage: 36,594

IN AUGUST, 2003, THE VEHICLE BACK WINDOW HINGE BROKE WHILE LOADING GROCERIES, IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TAILGATE FRAME AND THE GLASS CRACKED. BOTH WERE REPLACED TAKING OVER 7 DAYS. THE SAME COMPONENT BROKE AGAIN IN JANUARY, 2004, CAUSING THE REAR GLASS TO CRASH ON MY WIFES HEAD. LUCKILY SHE ONLY HAD A MINOR BRUISE AND BUMP FROM THE IMPACT. I ASKED THE MANAGER OF MAINTENANCE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND HE SAID IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.*AK PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 24,500

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH SUNROOF OPEN. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE HATCHBACK AFTER LOADING SWIMMING EQUIPMENT, GLASS SHATTERED. *LA THIS OCCURRED TWICE, INCONVENIENCING THE CONSUMER'S DAILY ROUTINE. *PH PE04045.PCO

I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2002 XLS. WHILE OPENING MY REAR WINDOW DOOR THE LEFT HINGE (LATCH) BROKE AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED THROWING GLASS EVERYWHERE INCLUDING PASENGERS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE VENDOR AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT ANYMORE RESPONSABILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. I COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE IN THE INCIDENT THERE WHERE PEOPLE INVOLVED AND HAPPENED IN MY WORKPLACE PARKING LOT. PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 42,100

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 EXPLORER THAT FOR A YEAR STARTED WITH A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS. EVERY TIME THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE TO THE DEALER I COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND IT WAS ALWAYS MENTIONED TO ME THAT THIS TYPE OF CAR DO NOT HAVE ANY LUB POINTS FOR THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE SQUEAK NOISE FROM WHERE IT WAS COMING. *AK THE SQUEAK NOISE STARTED TO BE SO BAD, THAT I WENT UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND FOUND BY MYSELF FROM WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING. THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS PARTS OF THE BACK WERE REPLACED. THE SAME SQUEAK NOISE STARTED TO HAPPEN ON THE FRONT END AND PARTS WERE CHANGED. WELL SURPRISE, I GOT MY CAR AFTER REPAIR AND AFTER CHECKING IT ONE MORE TIME BY ROCKING THE VEHICLE THERE STILL A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AREA. IMAGINE THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS EXPLORER 2002 FLEET, I HAD A '98 EXPLORER THAT NEVER DEVELOPED THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 32,000

CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING A CUSTOMER'S VEHICLE BECAUSE THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHEN HE OPENED THE REAR HATCH. WHEN HE CLOSED THE HATCHBACK THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE OF VIN, PER MANUFACTURER. *AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 12/02_061704_PCO

UPON CLOSING THE HATCHBACK THE STRUT LOCKED UP AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. PIECES OF GLASS LANDED IN CONSUMER'S EYES. CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED SINCE HE WORE GLASSES. VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF WHEN THIS OCCURRED.*AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 10/01_061704_PCO

Mileage: 42,000

TAILGATE WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. DEALER STATED THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER TWISTED AWAY FROM THE BRACKET. *AK *JB *NM PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 43,000

ON MAY 8, I WAS PLACING SOME ITEMS IN THE REAR OF MY 2002 EXPLORER THROUGH THE HATCHBACK (THE GLASS PART, NOT THE ENTIRE REAR DOOR). I HEARD A POP WHEN THE GLASS RAISED UP. SINCE IT WAS DARK AND I WASN'T SURE WHAT THAT NOISE WAS, I SLOWLY STARTED TO CLOSE THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE RIGHT PNEUMATIC SHOCK MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF THE GLASS AS IT LIFTED. THE GLASS MUST HAVE BEEN BROKEN BY A PORTION OF THAT SHOCK MOUNT IN THE PATH DURING CLOSING. LUCKILY, I ONLY RECEIVED A CUT ON MY HAND AS GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE; IN MY SHOES, HAIR, PURSE, ETC. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY THREE-YEAR-OLD WAS NOT WITH ME, AS SHE NORMALLY WOULD BE STANDING BY MY SIDE IN THAT SITUATION. I CAN ONLY IMAGING WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, ANTICIPATING THE WORST, BUT THEY FIXED THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THEY CLAIMED THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING, BUT THEY WERE VERY QUICK TO GIVE HIM A LOANER AND GET HIM OUT OF THERE. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2002. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS. PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 14,000

I HAVE A CRACK DOWN THE BACK HATCH OF MY EXPLORER. IT EXTENDS FROM UNDERNEATH THE BACK WINDOW TO THE LATCH OF THE BACK DOOR. IT DEVELOPED WITHOUT INCIDENT AND STEADILY WIDENS ON A DAILY BASIS. *LA

FOUND STRESS CRACK IN REAR HATCH...GOES FROM THE BOTTOM OF GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH...THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT SOMEONE ELSE REPORTED TO YOU ON YOUR SITE. THIS IS A DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY SINCE THE GLASS MAY DISLODGE AND CREATE A ACCIDENT...BRINGING TO DEALER TO GET FIXED.*AK PANEL CRACKED (VERTICAL) DOWN TRIM PLATE. COLD TEMP CONTRACTION. PURCHASED 08/02. 04/02 DOB. NEW DESIGN

Mileage: 25,130

THE HINGES ON THE BACK HATCH WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO SAG AND LEAN OUTWARDS WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. *AK THE HINGE ON THE BACK HATCH WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE BODY AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE HELD ON BY ONE HINGE. THE WINDOW WAS HANGING FROM THE HINGE ONLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HINGES. (HATCH DOOR PROBLEM) *SC *JB PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 43,000

WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFT GATE THE DOOR HINGE BROKE AND CAUSED THE DOOR NOT TO CLOSE/LATCH PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM RE-EVAL SINCE PE OPENING AND DET TO BE VALID PE04045_PCO

GLASS EXPLODED OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW, INJURING MY DAUGHTER. FORD STATES THAT THERE IS A CAMPAIGN, NOT A RECALL. SO I WASN'T NOTIFIED OF THE FAULTY PLUNGER MECHANISM. FORD REPLACED THE GLASS, BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE ME THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, SO I TURNED IN THE LEASE SINCE THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY (4 KIDS). THEY ARE SUING ME BECAUSE I TURNED IN THE LEASE EARLY.*AK PE04045.PCO

I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH HAS CRACKED OPENING APPROXIMATELY 1/16 INCH WIDE THROUGH THE HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW APPROXIMATELY. 5 INCHES LONG. FORD HAS AGREED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY BY GLUING THE CRACK. AS I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS INJURIES FROM OTHER CRACKED HATCHES, I WANT FORD TO REPLACE THE HATCH NOT JUST GLUE A REPAIR. THEY HAVE REFUSED. *NLM

Mileage: 17,000

THE REAR TAILGATE HAS A WINDOW AND THERE IS A PART OF THE DOOR THAT GOES UP WITH THE WINDOW. CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK FROM THE GLASS DOWN, AND ANOTHER CRACK STARTING TO FORM. CONSUMER IS AFRAID THE WHOLE WINDOW MAY FALL OUT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. *AK

REAR WINDOW FELL OFF THE HINGES. *AK PE04045_PCO

CONSUMER WAS ABOUT TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT REAR HATCH DOOR WAS AJAR. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THE GLASS EXPLODED OUT OF THE FRAME, WHICH FELL APART. THE HYDRAULIC PISTON HAD A BENT INSERT WHICH CAUSED THE INFRACTION. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 18,850

THE HALF WAY CARGO GLASS EXPLODED WHILE CONSUMER OPENED THE DOOR. TECHNICIAN STATED IT WAS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL 01I010000. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY RECALL; HOWEVER, IT WAS DEEMED AS A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY NHTSA. *AK DUP_PCO

PROBLEMS WITH REAR WINDOW HATCH.*MR THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR GLASS LIFT STICKS WERE REPLACED. THE REAR WINDOW FELL OUT WHEN IT WAS OPENED.*TS *JB PE04045.PCO PURCHASED 03/02. DOB 02/02, OLD STYLE DESIGN (THROUGH GLASS) STRUTS FELL/DETACHED (MOUNT ROTATED AND STRUT DETACHED) AND THEN FELL ON HER HEAD (BRUISE, HEADACHE). RECEIVED EMER. MED ATTANTION. DATE WAS 7/24/2003. FINALLY REPLACED ENTIRE GLASS ASSEMBLY (GLASS, WIPER MOTOR, TRIM, STRUT)

Mileage: 35,000

SEATS ARE RUSTED UNDERNEATH, UNDER DASH METAL RUSTING. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER WHERE PURCHASED, SAID THEY CONTACTED FORD, CONDITION NORMAL. I CONTACTED FORD, SAME ANSWER. CONCERN IS RUST IS A NEVER ENDING CONDITION AND IN TIME (WHAT EVER IT MAY BE) WILL CAUSE FAILURE. HAVING PAID QUITE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR VEHICLE, I FIND IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PRACTICE IS SAFE AND NOT A CONCERN. *JB

Mileage: 20,000

VEHICLE'S HATCHBACK GLASS SHATTERED.*MR TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE THE CONSUMERS HATCH BACK GLASS SHATTERED.THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THEM TWICE BUT THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING DEFECTIVE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE HATCHBACK DOOR/GLASS. AND MAYBE MEASURES NEED TO BE TAKEN FOR A RECALL ISSUED. *CB PE04045.PCO

CONSUMER STATED AFTER HER HUSBAND HAD DRIVEN FORD EXPLORER FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR, PARKED/ WENT IN THE HOUSE AND ATE, THEN DECIDED TO GO BACK OUT AND UNLOAD THE STUFF HE HAD IN THE TRUCK. WINDOW IN THE BACK EXPLODED. WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE HE WAS CLOSING IT. ALSO, FRAME WAS ALSO BLOWN OUT. SHE STATED THAT HER HUSBAND FORTUNATELY WAS NOT HURT ALTHOUGH HE DID GET GLASS INTO HIS FACE AND HAIR. *AK THE LIFT GATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND DAMAGED THE LIFT GATE AND BUMPER COVER. *SCC PE04045.PCO

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THIS MORNING MY WIFE OPENED THE TOP PORTION OF THE REAR TAIL GATE, AS SHE CLOSED IT, THE GLASS SHATTERED GIVING HER MINOR CUTS ON BOTH ARMS. THE OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE WAS 62 DEGREES F AND SUNNY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING. I'VE TRIED TO CONTACT FORD REPS AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK!! PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 18,639

WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 EXPLORER, THE CABIN HAS A POUNDING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE, JUST LIKE A BOOMING STEREO. IT DOESN'T EVEVN HAVE TO BE A LARGE BUMP OR BUMPS. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF THIS NOISE, I END UP GETTING A HEADACHE. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I CAN ATTACH A LETTER I SENT TO FORD WITH NO REPLY. *AK

Mileage: 100

ON TWO OCCASIONS THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER THAT SUPPORTED REAR WINDOW SLIPPED OUT OF THE BRACKET THAT WAS DESIGNED TO SECURE IT. THE THIRD TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE CYLINDER POPPED OUT OF THE BRACKET AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW. *AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 38,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERED INTO PIECES. *AK CONSUMER REACHED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW AND IT MOVED APPROX. SIX INCHES WHEN IT SHATTERED. *PH *JB PE04045.PCO GLASS SHATTERED WHEN CLOSING. WILL CK. DOB AND DESIGN VERSION.

Mileage: 60,000

WHEN LOWERING THE LIFTGATE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED.*AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 11/01_061604_PCO

2 OF MY COUSINS WERE INVOLVED IN A FORD EXPLORER TIRE BLOW OUT OUTSIDE OF RALEIGH NC ON AUGUST 16TH. AMAL MUARAKA, A PEDIATRIC SURGEON WAS KILLED INSTANTLY AND SUMMEET MURARKA WAS PLACED IN ICU AS THE NON-BRIDGESTONE TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE FORD EXPLORER AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED 5 TIMES WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT ON FORD'S MALICIOUS DECEIT. FORD'S HISTORY IS PLAGUED WITH SERIOUS ISSUES SUCH AS THE PINTO THAT BLEW UP AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE GOVERNMENTS INACTION AND FORDS COVER-UP THAT PREVENTED MY COUSIN FROM LIVING A FULL LIFE AT ONLY THE AGE OF 33. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY RECALL THE FORD EXPLORER LINE EVEN IF IT CAUSES SERIOUS COSTS AND FINANCIAL BURDEN TO FORD TO SAVE LIVES AND PREVENT SO MANY FROM THE PAIN OF TRAGEDIES SUCH AS THE ONE THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. AGAIN - IT IS MY BELIEF THAT IT IS THE FATAL DESIGN FLAWS IN THE FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUSED THIS WRECK AND THE DEATH OF MY COUSIN - HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, AND 2 DAUGHTERS. PLEASE STOP FORD FROM MURDERING OTHERS!!!! *NLM

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW EXPLOSION. UPON SLOWLY CLOSING THE REAR GATE WINDOW, THE GLASS EXPLODED IN MY WIFE'S FACE WITH THE BRACKETS AND FRAME FALLING DOWN CAUSING REAR GATE BODY DAMAGE. PERSONAL INJURY RESULTED (CUT ON WIFE'S HAND). BRACKET PARTS WERE FOUND AS FAR 8 TO 10 YARDS FROM THE ORIGINAL LOCATION AND BROKEN GLASS THROUGHOUT VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH AND APPEARS TO BE POSTURING DEFENSIVELY. CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN VERY BAD. FORD REPLACED THE WINDOW BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR BODY DAMAGE WITHOUT SIGNING A GENERAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IN THEIR CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM OR "SOFT RECALL". DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY SAW A FEW MORE VEHICLES JUST RECENTLY WITH SAME PROBLEM UPON FURTHER DISCUSSION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ENCOURAGE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. IF FORD DOES'NT PUT CONSUMER SAFETY FIRST, I ENCOURAGE THE NHTSA'S INTERVENTION. ALL 2003 FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMERS NEED TO BE EDUCATED ON THIS ISSUE .*AK PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 21,000

PROBLEMS WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW HATCH.*MR THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES FOR THE BROKEN REAR WINDOW HATCH AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET. PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY IN RESOLVING MATTERS. *CB THE REAR WINDOW HATCH FAILED WHEN THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE HATCH LITERALLY FLEW OFF WHEN THE HATCH WAS OPENED. ONE OCCASION WHEN THE CYLINDER FLEW OFF, THE CYLINDER FLEW OFF AND HIT THE CONSUMER IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD NECK, SHOULDER AND SPINE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. *JB MULTI-INCIDENTS PE04045.PCO

NHSTA#01I010000 REF. 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFT ARM TWISTING AND CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO BREAK. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 1.5 YEARS AND THE WINDOW HAS BROKEN TWICE AND THE ARM TWISTED A THIRD TIME. WHEN WE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE SCREWS WERE STRIPPED AND THE LIFTGATE WAS DAMAGED. MY DAUGHTER WAS STANDING BELOW THE WINDOW WHEN IT BROKEN AND GLASS FELL ALL OVER HER. LUCKILY NO GLASS GOT INTO HER EYES OR MOUTH BUT I BELIEVE THE REAR WINDOW BRACKET IS A SAFETY HAZARDS WHICH DEMANDS CORRECTING. I KNOW THAT FORD DID RE-ENGINEER THE REA WINDOW FRAME AND LIFT BRACKETS. BECAUSE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FORMAL RECALL, I CAN NOT GET THE NEW REAR LIFT GATE BUT RATHER THAY KEEP REPLPACING THE BROKEN WINDOWS. MEANWHILE I KEEP PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE IN THEIR SHOP. PLEASE HELP! PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 20,387

THE REAR LIFTGATE CYLINDER BROKE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK PE04045_PCO DOB=12/01. OLD STYLE MOUNT. GLASS OPENED AND WHEN CLOSING, HEARD "POP" NOISE AND GLASS ASSEMBLY CAME DOWN. NO INJURY. 06/14/2004. WILL TAKE PICS OF "ROTATED MOUNTS" AND EMAIL TO ME.

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS AND THE BACK LIFT GATE HATCH HAS BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF FALLS ON EITHER ME, MY DAUGHTER, OR ANYONE ELSE WHO OPENS THE GLASS HATCH. WITH THE SIDE THAT IS NOW BROKEN IT IS PUTTING A LOT OF STRAIN ON MY HINGES WHERE CONNECTS TO THE CAR AND IS PULLING MY GLASS OFF AND HAS DENTED MY CAR. *NLM PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 46,000

PROBLEMS WITH REAR GLASS HATCH SUPPORTS. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 4 OCCASIONS TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TS *JB IT ALSO FELL ON WIFE'S HEAD BUT NO INJURY. ON 3RD OCCASION (1/02), LT STRUT DETACHED AGAIN AND STRUCT GLASS AND SHATTERED GLASS. DEALER REPLACED "ENTIRE" LIFTGATE ASSEMBY. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AROUND 5,000 MILES. OWNER GAVE PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFO TO MFR. OWNER WILL CK. DESIGN VERSION OF LIFTGATE DURING REPLACEMENT. 061704_PCO PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 5,000

DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO CLOSE DOOR 4-5 TIMES TO LOCK DOOR. *AK

THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT WAS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB PE04045.PCO

ON JUNE 1ST, 2003 I HAD THE REAR GLASS HATCH OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER OPEN BRIEFLY TO REMOVE GROCERIES. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN REAR 3RD SEAT. I STEPPED BACK FROM VEHICLE TO ASSIST DAUGHTER IN GETTING OUT AND GLASS IN REAR HATCH EXPLODED (WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED OR MOVED). I WAS HIT BY GLASS SHARDS AND IF I HAD NOT JUST STEPPED BACK, THE 4 X 6 METAL ATTACHMENT WOULD HAVE HIT ME IN THE HEAD AS IT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE ONLY BY THE GLASS AND DEFROST CABLES. MY DAUGHTER WAS SHAKEN BUT FORTUNATELY NOT HIT BY THE EXPLODING GLASS. A NEIGHBOR ACROSS THE STREET HEARD THE EXPLOSION AND THOUGHT IT WAS A GUN SHOT. GLASS SHARDS/PIECES WERE STREWN THROUGHOUT OUR 3 CAR GARAGE, SOME LANDING ON THE TOP OF OUR OTHER VEHICLE PARKED NEXT THE EXPLORER. THE LOCAL DEALER TOLD US IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT BUT AS THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR AREA, THEY WOULD NOT BE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AS WE WERE 2,000 MILES OUT OF OUR WARRANTY. FORD COMPANY IN DEERBORNE, MI THREATENED TO REVOKE ANY ASSISTANCE AS WE "DID NOT SEEM APPRECIATIVE" OF THE 80% THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP OFFERED. WE STRONGLY FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE (NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE) THAT FORD SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR. THIS TYPE OF GLASS EXPLOSION COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. *NLM PE04045.PCO

Mileage: 38,128

HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED UPON ROUTINE CLOSING. HAD CAR INTO DEALER 3 PREVIOUS TIMES TO REPAIR HATCH, THE STRUT HAD BROKE OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE EACH TIME. EACH TIME THEY REPAIRED OR REPLACED THE STRUT AND SAID IT WOULD BE FINE. THIS TIME THE STRUT DID NOT JUST BREAK OFF THE WHOLE WINDOW EXPLODED AND LEFT CUTS ON THE CONSUMERS HANDS AS WELL AS GLASS IN HER MOUTH AND ON HER HEAD. *NLM PE04045.PCO DOB IS 06/02_061704_JF

Mileage: 10,000

THE VEHICLE WAS ON ITS FOURTH REPAIR FOR REAR THE GLASS LIFT GATE, THE BRACKET DOOR FAILED TO STAY UP. *JB *JB

THE VEHICLE'S TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM BROKEN LIFTGATE GLASS AND WIPER MOTOR AND ARM WERE REPLACED. THERE WERE SQUEAKS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED. IGNITION SWITCH HARD TO INSERT KEY AT TIMES. CYLINDER AND TUMBLER REKEYED. BOTTOM DOOR MOLDING (PASSENGER SIDE) PEELING OFF. RUBBER GROMMET ON ANTENNA BASE OFF. RESECURED RUBBER GROMMET FOR ANTENNA BASE. *TT PE04045_PCO

Mileage: 29,000

THE DOORS WERE NOT PROPERLY SEALED WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED FROM DEBRIS ON THE ROAD/WEATHER CORRODING THE DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY. *JB....*AK

Mileage: 10,000

THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES, THE MECHANIC STATED THE GEAR INSIDE HANDLE WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BREAK. *JB

HYDROLIC ARM ON BACK LIFTGATE BROKE 3 TIMES AND WAS "REPAIRED" AT THE DEALER. IT BROKE A FOURTH TIME, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE WINDOW TO SHATTER. THE GLASS AND FALLING DEBRIS SCRATCHED THE PAINT ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. PE04045.PCO

LAST SUMMER (JULY 2002) DURING A MILITARY MOVE FROM GA TO AZ I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ON THE OUTTER RIGHT EDGE THAT YOU COULD NOT SEE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GOT RIGHT UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. PART OF IT WAS VISIBLE TO AND PART OF IT WAS HIDDEN BEHIND THE RUBBER SEAL THAT IS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS ACTUALLY INSTALLED WITH THIS PIECE MISSING FROM IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE REAR GLASS HATCH, GAS SHOCK TWISTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE OFF CENTER BY ABOUT AN INCH OR MORE. AFTER FIXING IT THREE TIMES IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS (THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GAS SHOCK) HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THUS FAR HAVE HELD UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE ON MY VEHICLE THAT INCLUDE THE ELECRICAL SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK ON SOMETIMES ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GO OUT. THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES STALL AT TAKE OFF OR WILL LURCH WHILE SHIFITING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND HAS TOTALLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE TRIM PAINT ON THE DOORS, BOTH FRONT AND PASSENGER HAS FADED THERE ARE RUSTED SPOTS IN THE PAINT ON THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE HOOD HAS A VERY BAD ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON IT WITH GRIT IN THE PAINT. THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER HAS BUSTED AND THE PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW HAS BROKEN LOOSE AS WELL AS ONE OF THE PLASTIC BRACKET COVERS ON THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER SEATS. PE04045.PCO

NHTSA#14956-01-F-061-000 LIFT GATE GLASS BRACKET ROTATION OF THE BRACKET COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS: CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS PE04045.PCO

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN FIVE MONTHS, OUR EXPLORER BACK WINDOW HAS EXPLODED, PROPELLING THE WINDOW AND FRAME OUTWARDS, CUTTING MY HUSBANDS ARM AND SHATTERING GLASS ALL OVER HIM AND OUR DRIVEWAY. HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE, BUT WAS JUST LOWERING IT, WHEN IT FLEW OUT. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, MY DAUGHTER WAS RAISING THE WINDOW, AND THE FRAMEAND WINDOW FLEW OUT, AND HIT HER IN THE SHOULDER, SPRAYING GLASS ALL OVER HER AND IMBEDDING IT IN THE GARAGE WALL. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE BACK WINDOW WITH A COMPLETELY RE-DESIGNED WINDOW. WE TOLD THEM THAT WE DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE WE WERE AFRAID OF FUTURE INJURIES AND WERE ACTUALLY AFRAID TO USE IT AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS FORDS PROBLEM, NOT THEIRS, AND SO WE CONTACTED FORD. A REPRESENTATIVE PROMISED TO GET BACK WITH US AFTER TAKING THE INFORMATION, BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER A WEEK NOW, AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP US RESOLVE THIS MATTER. SHOULD THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL? DT PE04045.PCO

REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED IN CONSUMER'S FACE. CAUSE OF EXPLOSION IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK PE04045.PCO

WHILE OPENING THE REAR TOP HATCHBACK, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED IN MY WIFE'S FACE WHILE MY 4 YEAR OLD SAT IN THE REAR SEAT. MY WIFE RECEIVED MINOR SCRATCHES FROM THE FLYING GLASS. MY SON WAS SHAKEN BUT NOT INJURED AS THE SHATTERED GLASS FLEW APPX 15 FEET OUTWARD AND TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. SINCE THE BOTTOM PANEL OF THE TOP HALF OF THE REAR GATE IS ONLY ATTACHED TO THE CAR BY THE GLASS AND THE DEFOGGER CABLE, THIS FOUR FOOT BY SIX INCH METAL PANEL SLAMMED TO THE GROUND JUST MISSING MY WIFE'S LEGS. I WAS IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME AND HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SMALL EXPLOSION WHEN IT BURST. IT WAS TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING TO MY WIFE AND SON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO AT FIRST TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE AND I SHOULD GO TO A GLASS REPAIR SHOP. I REFUSED AND ASKED THEM TO FIX IT AND INPECT THE WORK. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD "ONLY" THREE OR SO REPORTED INCIDENTS OF BREAKAGE IN PAST YEAR AND THAT THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICES I RECEIVED FOR THE REAR WINDOW HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HAPPENED. THEY SAID MY CAR WAS FINE AFTER IT WAS CHECKED FOR THE RECALL NOTICE TWO PREVIUOS TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM WAITING FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED.*AK PE04045.PCO

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN AN PARKING LOT. RETURNING TO MY VEHICLE I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE MY ITEMS IN THE BACK SECTION OF THE SUV. WHEN THE HATCHBACK GLASS WAS OPENED THE LEFT HYDRAULIC LIFT SHATTERED THE REAR GLASS. THE GLASS FLEW TO THE FRONT SEAT AND 3 CAR LENGHTS OVER IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAVE TAKEN MY FORD EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE REAR PANEL WAS REPLACED AFTER A MONTH OF WAITING. BUT WE ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE REPAIR. FORD IS SENDING REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT HAVE A BULDGE IN THE BOTTOM PANELS. SO WE ARE ON OUR SECOND DOOR AND STILL WAITING FOR A NEW PART. IT IS FUNNY HOW YOU CAN BUY A VEHICLE THAT LOOKS PERFECT BUT WHEN YOU GET REPLACEMENT PARTS YOU GET LESS THAN PERFECT. MAKES ME WONDER IF THEY ARE REALLY FORD PARTS. THE PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING NOW IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT IT IS A VALUE PROBLEM IF WE SELL OR TRADE IN THIS SUV. WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE WE WHERE NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED IN APRIL OF 2001.*AK PE04045.PCO

WHILE PARKED WITH REAR WINDOW OF LIFTGATE RAISED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, IT WAS SHATTERED. OCCUPANT DID GET CUT BY PIECES FLYING OF GLASS. TEMPERATURE THAT DAY WAS ABOUT 70 DEGREES. A WITNESS SAW THE INCIDENT, AND TOLD THE OTHER PARTY THAT THE YOUNG LADY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. GLASS/ASSEMBLY IS BEING ORDERED AND GLASS HAS BEEN MODIFIED. A FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK PE04045.PCO

MAIN COMPUTER MODULE MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSING OTHER MAJOR COMPONENTS, SUCH AS TRANSMISSION/ POWER WINDOW, AND DOORS NOT TO WORK. *AK

MOUNTING BRACKET ON GLASS LIFTGATE BECAME DETACHED FROM STRUT-LIFT MECHANISM JOINT UPON REACHING MAXIMUM EXTENSION CAUSING GLASS TO FALL ONTO MY HEAD. REPORTED TO DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED DUE TO PARTS N/A. OFTEN HAVE DIFFICULTY TURNING IGNITION SWITCH AFTER INSERTING EITHER OF THE FACTORY KEYS. IT REQUIRES A "JIGGLING" MOTION TO ENGAGE AND TURN IGNITION. PE04045.PCO

WHILE OPENING MANUAL TAILGATE WINDOW GLASS EXPLODED, GLASS WAS THROWN INSIDE VEHICLE WITH SUCH FORCE THAT INTERIOR PANELS WERE SCRATCHED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK RE-EVAL TO BE VALID SINCE PE OPENING_PCO PE04045_PCO

CONSUMER STATES ATTEMPTED TO OPEN LIFTGATE TO UNLOAD GROCERIES WHEN THE LIFTGATE BLEW OUT CRASHING ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF OF THE TRUCK, SHATTERING THE GLASS TO THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. VEHCLE HAS BEEN SHOP FOR 14 DAYS. BODY ROOF WAS BADLY DAMAGED. *TT PE04045.PCO

CONSUMER STATES THE WINDOW CONTROL PANEL IN DRIVERS DOOR IS LOOSE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY LOOSE PANELS. *TT

COLLAPSE OF TAILGATE WINDOW/STRUCTURE ONTO MY HEAD WHILE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING GROCERIES FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SUFFERED CERVICAL INJURIES AS A RESULT. *AK PE04045.PCO

THE REAR WINDOW PISTON SHATTERED THE GLASS IN BACK OF SUV. MY PASSENGERS STANDING BY WERE HIT WITH FLYING GLASS. SUPERFICIAL CUTS ONLY. THE DATE OF THIS INCIDENT WAS AUGUST 8TH. I'M WRITING THIS ON SEPTEMBER 3RD. WE STILL DON'T HAVE OUR CAR BACK.*AK PE04045.PCO

THE LEFT STRUT ON THE GLASS SECTION OF THE TAILGATE BROKE FREE AND SHATTERED THE REAR WINDOW. THE BROKEN GLASS COVERED MY HAIR AND MY CLOTHING, THIS IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AS THE GLASS COULD SHATTER INTO THE EYES OF SOMEONE CLOSING THE TAILGATE. *AK PE04045.PCO

01 1 010 000/LIFTGATE GLASS BRACKET; WHILE CLOSING TAILGATE BOTH BRACKETS BROKE AND CAUSED GLASS TO FALL ONTO CONSUMER. CONSUMER SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND GIVEN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK PE04045.PCO

WHILE OPENING REAR WINDOW, AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WINDOW POPPED OFF HINGE AND SHATTERED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK LEFT HAND HINGE APPEARED TO BE MISSING THREADS TO ENGAGE WITH BOLT FOR MOUNTING REAR WINDOW ASSEMBLY TO VEHICLE. *YH PE04045_PCO

FOUR HOURS AFTER NEW VEHICLE WAS COLLECTED FROM DEALER, GLASS TAILGATE EXPLODED ON BEING CLOSED GENTLY. COMPLETE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT METAL COMPONENTS OF THE DOOR WERE BADLY BENT AND SCRATCHED. GLASS WAS SCATTERED OVER A RADIUS OF 20 FEET, INCLUDING INTO THE BACK SEATS AND ONTO THE ROOF. MY RIGHT LEG WAS CUT IN THREE PLACES. LUCKILY, MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN OR AT THE BACK AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION. THE ENTIRE DOOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER WITHIN FOUR BUSINESS HOURS. UNLESS RECALLED, THIS APPARENTLY COMMON DEFECT WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. *AK PE04045.PCO

LEFT HYDRUALIC SUPPORT BRACKET FOR REAR WINDOW HAS BROKEN OFF THREE TIMES.*AK *SLC PE04045.PCO

CONSUMER STARTED TO SLOWLY OPEN TAILGATE WINDOW, AND PISTON POPPED OFF BACK OF WINDSHIELD, DENTED INSIDE TOP OF VEHICLE, AND WEDGED BETWEEN GLASS AND BODY OF TRUCK. CONSUMER STOPPED, OPENING PROCESS. THIS WAS HOW FIRST EXPLORER'S BACK WINDOW EXPLOD TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK.*AK PE04045.PCO

4 HOURS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF VEHICLE CONSUMER PARKED IT AND OPENED TAILGATE WINDOW. WINDOW EXPLODED WITH GLASS FLYING 15 FEET. WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY HIT CONSUMER IN CHEST, AND GLASS FLEW INTO EYES. DEALER PICKED VEHICLE UP. THEN, STATED HE COULD REPAIR VEHICLE OR REPLACE IT. CONSUMER CHOSE NEW VEHICLE. CONSUMER STILL HAS PAIN IN EYE, STILL UNDER MEDICAL ATTENTION.*AK PISTON POPPED OFF THE WINDOW AND CAUSED GLASS TO EXPLODE, CONSUMER HAS SINCE HAD ANOTHER PIECE OF GLASS REMOVED FROM HER EYE. *SLC PE04045.PCO

BRACKET AND SPRING THAT HOLDS HATCHBACK WINDOW UP BROKE COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDOW TO ALMOST DROP INTO FRAME. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK PE04045.PCO

THE BACK WINDOW RAISED UP WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED, AND WHEN I TOUCHED THE WINDOW TO SHUT IT, IT BLEW UP COMPLETELY, LEAVING NOTHING IN THE REAR. ALL THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED, AND THE STRUTS HOLDING THE WINDOW WERE BLOWN OUT. I RECEIVED CUTS ON MY ARMS AND WRISTS. PE04045.PCO

ON CLOSING REAR WINDOW THE THING EXPLODED IN MY FACE. FORTUNEATELY I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT WAS COVERED WITH GLASS. I FEEL I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE GOTTEN GLASS IN MY EYES. *AK PE04045.PCO

HYDRAULIC ARM THAT HOLDS UP HATCHBACK WINDOW BROKE. THE PRESSURE FROM THE BROKEN PLUNGER ARM PRESSED AGAINST THE BACK GLASS AND CAUSED IT TO EXPLODE OUT. THE PRESSURE WAS SO EXTREME THAT THE DOOR PANEL WAS MOVED TWO INCHES AWAY FROM THE FRAME. CAR WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE AT THE TIME THE GLASS AND DOOR BLEW OUT. PE04045.PCO

PLUNGER THAT HOLDS HATCHBACK WINDOW OPENED/ FELL OFF DUE TO DESIGN DEFECT, CAUSING WINDOW TO COME CRASHING DOWN ON CONSUMER, RESULTING IN HEAD AND NECK INJURIES.*AK PE04045.PCO