2004 FORD EXPLORER Structure Problems

Back windows fell off track and windows fell down, cannot roll them up. AC and Heater broke and won't work at all. Fuel system is too lean. Transmission is going out Timing Chain and tensioners making loud knocking noise. Burning oil.

PLASTICE PARTS ARE DETERIORATING, DESOLVING IN FRONT INSIDE DRIVE SUN VISOR-LIGHTED VISOR BROKE OFF; CENTERL REAR A/C AND HEAT MOON ROOF LIGHT CONSOLE FALLS OFF-PLASTICE CLIPS DESOLVED AND WILL NOT FASTEN INTO ROOF ASSEMBLY, CAUSING BLOCKED EYESIGHT AND AT TIME ON RIGHT TURN HITTING HEAD OR EYES . THIS IS UNSAFE AND FORD MOTOR KNOWS OF COMPLAINST. PART ARE NOT AVAILBLE. THIS IS A HIGHWAY SAFETY ISSUE. THE MODEL WAS THE EDDIE BAUER TOP OF THE LINE $40,,835 CAR FMV $5000 ONLY 54000 MILES PRI LEVEL CODE 450240U74 SHIP WGT 4357

Mileage: 50,000

I HAVE CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY LIFT GATE . EACH TIME I USE THE HANDLE TO LIFT THE CRACKS BECOME WORSE. THERE ARE SEVERAL POSTS ONLINE ASKING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERY ONE I SEE IN A PARKING LOT OR ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD REPORTS THAT IT AFFECTS 1997-2007 EXPLORERS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD AND THEY REFERRED ME TO YOUR ORGANIZATION. SOME OF THESE CRACKS I HAVE SEEN REACH TO THE BACK WINDOW WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD.

Mileage: 61,000

I GET A STRONG SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS WHEN DRIVING. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I DRIVE FOR A LONG TIME. MY BACK HATCH IS CRACKING IN 3 OR MORE SPOTS I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL PROBABLY FALL OFF AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO SOMEONE DRIVING BEHIND ME.

Mileage: 143,000

REAR GLASS LIFTGATE HINGE BROKE CAUSING GLASS TO FALL OUT OF POSITION. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND LIFTGATE GLASS WAS BEING OPENED WHEN THE HINGE FAILED. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD EXPLORER THIS HAPPENED TO. THE FIRST ONE WAS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER.

Mileage: 156,867

WHEN THE EXPLORER WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2015 THE CRACKS THAT ARE COMMON IN THE GLASS LIFT GATE COVER PANEL DID NOT EXIST. WE PURPOSELY DID NOT OPEN THE GLASS PART OF THE LIFT GATE TO AVOID CRACKING IT. EVENTUALLY IT CRACKED ON ITS OWN JUST FROM OPENING THE FULL TAILGATE. THEN RECENTLY THE LIFT GATE LATCH KEEPER BOLTS/STUDS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE BEHIND THE CRACKED PANEL AND THE GLASS LIFT GATE RELEASED ON ITS OWN. LUCKILY THE EXPLORER WAS PARKED. HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON AS A RESULT. THIS DRAINED MY BATTERY IN THIS SUMMER'S HEAT. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY. TO AVOID THIS BATTERY ISSUE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN, I RIGGED THE LIFT GATE LATCH WITH ZIP TIES THROUGH THE HOLES TO TEMPORARILY HOLD THE LIFT GATE SHUT. IT WON'T HOLD LONG LIKE THIS SO I NEED TO FIX THE ATTACHMENT PARTS THAT RUSTED BEHIND THE GLASS AND THEN THE COLORED COVER PANEL THAT IS NOW BADLY CRACKED, THE CRACKING OF THIS VERY POORLY DESIGNED AND POOR CHOICE OF MATERIAL BODY PART LET WATER GET BEHIND IT AND HOLD THERE AFTER IT CRACKED LIKE VIRTUALLY ALL THOSE ON OTHER EXPLORERS. THIS TRAPPED WATER CAUSED RUST OF THE LATCH ATTACHMENT STUDS BEHIND IT. FORD'S ISSUANCE OF VSB'S ABOUT THIS ISSUE ARE PROOF THEY WERE FULLY AWARE OF THERE BAD MATERIAL CHOICE FOR THIS PANEL AND I FEEL THEY SHOULD STILL BE ON THE HOOK TO REPAIR AND REPLACE PARTS DESPITE FAILURE OCCURRING AFTER THE VEHICLES WARRANTY EXPIRATION, BASED ON SUCH A POORLY DESIGNED AND WIDESPREAD TAILGATE ISSUE THAT IS LATER IN THE VEHICLE'S LIFE A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE THE GLASS LIFT GATE CAN OPEN UPON LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT FAILURE, DUE TO RUST.

Mileage: 123,400

BOUGHT A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN MARCH 22, 2017 FROM LBSI AUTOMOTIVE. SEEN A CRACK IN REAR PANEL, DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. ON JULY 9 2017 WENT TO OPEN LIFT GATE AT WALMART AND HINGE BUSTED AND WINDOW SHATTERED ON ME AND MY HUSBAND HIT MY FACE GLASS ALL OVER ME, CUT MY HUSBAND IN FEW PLACES, . LOOKING ONLINE TO REPLACE IT AND SEEN THAT THE CRACK IN REAR PANEL WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS. I HAD A 3 MONTH OLD SON IN BACK SEAT AND THANK GOD IT DIDN'T GET ON HIM. MY OPINION THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS AND TOLD US.

Mileage: 105,000

THE LIFT GATE ON MY TRUCK IS CRACKING AND GETTING WORSE. TWO OF MY SEATBELTS ARE HARD TO GET OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND THEY ARE SO TIGHT THAT THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE TO THE WEARER.

Mileage: 141,760

I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I POPPED MY BACK WINDOW, SO I COULD GET SOME ITEMS OUT OF MY BACK PART OF MY VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT TO CLOSE THE BACK WINDOW, MY WINDOW FELL SIDEWAYS, ALMOST BUSTING ME UPSIDE MY HEAD. I'VE READ A FEW THINGS SAYING THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE. I'M NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT FINDING OUT IF THAT IS CORRECT OR NOT. IF IT WASN'T RECALLED, IT SHOULD OF BEEN.

THERE IS A CRACK RUNNING VERTICALLY THROUGH THE ENTIRE REAR PANEL JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. IT RUNS RIGHT ALONG SIDE THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS HAPPENED IN DEC. 2014. I DO NOT KNOW/RECALL IF THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING OR NOT. I JUST DISCOVERED THE CRACK. I THOUGHT THAT IT HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE WE WERE VISITING BEND, OR AND IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD. THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE I DON'T BELIEVE. BUT, GIVEN I SEE AT LEAST ONE EXPLORER EVERY 2-3 DAYS WITH THE SAME CRACK IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 70,000

I LOOKED AT THE BACK OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER, LTD ONE MORNING (10/11/2016) AND THERE WAS A CRACK STRAIGHT DOWN THE BACK PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER DISCOVERING THE SPLIT IN THE PANEL I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL EXPLORER WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I ASKED MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE ONLY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO GET IT REPAIRED MYSELF. THIS IS CLEARLY A FORD ISSUE. NOW WHILE DRIVING A HEAR RATTLING AND HOPE THE ENTIRE PANEL DOESN'T FALL OFF. I DID CALL THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY TO REGISTER MY CONCERNS. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME BUT HE WOULD FILE MY CONCERN AND GAVE ME A CASE # [XXX] FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. I AM ON A RETIRED INCOME AND THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE REPAIRED THEN KEEP RECEIPTS IN HOPE THAT FORD WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL AND/OR ASSIST ME WITH THE REPAIR EXPENSES. IN READING ON-LINE AFTER SEVERAL OWNERS HAD THE PANEL REPLACED, IT CRACKED AGAIN LATER. PLEASE ADVISE ME AND HELP ME GET ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER, LTD BACK PANEL SPLITTING FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

SIGNIFICANT FRONT END IMPACT WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT ON A CITY STREET.

Mileage: 85,000

CRACKS ON REAR PANEL HAPPENED A FEW YEARS AGO. I WAS TOLD IT'S A COMMON KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD, BUT THEY WON'T REPAIR IT AND IT'S NOT NEEDED. NOW THE HATCH WON'T FULLY CLOSE OR LOCK SHUT DUE TO THE PARTS BEHIND THE FORD EMBLEM RUSTING OUT DUE TD THE CRACKS. WATER HAS GOTTEN BEHIND IT, ALSO THE REAR WIPER WILL NOT WORK DUE TO THE WATER GETTING THROUGH FROM THE CRACKS. I CAN NOW NOT DRIVE MY ONLY TRUCK THAT FITS MY FAMILY. WE WERE LEAVING TO GO OUT TO A FAMILY ADVENT, AND I NOTICED THE BACK HATCH WAS OPEN, THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT HOW DAMAGED IT WAS DUE TO THE PANEL BEING CRACKED. I CALLED FORD, THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR IT OUT OF MY OWN POCKET AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD CAUSE A HUGE ISSUE IF I DROVE AND THE BACK WIDOW FULLY CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE SEVERALLY HURT SOMEONE OR DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND OR PERSON, OR PERSONS. THIS COMMON ISSUE NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED AND RECALLED. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE!

Mileage: 157,000

THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HAS CRACKED 3 TIMES NOW. THIS PANEL CRACKS NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM ON EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT SIDE. I CALLED FORD AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THIS BEING AN ISSUE. MY PANEL HAS CRACKED FOR THE 4TH TIME AND FORD IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE 2005. I CAN SUBMIT PHOTOS IF NEEDED TO SUPPORT THIS MATTER. THE PANEL APPEARS TO CRACK DUE TO THE LIFT GATE FLEXING WHEN IT IS OPENED AND CLOSED. IN THE PAST 3 YEARS, I HAVE OBSERVED "ALL" THE FORDS AROUND THAT YEAR HAVE BUSTED PANELS AND THEY'RE TELLING ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM.....ANOTHER COVER-UP IN THE MAKING!

Mileage: 65,000

PAINT PEELING ROOF HOOD DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TWICE BEARINGS WEAR OUT REPAIRED TWICE BACK OF TAILGATE PANEL CRACKED REPLACED 3 TIMES

Mileage: 145,000

I HAVE REPLACED THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW 3 TIMES AT A COST OF OVER $ 400 PER TIME. THIS PANEL CRACKS NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM ON EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT SIDE. I CALLED FORD AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THIS BEING AN ISSUE. I AM AN AUTO INSURANCE CLAIMS ADJUSTER AND I SEE THIS PROBLEM DAILY ON MY INSURED'S VEHICLE. MY PANEL HAS CRACKED FOR THE 4TH TIME AND FORD IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE 2006. I CAN SUBMIT THE INVOICES FOR MY REPAIRS AND PHOTOS IF NEEDED TO SUPPORT THIS MATTER. THE PANEL APPEARS TO CRACK DUE TO THE LIFT GATE FLEXING WHEN IT IS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THEY TRY TO PUT SOMETHING BEHIND THE PANEL WHEN THEY REPLACE IT TO HELP REINFORCE IT.

Mileage: 175,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER OPENING THE LIFTGATE WINDOW, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DRIVER SIDE HATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

Mileage: 172,000

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY RESIDENCE ON THE STREET, IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN THAT DAY. THE BACK WINDOW IN THE TAILGATE EXPLODED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TAILGATE. NO ONE WAS DRIVING IT, IT HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED THAT DAY. THERE WAS A PRIOR CRACK IN THE TAILGATE WHICH I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER EXPLORER'S, AND SINCE LEARNED THAT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE CARE.

Mileage: 163,225

THE REAR HATCH HINGE HOLDING THE REAR WINDOW BROKE. IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT BUT THE HATCH WINDOW FELL ON ME.

Mileage: 164,000

SUN VISOR BRACKET CRACKED AND DISINTEGRATED LEAVING SUN VISOR BLOCKING MY VIEW. HAD TO PULL OVER AND DISCONNECT THE WIRE AND REMOVE VISOR. 2ND INCIDENT, PRESSED BUTTON TO OPEN REAR GLASS AND THE HINGES SNAPPED EJECTING THE HEAVY GLASS PANEL AT ME. HAD A CHILD BEEN OPENING IT, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. AS IT WAS, I CAUGHT THE GLASS PANEL.

Mileage: 130,000

WENT TO OPEN REAR WINDOW HATCH AND RIGHT HINGE SNAPPED OFF CAUSING WHOLE REAR WINDOW PANEL TO FALL ON ME. THE LEFT HINGE MANAGED TO STAY IN PLACE AND WAS ABLE TO GET CENTER LATCH REATTACHED TO KEEP THE WINDOW PANEL FROM COMPLETELY FALLING OFF. ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL LEFT HINGE SNAPS. TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIR BUT BOTH HINGES COULD HAVE EASILY SNAPPED AND POTENTIALLY FALLEN INTO THE ROADWAY. THIS IS A HEAVY LOAD BEARING HINGE AND IF BROKEN WHEN A CHILD OPENED IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY. I NOTICE THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND IS A DANGER NOT ONLY TO THE OWNER BUT POTENTIALLY TO THOSE ON THE ROAD BEHIND THIS MODEL.

Mileage: 150,000

2 VERTICAL CRACKS IN UPPER REAR HATCH BELOW WINDOW

I WENT TO OPEN SMALL WINDOW TYPE REAR GATE AND THE LEFT HINGE BROKE. I CAUGHT THE GATE BEFORE IT HIT THE GROUND AND HAD TO DRIVE VERY SLOW TO GET CAR HOME SAFELY.

Mileage: 154,000

CAR WAS PARKED. I OPENED REAR HATCH (JUST THE WINDOW PART) AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE BROKE CAUSING HATCH TO FALL DOWN ON MY HEAD (QUITE PAINFUL!). ABOUT A YEAR AGO THIS SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE HINGE (THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT HIT MY HEAD). I HAD THAT SIDE REPAIRED, BUT NOW IT LOOKS CORRODED SO I WORRY IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 231,173

MY REAR HATCH IN THE BACK OF MY EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN IT. WHICH I THINK HAS CAUSED THE BACK WINDOW TO SHIFT WHICH IN TURN HAS CAUSED MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT TO FLASH WHILE THE DOOR CHIMES GO OFF AND THE INTERIOR FLICKER WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BUT THERE ARE NO DOORS OPEN . THE LIGHTS FLICKERING MAKE IT HARD TO DRIVE IN THE NIGHT. I THINK FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR EVERYONE. *TR

Mileage: 119,000

THERE IS A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE TOP REAR LIFT GATE 10" TO THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE LOGO TOWARD THE REAR DOOR. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE CRACK IS BARELY VISIBLE YET IN WARMER TEMPERATURES, THE CRACK WOULD EXPAND. *TR

Mileage: 220,000

THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE AS I WAS CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. WITHOUT WARNING IT JUST CAME UNDONE WITH THE SCREW POPPING LOOSE. CHEAPLY MADE MATERIAL OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE WAS CLEARLY THE CAUSE, ALONG WITH A FAULTY DESIGN THAT ALLOWS THE BOLT TO STRIP OUT OF THE HINGE. *TR

Mileage: 104,906

CRACKED REAR HATCH. I HAD HEARD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND MY HATCH DIDN'T CRACK TILL AFTER THIS COLD WINTER. BUT, THIS IS THE FIRST WINTER THAT THIS EXPLORER HAS BEEN KEPT OUTSIDE, NOT GARAGED. MY GARAGED IS UNDER MY HOUSE AND INSULATED. IT NEVER GETS BELOW FREEZING IN THE GARAGE. I CALLED FORD AND ASKED THEM IF THEY CAN HELP FINANCIALLY WITH THE REPAIRS. THEY SAID NO. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

HAD MY USED 2004 FORD EXPLORER FOR ONE WEEK AND THE LIFTGATE LATCHES BOTH BROKE. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THE SHOCKS THAT WERE ON THE LIFTGATE, THE WINDOW WOULD HAVE CRASHED TO THE GROUND AND SHATTERED IN A THOUSAND PIECES. FROM WHAT I'M TOLD, I'M GOING TO HAVE TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP AND PAY GOD KNOWS WHAT TO HAVE IT FIXED. CAN'T EVEN USE MY TRUNK NOW. THE DEALERSHIP IS A JOKE. *TR

Mileage: 1,400,030

REAR CRACKED PANEL ON 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORER -WHEN IT RAINS WATER FRY THE REAR TAILLIGHTS . *TR

LIFTGATE HAS A CRACK AND THE HINGE TO THE LIFTGATE BROKE DUE TO CRACK. IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLE FALLING WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

I NOTICED ONE DAY THAT THE REAR PANEL OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT WAS CRACKED. THERE WAS NO CRASH NOR INDICATION OF DAMAGE FROM OUTSIDE SOURCE. I BELIEVE THE CRACKED FORMED BECAUSE OF THE EXPANSION OF WATER WHICH SEEPED IN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I SEE THE CRACK ON EVERY EXPLORER ON THE ROAD WITHIN A FEW YEARS OF MINE. I NEED TO GET A RECALL IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM NOT CAUSED BY ME AND WHICH EVERYONE ELSE I KNOW WHO HAS THIS MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

THE BACK HATCH HAS SPLIT NEXT TO THE FORD SIGN. IT GOT COLD AND WHEN I GOT UP TO CRANK MY TRUCK I SAW IT.IT WAS NOT HIT AND WAS IN THE SHED WHEN THIS HAPPEN. I WAS TOLD IT HAD A RECALL FROM SOMEONE THAT HAS THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO HER. WE ALSO HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED.FORD REALLY NEED TO FIX THIS .I CAN SAY I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *JS

Mileage: 182,000

THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALER, THIS APPARENTLY IS SOMETHING THAT IS KNOWN TO HAPPEN. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

LEAVING WORK AT END OF DAY, PULLED OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND REAR GLASS SHATTERED. THE EDGES OF THE BACK HATCH PULLED AWAY FROM THE TRUCK AND CURLED UP CAUSING THE GLASS TO BLOW INTO THE TRUCK. A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC OF THE HATCH (WHICH I HAVE SEEN ON MANY OF THIS YEAR MODEL) HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND I HAVE EMAILED FORD MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR FEAR OF WATER GETTING IN BEHIND THE PANEL. MY BELIEF IS THAT WATER DID GET BEHIND THE PANEL AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE PLASTIC PANEL TO PULL AWAY AND BLOW IN THE GLASS. LUCKILY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT SITTING IN THE 2ND OR 3RD ROW SEATING OR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED AND RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT FROM THAT FLYING GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 105,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR HATCH OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 01/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLASS HAS SHATTERED ONCE BEFORE. THE LIFTGATE DEVELOPED A CRACK. UPDATED 9/28/2015 *JS

Mileage: 60,000

VERTICAL CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE REAR LIFT DOOR AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BACK PANEL DEVELOPED MULTIPLE CRACKS, WHICH CAUSED THE LIFTGATE WINDSHIELD TO BECOME VERY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

EXACT DATES ARE VARIOUS , VEHICLE HAS 39000 MILES ON IT PRESENTLY , HAVE MULTIPLE VEHICLES , DRIVE OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER ... CHANGED BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE , EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT WORKING , HAD FIXED , HAD TO HAVE EKG REPLACED AND SOME EXHAUST SENSOR , TIRES WORE OUT AT 29000 , EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED , BOTH BALL JOINTS REPLACED , PINION GEAR GASKET LEAKING FROM REAR END , BOTH CV JOINTS LEAKING , APPEARS RIGHT CV JOINT NEEDS REPLACING , GETS 14 MPG ( 4.0 LITER ) PAINT PEELING FROM ROOF FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW , RUSTING AROUND FUEL TANK DOOR , AS ALL ARE ...... VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE , GETTING RID OF THIS AT 39000 MILES , FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA , BUY ANOTHER ONE ! *TR

Mileage: 17,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER OPENING THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE WINDOW, THE TWO ALUMINUM HINGES FRACTURED CAUSING THE LIFT GATE TO FALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE HINGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED SINCE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER OPENING THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE WINDOW, THE TWO PLASTIC HINGES ATTACHED TO THE WINDOW FRACTURED CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,500.

Mileage: 141,500

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A GROCERY STORE LOT. I USED THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE BACK LATCH TO STORE MY GROCERIES. IT DID NOT OPEN. I TRIED AGAIN. SUDDENLY THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODED AND THE BACK HATCH CAME OFF IT HINGES. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. I FOUND MANY STORIES ONLINE THAT SAID THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER 2004 EXPLORERS AND FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING WITH THE COMPLAINTS. THIS EPISODE COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS HAD IT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN HIT BY THE FLYING GLASS DEBRIS.

THE REAR HATCH DOOR CRACKED AND NOTICED SO TOOK TO AUTO BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS A FORD DEFECT AND IF FIXED IT WOULD CRACK AGAIN DUE TO THE MAKE OF THIS CAR. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

UPON OPENING THE REAR GLASS HATCH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HINGE BROKE WHEN FULLY OPEN AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN, HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. THE PANEL BELOW ON THIS SAME WINDOW TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD LOGO PLATE HAD ALSO CRACKED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. *TR

Mileage: 108,800

THE BACK HATCH WINDOW DOESN'T SEEM TO LINE UP WITH THE LATCH. THE BACK HATCH ALSO CRACKED RIGHT NEAR THE FORD LOGO. I HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE EXPLORERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. ITS TIME FORD FIXES THIS DEFECT. ALSO WHILE DOING AROUND 60-65 MPH MY TIMING CHAINS BROKE, ALL 3 OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME. I COULD UNDERSTAND 1 MAYBE BUT ALL 3 ? THIS TO HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

Mileage: 40,000

WHEN CLOSING REAR PANEL, THE PANEL CRACKED. *JS

Mileage: 38,000

REAR GLASS LIFT GATE: CRACKS APPEARED IN THE REAR HATCH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR FORD LOGO.( I NOW NOTICE MANY FORD EXPLORERS WITH SAME CRACKS). TOP RIGHT GLASS HINGE TWISTED SIGNIFICANTLY AND TOP LEFT GLASS HINGE TWISTED SLIGHTLY. THE FASTENING BOLTS FOR BOTH GLASS HINGES ARE RUSTED THROUGH. THIS RESULTED IN THE REAR GLASS WINDOW SHIFTING, APPARENTLY CAUSING THE CRACKS IN THE TAIL GATE. I CONTACTED SUNSHINE FORD'S SERVICE DEPT. IN NEWBURGH, NY AND WAS TOLD FORD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING/REPLACING THIS DEFECT. THEY CHOSE THEIR WORDS CAREFULLY. THEY EMPHASIZED THAT "MY MODEL YEAR" WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THIS DEFECT. I ASKED IF "ANY" EXPLORERS HAD A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. THEY WOULD NOT SAY; BUT INSTEAD REPEATED,"MY MODEL YEAR" WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THIS DEFECT. NHTSA HAS ALREADY RECEIVED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF INJURIES FROM OWNERS WHOSE LIFT GATE GLASS BROKE OFF ITS MOUNTING HINGE WHILE OPEN, AND CAUSED HEAD INJURIES. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A REAR LIFT GLASS PANEL DETACHES FROM AN EXPLORER IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. THAT COULD EASILY LEAD TO A MULTI VEHICLE ACCIDENT ALONG WITH MULTIPLE FATALITIES. I CHECKED AND FORD HAD A SIMILAR PART RECALL FOR 2002 & 2003 EXPLORERS. FORD CHANGED THE PART THEN AND HAS NOT MET THE # OF COMPLAINTS TO BE FORCED TO RECALL 2004 AND UP EXPLORERS. UNFORTUNATELY, I THINK MANY EXPLORER OWNERS CHECK WITH THE DEALER AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THERE WAS/IS A RECALL AND GIVE UP UPON HEARING NO. WE NEED TO GET ANYONE WE KNOW WITH THIS PROBLEM TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOME INNOCENT PERSON DIES AS A RESULT OF THIS "KNOWN" DEFECT! AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR WHICH FORD IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED DIRECTLY ON THE LOGO WHERE THE LIFT GATE LOCK WAS LOCATED. THE DEFECT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE REAR LIFT GATE TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *TR

Mileage: 14,000

CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW, WENT TO GARAGE AND FOUND THIS, CRACKED ALL THE WAY THRU. *TR

Mileage: 8,627

REAR LIFT GATE PLASTIC CRACKED THROUGH FORD LOGO WITH NO CONTACT. THIRD ROW SEATBELT STUCK AND HARD TO RELEASE.

Mileage: 609,289

CRACK IN REAR HATCH BELOW REAR WINDOW. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THIS IS A KNOWN FAULT FOR WHICH FORD IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. FORD SHOULD FIX PROBLEM AT NO COST. *TR

Mileage: 63,785

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,846.

Mileage: 89,846

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW OF THE TAILGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,627. ..UPDATED 03/25/14 *BF

Mileage: 8,620

MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE GROCERY STORE. I OPENED THE REAR HATCH TO LOAD MY GROCERIES. AS I REACHED UP TO CLOSE THE HATCH THE RIGHT SIDE OF IT COLLAPSED AND FELL RIGHT ON MY HEAD LEAVING A LARGE LUMP. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HATCH HAD SNAPPED AND THE WEIGHT OF THE HATCH HAS TWISTED THE HINGE ON THE LEFT SIDE. LUCKILY, I BROKE THE FALL OF THE HATCH OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SHATTERED GLASS EVERYWHERE. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 113,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE NEAR THE MANUFACTURER'S EMBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

Mileage: 125,300

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE LEFT HINGE THAT HELD THE TRUNK WINDOW SNAPPED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE WINDOW WAS HELD BY THE CONTACT WHILE ANOTHER PERSON LATCHED THE WINDOW BACK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Mileage: 25,000

THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH ITS FORD EXPLORERS PRODUCED 2002-2008. THE BACK DOOR PANEL CRACKS ALL THE WAY THROUGH JUST UNDER THE WINDOW. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND MANY DOCUMENTED WHO HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY EXPLODE. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN ONLY TO ALARM THE DRIVER AND CAUSE A MAJOR FREEWAY ACCIDENT. RIGHT NOW THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT MOVING TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. BUT THEY ARE WAITING FOR A MAJOR ACCIDENT, INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE TO DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE OPENED THE REAR TRUNK WINDOW AND THE LEFT HINGE BECAME FRACTURED. THE WINDOW FELL ONTO THE CONTACT UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH SAVED THE WINDOW FROM FALLING AND SHATTERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HINGE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,602.

Mileage: 80,602

ON THE BODY THE TAILGATE PANEL KEEPS CRACKING THIS MAKES MY TRUCK LOOK BAD COMPARED TO THE MONEY I PUT INTO IT. MY ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION ACTS AS IF SOMETHING IS WRONG IT IS NOT SHIFTING GEAR RIGHT. ON THE ELECTRICAL TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND IT ALSO KEEPS LEAKING WATER FROM SOMEWHERE. FORD NEEDS TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS FOR SELLING THESE PIECES OF JUNK. IT MAKES NO SENSE. *TT

Mileage: 140,000

REAR LIFT GATE HINGES CRACKING AT PIN CAUSING REAR GATE GLASS TO SHIFT DOWN AND TAILGATE NOT TO LATCH CORRECTLY. *TR

Mileage: 152,000

I OPENED THE LIFT GATE WINDOW TO LOAD GROCERIES WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW SUDDENLY LET GO UP NEAR THE HINGE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW TO DROP AND THEN THE LEFT HINGE BROKE, CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW TO DROP. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT SO IT DIDN'T BREAK AND EVENTUALLY RELEASE THE SUPPORT STRUTS SO I COULD GET IT INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FASTENER NEAR THE HINGE WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE WINDOW THE WEIGHT WAS FINALLY TOO MUCH FOR IT SO IT SNAPPED, RELEASING THE WINDOW ON THAT SIDE. FORTUNATELY THIS FASTENER FAILED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON A FREEWAY OR THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW MAY HAVE COME OFF AND POSED A DANGER TO THE CARS BEHIND. FORD HAS ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2002 AND 2003 MODELS WHICH USED THE SAME HINGE ASSEMBLY, DON'T KNOW WHY 2004 WAS NOT INCLUDED. *TR

Mileage: 139,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE PLASTIC THAT COVERED THE LICENSE PLATE AREA ON THE HATCH BECAME FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE HATCH WAS OPENED, THE CONTACT AND TWO CHILDREN SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE HANDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Mileage: 35,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

THE RIGHT HINGE ON THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE IS CORRODED AND AS A RESULT IS HALF BROKEN OFF. THE WINDOW RATTLES DUE TO IT BEING LOOSE. THE LEFT HINGE IS NOW STARTING TO DO THE EXACT SAME THING. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER WILL INDICATE 'REAR LIFTGATE AJAR' AND IT IS THE WINDOW HATCH THAT IS AJAR. I FEEL THIS ISSUE W/THE HINGE WILL AJAR FROM THE LATCH. I CALLED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THIS WAS A RECALL AND HE STATED NOT ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE AFTER GIVING HIM MY VIN. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I REFRAIN USE OF THE WINDOW IN THE FEAR IT WILL FALL ON ME. NOW MY FEAR IS THE WINDOW WILL FALL COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

MY DAUGHTER WEIGHS 99 LBS SHE OPENED HATCH AT GAS STATION AND THE WINDOW PORTION OF THE ENTIRE HATCHBACK FELL OFF ALSO THERE IS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC DOWN THE HATCH WHICH I SEE ON EVERY OLD EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AS USED ON 4-19-13 AND HAD NOTICED THE CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. UPON CLOSER LOOK TODAY THERE IS A SECOND CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE EMBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 96,748

I WAS CLOSING THE UPPER DOOR ON THE BACK OF MY SUV WHEN THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE AND THE DOOR ALMOST DROPPED TO THE GROUND. I MANAGED TO WRESTLE IT BACK UP BUT THE HYDRAULIC SHOCK ON THE DOOR BROKE AND LEAKED FLUID ALL OVER THE CAR. I CANNOT GET IT BACK INTO THE WINDOW OPENING PROPERLY IT IS OPEN ABOUT AN INCH. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IN CASE THE WINDOW FALLS OUT. *TR

Mileage: 183,000

REAR BODY PANEL AROUND BACK WINDOW SPLIT

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE APPROACHED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED FOR THE HORIZONTAL PANEL AND EMBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,652. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. *TR

Mileage: 21,652

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVELY LONG FRACTURE IN THE REAR LIFTGATE NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM BELOW THE REARVIEW WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

THE REAR PANEL CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 OR 3 DAYS UNDER THE CARPORT IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

THE REAR WINDOW HINGE PIN (PASSENGER SIDE) HAS CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF OF THE REAR TAIL GATE. I NOTICED THE BROKEN HINGE BEFORE USING THE LIFT GATE WHICH HAS PREVENTED IT FROM FALLING OFF THUS FAR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 83,658

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE HATCHBACK HINGE WAS CORRODED AND CRACKED, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (RECASTRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

THERE IS A CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD ISIGNIA ON THE REAR LIFT TAIL GATE. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR PANEL JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THAT PANEL. THE PANEL IS THE TOP HALF OF THE LIFT GATE WHERE THE GATE OPENS TO ENTER ITEMS WITHOUT OPENING THE ENTIRE TAIL GATE. I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR WINDOW TO BLOW OUT BECAUSE THE PANEL IS NO LONGER SECURE DUE TO THE CRACK. OBI# 10487645 *TR

Mileage: 92,850

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

Mileage: 92,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. OPERATOR OPENED REAR HATCH GLASS, AT WHICH TIME THE RIGHT HINGE SEPARATED. THIS CAUSED THE GLASS TO SLAM DOWN. FORTUNATELY, THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO JUMP OUT OF THE WAY TO AVOID INJURY. THE GLASS DID NOT BREAK, BUT THE STRUTS ARE BENT. BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT HINGES APPEAR TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE REAR HATCH IS NOT USABLE UNTIL THE HINGES AND STRUTS ARE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 84,238

THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS IS FALLING OFF. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST 2012. THE HINGE SEEMED TO BE IN TACT THEN BUT HAS SLOWLY BEEN CORRODING AND FALLING OFF. THE GLASS MAKES AN AWFUL NOISE WHEN I DRIVE OVER POT HOLES, BUMPS, ETC. I DO NOT USE THE GLASS IN FEAR IT WILL FALL ON ME. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I TURN MY VEHICLE ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAYS "REAR LIFTGATE AJAR" ONLY TO FIND THAT SOMEHOW THE GLASS LIFTGATE IS NOT LATCHED. NOBODY USES IT SO UNSURE IF THE CORROSION AND BROKEN HINGE IS CAUSING THE GLASS TO AJAR FROM THE LATCH. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MY VEHICLE, AS IT HAS ON NUMEROUS OTHER 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT RECALLED AND THE PART IS $50/PIECE. THE LEFT HINGE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME AS WELL. I AM SCARED THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THINK THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 92,900

AFTER A DAY OF SHOPPING I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKED MY SUV. I WENT TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WHEN THE LEFT SIDE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED ON TOP OF ME. FORTUNATELY THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW WAS ABLE TO STAY INTACT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RUN TO MY AID TO LIFT THE DOOR UP. I AM FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT AND MY THREE YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BY MY SIDE. I HAVE READ THAT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE FORD CORPORATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY CONTINUE NOT TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE AT HAND; WHILE LEAVING VEHICLE OWNERS HELPLESS WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURS. I READ THAT THIS WAS A GOOD AVENUE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE SINCE FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND WONDER IF MY HUSBAND WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN SHOUTING DISTANCE WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPEN TO MY SON, UNBORN CHILD AND MYSELF!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 77,614

REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE (LEFT SIDE) BROKE AND RELEASED THE GLASS WHILE DRIVING. WINDOW FELL TO ONE SIDE. I HAD TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY STOP. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PROP WINDOW TO A SAFE POSITION AND LOCK DOWN. IT MUST REMAIN LOCKED DOWN UNTIL I CAN FIX IT. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FELL ON MY WIFE. THE HINGES ARE MADE OF A WHITE TYPE OF METAL THAT HAS CORRODED AND SHEARED OFF. THE PINS INSIDE APPARENTLY BROKE AND IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE FALLING OFF, IT JUST CAME OFF. THE WINDOW HIT MY WIFE IN THE ARM AND LEG. WE WERE LUCKY IT WASN'T ONE OF OUR KIDS CLOSING THE GATE AT THE TIME OR THAT THEY WEREN'T INSIDE WHEN IT HAPPENED OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF POST OF INJURIES INCURRED FROM THIS. FORD RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME PART AND YET THE 2004 WAS NEVER INCLUDED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. A PART OVER TIME SHOULDN'T BREAK OFF AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

4 YEARS AGO THE PLASTIC NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED RIGHT OF THE EMBLEM ON MY BACK HATCH. I LOOKED INTO IT AND THERE WAS 10'S OF THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I HAD AT AN AVERAGE COST OF ONLY $800. THEN TONIGHT MY WIFE GOT SOME CHAIRS OUT OF THE REAR HATCH THEN WHEN CLOSING IT THE REAR GLASS FALLS OUT OF THE EXPLORER BECAUSE " THE ALUMINUM REAR HATCH HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE BROKE" WHICH HAS AN AVERAGE COST OF $300. MIND YOU THE LITTLE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW HINGE ON IS ONLY THE SIZE OF AN ERASER HEAD, BOTH OF THE REAR HATCH DEFECTS ARE NOT UNDER ANY RECALL YET MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED AND OR POSTED VIA THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN TO FAMILIES AS IT SHOULD BE TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY " WHICH SEEMS NOT TO CARE " AND ALSO TO THE NHTSA AS IT COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS WAS TO HAVE HAPPENED TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGH WAY AT 70 MPH. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

WHEN CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS COMPLETELY LET GO OF THE GLASS. FORTUNATLEY MY HUSBAND WAS THE ONE CLOSING IT AND WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT BROKE THE OTHER HINGE AND PULLED THE GLASS OFF COMPLETELY. THE RIGHT HINGE WAS ALSO BENT, AS THE WINDOW WILL NOW NOT SIT LEVEL TO BE PUT BACK INTO PLACE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THERE IS A LARGE HAZARD OF TH WINDOW FALLING. WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN STANDING UNDERNEATH AS USUAL, OR HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND IT BROKE AND SEN "EXPLODING" GLASS PIECES EVERYWHERE. I SEE THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPEAD ISSUE WHEN LOOKING THROUGH COMPLAINTS. ALSO, THE TAILGATE IN MY EXPLORER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK THAT SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE HAD. ONE DAY IT WAS FINE, THEN IT WAS CRACKED. COULD THESE ISSUES BE SOMEHOW RELEATED? OR IS THE ENTIRE HATCH JUST FULL OF FLAWS. *TR

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS ON THE WARRANTY AND ALSO GIVE IT A OIL CHANGE. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANS WAS FINE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK MY HEAT WENT OUT AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC BUDDY THAT MY BRAKES, ROTTERS, EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS AND THE BACK TIRES WERE SHOT. SO I HAD HIM REPLACED THEM BECAUSE THIS WAS ALSO NOT COVERED ON WARRANTY. JUST LAST WEEK MY RPM STARTED JUMPING WITH MILES OVER 65.(NO LIGHTS WERE ON AT THE TIME)SO I TOOK IT TO 6 DIFFERENT PLACES GETTING ESTIMATES ON WHAT COULD BE WRONG. ALL SHOPS SAID THE SAME THING. "START WITH FUEL FILTER, OIL FILTERS AND OIL CHANGE". THE DAY AFTER I PAID FOR ALL THIS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. (EGR VALVE CODE) THE MAN AT AUTO ZONE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT OFF AND CLEAN IT WITH SPRAY AND LET IT DRY BEFORE REPLACING. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND HAD THEM DO THIS. THE SAME DAY I PICKED UP THE CAR MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, O/D LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING LIKE I WAS HAULING A BUS AND JUMPING. I TOOK IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND HE REPLACED THE EGR VALVE NEW SINCE THE SAME CODE WAS SHOWING UP. LATER THAT DAY AFTER GETTING IT BACK THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MILES THIS WAS FRIDAY 9/21/12. *TR

Mileage: 106,000

OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER - MY SON OPENED THE LIFTGATE AND THE RIGHT HINGE SNAPPED LEAVING THE WINDOW DANGLING IN MY 10 YR OLDS FACE. AFTER MUCH READING ONLINE, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MANY FORD OWNERS. THE RUSTED OUT PLASTIC PIECES ARE SNAPPING OFF AND ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL FROM THE HINGE. I WAS ABLE TO RUSH TO THE BACK OF THE CAR TO GRAB THE GLASS BEFORE IT FELL. MY ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE IS SORE FROM TRYING TO HOLD THE GLASS AND TRYING TO SHUT THE WINDOW LIFT GATE SO I COULD GET THE CAR HOME. WITH ONE ADULT AND THREE KIDS, I WAS STUCK TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW & WHAT TO DO WITH THIS WINDOW DANGLING. WE ARE SHOCKED THAT FORD HAS YET TO RECALL THE 2004 MODELS BUT HAS RECALLED PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE PROBLEM & IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET VERY HURT. THE HINGES & STRUTS NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS MODEL. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

THE PINS ON THE LIFTGATE WINDOW ARE BREAKING THROUGH THE HINGE. THE DRIVER SIDE HAS BROKEN CLEAN THROUGH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BEGINNING TO BREAK THROUGH EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE THE OTHER ONE BROKE. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK UNDER THE WINDOW ON THE BACK LIFT DOOR. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

UPON OPENING THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE HINGES COMPLETELY GAVE OUT AND THE LIFT GATE FELL AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. I WAS FORTUNATE IN THAT I WAS ABLE TO CATCH AND HOLD IT, AS MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BENEATH IN ORDER TO HAND ME HIS BEACH TOYS, AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I HAD TO HOLD THE (VERY HEAVY) LIFT GATE UNTIL A MECHANIC ARRIVED TO DETACH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND PLACED THE LIFT GATE INSIDE THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I THEN HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO LIFT GATE WHILE EXHAUST FUMES FILLED THE TRUCK. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE TAILGATE CRACKED, WHICH I SEE IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND THE SUBJECT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR

Mileage: 78,460

THE REAR HATCH JUST CAME OFF AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OUT OF A STORE, THE HINGE JUST BROKE OFF. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFTGATE BROKE AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN ON THE CONTACT'S SHOULDER, RESULTING IN A SHOULDER INJURY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFTGATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

THE LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) REAR LIFT GATE HINGE BROKE MAKING THE REAR LIFT GATE AND WINDOW UNUSABLE. THIS OCCURRED WHEN I WAS GOING TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THANKFULLY IT WAS ONLY THE WINDOW SECTION THAT WAS BEING CLOSED AS I'M SURE THE DOOR ITSELF IS PRETTY HEAVY. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

THE HINGES THAT HOLD ON THE REAR WINDOW ARE STARTING TO BREAK. THE 02 AND 03 MODEL EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS BUT FORD REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THIS APPEARS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE AFFECTING A LARGE NUMBERS OF EXPLORERS. I HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE BUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE GLASS COME LOOSE AND INJURE THEM. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 61,800

RIGHT REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE FAILED (CRACKED) CAUSING HEAVY (APPRX 40 LB) GLASS LIFTGATE GLASS PANEL TO FALL ON A PERSON CAUSING MINOR INJURY. APPEARS 02/03 MODELS RECALLED FOR SAME ISSUE (DESPITE FORD'S RESPONSE ON THE FIRST INVESTIGATION OF THIS IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS 02/03). THE HINGE PART IS INADEQUATE TO HOLD THE HEAVY GLASS PANEL IN PLACE OVER TIME WITH USE. SINCE THE BACK GLASS IS A HEAVY SLAB OF UNFRAMED, TEMPERED GLASS IT COULD "EXPLODE" IF IT FALLS POTENTIALLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS TO TRAILING VEHICLES. FORD APPARENTLY DOES A GOOD BUSINESS IN SELLING THESE REPLACEMENT HINGES AT A COST OF OVER $100 EACH FOR A SMALL PIECE OF WEAK CAST METAL. FORTY POUND SLABS OF GLASS FALLING OFF OF VEHICLES WITH NO PRIOR WARNING IS A SAFETY ISSUE! RESEARCH INDICATED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 113,290

THE HATCH BACK CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOWS. I JUST SHUT THE GLASS DOOR AND NOTICE A CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 75,126

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FORD 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER PORTION OF THE LIFT GATE GLASS EXHIBITED A LONG STRESS CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 69,000

THE PLASTIC PIECE OF MOLDING UNDERNEATH THE REAR GLASS WINDOW CRACKED AND FELL OFF. NOTHING WAS DONE TO PROMPT THIS. I HAVE READ THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER VEHICLES HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

THE LEFT REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL AND BRUISE MY DAUGHTER'S ARM. TERRIBLE DESIGN AND FRAUGHT WITH PERIL. *TT

Mileage: 120,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HEARD A NOISE. WE TURNED AROUND AND THE LIFTGATE HAD FALLEN OFF ITS ON HINGES AND WAS HANGING LOOSE ON BOTH SIDES. WE HAD TO HOLD IT ON AND DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THAT DATE IN 2010. FORD NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 2004 MODEL AND ALL OF ITS DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE FILED AGAINST FORD CONCERNING THIS CAR. THE FIRST WAS A #2 VALVE FALLING IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW UP. NHTSA PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT FORD. SOMEONE HAS TO MAKE CAR MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE TO THE CONSUMER. EVERY TIME THAT NHTSA IS CONTACTED NOTHING IS DONE UNTIL MILLIONS ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED. *TR

MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW GATE AND THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE OFF AT WHERE THE HINGE ATTACHES TO THE WINDOW. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER TRIED TO GET IT LINED UP WITH THE HINGE AGAIN BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH IT AND HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH THE WINDOWS HANGING BY THE STRUTS. LATER WHEN I GOT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT STRUT WAS NOT DECOMPRESSING AS WELL WHICH PROBABLY PUT SOME PRESSURE ON THE HINGE. I TRIED TO PUSH IT BACK UP MANUALLY IT WOULDN'T BUDGE. I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE RIGHT STRUT AND CLOSE AND LATCH THE WINDOW BUT NOW IT'S CROOKED AND OBVIOUSLY NOT WORKING. I DID RESEARCH AND SEE THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING HAPPENING ON 04 EXPLORERS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW WILL FALL OFF AND THIS ALMOST CAUSED BODILY HARM TO MY DAUGHTER WHEN IT FAILED AND FELL. *TR

Mileage: 134,000

ON 19 APR 2012 WHILE OPENING THE BACK HATCH WINDOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE OF THE WINDOW FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE WAS BENT AND THE HYDRULIC LIFTS POPPED OPEN THE WINDOW RATHER RAPIDLY WHICH COULD HAVE SEVERELY INJURED ME IF IT HIT ME. I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOW MYSELF SO I COULD DRIVE AGAIN. A BYSTANDER HELPED ME OUT TO CLOSE IT. AFTER READING OTHER REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS ONLINE, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT FOR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

WHILE LOADING GROCERIES, I NOTICED THE HINGES TO MY REAR WINDOW WERE CRACKED. I QUIT USING THE WINDOW IN FEAR OF IT BREAKING. THE COST TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC HINGE IS COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS! I ALSO HAD A FRIEND CALL TODAY AND HIS HINGE BROKE, THANKFULLY THE GLASS DID NOT BREAK. FORD KNOWS THE HINGES ARE DEFECTIVE. WHY WOULD A MAJOR COMPANY LIKE FORD OVERLOOK THIS PROBLEM AND TAKE A CHANCE OF MANY LAW SUITS DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE OVER 1600 COMPLAINTS RECORDED. HOW MANY MORE IS NEEDED FOR A RECALL? FORD NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I HESITATED BUYING THIS FORD BECAUSE MY FIRST FORD CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. THIRTY YEARS LATER I STILL THINK OF ALL THE BAD STORIES AND NOW, I WANT MY CHEVY BACK. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THE HINGES THAT HOLD ON THE REAR WINDOW ARE FAILING AND I CANNOT OPEN THE REAR WINDOW BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL FALL OFF. OTHER YEAR EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS VERY REASON AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE 2004 MODEL WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PARTS ARE THE SAME AS THEY WERE IN OTHER YEARS. *TR

AFTER A COLD SPELL IN JANUARY THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW FRACTURED FROM THE WINDOW DOWN. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON AND IT WOULD BE AROUND $400.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. IF THIS IS COMMON WHY IS FORD NOT CORRECTING THIS WITHOUT THE CUSTOMER HAVING TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. IT SEEMS THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM NOT A CONSUMERS! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A 6-INCH CRACK FROM THE BASE OF THE REAR WINDOW TO THE LICENSE PLATE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 70,000

REAR BODY PANEL APPLIQUE FORD SERIES PART #402A30. *TR

WHEN WE HAD THE COLD SNAP A FEW WEEKS AGO, A PLASTIC PANEL, UNDER THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS IS ABOUT $450 TO $550. SEARCHING ON LINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM OVER A NUMBER OF MODEL YEARS, AS THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED REPORTS. IN THE PAST WEEK, I HAVE SEEN 7 MORE EXPLORERS WITH A SIMILAR CRACK. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

UPDATE ON REAR CRACKED PANEL: REAR BACK PANEL REPLACED TWICE. FORD SERVICE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST APPROX $800 TO REPLACE CRACKED PANEL AGAIN THEN SUGGESTED I TAKE MY '04 FORD EXPLORER TO A BODY SHOP FOR A REPAIR AT A COST OF APPROX $200 WHICH I DID. THAT REPAIR LASTED ABOUT 3 MONTHS...PANEL HAS CRACKED AGAIN. IF THE GLASS FALLS OUT SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT FORD WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART.

ABOUT A YEAR AGO I NOTICED THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW START TO CRACK. AS TIME WENT ON THE CRACK CONTINUED DOWN THE ENTIRE PANEL NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE REAR WINDOW NOW MAKES A RATTLING NOISE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL LOOSEN ENOUGH FOR IT TO POP OUT IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT HAS CERTAINLY REDUCED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE HUNDREDS OF COMMENTS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FROM YOU AND THAT UNTIL THERE WAS I SHOULD GO AHEAD AND HAVE IT FIXED. REPAIR COSTS SEEM TO BE AROUND $400. FOR THE PANEL PLUS PAINTING. I REALLY THINK A DESIGN FLAW SHOULD NOT BE MY PROBLEM. THEY KNOW IT WAS A FLAW SINCE THE NEWER MODELS ARE DESIGNED COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. *TR

WHILE AT WORK MY REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. AT FIRST SITE I THOUGHT IT WAS VANDALISM BUT NOTHING (CAR CHARGERS/CD'S/ ROAD SIDE KIT ETC) WAS TAKEN. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING, THINGS JUST DIDN'T ADD UP NOR WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE SITE OF MY DESTRUCTIVE REAR WINDOW AND UPLIFTING OF THE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE SHATTERED GLASS (WHICH WAS MOSTLY ON THE GROUND AS OPPOSED TO BEING INSIDE MY VEHICLE.) *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE EXHIBITED A FRACTURE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP OF THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM AND DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL ON TOP OF ME AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD AND KNOCK ME DOWN TO THE GROUND. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. ALSO, REAR WINDOW APPEARS LOOSE. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW WOULD POSSIBLY FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

Mileage: 58,000

I HAVE THIS CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LIFTGATE AND I HAVE SEEN SOME OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND FOUND ON INTERNET COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. I CALLED FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS. AS I HAVE SAID. I HAVE SEEN OTHER FORDS WITH THE SAME CRACK ON THE MIDDLE OF THE LIFT GATE. *TR

TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING JUST FINE TILL ONE DAY IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AND THEN IT WAS SHIFTING HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD. REAR WINDOW HINGES BROKE. REAR TAIL GATE CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE BY FORD SYMBOL. ALSO JUST THE OTHER DAY MY PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING NO SIGNS NOTHING OF ANYTHING WRONG. I'M GOING TO START BUYING CHEVY THIS IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. NO WONDER AMERICA IS NOT DOING GOOD OUR CAR COMPANY'S CAN'T MAKE GOOD PRODUCTS ANYMORE. *KB

Mileage: 130,000

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS BACK GLASS FAIL OFF. *TR

PAINT BUBBLES IN THE HOOD. THE DEALER JUST RESPONDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD JUST NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOOD AT A LARGE COST. *KB

Mileage: 50,000

PAINT BUBBLES IN THE HOOD. THE DEALER JUST RESPONDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD JUST NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOOD AT A LARGE COST. *KB

Mileage: 50,000

I WAS AT A GROCERY STORE WITH MY YOUNG CHILDREN, CAME OUTSIDE, POPPED THE TAILGATE (TOP HALF OF THE TRUNK ON FORD EXPLORER) AND LOADED MY GROCERIES IN THE CAR. MY 12 YEAR OLD THEN WENT TO CLOSE THE TRUNK (TOP HALF ONLY) AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TAILGATE CAME OFF OF THE HINGES. THE WINDOW/TAILGATE WAS EXTREMELY HEAVY, SO I HAD TO RUN TO THE BACK OF THE CAR AND HELP HER TO HOLD THE WINDOW UP. THEN, AS WE WERE TRYING TO PUT THE WINDOW/TAILGATE BACK ONTO THE HINGE, THE OTHER HINGE BROKE AND THE WHOLE WINDOW CAME DOWN. THE WINDOW WAS ONLY CONNECTED BY THE WIRING AND THE SHOCKS THAT ARE INSIDE THE WINDOW. WE EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THIS FALLING WINDOW/TAILGATE. MIND YOU I HAD NO WARNING THAT THESE WERE GOING TO FAIL...NO CRACKS, NO PROBLEMS CLOSING THE TAILGATE, NOTHING! MY DAUGHTER, A WOMAN WHO WAS IN THE PARKING LOT, AND I COULD NOT GET THE WINDOW BACK ON SO I COULD DRIVE IT HOME (45 MINUTES AWAY), SO I HAD TO CALL MY BROTHER IN LAW TO COME HELP ME BECAUSE HE WAS CLOSEBY. HE ENDED UP HAVING TO TAKE THE SHOCKS OF THE WINDOW/TAILGATE OFF COMPLETELY, SO THAT WE COULD PUT THE WINDOW/TAILGATE INTO THE CAR SO I COULD DRIVE IT HOME. THE WIRING WAS STILL CONNECTED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY, AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FAILURE...EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE DONE RECALLS ON THE 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER PLASTIC HINGES FOR THE TAILGATE. SAME PROBLEM, DIFFERENT YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE LOOKING TO FIND IF MY 2004 EXPLORER HAD A RECALL, AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THIS SAME THINGS HAPPEN TO THEM ON THEIR 2004 EXPLORER. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. *KB

Mileage: 88,251

I WAS AT A GROCERY STORE WITH MY YOUNG CHILDREN, CAME OUTSIDE, POPPED THE TAILGATE (TOP HALF OF THE TRUNK ON FORD EXPLORER) AND LOADED MY GROCERIES IN THE CAR. MY 12 YEAR OLD THEN WENT TO CLOSE THE TRUNK (TOP HALF ONLY) AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TAILGATE CAME OFF OF THE HINGES. THE WINDOW/TAILGATE WAS EXTREMELY HEAVY, SO I HAD TO RUN TO THE BACK OF THE CAR AND HELP HER TO HOLD THE WINDOW UP. THEN, AS WE WERE TRYING TO PUT THE WINDOW/TAILGATE BACK ONTO THE HINGE, THE OTHER HINGE BROKE AND THE WHOLE WINDOW CAME DOWN. THE WINDOW WAS ONLY CONNECTED BY THE WIRING AND THE SHOCKS THAT ARE INSIDE THE WINDOW. WE EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THIS FALLING WINDOW/TAILGATE. MIND YOU I HAD NO WARNING THAT THESE WERE GOING TO FAIL...NO CRACKS, NO PROBLEMS CLOSING THE TAILGATE, NOTHING! MY DAUGHTER, A WOMAN WHO WAS IN THE PARKING LOT, AND I COULD NOT GET THE WINDOW BACK ON SO I COULD DRIVE IT HOME (45 MINUTES AWAY), SO I HAD TO CALL MY BROTHER IN LAW TO COME HELP ME BECAUSE HE WAS CLOSEBY. HE ENDED UP HAVING TO TAKE THE SHOCKS OF THE WINDOW/TAILGATE OFF COMPLETELY, SO THAT WE COULD PUT THE WINDOW/TAILGATE INTO THE CAR SO I COULD DRIVE IT HOME. THE WIRING WAS STILL CONNECTED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY, AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FAILURE...EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE DONE RECALLS ON THE 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER PLASTIC HINGES FOR THE TAILGATE. SAME PROBLEM, DIFFERENT YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE LOOKING TO FIND IF MY 2004 EXPLORER HAD A RECALL, AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THIS SAME THINGS HAPPEN TO THEM ON THEIR 2004 EXPLORER. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. *KB

Mileage: 88,251

THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DURING USE OF THE LIFT GLASS. THE PIN BROKE RIGHT THROUGH THE HINGE ON BOTH SIDES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS OPEN. LEFT SIDE JUST FELL, AND THEN RIGHT ABOUT 1 MINUTE LATER, I JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE SOME 2X4'S IN THE BACK WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY DANGEROUS DEFECT. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSE FOR A RECALL ON THE '02 & '03 EXPLORER AND SEEMS TO BE WIDE SPREAD ON THE '04, YET NO RECALL FOR THE '04. *KB

Mileage: 137,000

THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DURING USE OF THE LIFT GLASS. THE PIN BROKE RIGHT THROUGH THE HINGE ON BOTH SIDES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS OPEN. LEFT SIDE JUST FELL, AND THEN RIGHT ABOUT 1 MINUTE LATER, I JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE SOME 2X4'S IN THE BACK WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY DANGEROUS DEFECT. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSE FOR A RECALL ON THE '02 & '03 EXPLORER AND SEEMS TO BE WIDE SPREAD ON THE '04, YET NO RECALL FOR THE '04. *KB

Mileage: 137,000

REAR PANEL CRACKED UNDER WINDOW. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, AN DI HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME CRACK. *TT

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN OPENING THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE HINGE FRACTURED AND FELL BACK, STRIKING HIM IN THE HEAD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MINOR INJURY AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,900.

Mileage: 70,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE TAIL GATE DEVELOPED A CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS WAS HANGING BESIDE THE STRUTS. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

ONE OF THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES HAS FAILED. THE PIN HAS PUSHED THROUGH THE HINGE. THE STRUCTURAL STRENGTH OF THE ALUMINUM USED AS SEEMED TO FAILED. THE OTHER HINGE SHOWS SIMILAR SIGNS OF FAILING BUT HAS NOT COMPLETELY FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL OBLIQUE ON THE REAR LIFTGATE WHICH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED REPLACING THE OBLIQUE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGE ON THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ON THE GROUND. ONE PERSON WAS INJURED AS A RESULT. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTRER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,990 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 122,990

THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER (MODEL EXXLTSPNBX) BROKE WHILE CLOSING. THERE IS ONLY ONE BOLT HOLDING EACH OF THE TWO HINGES ONTO THE GLASS AND THE BOLT BROKE ON ONE OF THE HINGES. FORTUNATELY, I HELD THE GLASS AS TO NOT SLIP DOWN AND PULL THE OTHER HINGE CAUSING IT TO BREAK. THE WINDOW LIFT DID HOLD IT BUT WOULD NOT SLIDE BACK UP. THE LIFT HAD TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SHUT AND LATCH THE WINDOW DOOR. THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW WAS CRACKED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THIS MAY HAVE LEAD TO SHIFTING IN THE WINDOW AND ADDITIONAL STRESS ADDED TO THE BOLT IN THE HINGE. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED IN THE 2002 AND 2003 HATCH WINDOW HINGES. THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES ONLINE OF THE BOLT BREAKING IN THE 2004 MODELS BUT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED YET AS HAS THE TWO PREVIOUS YEARS. *KB

Mileage: 92,339

THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS CHIPPING. I SPOKE WITH TWO AUTO BODY SHOPS AND 1 FORD DEALER, AND THEY ALL SAID THAT THE CHIPPING IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PRIMER DID NOT ADHERE PROPERLY TO THE VEHICLE, SO THE PAINT IS CHIPPING. IN REVIEWING THIS ISSUE, I READ ONLINE THAT THERE IS A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I SPOKE WITH FORD, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO HELP ME, ALTHOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS ISSUE IS THEIR FAULT. I WOULD LIKE THERE TO BE A RECALL SO THAT I CAN GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED.

THE PAINT ON THE ROOF IS ALL PEELING OFF IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT 600.00 TO 1,500 TO REPAINT AND FIX IT CAR PAINT SHOULD NOT PEEL OFF THE ROOF I HAVE READ THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME TROUBLE WITH THE PAINT ON THERE EXPLORERS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HINGE LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V44200(STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS)BUT THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.MANUFACTURED NEAR THE CUTOFF DATE OF MENTIONED CAMPAIGN. SAME EXACT PROBLEM. PAID FOR REPLACEMENT HINGES. REPLACED MYSELF. UPDATED 09/14/2011 *LN UPDATED 12/13/11

Mileage: 76,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER. IN 2008 THE REAR BACK PANEL CRACKED AND WAS REPLACED BY FORD AT A COST OF $100 TO ME. IT IS NOW 2011 AND THE REAR BACK PANEL HAS CRACKED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE CRACK(S) APPEAR ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE BACK PANELS BECAUSE THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

1-"MILES TO E" HAVE ALWAYS REGISTERED AS DASHES AFTER A FILL UP SINCE 2004. DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG AND TO ADD GAS ADDITIVE (WHICH DOESN'T WORK) OR I CAN HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. DEALER HAS BEEN SOLD AND NEW DEALER NOW HAS "NO RECORD" OF MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS-- WHENEVER I HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE I ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT. I SEE PLENTY OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT FORD REFUSES TO FIX THIS AS WELL. 2-BACK HATCH BELOW WINDOW HAS CRACKED RECENTLY. HUSBAND HAD SAME VEHICLE DIFFERENT YEAR AND HIS CRACKED AS WELL. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES MANY VEHICLES WITH SAME PROBLEM BUT SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL AND FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. I SEE THERE IS NOW A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS DEFECT. JUST WANTED TO GO "ON RECORD" AS ANOTHER UNHAPPY FORD OWNER (OF OVER 40 YRS).

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLES HATCHBACK WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 08/10/11*LJ UPDATED 08/12/11.*JB

Mileage: 77,000

CONCERNING MY 2004 EXPLORER XLT. THE REAR HATCHBACK THAT OPENS THE BACK WINDOWS HAS A BROKEN LATCH. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS PART JUST SEEMED TO IMPLODE AND LEFT ME UNABLE TO CLOSE THE REAR BACK WINDOW. THE GARAGE I TOOK IT TO SAID FORD INFORMED THEM THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL 07-18-2011. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS GOING TO BE A RECALLED ITEM FOR THE GARAGE INFORMED ME IT HAPPENS QUITE REGULARLY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE OR AM ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE NEEDED REPAIR. . *TR

Mileage: 86,000

VEHICLE REAR LIFTGATE HAS A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE OF IT. FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 63,000 MILES. PROBLEM CONFIRMED AS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR/MODEL OF EXPLORER. NO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS OF THIS TIME. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER'S REAR TRIM UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW BLEW OFF THE TRUCK AT 60MPH. THE (WHOLE TRIM) SHOT THROUGH THE SKY LIKE A BOOMERANG. IT SENT A MOTORCYCLIST BEHIND ME OFF ROADING. IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE LEAD TO HIS DEATH AS THERE WERE TREE'S A FEW FEET AWAY. I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS YET IN FEAR IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

A COUPLE OF WEEKENDS AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE ON OUR REAR WINDOW HATCH BROKE. MY MOM OPENED THE BACK WINDOW HATCH ON MY VEHICLE & WHEN SHE WENT TO SHUT IT, THE ENTIRE WINDOW CAME DOWN ON HER. THEN WE COULD NOT GET IT SHUT. WE HAD TO STAND THERE IN 80+ DEGREE HEAT HOLDING THE ENTIRE WINDOW (WHICH IS QUITE HEAVY), WHILE MY 2 YEAR OLD BAKED IN THE CAR, UNTIL MY DAD & BROTHER COULD GET TO THE STORE WE WERE AT TO RESCUE US. WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT TO SHUT (THOUGH WE WERE TERRIFIED THE GLASS WAS GOING TO SHATTER AT ANY MOMENT DUE TO THE TENSION ON IT) & WE DUCT TAPED IT TO KEEP IT IN PLACE. WE HAD THE HINGE REPAIRED BY OUR LOCAL BODY SHOP, & HAD THEM REPLACE BOTH HINGES TO BE PROACTIVE. IT COST ABOUT $200. AFTER THIS HAPPENED I DID SOME INTERNET SEARCHES & WAS UPSET TO FIND SO MANY OTHER 2004 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM & I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAS RECALLED THE SAME HINGES ON 2002 & 2003 MODELS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE 2004 EXPLORER HAS NOT HAD THE SAME RECALL WHEN THEY'RE THE SAME HINGES? THIS SEEMS LIKE SUCH A BLATANT DISREGARD BY FORD. PEOPLE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY THIS WINDOW EITHER FALLING ON THEIR HEAD, OR FALLING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER RECALL WAS EXPLAINED AS THIS: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK. THE EXACT SAME THING COULD BE SAID OF 2004 FORD EXPLORERS. I AM WRITING THIS IN THE HOPES THAT A RECALL CAN BE MADE ON THIS EQUIPMENT. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. THANK GOODNESS MY 11 YR OLD WASN'T THE ONE UNDER THIS WINDOW WHEN IT BROKE!! I DID EMAIL FORD REGARDING THIS ISSUE & THEY WEREN'T EXACTLY HELPFUL. THEY BASICALLY SAID, SORRY & THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE 04 AT THIS TIME & THAT THEY WORK WITH NHTSA TO STAY ON TOP OF AREAS OF CONCERN. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

VERTICAL CRACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 79,500

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK ON THE REAR WINDOW PANEL BY THE FORD EMBLEM, ITS BEEN THIS WAS FOR AWHILE, JUST THURSDAY NIGHT I NOTICED GLASS ON THE GROUND BEHIND MY VEHICLE THEN LOOKED UP AND IT WAS MY BACK WINDOW. IT SHATTERED, THE PANEL BOWED OUT AS IF IT WARPED OUTWARD AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW. LUCKILY IT HAD BEEN PARKED AND NO ONE WAS AROUND WHEN IT HAPPENED. AS A RESULT OF THIS THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE AND REAR WINDOW WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I'M STILL WAITING FOR MY INSURANCE TO COME AND APPRAISE THE DAMAGES. *TR

Mileage: 48,266

WHILE REMOVING GROCERY BAGS FROM THE REAR OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT, THE LEFT LIFTGATE HINGE SNAPPED AND THE WINDOW HALF OF THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR CAME APART LEAVING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DOOR STILL ATTACHED TO THE HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE BAR BUT OTHERWISE DANGLING AND UNSUPPORTED. THEN I COULD NOT SHUT THE DOOR SO WE PROPPED IT WITH PILLOWS TO EASE THE STRESS ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC BAR COLLAPSING ON MY PRIOR FORD EXPLORER BUT THOSE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. THIS MORNING FORD DENIED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY PRESENT VEHICLE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION ON PRIOR RECALLS INVOLVING THE SAME LIFTGATE APPARATUS FAILURE THAT OCCURRED TO MY 2004 MODEL. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER WHO SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR TOWING TO BRING MY SUV FOR REPAIR THERE. MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT IS LESS THAN ONE MILE AWAY IS COMING TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND REPAIR IT. I THINK FORD HAS STILL NOT RESOLVE THESE LIFTGATE APPARATUS PROBLEMS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF BEING ON NOTICE OF THE STRUCTURAL PROBLEM AND EVEN HAVING PRIOR RECALLS FOR 2002-03 EXPLORERS!! I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAD THE DOOR COLLAPSED ON ME. IT ALSO COULD HAVE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO SHATTER AND MY LIFTGATE GLASS DOOR FULLY BREAKS AWAY FROM THE CAR, IT WILL RESULT IN BODY DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER. *TR

Mileage: 82,066

2004 FORD EXPLORER EB. BACK LIFTGATE CRACKED BELOW GLASS. NO ACCIDENT OR IMPACT OCCURRED. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

CRACK IN REAR HATCH BODY PANEL CONTAINING FORD EMBLEM. DEFECTIVE PART HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. CRACK OCCURRED BY ITSELF, NO ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO HATCH ITSELF OR REAR END OF VEHICLE. FORD HAD RECEIVED OVER 900 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ITEM AND THERE IS AN ONGOING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS DEFECT IN CALIFORNIA. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATES CROSS MEMBER SUPPORT SNAPPED FORCING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE *TGW AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE CROSS-MEMBER SUPPORT WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE VEHICLE. (SON WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE) *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE STRUT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 30,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATES REAR CROSS MEMBER SUPPORT SNAPPED FORCING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE *TGW AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION BY A FORD MECHANIC AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY CONCLUDED IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS THE CROSS MEMBER SUPPORT WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT. *JB

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 1/28/11. THE CAR WAS A CERTIFIED / WARRANTED VEHICLE. I WAS ASSURED BY THE TOYOTA SALESMAN THAT ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHICH THE CAR HAS INCLUDE: MISMATCHED TIRES, INOPERABLE SUNROOF, LEAK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL SEAL & NOISE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD THESE PROBLEMS NEEDED REPAIR. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RETURNED NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, EMAILS & WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THEM, I WAS TOLD ALL THESE REPAIRS HAD BEEN FIXED & LATER FOUND OUT THAT NOTHING WAS DONE. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

HELLO, I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER TRUCK WITH A CRACK ON THE BACK OF THE HATCH DOOR. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS CRACK CAME FROM. I CONTACTED THE FORD COMPANY ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY AREN'T WILLING TO HELP. I FIRST NOTICE THE CRACK ABOUT A YEAR AGO. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS A RECALL THEY SAID NO. RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT A LOT OF THE FORD EXPLORER TRUCKS I SEE ALL HAVE A CRACK ON THE SAME PORTION OF THE TRUCK. I SPOKE TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WITH A FORD EXPLORER AND SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHERE THE CRACK ON THE BACK OF HER TRUCK CAME FROM EITHER. WE THINK THIS MAYBE A RECALL ISSUE. I JUST STARTED WRITING DOWN THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBERS OF THE VARIOUS EXPLORER TRUCKS I SEE WITH THE SAME OR SIMILAR CRACK ON THE BACK HATCH. ALTHOUGH I ONLY HAVE SIX TAG NUMBERS RIGHT NOW, I KNOW THAT THEIR ARE MANY MORE TRUCKS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I SEEN MORE TRUCKS BUT AT THE TIME I WASN'T DOCUMENTING THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBERS. THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL ON THE HATCH WINDOW IN 2003 FOR THE FORD EXPLORER TRUCK. IN 2007, I HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS THE 2003 RECALL ON MY 2004 VEHICLE BUT WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED MYSELF BECAUSE THERE WASN'T A RECALL REPORTED FOR 2004. ALTHOUGH IT WAS A YEAR LATER. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE ISSUE WASN'T RESOLVED BECAUSE I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO A BREAK LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE HAS YOUR BREAK LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. WHICH DRAINS THE BATTERY AND CAUSES YOU TO HAVE TO GET THE BRAKE SWITCH FIXED AND A NEW BATTERY. PLEASE HELP ME. I HAD NO LUCK WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN RESOLVING THESE ISSUES. *TR

REAR APPLIQUE HAS CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE FOR NO REASON. I CONTACTED THE A DEALER AND THEY WERE AWARE THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM FROM FORD, BUT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUED. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAILGATE METAL WAS FRACTURED IN HALF IN THE CENTER NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD COULD SHATTER BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 88,200.

Mileage: 87,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER, AND ONE DAY THE CAR IS FINE THE NEXT THERE IS A CRACK ON THE REAR PANEL I THOUGH IT WAS MY FAULT BUT THEN I STARTED SEEING MORE EXPLORES WITH THE SAME CRACK IT HAS TO BE A DEFECT. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER: 1) PLASTIC EXTERIOR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW IS CRACKED, IN 2006 FORD HAD A REPAIR ASSIST PROGRAM, THEREBY ACKNOWLING THE FAILURES. IT NO LONGER IS OFFERING THAT REPAIR ASSISTANCE?? THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE ON INTERNET FORUMS. 2) LEFT REAR WINDOW HINGE BROKE FREE FROM THE WINDOW WHEN I OPENED THE WINDOW, I WAS FORTUANTE IT DID NOT FALL ON MY HEAD (THE RISER PISTON WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT IT ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE). I HAD TO PAY $50 FOR NEW HINGES. I AM WAITING FOR THE NON-REPLACED HINGE TO FAIL AS WELL. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THESE HINGE FAILURES ON THE INTERNET. THE FORD DEALER NEAREST FORD WORLD HEADQUARTERS IN DEABORN, MI WHERE I BOUGHT THE NEW HINGES TOLD ME THEY HAVE SOLD 10 NEW HINGE PACKAGES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS TO CUSTOMERS DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR PANEL CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WERE NOT SECURE AND COULD FALL OUT AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Mileage: 74,000

THE REAR DOOR PANEL UNDERNEATH THE GLASS ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FILED. FORD MOTOR CO SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 95,500

2004 FORD EXPLORER: ENGINE SEIZED FOR NO APPARENT OR OBVIOUS REASON AT 53,000 MILES. NOT REPAIRABLE. ALSO, REAR PLASTIC PANEL BENEATH WINDOW CRACKED. JUST READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HATCH BACK FIBER GLASS FAILED. THE FIBER GLASS CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FIBER GLASS FAILED DUE TO STRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIBER CLASS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE EXHIBITED A FRACTURE DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE HATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PLASTIC TAILGATE STRIP WAS CRACKED IN THE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THE PLASTIC STRIP FOR VEHICLES THAT DO NOT EXCEED 36,000 MILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CONTACT EXCEEDED THE REQUIRED MILEAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 40,000

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 FORD EXPLORER, WITH APPRX. 50,000 HIGHWAY MILES. IN 2007 I WALKED OUTSIDE TO FIND THE REAR BACK PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW WITH THE FORD EMBLEM WAS CRACKED. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP , IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE TOTAL COST FOR REPAIR WAS 403.47, I HAD TO PAY 250.00 & THE WARRANTY COVERED THE DIFFERENCE OF 153.47. HERE IT IS 2011, I WALK OUTSIDE TO FIND THE REAR PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW WITH THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED AGAIN, THE ONLY DIFFERENCE THIS TIME IS , I HAVE NO WARRANTY. THIS APPARENTLY IS A DEFECT ON FORDS PART, THE SAME CRACK 2 TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE AFTER BEING REPLACED AND FORD HAS NOT RECALLED YET. THEIR IS NOT ONE DAY YOU DRIVE AND NOT FIND FORD EXPLORER OWNERS DRIVING AROUND WITH CRACKS ON THE REAR PANEL. COME ON FORD OWN UP OR LOSE CONSUMERS. *TR

CRACK APPEARED ON PLASTIC PANEL JUST TO THE LEFT OF FORD EMBLEM THE CAR HAD 92K MILES WHEN OCCURRED. BODY SHOP ESTIMATE $500.00 TO REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

NOTICED A NUMBER OF CRACKED REAR PANELS ON LATE MODEL FORD EXPLORERS (2004-2006)- THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ON THE FORD EXPLORER- FORD HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP EXIST- FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES OR OFFER A GOODWILL REPAIR THESE FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

THE TAIL GATE ON THE 2004 EXPLORER SHOULD BE RECALLED,IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE AND LOTS OF PEOPLE WILL DIE WHEN THE BACK WINDOWS JUST START FALLING OUT. EVERY EXPLORER I SEE IT LIKE THIS! BUILT FORD TOUGH..LOL.....I GUESS IT'S OK FOR A FEW HUNDRED TO DIE UNTIL FORD MAYBE RECALL IT, IT'S THERE RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD TILL THIS GETS FIXED. THINK OF ALL THE LAWSUITS IN THE MAKING FORD..BAD BUSINESS!!! FIX MY FOUND ON ROAD...BEFORE YOU GET SUED...MY BACK WINDOW WILL FALL OUT SOON AND GUESS WHO`S GETTING SUED. FIX YOUR JUNK FORD YOU LIED TO ME QUALITY IS JOB 1000 MAKING MONEY AND LYING IS JOB 1..YOUR SICKLING BOYCOTT FORD I ALREADY HAVE 3000 PLUS WITH THIS PROBLEM JUST WAIT FORD YOU'LL GET YOURS... *TR

Mileage: 82,000

VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC TAILGATE ATTACHED TO THE REAR WINDOW LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD DEALER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE, SO I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW & FORD SHOULD FIX FOR FREE. FORD GIVING ME RUN A ROUND. SO MUCH FOR FORD TOUGH. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT TO GET THIS FIXED FOR FREE? OR SHOULD I TAKE IT TO THE NEWS STATION ABOUT JUST HOW TOUGH FORD TRUCKS ARE.... THEY CRACK LIKE EASTER EGGS....... I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS OFF ROAD AND KEEP IT IN A GARAGE.

Mileage: 46,673

REAR PANEL VERTICAL CRACK BELOW WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

REAR PANEL VERTICAL CRACK BELOW WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

I AWOKE ONE MORNING AND I FOUND A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH OF MY 04 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS NOT LIKE THAT THE PREVIOUS EVENING WHEN I GOT HOME. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR STORIES. I ALSO FOUND THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO MANUFACTURER RECALL TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. PLASTIC REAR HATCH CRACKED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURE. REAR GLASS MAY BREAK WHILE DRIVING AND POSE HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. PLAN ON REPLACING, HOWEVER I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD PAY FOR IT BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY OF THE ORIGINAL PART. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I HAVE HAD MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FOR 3 YEARS NOW. TODAY I WENT TO OPEN MY REAR HATCH AND THE WINDOW HINGES JUST BROKE. NOW MY WINDOW IS HANGING THEREAND I DON'T KNOW HOW I AM GOING TO GET THEM FIXED SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

THE HATCH BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FORD LOGO ON MY EXPLORER. IT SEEMED TO HAVE HAPPENED OVER NIGHT. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE WINDOW IN WHILE DRIVING. FORD HAS HAD THREE YEARS OF MODELS WITH THIS SOME PROBLEM AND HASN'T MADE IT RIGHT BY IT'S OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 106,090

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED TWO CRACKS BELOW THE REAR WINDOW ON THE TAILGATE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

TAILGATE WINDOW HINGES FAILED ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE WINDOW FELL OUT AND DAMAGED THE LIFT STRUTS. I WAS NOT INJURED. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACKED REAR PANEL SPLITTING THE ENTIRE BACK PANEL. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I THINK IT COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN AS THE WHOLE PANEL COULD BREAK OFF BY THE REAR WINDOW. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ON LINE AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH MY YEAR EXPLORER. FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY PRODUCT.

Mileage: 50,000

CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW. FROM THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. HAD WINDOW TIGHTENED. *TR

WERE A FAMILY A FORD EXPLORER MY FAMILY HAS 4 OF THEM RANGING FROM THE YEARS 1996,99,2002,2004 AND EVERYONE OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES. RANGING FROM ROTTING SUSPENSION PARTS,TO WHEEL BEARING ISSUES ON NEWER MODELS,ROTTING FUEL AND BRAKE LINES,THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN AMERICAN MADE COMPANY THAT IS JEOPARDIZING THE LIVES OF AMERICAN AND CHILDREN WITH TOTAL DISREGARD OF HUMAN LIFE,BUT I BET YOU THE OWNERS OF FORD DON'T HAVE THESE ISSUES THEY PROBABLY DRIVES FOREIGN HAHA BUT SERIOUSLY SOMEONE WILL GET HURT BY THIS AND IT COSTING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET TO FIX AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS PLEASE DO A RECALL ITS SO UNFAIR AT THIS POINT. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HINGE ON THE TAILGATE WAS BROKEN WHERE THE GLASS WAS HANGING. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW, FROM THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH.

Mileage: 56,242

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL WAS FRACTURED BELOW THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

Mileage: 47,000

BACK GLASS HATCH FELL OFF IN MY HANDS COULD HAVE REALLY HURT SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LONG HAIR LINE FRACTURE ALONG THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEAR INTO REVERSE. UPDATED 01/06/11 UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF UPDATED 02/03/11

Mileage: 44,000

FORD 2004 EXPLORER PAINT BUBBLING AT FRONT OF ALUMINUM HOOD. CLEARLY A DEFECT. TOOK TO DEALER WHERE THE BODY SHOP MANAGER SAID HE REPAINTED 70 SO FAR THIS YEAR BUT FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF IT. ASKED TO MEET WITH THE DISTRICT SUPERVISOR. SET UP A MEETING WHEN HE WOULD BE IN TOWN. HE WOULD NOT EVEN COME OUT TO TALK TO ME AND SENT SOMEONE ELSE OUT TO TELL ME FORD WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IN MY WARRANTY IT READS, "RUST MUST PERMANENT FROM THE INSIDE OUT". I ARGUED THAT IT IS AN ALUMINUM HOOD AND WILL NEVER RUST! I THEN WROTE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND HAVE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I KEEP CHECKING FOR RECALLS AND HAVE SEEN NOTHING TO DATE. MY WIFE AND I SEE MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME. SHAME ON FORD!! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING TAKEN CARE OF WITH THIS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT AND NOT SOMETHING ANY OF US CONSUMERS EVER DID TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE WAS FRACTURING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HINGE WOULD NEED REPLACING AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. ANY REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,100.

Mileage: 115,000

10/20/2010 - SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - REAR PANEL UNDER BACK GLASS AROUND FORD LOGO CRACKED AFTER A COOL MORNING 32-35 DEGREES. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM THE WINDOW ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. ON OCTOBER 7, 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HAD A CRACK IN THE PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED SHE MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT, IF THERE FAILURE BECAME A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000.

Mileage: 57,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED AND COULD POTENTIALLY FALL OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE CRACKED PANEL AND THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL REGARDING THE PLASTIC PANEL AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT REPLACED THE PLASTIC PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Mileage: 74,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL WAS CRACKED BY THE EMBLEM IN THE REAR LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL IN THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS SPLIT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HIS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.

Mileage: 62,000

A CRACK HAS FORMED IN THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. IT OCCURRED OVERNIGHT WHILE NOT IN USE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL I BEGAN NOTICING MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS OF ABOUT THE SAME YEAR (2002-2004) WITH THE SAME DEFECT. I DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT ALL I COULD FIND WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING AND NO ACTION FROM FORD. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU, BUT AT ONE WEBSITE THERE ARE AT LEAST 290 OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE POSTED A COMPLAINT. IF YOUR INTERESTED, HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2004/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

2004 EXPLORER WITH 110K MILES - DEVELOPED CRACK IN LIFTGATE PANEL APP DEC 2008. FORD COVERED 80% OF REPAIR COST OF $750 SINCE VEHICLE WAS UNDER 75K MILES, EVEN THOUGH AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW. SEPT 29, 2010 REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE BREAKS CAUSING DOOR TO FALL ONTO MY HANDS AND LEGS...SORE BUT NOT PERMANENT. TWO CO-WORKERS HAD TO HELP ME RAISE IT UP ENOUGH TO LOCK IT IN PLACE. DEALER REPAIRED FOR $65 PARTS IN $170 LABOR. DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89000. UPDATED 01/03/11

Mileage: 89,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED DOWN THE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000. UPDATED 12/21/10*BF THE CONSUMER STATED NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. HE BELIEVED THE INTEGRITY OF THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. UPDATED 12/29/10

Mileage: 45,000

IN JULY 2010, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PANEL PORTION OF THE BACK WINDOW HATCH OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER, WHO MORE OR LESS SAID WELCOME TO THE CLUB, AND TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE BODY SHOP. THE COST OF $500-600 WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID BY ME AND THERE IS NO REASON TO THINK THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED IN FORD MOTOR CO., I THOUGHT I COULD EXPECT MORE FROM A LOCAL MANUFACTURER. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED IN PRODUCT TESTS AND/OR TRIALS. WHY DIDN'T FORD KNOW THAT THE MATERIAL THEY USED WAS NOT CAPABLE OF STANDING UP TO THE USE IN THE AREA THEY PLACED IT? *TR

Mileage: 86,000

THERE IS A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL UNDER THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. ASIDE FROM BEING UNSIGHTLY, I'M AFRAID THAT THIS CRACK WILL WEAKEN THE PANEL WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO KEEPING THE REAR WINDSHIELD SEATED PROPERLY. *TR

PANEL BENEATH REAR GLASS CRACKS ON FORD EXPLORERS. SEVERAL REPORTS OF SAME OCCURRENCE ON INTERNET AND 3 (INCLUDING MYSELF) WHERE I WORK. ALMOST ALL SAME DESCRIPTION, "PANEL BREAKS NEAR FORD EMBLEM". *TR

Mileage: 111,000

CRACKED REAR PANEL IN TAILGATE BELOW WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

1. PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED NOV 2009; CRACK IS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF FORD EMBLEM AND IS THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL. FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE; WE DID NOT REPAIR IT. 2. THIS MORNING TAILGATE GLASS BLEW OUT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS NEAR IT WHEN IT HAPPENED AS GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE. CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR OVER 24 HRS. *TR

Mileage: 110,375

CRACKED REAR PANEL ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER. DROVE IT THROUGH A CAR WASH AND IT SHATTERED. IT CAN FLY OFF AND HIT SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW AND THE HINGES FRACTURED CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL AND SHATTER OVER HER HEAD. SHE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

I DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER LAST NIGHT WHILE UNLOADING GROCERIES. THERE HAD BEEN NO IMPACT TO THIS AREA OF THE VEHICLE SO I HAD NO IDEA WHERE IT CAME FROM. I CHECKED WITH A LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THE ESTIMATOR TOLD ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. IT WAS APPARENTLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK WITH FORD. I STOPPED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS OUT TO LUNCH. THE SALESMAN I TALKED TO SAID HE SAW THE PROBLEM A NUMBER OF TIME WHEN HE WORKED AT THE LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER. WAITING FOR THE SERVICE MANAGER TO CALL ME. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TAILGATE/DOOR WITH GLASS CRACKED AND BROKE. FIBERGLASS WAS MADE FAR TOO WEAK AND CRACKED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 71,292

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE FROM THE VEHICLE LOGO TOWARD THE REAR DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE CRACK WAS BARELY VISIBLE YET IN WARMER TEMPERATURES, THE CRACK WOULD EXPAND. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL BUT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 78,500.

Mileage: 78,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHE OPENED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW LOCATED ON THE LIFT GATE. THE WINDOW WAS OPEN FOR A FEW MOMENTS UNTIL ONE OF THE TWO HINGES BROKE RESULTING IN THE WINDOW HANGING BY ONE HINGE. UPON EXAMINING THE BROKEN HINGE SHE NOTICED THAT THE SCREW HOLDING THE HINGE IN PLACE ALSO BROKE IN HALF. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WOULD LUNGE FORWARD BEFORE MOVING IN REVERSE. WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY SHIFTS INTO GEAR. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PANEL BENEATH MY REAR WINDOW IN MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO GET LARGER SINCE I NOTICED IT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. *TR

Mileage: 46,000

I HAVE A 2004 EXPLORER AND I LIFTED THE GLASS HATCH TODAY AND IT BROKE AND BEGAN TO FALL ON MY HEAD, LUCKILY I REACTED AND GRABBED IT BEFORE IT KNOCKED ME OUT. I HAD TO GET HELP BECAUSE IT WAS TO HEAVY FOR ME BECAUSE I HAVE A BAD BACK, HAD SURGERY AND WAS AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO RE DAMAGE. I HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND COME UP THERE WHILE WE HELD IT BECAUSE STRUTS WOULD NOT FOLD IT IN. TOOK IT TO FORD AND AM BEING CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE TO DIAGNOSIS IT I AM NOT SURE THAT IS NEEDED, AND PARTS ARE GOING TO BE $155, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WINDOW IF IT BREAKS! PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE THEY SAID THEY WILL ORDER. I HAVE NO CAR, NO WARRANTY, AND A SORE BACK FROM ANOTHER PROBLEM FORD IS AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THANK GOD IT DID NOT HIT MY 11 YEAR OLD IN THE HEAD OR NECK THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS EVEN DEADLY. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER I BOUGHT NEW. IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 95250 MILES. AFTER WASHING CAR 2-5-10, A MILD DAY HERE IN CT THOUGH WINTERTIME, I NOTICED TRIM PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW SHOWED VERTICAL CRACK MOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER CRACK HAD MIGRATED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO BOTTOM OF PANEL. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLINE 2-17-10 ASKING IF THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AS HAD READ OTHERS HAD IT HAPPEN TO THEM AS WELL ON VARIOUS AUTOMOBILE WEBSITES LIKE EDMUNDS. UNDERSTOOD BEFORE WRITING IT WAS NOT A RECALL AT THAT TIME. GOT A POLITE RESPONSE 2-18-10 THAT THOUGH SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE, I SHOULD BRING IT TO THE DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. I NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS BAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT SUCH A TRIP. HOWEVER, I AM NOTICING THAT THE WINDOW HOW SEEMS TO RATTLE WHEN CLOSING IF ONLY THE WINDOW PORTION IS OPENED RATHER THAN THE ENTIRE REAR DOOR. I REALLY WANT TO BELIEVE THAT THE WINDOW IS NOT IN JEOPARDY OF SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS OF THIS VINTAGE HAVE IN FACT REGISTERED COMPLAINTS WITH NHTSA AS I AM DOING TONIGHT. WILL FORD BE ASKED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO OWNER'S VEHICLES FOR THIS DEFECT? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR FEEDBACK. *TR

Mileage: 90,700

REAR PANEL ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS CRACKED. THIS HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THIS DUE TO THE COST. THIS IS A DEFECT COMMON TO THIS MODEL AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY FORD. THIS COULD CAUSE SHATTERING OF GLASS WINDOW IF IT BECOMES LOOSE. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION CLUNKING AND SHIFTING ROUGHLY, TAKING LONG TIME TO ENGAGE CAUSE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK, DOES NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO WHINES SO LOUD FOLKS IN BACK SEAT CAN'T HEAR FRONT SEAT PEOPLE TALKING. APPEARS EACH TIME DRIVEN. WAS THAT WAY WHEN PURCHASED NEW AND DEALER FIXED IT, NOW ONCE AGAIN SAME ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

DEFECT IN HATCH AREA OF FORD EXPLORER CAUSING A CRACK NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM. HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 60K MILES. CALLED FORD DEALER WHO SAID NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR HATCH WINDOW HAS CRACKED AND KEEPS GETTING WIDER. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE GLASS FELL OFF AFTER UPPER LEFT HAND HINGE SNAPPED. SECONDARY FAILURE OF LEFT HAND GAS SHOCK SHEARING NEAR MOUNTING BOSS ON GATE. *TR 1) THE GLASS LIFT GATE WAS GETTING HARDER TO CLOSE. I BELIEVE CORROSION LOOSENED THE HINGE JOINT TO THE GLASS. 2) THE FAILURE WAS IMMEDIATE AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE BACK GATE CAME CRASHING DOWN AND THE RIGHT HAND SIDE CAME FLYING UP. 3) SHORT TERM FIX - VISQUEEN AND DUCT TAPE. LONG TERM FIX - WILL BE TO DISASSEMBLE AND REPLACE THE HINGE/SHOCK ASSEMBLY.

Mileage: 113,000

CLOSING THE GLASS LIFTGATE ON A 2004 FORD EXPLORER, THE HINGE PIN PULLED THROUGH THE HINGE STRUCTURE CAUSING THE GLASS TO DROP. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CATCH THE GLASS HAND WAS PINNED, BUT NO INJURY WAS SUFFERED. *TR

Mileage: 84,500

2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACK BACK TRUNK LIFT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL WAS CRACKED BELOW THE GLASS AND THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS KNOWN BUT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,373.

Mileage: 34,000

LETTER TO THE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE REAR WINDOW OF HER 2004 FORD EXPLORER *TGW

LETTER TO THE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE REAR WINDOW OF HER 2004 FORD EXPLORER *TGW

ON FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010 MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE ON OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED IN HIS HANDS. IT DID NOT SHATTER BECAUSE HE WAS HOLDING ONTO IT. UPON INSPECTION, WE DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT HINGE THAT CONNECTS THE LIFTGATE TO THE VEHICLE HAD SNAPPED. THE LIFTGATE IS CURRENTLY HANGING ON THE RIGHT HINGE AS WE DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES AT THIS TIME TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT INVESTIGATION OF THE SAME PART WAS OPENED IN JUNE 23, 2004 AND CLOSED ON OCTOBER 24, 2008. ALTHOUGH ON PAGE 12 OF THE RESPONSE TO NHTSA FORD MOTOR COMPANY ADMITS THAT THIS FAILURE IS CAUSED BY "THE USE OF NON-OPTIMAL COATING ON THE STEEL PIN THAT JOINS THE TWO ZINC DIE-CAST SECTIONS OF THE HINGE", THE COMPANY ASSUMES NO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN COVERING THE REPAIRS BECAUSE NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. I URGE YOU TO TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO THIS ISSUE AS IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS WHO ARE NOT AWARE THAT THEY CAN REPORT THEM TO THIS AGENCY. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC LINING UNDER THE TAILGATE WINDOW WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE FAILURE WITHOUT A RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY YEAR AND MODEL OF HIS VEHICLE THAT HE HAS OBSERVED EXHIBITS THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 52,000. UPDATED 07/23/10*JB

Mileage: 52,000

THE REAR HATCH PANEL ON MY FORD 2004 EXPLORER CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHEN I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER HE SAID IT IS A COMMON DEFECT. WHEN I ASKED HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR HE QUOTED ME $650.00 I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF THIS MODEL IN MY DAILY DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN AZ. WHY HASN'T FORD MADE A REPLACEMENT FOR ALL OF US WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IRRITATES ME THAT THEY SAY QUALITY IS NUMBER ONE BUT WON'T OWN UP TO A DEFECT THAT IS REPLETE IN EMAILS ON LINE? *TR

Mileage: 53,000

REAR HATCH CRACKED ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 113,430

NOTICED THE LIFT GATE HINGE OF OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS CRACKED. WE'VE NOW REMOVED THE GLASS FROM THE LIFT GATE AND ARE TRYING TO FIND PARTS FOR IT. THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGER, NOT KNOWING WHEN THE GLASS CAN CRACK/SHATTER. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE PART. *TR

THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE BACK WIDOW CRACKED AND FORD WAS CONTACTED TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS WERE IN PLACE FOR THAT PART. WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE. MY HUSBAND WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND WENT OVER A BUMP. BECAUSE THE GLASS RUNS UNDER THE PANEL, IT GOT STRESSED AND BUSTED. WE HAVE REPLACED THE PART WITH ANOTHER FORD BACK HATCH. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE SITTING IDLE, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE PASSENGER REAR WINDOW RELEASE BUTTON AND THE HINGE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,800. UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 06/07/10.*JB

Mileage: 74,800

THE HATCHBACK HINGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE YESTERDAY, LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT HIT MY 4 YEAR OLD IN THE HEAD. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER I OWNED BEFORE, BUT THAT WAS RECALLED AND FORD FIXED IT. THIS MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE PART IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE. IT COULD HAVE EASILY HIT SOMEONE AND HURT THEM, OR FALLEN OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR PANEL.

Mileage: 20,000

I AM SO ANGRY., I OWN A 2003 AND A 2004 EXPLORER. THE 2004 HAS A CRACK THAT SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE REAR PANEL. FORD KNOWS THIS IS AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH A DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT AND TALK CONDESCENDINGLY TO THEIR CUSTOMERS ON THE PHONE IF YOU TRY TO DISCUSS IT WITH THEM. THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE OF DOING ANYTHING BUT READING A RESPONSE FROM A CARD, THEY ARE UNABLE TO HAVE ANY TYPE OF CONVERSATION OTHER THAN READING THEIR CANNED RESPONSE. THIS IS THE LAST TIME THAT I WILL BUY A FORD. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER. LARGE CRACK IN HATCH BACK BETWEEN GLASS AND HANDLE (AROUND THE FORD LOGO). THIS OCCURRED WITH NORMAL VEHICLE USE AND DEALER REFUSES TO FIX. CRACK CONTINUES TO EXPAND. AFRAID THAT IF CRACK IS LEFT UNFIXED IT WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE BACK GLASS TO FALL OUT OF THE HATCH DUE TO LACK OF PROPER SUPPORT. *TR

MY COMPLAINT ISN'T SAFETY RELATED BUT I HAVE SAW THIS ON SO VERY MAY FORD EXPLORERS. THE REAR PLASTIC BELOW THE REAR HATCH WINDOW CRACKS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS JUST MINE.. BUT I HAVE SEEN THIS ON SO MANY OF FORD EXPLORERS. TO ME THIS IS A DEFECT AND FROM WHAT I READ FORD SAYS ITS NOT A RECALL ISSUE. BUT TO ME IT IS, ITS A DEFECT THAT ALL THOUGH IT IS NOT SAFETY RELATED IS STILL A DEFECT NONE THE LESS.. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

REAR GLASS ON EXPLORER BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM BRACKETS. THIS MATCHES PRIOR COMPLAINT NUMBER RQ08003. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR PANEL. *TR

Mileage: 94,000

WENT TO LOAD SOMETHING IN THE BACK OF MY EXPLORER AND NOTICED A BLACK LINE RUNNING DOWN BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND TAILGATE AND COULD NOT BELIEVE IT WAS CRACKED,,DID NOTHING TO CAUSE IT TO CRACK. I GOT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME THING TO HAPPEN. I SUPPOSE IT WILL BE TREATED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT I AND MANY MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD ALSO, JUST IGNORED BUT NEVER RECALLED ALTHOUGH CASE AFTER CASE AFTER CASE HAVE BEEN REPORTED. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER RIGHT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE PIN HAS CORROSION CAUSING THE HINGE TO BREAK LOOSE FROM THE GLASS. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW IT BROKE AND FELL ON MY HUSBAND WHILE LOADING CARGO. THE RIGHT SIDE SHOCK (STRUT) HAS SEEMED TO GET STUCK AT TIMES MAKING IT HARD TO CLOSE THE HATCH. *TR

Mileage: 92,050

CRACK IN REAR PANEL ON LIFT GATE BELOW WINDOW AT THE FORD EMBLEM. *CN

Mileage: 53,000

ON DECEMBER 15, I WENT SHOPPING AND WHEN I WENT TO PLACE ITEMS IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED A CRACK ALL THE WAY FROM THE BACK WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN HIT AS THERE WERE NO DAMAGES. *CN

Mileage: 59

PLASTIC UNDER BACK GLASS AROUND FORD LOGO CRACKED AFTER A COOL MORNING. (MAYBE 35 DEGREES) NOW THE CRACK STRETCHES OPEN AND CLOSED VARIOUS AMOUNTS EACH DAY. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS JUST EXPERIENCED A RANDOM CRACK IN THE BODY IN THE HATCHBACK. THE CRACK APPEARS IMMEDIATELY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW, ABOVE AND BELOW THE FORD EMBLEM. THERE WAS NO PRECIPITANT TO THE EVENT AND THERE IS NO OBVIOUS TRAUMA TO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD NO REPAIRS OR PROBLEMS WITH THIS AREA PREVIOUSLY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP I DO BUSINESS WITH SAID THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND COULD FIX IT FOR BETWEEN $600 & $700. I SPOKE TO FORD MOTOR CO. WHO SAID THIS IS NOT UNDER MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS NOT A RECALL. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A STRUCTURAL DEFECT ON MY VEHICLE, NOT CAUSED BY MYSELF OR A 3RD PARTY, CAN NOT CONSTITUTE A RECALL. HOW CAN FORD SAY THIS ISN'T DANGEROUS? IF A PIECE OF THE BODY WERE TO FLY INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE I AM DRIVING OR THE GLASS CRACKS AND SHATTERS, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO SOMEONE ELSE. WHY WOULD A "RECALL" ONLY BE INSTATED IF SOMEONE WERE TO BE HURT? WHY WAIT? I THINK FORD SHOULD FIX THIS ISSUE AT NO CHARGE TO ME, THE OWNER. *TR

Mileage: 42,712

CRACKED TAILGATE FRAME UNDER THE WINDOW, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

THE REAR PANEL UNDER THE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS CRACK, THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THIS FAILURE, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS IT JUST CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND I WAS CLOSING THE REAR HATCH WHEN THE HINGE PINS SNAPPED AND LUCKILY I WAS HOLDING IT WHEN IT BROKE. IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES THEN I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL 2004S. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BACK HATCH HAS A BIG CRACK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WITH THE WEATHER CHANGE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE THOUSANDS OD SIMILAR STORIES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 81,000

MY BACK GATE TO MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED AND I HAVE READ WHERE THIS IS A SEVERE PROBLEM AS MY WINDOW COULD FALL OUT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND BY READING ONLINE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE THAT HAVE DONE THIS. WHICH MEANS THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 66,452

A CRACK ON MY 2004 EXPLORER UNDER THE BACK WINDOW. THERE ARE 1000'S OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD ALSO HAVE SEE ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. THIS HAS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE THE BACK WINDOW FALLS OUT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED THAT WHEN CLOSING THE LIFT GATE THE HITCH SNAPPED AND THE GLASS ALMOST FELL OUT AS A CONSEQUENCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 2002 AND 2003 VEHICLES. NHTSA ACTION NUMBER, RQ08003, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, SUPPORT DEVICE VISIBILITY GLASS, SIDE /REAR STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS WERE RELATED TO THE FAILURE AND WAS CLOSED ON OCTOBER 24, 2008. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE HINGE COULD SNAP AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES AND/OR A CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79000.

Mileage: 79,000

WENT TO OPEN REAR DOOR AND NOTICED A CRACK RUNNING DOWN THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. MY FORD EXPLORER IS A 2004 WITH LESS THAN 60,000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT OF HAPPENED THIS IS A DEFECT THAT FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF. INSTEAD I WAS TOLD TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY ARE YOU KIDDING THIS IS FORDS PROBLEM NOT MINE. IT COULD FALL OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING AND HURT SOMEONE WHAT IS GOING ON IN AMERICA. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED, WALKED OUT OF MY HOUSE INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED "THE EXPLORER CRACK" ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. TEMP WAS 26 DEGREES THAT NIGHT. *TR

Mileage: 62,595

MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL CRACKED DUE POOR DESIGN. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 REAR PANEL UNDER WINDOW ON TAILGATE CRACKING AND FALLING OFF ALSO TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES WAS OUTRAGED BY FORD WHEN THEY STATED THAT AFTER THE CAR LEAVES THE FACTORY ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 60,456

THE BACK HATCH HAS A CRACK UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW IN THE MIDDLE AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. JUST APPEARED....AS I'VE NOTICED SEVERAL FORD 2004 EXPLORERS IN THIS AREA HAVE THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. RECALL IS VERY MUCH NECESSARY. AS WELL AS THE CAR JOLTING INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE....I STILL OWE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THIS LOAN AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS....FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON BOTH...THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME JAPANESE WORKERS SINCE THEIR CARS SEEM NOT TO HAVE THESE TYPES OF ISSUES.....I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEB OF 2008 AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS RIGHT AFTER THAT.....CAR ONLY HAD 48K MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

2004 EXPLORER/EDDIE BAUER - THE PLASTIC TRIM BELOW THE REAR WIDOW CRACKED. AS STATED IN MANY OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, THE FORD DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, IT'S A FORD PROBLEM. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 76,000. *TR

Mileage: 74,636

A CRACK FORMED BELOW THE REAR GLASS PANEL ON OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CRACK FORMED DUE TO A FLAW IN THE REAR DOOR PANEL. I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME CRACK ON THE SAME SPOT ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM ON NEARLY 80% OF THE FORD EXPLORER'S WE SEE ON THE HIGHWAY 'S IN THE ATLANTA AREA. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

CRACKS APPEARED BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY FORD EXPLORER. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 56,000

2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH. OUR FRIENDS HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THE REAR WINDOW EVENTUALLY SHATTERED WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING. THIS SEEMS TO BE DANGEROUS BUT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

CRACKED TAILGATE PANEL WHERE "FORD" EMBLEM IS. CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER EXPLORERS WITH SAME CRACKS. I BELIEVE IT'S DEFECTIVE MATERIALS BEING USED AND FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 61,000

CRACKED TAILGATE PANEL WHERE "FORD" EMBLEM IS. CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER EXPLORERS WITH SAME CRACKS. I BELIEVE IT'S DEFECTIVE MATERIALS BEING USED AND FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 61,000

PAINT ON THE ROOF OF MY VEHICLE HAS PEELED OFF ONLY TO REVEAL RUST. OF COURSE, THE WARRANTY STATES THAT IF THERE IS NO PERFORATION THEN NOT THEIR FAULT IF MORE THAN 60 MONTHS HAVE PASSED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MANUALLY OPENING THE REAR LIFT-GATE, IT SPONTANEOUSLY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE LIFT-GATE HINGE KIT WAS ORDERED FOR THE REPAIR, BECAUSE THE LIFT-GATE HINGE HAD FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,450.

Mileage: 69,400

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE/BACK HATCH. IT STARTS UNDER THE WINDOW SEAL AND CONTINUES DOWN TO THE HATCH LEVER. I'M AFRAID THE GLASS WILL BECOME COMPROMISED DUE TO THE DEFECT IN CRAFTMANSHIP. I WAS ON ANOTHER FORUM WHERE 387 COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR POOR CRAFTMANSHIP ISSUES. I FEEL AS IF FORD SHOULD RECTIFY THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY AT NO COST TO IT'S CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 77,460

1. THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE WERE NORMAL USE OF THE VEHICLE. 2. REAR LIFT-GATE HINGES ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT BEGAN FAILING WITH A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WINDOW BEGAN TO SAG AND OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS CRACKS APPEARED IN THE HINGE STRUCTURE. I HAVE PURCHASED NEW HINGES, BUT AT THIS TIME I STILL NEED TO INSTALL THEM. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING, IT DEACTIVATED ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RE-SET THE ERROR CODE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, AND MOSTLY ON THE INTERSTATE. ALSO WHEN HE WOULD TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS, THE AUTOMATIC WARNING SYSTEM WOULD MAKE AN ALARM NOISE AND BLINK UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CUT OFF. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO LOSE FLUID, WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HEARD A ROARING NOISE NEAR THE TIRE AREA. HE WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LASTLY, THE AESTHETIC PIECE ON THE LOWER HALF OF THE HATCH-BACK HAD CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

CRACKED REAR PANEL BELOW WINDOW, THIS CRACK ONE DAY, NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

FORD DESIGNED A PLASTIC PIECE OF MOLDING THAT IS GLUED TO THE BACK GLASS OF EVERY EXPLORER. THIS HAS CRACKED ON EVERY EXPLORER I HAVE SEEN. IT HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE BY FORD, BUT IT HAS BROKE AGAIN. I ASSUME THAT IF IT HAS BROKE EVERY TWO YEARS SO FAR, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BREAK. FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

REAR PANEL OF THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS CRACKED, WE ARE AFRAID TO OPEN AND CLOSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE WINDOW WILL FALL OUT AND POSSIBLE HURT SOME ONE. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. HE STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE DEVELOPED A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC TAILGATE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE REAR GLASS. THE CRACK APPEARED TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR IT AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE WITH A DISCOUNT. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY. THE UPPER PART OF THE GLASS IS MADE OF FIBER GLASS AND THE BOTTOM IS MADE OF METAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AND THAT HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT FIBER GLASS WAS INCLUDED. THE COLD WEATHER COULD CAUSE THE CRACK IN THE WINDOW TO EXPAND. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76356. UPDATED 10/20/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRACK IS AT THE CENTER OF THE EMBLEM AS WELL AS IN THE FIBER GLASS PART, NOT THE GLASS. UPDATED 10/22/09.*JB

Mileage: 76,356

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MY MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE OFF AND LEFT THE GLASS HATCH HANGING ON ONE HINGE ALMOST FALLING OFF, WHILE I WAS OPENING THE GLASS HATCH FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED $415.01. NOT INCLUDING RENTAL CAR COST,TO REPAIR MY CAR. I LITERALLY OPEN THE HATCH DOOR AND IT FELL OFF. NO ONE SHOULD OPEN A CAR DOOR AND IT FALLS OFF. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN OPENING THE DOOR AND THEY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED BADLY BY THIS DEFECT IN THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 82,014

MY 2004 EXPLORER DEVELOPED A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC TAILGATE ATTACHED TO THE BACK GLASS. CRACK APPEARED TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. ONCE THE CRACK APPEARED IT EVENTUALLY STARTED TO MOVE DOWN THE PLASTIC PIECE, WAS VISIBLE ON MY VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY BACK GLASS SHATTERED AND THE PLASTIC TAILGATE PIECE UNATTACHED ITSELF AT THE SIDES FROM THE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS. COULD HAVE AFFECTED OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD HAD SOMEONE BEEN BEHIND ME. I ALSO HAVE A 3RD ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WHICH WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME OR THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BE DEBRIS AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGES ON OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DURING USE OF THE LIFT GLASS. THE PIN BROKE RIGHT THROUGH THE HINGE. THIS IS A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN PARKED IN A GARAGE WITH ONLY MINIMAL USE OF THE ACTUAL LIFT GLASS. WE ARE NOW SEARCHING JUNK YARDS FOR REPLACEMENT HINGES BUT ASSUME THESE WILL ALSO BE BAD. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER - EDDIE BAUER. IN MAY OF 2009 THE PAINT BEGAN TO BUBBLE IN PLACES ALONG THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. THESE SPOTS BECAME LARGER AND EVENTUALLY THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF, REVEALING A CORRODED BARE ALUMINUM SURFACE. THE HOOD IS NOT METAL, THEREFORE IT CAN NOT RUST. IT MUST BE A PAINT DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW OF THE REAR LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE FRAME AROUND THE WINDOW COULD CRACK AND CAUSE THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

Mileage: 56,000

I NOTICED MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC TAILGATE ATTACHED TO THE REAR WINDOW LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RECOGNIZED IT AS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 EXPLORER AND ALSO WARNED ME THE HINGES ON THE REAR GLASS FAIL OFTEN AS WAS THE CASE ON MY VEHICLE. SERVICE TECH STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AS YET AND I GOT TO PAY FOR THE NEW HINGES AND HOLDING OFF ON THE CRACK THINKING FORD MADE DO THE RIGHT THING AND REPAIR THE FAULT. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

THE PANEL BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I DID NOT DRIVE IT THAT DAY, SO I KNOW I WAS NOT HIT, OR THE DOOR WAS NOT SLAMMED. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH. IT APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS NOT PRECEDED BY AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING. UPON TALKING TO A FRIEND WHOSE CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT IT HAPPENS A LOT. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

I HAVE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW, IT CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. WHILE DRIVING THAT PIECE CAN FALL OFF AND HIT A PERSON WALKING OR HIT THE CAR BEHIND, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN PAYING THE OTHER PERSON FOR DAMAGES OR HOSPITAL BILLS. THIS PROBLEM OR DEFECT, RECALL WHICH EVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, FORD HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO FAR. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLES, WITH THE PROBLEM. I THOUGHT CAN BRING THIS UP TO YOUR COMPANY AND SEE WHERE THIS GOES. THANK YOU FOR TIME HOPE TO HEAR THAT THIS CAN BE RESOLVED. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT CLOSING LIFTGATE GLASS AND HINGES SHEARED ON BOTH SIDES. HINGES NEED TO BE REPLACED WAITING FOR PART. HAVE ORIGINAL HINGE PARTS. NO REAR GLASS ON VEHICLE UNTIL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

FAILURE OF THE LIFT GATE HINGE PIN. *TR

Mileage: 54,283

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL WAS CRACKING ON HER VEHICLE NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAUSED THE REAR PANEL TO CRACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST IS THAT THE BACK GATE CRACKED FROM THE WINDOW. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THAT MY TRUCK IS MAKING A LOUD THUMP IN REVERSE, AND AFTER I PUT IT IN DRIVE AFTER BEING IN REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM THE ENGINE SLIPPING. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

NOTICED MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAD A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW WHEN I WAS WASHING IT IN MY DRIVEWAY. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A RECALL BUT I SEE ABOUT 100 OTHERS HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT IT. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 73,069

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

CRACK IN PANEL UNDER BACK GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

PAINT ON ROOF OF VEHICLE IS CHIPPING AND BODY IS RUSTING. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER; REAR PANEL BELOW WINDOW CRACKED. *TR

ALL OF THE PAINT ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS FALLING OFF JUST ON THE ROOF. *TR

A CRACK APPEARED ON THE LIFT GATE TOP PANEL JUST BELOW THE WIPER. THE CRACK RUNS VERTICAL FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. I NOTICED THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AT AROUND 70,000 ON THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. *TR

Mileage: 69,000

THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I LOADED MY GYM BAG INTO THE BACK AND CLOSED THE HATCH. WHEN I CAME BACK 5 MIN LATER TO WIPE THE DEW OFF THE WINDOW I NOTICED 2 VERTICAL CRACKS ON THE PANEL. THE CRACKS SEEM TO BE GETTING LONGER AND I FEAR THE WINDOW MAY FALL OUT. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

2004 EXPLORER REAR TAIL GATE CRACK NEXT TO FORD EMB. *TR

Mileage: 54,700

BACK HATCH PANEL ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED INTO TWO PIECES FOR NO REASON. LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALL ON THIS PART HAS BEEN ISSUED. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE PART YET AS IT IS A $400 REPAIR THAT IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO POOR QUALITY OF PARTS USED BY FORD. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

WIFE CAME BACK FROM SCHOOL AND TOLD ME THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH A CRACK ON THE REAR TRUNK LID BELOW THE REAR GLASS WHERE THE FORD EMBLEM IS, LOOKING THROUGH THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE A HANDFUL OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PANEL BECOMING CRACK WHAT SO EVER AND STILL NO RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE BACK PLASTIC DOOR BEEN SPLIT IN HALF, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS, WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON A RECALL AND IT WILL BE ON OUR OWN EXPENSES. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE BACK PLASTIC DOOR BEEN SPLIT IN HALF, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS, WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON A RECALL AND IT WILL BE ON OUR OWN EXPENSES. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

PAINT CRACKED AND PEELING ON BOTH SIDES OF ROOF RACK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND SAID THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY PROBLEM IN SUBMITTING THE CLAIM ON THE PAINT. AFTER MY RESEARCH AND A MONTH OF RUN AROUND THE DEALER FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A PAINT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT I WAS WASTING MY TIME ON THE CLAIM BECAUSE FORD WAS NOT GOING TO BACK IT'S VEHICLE UP..WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY ON MY PART. FORD WILL NEVER SEE MY BUSINESS AGAIN!!! I HOPE THIS GOES ALONG WITH ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE CONCERNING THIS MATTER!! *TR

Mileage: 75,473

I WALKED AROUND TO THE BACK OF MY EXPLORER TO PUT GROCERIES IN THE BACK TRUNK AREA TO FIND THE PLASTIC CRACKED BY THE FORD EMBLEM. IT RUNS THE LENGTH OF THE FLIP OPEN GLASS PANEL THAT HAS NOW BROKEN THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAR LEAVING IT MUCH EASIER FOR SOMEONE TO BREAK IN. THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY SORT OF COLLISION, NO OTHER MARKS WERE SEEN. *TR

WE HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAD A SPONTANEOUS CRACK OCCUR ON THE BACK LIFT GATE BELOW THE GLASS AND THROUGH THE FORD EMBLEM. WE HAVE SEEN MANY EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS DEFECT AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE RECALLED AND WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING. ALTHOUGH WE CONSIDERED; MOST PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THIS FIXED; THE CRACK HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS WOULD COST 4-8 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX AND WILL PROBABLY OCCUR AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

WALKED OUTSIDE ONE DAY AND NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW MY REAR WINDOW. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

THE REAR TAILGATE CRACKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR GLASS AND PROPAGATED DOWNWARD AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM AND FINALLY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE PANEL. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A 2004 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, V8 WITH . *TR

Mileage: 43,735

WENT INTO MY GARAGE TO GET INTO MY EXPLORER AND NOTICED A CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. SEEN OTHER FORD SUV'S WITH SAME CRACKED PANEL BY THE FORD EMBLEM ON REAR PANEL. CALLED FORD AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THEY TOLD ME NO AND REFUSED TO HELP ME GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. I DID NOTHING. THE CRACK JUST CAME OUT OF NO WHERE. IT WASN'T SOMETHING I DID. ITS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM SEEING THAT THERE IS OTHER SUV JUST LIKE MINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND A CRACK IN THE EXACT SAME AREA! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE HINGE, WHICH ALLOWED THE GLASS TO LOOSEN. THE GLASS APPEARS THAT IT COULD FALL OUT AT ANY MOMENT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALLS ON THE 2002 AND 2003 EXPLORERS, BUT NOT FOR 2004. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HER VEHICLE AND IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE PANEL CRACKED I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT YET I SEE A LOT OF THESE ON THE ROAD SINCE MY HAS CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 67,564

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACKED REAR LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE WINDOW, ADJACENT TO THE CENTER FORD EMBLEM. IT WAS DESCRIBED TO ME BY MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AS A MANUFACTURED DEFECT AS A RESULT OF THE HORIZONTAL PLASTIC DECK LID BEING GLUED TO THE METAL LIFT GATE. DURING CONTRACTION AND EXPANSION OF THESE TWO MATERIALS DURING FLUCTUATIONS IN WEATHER, THE LID WILL CRACK. I HAVE NOTICED APPROXIMATELY 30-40% OF 2002-2005 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD COULD ELEVATE THIS PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE PLASTIC PANELS WITH A BETTER MATERIAL OR GLUE. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36K AND I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WON'T OCCUR UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT 50K-75K OF 3-4 YEARS. FORD WANTS $500 TO REPAIR PLUS PAINT FOR A TOTAL OF $700 DOLLARS. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

CRACK APPEARED ON PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. CRACK EXTENDS FROM THE REAR WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TOP REAR HATCH. NO MISTREATMENT OF VEHICLE HAS OCCURRED; CRACK APPEARED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE UNOCCUPIED IN MY GARAGE. WILL BRING TO FORD DEALERSHIP TOMORROW TO INQUIRE ABOUT REPLACEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 59,000

PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BEGAN TO BUBBLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY PEEL OFF. NEEDED OTHER, UNRELATED BODY WORK, AND HAD THE DEALER SHIPFIX THE PAINT PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER BODY WORK. FORTUNATELY, THE BODY SHOP GUY ONLY CHARGED ME $100, SINCE HE ALREADY HAD THE PAINT (AND I THINK FELT A LITTLE SORRY FOR ME). HAVE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

PAINT IS PEELING ON THE ROOF OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID I"N 6 YEARS I AM ONLY THE 2ND PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM" AND "THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY". THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT OR PROBLEM. I AM JUST WRITING HERE TO GET THIS INFORMATION ON RECORD, BECAUSE IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS VERY TYPICAL WITH FORD VEHICLES. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 40,000

I BOUGHT THIS 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN 2006. THE PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW WAS LOOSE. THEY SENT A GLASS DEALER OUT TO FIX IT. THEY JUST PUT HOT GLUE OR SOMETHING TO MEND IT FOR THE TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT'S 1/2 FALLING OFF NOW. *TR

I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE TAILGATE OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IT IS IN THE MIDDLE, RIGHT NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT PEOPLE ARE BRINGING IN TO THEM. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR IT. THEY SAID MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO PAY TO GET IT REPAIRED, WHICH WOULD COST ABOUT $450.00. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 48,000 MILES, BUT WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY. THE MANAGER ALSO SAID THAT IF I DO CHOOSE TO GET IT FIXED, TO KEEP THE RECEIPT BECAUSE IF THERE EVER IS A RECALL ON IT, I COULD BE RE-IMBURSED. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

THE TAILGATE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED LAST WINTER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT RECALLED. I NOTICED MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY FORD. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PLASTIC TRIM PIECE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT WAS GLUED ONTO THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, WHICH HOLDS THE FORD EMBLEM. HE NOTICED THAT THE PIECE WAS CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE AND THAT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL HAD THE SAME FAILURES. HE CONSULTED A PLASTIC EXPERT, WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND MOLDED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE COMPLAINT WOULD BE ESCALATED. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH DOOR. THERE IS A CRACK DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER OF THE HATCH WHERE THE LOCK IS LOCATED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR WINDOW OPENS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POTHOLES, THE WINDOW OPENS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,106.

Mileage: 42,106

CRACKING TAILGATE PANEL BELOW REAR TAILGATE WINDOW EXTENDING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TAILGATE. THE CRACK EXTENDS ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND CRACK SINCE I HAVE HAD IN 2 YEARS IN EXACTLY THE SAME LOCATION. THE PREVIOUS CRACK APPEARED IN JANUARY 2007 AND WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER AT NO COST. THIS TIME THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $450 TO REPAIR AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP AND OR MATERIAL. *TR

Mileage: 21,742

I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD EXPLORER. 1. CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW PANEL, FORD WON'T FIX. 2. TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HAD TO REPLACE AT MY COST. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

BACK REAR HATCH CRACKED. JUST LIKE THE 100'S OF OTHERS I FOUND ON MY INTERNET SEARCH OF THE PROBLEM. OUR TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT OUR OWN COST. *TR

Mileage: 56,000

I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN I WAS HAND WASHING IT I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY BACK HATCH. *TR

CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY. NOTICED REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED. NOTHING HAD HIT THE CAR AND HATCH WAS NOT OPENED THEREFORE IT WAS NOT SLAMMED. WENT TO INTERNET TO LOOK UP A RECALL BUT THERE ISN'T ONE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. I FOUND MANY SITES OF THE SAME CRACKS IN THE SAME PLACE. TALKED TO MY SERVICE MANAGER, HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS HEARD OF MANY EXPLORERS THAT DID THE EXACT SAME THING! *TR

THE HATCH OF OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED ON ITS OWN AND THEN 2 WEEKS LATER ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED NOW THE GLASS IS STARTING TO SHIFT. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. THE FORD BODY SHOP TOLD US THAT HE HAS SEEN OVER 500 EXPLORERS WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. IF IT DOES NOT GET FIXED THE WINDOW COULD FALL OUT DURING DRIVING AND BE A DANGER TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. IF THERE ARE THAT MANY VEHICLES THAT "MYSTERIOUSLY" CRACK THERE HAS GOT TO BE A PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

THERE IS A LONG CRACK IN THE BACK AREA BELOW THE BACK HATCH WINDOW, IT LOOKS LIKE WATER RUNNING DOWN BY THE FORD EMBLEM BUT IT IS A CRACK. I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME CRACK ON OTHER FORD EXPLORER. THAT WHY I BELIEF IT IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE ITSELF. *TR

CRACKED PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BY THE FORD EMBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

MANUFACTURERS DEFECT: 2004 FORD EXPLORER; 6" PLASTIC PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW RUNNING ACROSS THE CAR HAS CRACKED TOP TO BOTTOM BECAUSE OF COLD WEATHER. A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BUT FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THEREFORE WILL NOT COVER THE TOTAL COST OF REPLACING IT. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

ON MY ROOF I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT IS PEELING JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOF RACK. THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND PEELING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDE WHICH INDICATED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

ON MY ROOF I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT IS PEELING JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOF RACK. THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND PEELING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDE WHICH INDICATED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED BY THE EMBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD ON DEC 1, 2008 AND WAS TOLD THAT NOBODY HAS FILED A COMPLAINT. SINCE THEN I'VE NOTICED OVER 15 FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, HOWEVER FORD DENYS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED. *TR

THE PLASTIC PIECE BELOW THE REAR HATCH GLASS HAS CRACKED BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE TOP OF THE TAIL GATE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE SEE MANY EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME SAY THE DAMAGE IS CASED BY WATER GETTING BEHIND THE PLASTIC AND FREEZING, CAUSING THE PLASTIC TO CRACK. THIS COULD ALLOW MORE WATER INTO THE PANEL CAUSING MORE PROBLEMS. *TR

Mileage: 79,625

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT, UPPER REAR HATCH CRACKED WAS NOT HIT OR ABUSED. *TR

Mileage: 38,000

THE TRIM PANEL BELOW THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW HAS CRACKED. ACCORDING TO INTERNET SOURCES, THIS IS COMMON FOR THE MAKE AND YEAR OF OUR FORD EXPLORER. THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT. THE CRACK APPEARS ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT IMPACT OF ANY KIND. *TR

I WANTED TO FILE A CONCERN/COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE HATCH DOOR BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS AS I HAVE SEEN AND FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL. FORD HAS NO RECALL ON THIS TO MY KNOWLEDGE AND SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE COMMONNESS OF THIS PROBLEM AND DO RIGHT BY THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR THANK YOU,

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH AND NEAR THE EMBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THERE WAS NO RECALL; HOWEVER, A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03-09-09 *BF UPDATED 03/12/09. *JB

FOUR WEEKS AGO I DISCOVERY AN CRACK JUST BELOW MY REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0 V6...LATER I HAVE SEEN THIS DAMAGE ON THREE OTHER CARS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND IN PARKING LOTS. JUST TODAY I NOTICE I THIS PROBLEM IN YET ANOTHER EXPLORER, AND I WAS ABLE TO SPEAK WITH THE OWNER, AND HE SAID IT JUST HAPPEN TWO WEEK EARLIER. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE HINGE OF MY 2004 EXPLORER TO BREAK ALSO, I HAD READ THAT THIS WAS AN PROBLEM WITH THE 2003- 2003 MODE. WELL TO ME IT LOOKS LIKE IT AND PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 MODEL ALSO. IT COST ME 80 DOLLARS TO GET THE HINGES PLACED WITH LABOR. I HAVE READ THE IT WILL COST BETWEEN 300 TO 600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 110,111

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE MATERIALS AND CHANGES IN THE TEMPERATURE. THE CONTACT HAS TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 03/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB

Mileage: 64,000

TAILGATE, PLASTIC WHICH RUN AROUND "FORD" THE WIDTH OF THE GATE CRACKED. COLD WEATHER THE CRACK GETS LARGE, HOT WEATHER IT CLOSES UP. IT CRACKED ON ITS OWN. *TR

Mileage: 58,723

TAILGATE, PLASTIC WHICH RUN AROUND "FORD" THE WIDTH OF THE GATE CRACKED. COLD WEATHER THE CRACK GETS LARGE, HOT WEATHER IT CLOSES UP. IT CRACKED ON ITS OWN. *TR

Mileage: 58,723

I HAVE A 2004 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER AND PIECE BELOW TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME HE WOULD GO 20/80 I FIGURED THAT WAS BETTER THAN NOTHING EVEN THOUGH FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID IT ALL. *TR

Mileage: 41,000

THE REAR HATCH DOOR CRACKED ON MY 2004 EXPLORER, NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CONCERNED SAFETY OF GLASS NOW. DEALER SAYS TO BAD THAT THEY MIGHT FIX IT FOR AROUND $250.00 I STILL HAVE A WARRANTY BUT NOT FOR THE BODY. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

CRACK ON PANEL ON HATCHBACK BELOW WINDOW TO THE EMBLEM BELOW EMBLEM AND THEN OFF TO THE RIGHT BACK TO THE MAIN CRACK MAKING A PIECE OF PIE LOOK. MOTOR TO THE BACK WIPER BLADE UNDER THERE WHERE RAIN CAN SHORT IT OUT. ALSO IF PIE SHAPE FLIES LOOSE COULD HURT SOMEONE OUT SIDE THE SUV. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE HAS CRACKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO BE UNSTABLE AND POSSIBLY FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 21,381

2004 FORD EXPLORER REAR TAILGATE PLASTIC PANEL CRACKED BY THE FORD LOGO. I'VE NOTICE OTHER FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. FORD WILL DO NOTHING!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 46,000

ENGAGED RELEASE BUTTON TO LIFT REAR GLASS HATCH. GLASS WAS LIFTED AND AS I REACHED IN TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF VEHICLE, GLASS FELL ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I WAS DAZED FOR A FEW SECONDS UNSURE OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED. WHEN I PULLED MYSELF FROM UNDER GLASS, I SAW GLASS WAS HANGING OFF OF ONE SIDE OF VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT LEFT HINGE ON GLASS HAD BROKEN CAUSING GLASS TO FALL. HE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE VEHICLE TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WOULD INSPECT VEHICLE. THIS WAS DONE AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTED PART AND CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE OFFICE. CORPORATE OFFICE REFUSED TO COVER THIS REPAIR. WE DECIDED TO HAVE OTHER HINGE REPLACED ALSO INSTEAD OF RISKING CHANCE OF INJURY AGAIN. COST $80.00 + SEVERAL NIGHTS OF HEADACHES (LITERALLY) FROM INJURY. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

WHILE DRIVING 2004 FORD EXPLORER WE HEARD LOUD NOISE, THEN NOTICED THE REAR HATCH DOOR HAD A 6 INCH CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BECOME A ROAD HAZARD TO OTHER VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN DOWN OTHER LOCAL LICENSE PLATES WITH SAME PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 38,500

I OWN A 2004 EXPLORER AND A FEW WEEKS AGO I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE BACK HATCHBACK. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO ASK FOR A ESTIMATE AND WHEN I TOLD THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, HE STATED THAT THE COLD WEATHER CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRACK AND HE SAID THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO AT LEAST 75% OF THE EXPLORERS. I ASKED IS IT THE EXPLORERS ONLY AND HE SAID "YES." MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THEREFORE THEY DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. IT COST $350.00 AND WHEN I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY THEY REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID" WE DEAL WITH THOSE ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS" WHICH TO ME MEANT IF YOU STILL HAVE A WARRANTY THEN YOU ARE COVERED. THEY DIDN'T DO A RECALL BECAUSE IF IT IS NOT BROKEN THEN DON'T FIX IT. UNFORTUNATELY THIS CRACK OCCURRED AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF IT WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE ON MY BEHALF OR SOMETHING THAT I DID TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM BUT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED EVEN WITH EVERYDAY WEAR AND TEAR ON A VEHICLE. COULD YOU PLEASE ASSIST ME IN ATTEMPTING TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE? I AM CONCERNED WITH THE CRACK AND MOISTURE OR WATER GETTING INSIDE AND POSSIBLY CREATING ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

THIS MORNING PRESENT ON THE BACKSIDE OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BACK HATCH IS A CRACK IN THE METAL BEGINNING UNDER THE BACK WINDOW PROCEEDING VERTICALLY DOWN TO BOTTOM WHERE IT STOPPED ABOVE MY BACK LICENSE PLATE. THE CRACK IS 8-10 INCHES IN LENGTH. IT WAS NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THIS MORNING WHEN I APPROACHED MY CAR TO GO TO WORK. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS 100'S OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT DESCRIPTION. FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS DEFECT SINCE ALL THE VEHICLES ARE PAST THE MILEAGE WARRANTY. MY SISTER ALSO OWNS A FORD EXPLORER AND SHE HAS THE SAME CRACK IN THE BACK OF HER HATCH. BOTH CRACKS ARE LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK HATCH. CONTINUES USE OF THIS VEHICLE WILL CAUSE THE METAL CRACK TO WIDEN, THUS IMPACTING THE BACK HATCH WINDOW MAKING IT UNABLE TO CLOSE PROPERLY. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

PLASTIC BODY PART JUST UNDER REAR LIFT GATE HAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF A PROBLEM, BUT FORD HAS DECLINED ACTION. THIS VEHICLE HAD APPROX. 30,000 MILES WHEN NOTICED. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

1. WASHED MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER AND THE PAINT BEGAN PEELING OFF THE FRONT OF THE ROOF. 2. THE PROBLEM JUST STARTED AND NOW THERE IS A 1.5 FOOT CIRCLE ON THE FRONT ROOF WHERE THE PAINT HAS PEELED. 3. THE ROOF IS GOING TO BE REPAINTED. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE CLEANING THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REFERRED HIM TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP. AFTER ARRIVING AT THE BODY SHOP, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THIS DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,136 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,636.

Mileage: 13,636

THE PLASTIC BELOW THE GLASS ON MY REAR HATCH- 04 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO DEALERS AND FORD.COM. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OVER 10 PEOPLE AND THIS INCLUDES SERVICE MANAGERS. I HAVE ONLY 49,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND EVERY DAY I DRIVE AROUND AND I SEE THIS PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY DEFECT, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A 2" BY 3' PIECE FLIES OFF AND A OLD LADY SWERVES INTO A SEMI. NOW LOOK WHAT IT WILL COST . IF THIS WAS AN ISOLATED CASE I WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM. IF NOTHING IS DONE IN THE NEXT WEEK, I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF PHOTOGRAPHING EVERYONE THAT I SEE. THEN I AM GOING TO TROUBLE SHOOTER TV. AND I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER BUY A FORD. THERE IS NO WONDER THEY NEED A BAIL OUT. IF I CHOOSE TO RUN MY BUSINESS TO THE GROUND, I DON'T GET GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHAT A JOKE. PLEASE NEVER BUY ONE. WHEN A COMPANY MAKES A MISTAKE ADMIT IT AND PEOPLE WILL RESPECT YOU. LOOK AT WHAT A $200 PIECE OF PLASTIC CAN COST YOU. JUST GOOGLE THE PROBLEM AND YOU CAN SEE IT IS NOT ISOLATED. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS ON THE HINGE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD WOULD GLIDE UP AND DOWN, AS IF IT WERE NOT SECURED OR MOLDED PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE HATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1,200. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 40,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *CN UPDATED 12/30/08. *JB

Mileage: 40,000

HAVE 2004 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER WITH CRACK IN THE REAR GATE. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I WAS ONLINE AND FOUDN AT LEAST 200 PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CRACK. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME SUPPORTING THE SIDE/REAR GLASS WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E104000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,783.

Mileage: 66,783

LONG CRACK UNDER REAR WINDOW OF TAILGATE,BESIDE FORD EMBLEM, APPEARED OVERNIGHT,NO ACCIDENTS, 39,00 MILES, OTHERWISE EXCELLENT CONDITION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE REAR GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE, THE HINGES FAILED AND PREVENTED THE GLASS FROM CLOSING. THE HINGES WERE BENT BACK INTO PLACE IN ORDER FOR THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO CLOSE, BUT CURRENTLY IT CANNOT BE USED AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Mileage: 90,000

PLASTIC APPLIQUE ON LIFTGATE CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LIFTGATE WAS NOT BEING USED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FIVE YEARS AGO. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO SPREAD UNTIL NOW THE PIECE IS IN TWO SEPARATE PIECES. THE PIECES ARE LOOSE AND COULD POSSIBLY COME OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THIS EVEN THOUGH IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW IN ALL 2002-2005 EXPLORERS. WE HAVE SEEN MANY EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD AND ON USED CAR LOTS WITH THIS SAME DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT HASN'T RETURNED THE FAVOR. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT FORD SAYS THAT THEY ALL DO IT AND WON'T FIX IT. MY TAILGATE CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD SYMBOL, ONCE AGAIN WON'T FIX IT. MY PAINT ON MY HOOD IS PEELING OFF. I ONLY HAVE 50,000 EASY MILES ON IT BUT LOOKING AT IT AND DRIVING IT YOU WOULD THINK THAT IT HAD 150,000 ON IT. I WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN! *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER RIGHT REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH HINGE HAS FAILED. GLASS HATCH DID NOT FALL BUT IS HANGING BY REMAINING HINGE AND IS UNSTABLE OR UNSAFE. ISSUE SAME AS NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: RQ08003. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS AND JUST STARTED TO NOTICE THE PAINT ON THE ROOF IS BEGINNING TO PEEL OFF, WHICH IS NOW HAPPENING IN TWO LOCATIONS. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND DID SEE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS DUE TO A PRIMER DEFECT IN THESE MODELS. AS OF TODAY NO RECALL HAS BEEN OFFERED BUT I FEEL FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. I COMPLAINED TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND PLAN ON USING IT FOR AT LEAST 4 TO 5 MORE YEARS. I AM SCARED TO GET A CAR WASH THINKING MORE PAINT WILL COME OFF. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

THE REAR HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER ARE FAULTY, THEY CRACKED AND ARE BARELY HOLDING MY GLASS WINDOW UP. FOR FORD, THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE; THE 2003, 2002, AND 2007 MODELS HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE 2004 MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS COSTLY AND IS DANGEROUS. WHILE DRIVING, THE HATCH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSING THE GLASS TO BREAK. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

I HAVE 2 ISSUES THAT I WOULD LIKE ADDRESSED. 1. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SOMETHING BECAUSE MY RADIO KEEPS GOING OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR SO NOW. NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT CORRECTING THE ISSUE BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. 2. MY HATCHBACK HAS A CRACK IN IT AND I AM WONDERING IF IT IS ON RECALL TO BE REPLACED SINCE I SEE ALOT OF THE SAME CRACK ON OTHER EXPLORERS. *TR

THE BACK GLASS HINGES ON 2004 EXPLORER BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO COME OFF MY VEHICLE. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT AND HAD MY HUSBAND COME UNDO ALL THE PIECES SO NOTHING ELSE WAS BROKEN. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND, AFTER OPENING THE LIFTGATE AND ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT, THE RIGHT HAND HINGE FRACTURED AND LANDED ON MY HAND. LUCKILY MY HUSBAND WAS RIGHT BESIDE ME AND HE WAS ABLE TO LIFT IT AND THERE WAS NO INJURY TO MY HAND. THE LEFT HAND HINGE WAS FRACTURED ON ONE SIDE AND WE HAD TO REMOVE THE HYDRAULIC ARMS TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE AND DUCT TAPE IT CLOSED. AFTER READING ONLINE THAT THE 2002/2003 EXPLORERS HAD BEEN RECALLED I HOPED THEY WOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE 2004 MODELS. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. MY TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED IN MARCH 2004 AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT 2003 PARTS WERE USED SO FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODELS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH MY HUSBAND BESIDE ME AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT COULD HAVE FRACTURED AND BLOWN INTO THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. I HOPE THERE ARE OTHER DRIVERS WHO COME FORWARD TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AS I KNOW THERE HAVE TO BE A LOT MORE OF US OUT THERE! THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FRACTURED HINGES AT A COST OF $122. *TR

Mileage: 47,871

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I REALLY LOVED THIS TRUCK BUT LIKE MANY OTHERS WE HAVE BECOME EMBARRASSED BY OUR PURCHASE. IF THIS KIND OF FRAUD WERE TO OCCUR WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCT WE WOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF RECOURSE BUT NOT SURPRISINGLY THE MOTOR COMPANY'S SEEM TO ENJOY A CERTAIN LEVEL OF PROTECTION. THE 'BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU' WON'T EVEN LISTEN TO CAR COMPLAINTS. GIVEN THE SEVERE AND UBIQUITOUS NATURE OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT NO REMEDIATIONS IS FORTH COMING FROM THIS ORGANIZATION, THE MANUFACTURER OR ANY OTHER. THE COST OF THESE VEHICLES IS A BURDEN TO SAY THE LEAST AND IS FINANCIALLY DEVASTATING TO THOSE OF US WHO PURCHASED THEM IN GOOD FAITH ONLY TO HAVE A 30,000 DOLLAR VEHICLE BECOME USELESS AND DANGEROUS BEFORE REACHING 50000 MILES. LIKE ALL THE OTHER 'VICTIMS' OF FRAUD, I AM WASTING YET MORE OF MY TIME BY COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. *TR

Mileage: 47,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER. A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR TAILGATE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW THE TAILGATE GLASS AND NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE DEALER, SUMMERVILLE FORD, SUMMERVILLE, SC, INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH HE SEES THIS PROBLEM OFTEN ON THIS EXPLORER BODY STYLE, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. OBVIOUSLY, FORD IS AWARE OF THIS POOR DESIGN RESULTING IN BODY INTEGRITY FAILURE, BASED ON THE OTHER EXPLORERS I HAVE WITNESSED ON OUR ROADS WITH THE SAME DAMAGE AND THE OTHER COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA. BUT FORD IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. I NOTICE THE NEW EXPLORERS NO LONGER HAVE THIS POOR TAILGATE DESIGN. THIS IS DAMAGE CAUSED BY FORD'S POOR DESIGN AND SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND REPAIRED BY FORD. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE SNAPPED AND ALLOWED GLASS TO FALL. ISSUE APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR TO ACTION # RQ08003. *TR

Mileage: 35,747

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR GLASS DOOR, THE DOOR COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE HINGE, WHICH CONNECTED IT TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08. *JB

Mileage: 60,000

ON AUGUST 8, 2008 I OPENED THE BACK GLASS OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER AT WHICH TIME THE BRACKET AT THE TOP OF THE GLASS BROKE LOOSE CAUSING MY GLASS TO FALL. IT HIT ME IN THE HEAD WHEN IT FELL AND WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY FELL ON ME IF THE OTHER BRACKET HAD NOT STAYED IN PLACE. I CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY BUT HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT MODEL YEARS OF THE FORD EXPLORER WERE RECALLED PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. MY EXPLORER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AS FORD INSTALLED FAULTY BRACKETS ON MY TRUCK. CURRENTLY MY HUSBAND PURCHASED A "RECALL KIT" FROM FORD TO CORRECT THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIX MY BACK GLASS SO THAT MY VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 43,500

THE REAR HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FELL APART AND THE WINDOW FELL OFF. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS RECALLED FOR 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORERS BUT FORD WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR MY 2004 VEHICLE USING THE SAME DEFECTIVE HINGES. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

I WAS DRIVING AND JUST ENTERED THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN I GOT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RAMP MY BACK WINDOW ON MY TRUNK RAISED UP AND HALFWAY FELL OFF AND WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE IS VERY LOOSE AND THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AND THE SUSPENSION SHOCK THAT OPENS AND CLOSES THAT WINDOW. I WAS TERRIFIED WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND I PANICKED AND LUCKILY I WAS ALREADY SO CLOSE TO THE EXIT RAMP. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD HOW MUCH THE PARTS WERE AND HOW MUCH LABOR IS BUT THE SERVICE PERSON MENTIONED THAT HE HAS HAD ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT SHOCK THAT OPENS AND CLOSES THE WINDOW. I AM WAITING FOR MY PARTS TO COME IN NOW. *TR

Mileage: 15,500

1. OPENED REAR HATCH GLASS ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER. 2. HINGES FAILED ON GLASS HATCH DISCONNECTED FROM BODY. 3. THIS JUST HAPPENED. HAVE TO BUY REPLACEMENT HINGES. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

AS I STOPPED TO GET GAS I NOTICED MY VEHICLE HAD A CRACK RIGHT ON THE PLASTIC ALONG THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM DIRECTLY UNDER THE TAIL GATE GLASS. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT IS WAS A COMMON ISSUE BUT COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS I PAY OUT OFF POCKET FOR IT OR THE COMPANY RECALL THE PART. I HAVE NO PROBLEM PAYING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR ALOT (I OWN A SHOW STYLE CAR) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE EVERYWHERE ELSE WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE FORD CO IS TRYING TO DO TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I GO THIS SITE FROM A FORUMS SITE ( HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2004/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML ) WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? *TR

Mileage: 65,000

I NOTICED A PAINT BUBBLE ON THE HOOD OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IS THIS A PAINT DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO RUST? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD IS DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

I NOTICED A PAINT BUBBLE ON THE HOOD OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IS THIS A PAINT DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO RUST? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD IS DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

JUST NOTICED AFTER 32,000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 AND ONE-HALF YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THAT PAINT ON FRONT EDGE OF HOOD OF 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS BLISTERED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND BEGINNING TO CHIP. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

PAINT HAS STARTED TO BUBBLE AND PEEL OFF OF THE HOOD OF MY 2004 EXPLORER. I WAS TOLD BY A FORD MECHANIC THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING ALOT OF THIS BECAUSE OF THE METAL USED IN THE HOODS- SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING FOR A CAR BARELY 4 YEARS OLD. MY OLD EXPLORER WAS MUCH OLDER AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER REAR BACK PANEL HAS A SIGNIFICANT CRACK WHICH CAME ON SUDDENLY. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS UNTIL I STARTED CHECKING ON HOW TO FIX IT VIA THE NET. *TR

Mileage: 36,000

EXTERIOR PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY FORD EXPLORER 2004 IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING. I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING. *TR

THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. HINGE PINS ARE CORRODED AND JUST SHEARED RIGHT OFF. LOOKS LIKE THE HINGES BECOME LOOSE AND GO SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HATCH IS OPENED THE PINS BREAK. APPEARS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MY MODEL YEAR. FROM THE REVIEW OF THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE FORD HAS SOLVED THE HINGE PROBLEMS. THE EARLIER RECALL WAS # 04V442000. CAN THE RECALL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE 2004 (AND MAYBE LATER YEARS)? *TR

Mileage: 88,000

CLOSED THE BACK GLASS OF THE TAILGATE WITH NORMAL AMOUNT OF FORCE AND CRACK APPEARS FROM GLASS TO FIBERGLASS ( RIGHT NEXT TO FORD SYMBOL). *TR

Mileage: 48,000

MY GAS GAUGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED ME MANY TIMES. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD ME TO ADD SOME FUEL ADDITIVE TO MY GAS TANK & THIS WOULD CURE THE PROBLEM. WELL IT HAS NOT & MY WARRANTY IS OUT!!! I'M VERY CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY IF SHE RUNS OUT OF GAS, SO WE HAVE TO KEEP A WRITTEN LOG AS TO THE MILEAGE BEFORE FILL-UP'S. I'M TOLD THE SENSOR IS BAD & WOULD COST CLOSE TO $1,000.00 TO REPAIR. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD & THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR SINCE THE WARRANTY IS OUT. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED TO FORD ABOUT A BACK HATCH PANEL THAT HAS CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON DIRECTLY UNDER THE EXTERIOR FORD EMBLEM & THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THESE ARE BOTH FOR SURE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS, THAT FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A TWO PART REAR LIFT GATE. THE MAIN LIFTGATE WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE SMALLER GLASS LIFT GATE "COLLAPSED" WHEN I WAS OPENING IT. IT IS A HINGED LIFT GATE WITH HINGES THAT ATTACH TO THE GLASS. ONE OF THE HINGES FAILED AND THE GLASS DOOR COLLAPSED (HITTING ME ON THE HEAD AND CUTTING MY HAND). THE HINGE THAT BROKE LOOKS AS IF IT MAY HAVE CRACKED RIGHT WHERE THE RETAINING PIN IS LOCATED SECURING THE GLASS DOOR TO THE HINGE ATTACHED TO THE BODY. THE HINGE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF A CAST IRON OR "POT METAL", WHICH COULD BE SUBJECT TO BREAKING OR CRACKING. WHEN IT BROKE IT ALSO CAUSED THE OTHER HINGE TO COME DISCONNECTED. THE DOOR IS JUST "HANGING" BY THE DOOR SHOCKS. THE AUTO IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I AM TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, BUT WANTED TO FILE THIS REPORT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE OF THE PART AND THE POTENTIAL FOR PHYSICAL INJURY. *TR UPDATED 05/05/08. *JB

Mileage: 100,115

MY 2004 BACK REAR WINDOW PANEL CRACKED- DEFECTIVE PANEL FROM FORD, APPROX EVERY FORD EXPLORER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL AS A MFG DEFECT YOU CAN FIND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS ON ALL FORD EXPLORERS 2002 TO 2005. *TR

Mileage: 68,985

PAINT ON TOP OF HOOD BUBBLING AT TWO SPOTS ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND ALSO ON NUMEROUS LOCATIONS ON UNDER SIDE EDGE ON FRONT OF HOOD, A LARGE PAINT BLISTER ON UNDERSIDE AT HOOD LATCH AND SEVERAL PAINT BLISTERS ON BACK UNDER SIDE OF HOOD BY DRIVER WINDSHIELD. *TR

A CRACK APPEARED ABOVE AND BELOW THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK FLIP UP WINDOW AT APPROX 50,000 MILES. *TR

OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER TAILGATE BACK PANEL WITH THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM ON THIS PANEL RIGHT NEXT TO THE EMBLEM. KNOW IDEA HOW IT HAPPENED BUT WE SEE MOST OF THE EXPLORERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. CHEAP MATERIALS BY FORD TO CUT COSTS TO MAKE A PROFIT. *TR.UPDATED 09/16/08. *LJ

Mileage: 76,000

PAINT PEELING FROM VEHICLE. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. REAR LIFT GATE CRACKS WITHOUT CAUSE. RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE EARLY 2000 WITH NO CORRECTIVE RESOLUTION BY FORD. WHAT HAPPENS IF THESE PIECES FALL OFF DURING INITIAL CRACKS WITHOUT DRIVE AWARENESS AND INJUIRES SOMEONE OR PROPERTY? I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO FIX THIS KNOWN ERROR BEFORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR AND NOTIFY CUSTOMERS THE CHANCES OF THIS OCCURRING IS HIGH. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH PEELING PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED FORD'S HOME OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEIR MECHANISM TO REPAIR THE DEFECT EXPIRED AFTER 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS NOT OLD ENOUGH OR EXPOSED ENOUGH TO THE ELEMENTS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO LOAD THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN 1/8 INCH WIDE AND 6 INCH LONG CRACK IN THE CENTER BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT CLOSE DUE TO THE CRACK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,551. UPDATED 05/06/08. *LJ THE TOP PORTION OF THE HATCH HAS SHIFTED. UPDATED 05/06/08

Mileage: 49,551

MY WIFE AND I NOTICED A CRACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW, (1/8 BY 6") TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM IN THE CENTER OF THE REAR HATCH.. THERE WAS NO IMPACT INVOLVED, IT JUST APPEARED OVERNIGHT. LATER THE REAR WINDOW WAS RAISED AND THE HINGE ON THE LEFT SIDE IS LOOSE, AND CANNOT BE TIGHTENED. NOW WE CAN'T CLOSE THE THE REAR WINDOW ALL THE WAY. WHEN IS SOMETHING GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 EXPLORERS? FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND AND THEY COULD CARE LESS. I COULD HAVE TAKEN OUR EXPLORER TO A KIA DEALER INSTEAD OF A FORD DEALER AND RECEIVED THE SAME TYPE OF SERVICE..NO HELP AT ALL. IT SEEMS THAT FORD DOESN'T CARE ABOUT QUALITY ANYMORE AND ONLY ABOUT THE MIGHTY DOLLAR, NO MATTER HOW THEY GET IT! *TR

Mileage: 49,551

THE BACK PANEL OF THE CAR UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW HAS DEVELOPED A 4 INCH VERTICAL CRACK OVERNIGHT. THE HATCH HAS NOT BEEN OPEN OR CLOSED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND HAS NOT BEEN BUMPED OR HIT TO MY KNOWLEDGE. *TR

Mileage: 33,000

WHILE GOING TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE HATCH DOOR FROM JUST BELOW THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE NEXT PANEL. WHEN I OPENED THE WINDOW ON THE HATCH DOOR, I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS IS COMING LOOSE. I AM UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE REAR CARGO AREA OF MY VEHICLE NOW FOR FEAR THAT THE LEFT HINGE WILL BREAK OFF RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE DOOR COMING OFF THE VEHICLE AND FALLING OR DROPPING ONTO ME OR ONE OF MY CHILDREN, CAUSING SEVERE PERSONAL INJURIES. THE MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE IS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE BECAUSE AFTER READING OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCE WITH HAVING FORD REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND THE GOVERNMENT THUS FAR REFUSING TO ISSUE A RECALL, MY HANDS ARE TIED. I DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF BECAUSE I HAVE ALREADY BEEN BURNED BY FORD ON OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO THIS VEHICLE, I.E., THE ABS MODULE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

THE PAINT ON MY HOOD IS PEELING AWAY. I DID NOT NOTICE SOME PAINT "BUBBLING" ON THE HOOD OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHEN I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. AFTER WASHING IT I SAW THE PAINT WAS CLEARLY DEFECTED. IT DID NOT BOTHER ME AT FIRST, BUT NOW AFTER 3 YEARS AND 52,000 MILES THE PAINT IS CHIPPING AWAY WHERE IT WAS "BUBBLED". THE AREA IN QUESTION IS THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE HOOD, IN TWO SMALL PLACES. WHEN I NOTICED IT WAS CHIPPING AWAY THERE WAS ALREADY 4" SQUARE INCHES OF SHEET METAL SHOWING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE (FORD TSB 04-25-1) BUT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SINCE MY TRUCK IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THEY EXPLAINED THE ALUMINUM HOOD IS THE PROBLEM AND AN ENTIRE NEW HOOD WOULD COST $1300. THEY EXPLAINED THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT HAS DECIDED NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS QUALITY CHECKED WITH A 115 POINT INSPECTION; HOWEVER, SHE WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS MISALIGNED. THE SUNROOF WAS REPLACED WITH TAPE. SHE DOESN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAGS. THE WINDOWS HAVE CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE PROPER SPEED IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED CAN RANGE FROM 20 TO 50MPH. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MARCH 20, 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

Mileage: 20,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER'S REAR HATCH/TAILGATE HINGES BROKE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE GLASS ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR HAS CRACKED AND THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT MAY SHATTER AT ANY MOMENT WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT IS NOT A DEFECT AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

A LARGE CRACK HAS FORMED ON THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL RIGHT NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE CRACK RUNS VERTICALLY AND RUNS THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL WHICH IS SEVERAL INCHES. THIS CRACK IS NOT DUE TO ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND APPEARS TO EXPAND/CONTRACT IN DIFFERENT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES. THIS PANEL SUPPORTS THE GLASS IN THE REAR LIFT GATE. *TR

CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH OF THE LIFTGATE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED RESTITUTION OF $150; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,846 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,946. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE COST OF REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE PASSED ONTO THE CONSUMER. UPDATED 12/31/07 *TR

Mileage: 27,846

A CRACK HAS APPEARED IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT EXTENDS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM JUST LEFT OF THROUGH FORD EMBLEM. IT HAS NOT BEEN HIT OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. IT SPLIT ON ITS OWN. *TR

I HAVE A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IT RUNS VERTICALLY FROM UNDER THE WINDOW, AROUND THE LEFT SIDE OF EMBLEM, TO THE BOTTOM OF PANEL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DESIGN FLAW. I HAD THIS REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY IN SEPTEMBER 2006. THIS IS THE 2ND OCCURRENCE AND FORD IS NOT REPAIRING IT UNDER WARRANTY, BECAUSE MY 12 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 6 WEEKS AGO. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED, AS IT IS A 2ND OCCURRENCE AND OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER FLAW. *TR

BUBBLING AND BLISTERING OF THE PAINT FROM THE HOOD OF 2004 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HINGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FRACTURED. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE HINGE IN THAT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE WORN OUT LIKE IT DID. I HAD TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED BOTH HINGES FOR APPROX $165. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MY MODEL YEAR. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE HINGE WAS THE SAME TYPE THAT WAS FAILING IN THE PRIOR MODEL YEARS. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO HAVE ANY OF THIS TYPE OF HINGE THAT WAS USED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL WAS # 04V442000. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE LIFT GATE FELL OFF THE HINGES WHEN IT WAS BEING CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE LIFT GATE DISCONNECTED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT IT NEEDED TWO GLASS BRACKETS AND THE HINGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WOULD BE MORE THAN $600 AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY AVAILABLE. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000. UPDATED 11/14/07

Mileage: 45,000

FOUND A CRACK IN THE LIFTGATE PANEL. NO IMPACT WAS SUFFERED TO THE PANEL. CRACK GOES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM RIGHT THOUGH THE FORD EMBLEM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE USING THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW, THE GLASS HINGE FAILED AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO FALL FROM THE WINDOW FRAME. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I010000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR). THE WINDOW HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,500 UPDATED 01/02/08. UPDATED 01/02/08.*LJ

Mileage: 33,500

2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER. PANEL UNDER TAILGATE CRACKED. CLEAR CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM WHERE FORD EMBLEM IS, APPEARED OVERNIGHT. WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. 53,385 MILES *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AND BEGAN TO VIBRATE. SHE THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. SHE SMELLED A STRONG GAS ODOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT LOOKED IN HER REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED. SHE THEN NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED OUT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VALVE FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ENTIRE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HAD PROBLEMS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WITH SUN VISOR FALLING OFF, GEAR SHAFT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, ENGINE SLUGGISH, AND WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF. UPDATED 10/22/07 *TR

Mileage: 63,000

2004 FORD EXPLORER 33,663. MILES PANEL UNDER WINDOW OF HATCHBACK HAS CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. AFTER VIEWING THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM OWNERS OF THIS SAME VEHICLE, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEIR HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 33,663

CRACK IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW NEXT TO FORD EMBLEM. BOTH REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. *TR

Mileage: 54,500

DEVELOPED CRACK IN BACK PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW ON LIFTGATE. NOTHING TOUCHED IT. CAME OUT ONE MORNING AND FOUND IT THERE. FORD WILL NOT FIX IT WITHOUT ME PAYING $150. I'VE SEEN 200+ COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BET OVER 50% OF THE EXPLORERS SOLD DO THIS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.

Mileage: 34,290

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED PAINT CHIPPING ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND ADVISED HER TO REPAIR IT HERSELF. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PAINT JOB. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46,500.

Mileage: 46,500

Y 2004 EXPLORER (BOUGHT IN NOV. 2004) HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CRACK IN THE PANEL BELOW THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST MIRACULOUSLY APPEARED ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. THE CRACK STARTS RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOW THEN CURVES AROUND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FORD LOGO BEFORE TRAVELING STRAIGHT DOWN AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 3-4 INCHES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. I HAVE NOTICED A FEW OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I SEARCHED THE WEB A FOUND THE SAME ISSUE AS WELL. *JB

Mileage: 43,500

FORD EXPLORER 2004, BACK TAILGATE WINDOW FELL OFF VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2003, FORD REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPAIR, CLAIMING THAT THEY HAVEN'T HAD ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT AN ADDITIONAL RECALL. THIS BACK WINDSHIELD FELL OFF THE VEHICLE INTO MY HUSBANDS HANDS. THANK GOD MY CHILDREN WEREN'T THE IN THE WAY OR INJURED. THIS RECALL OF THE 2003, TO PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 13,2004, WELL AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS MADE AND PURCHASED. I FEAR FOR THE OWNERS OF THIS $35,000.00 VEHICLE, AND WHAT MAY HAPPEN WHILE FORD DRAGS THEIR FEET WITH THIS RECALL. I IS SOMEWHAT APPARENT THAT THE SAME HINGES WERE USED ON THIS VEHICLE AS THE 2003. PLEASE LET THE PUBLIC KNOW. THANKS. *JB

THE HINGES ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO FALL OUT OF THE WINDOW FRAME. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM ON THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS BUT WERE NOT "AWARE" OF ANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE 2004 MODEL. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER 4 DOOR. ON JULY 5, 2007 WHILE CLOSING THE WINDOW PORTION OF THE BACK HATCH THE GLASS CAME LOOSE FROM THE HINGES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GULLO-HASS FORD IN CONROE TEXAS TO HAVE THEM REPAIR IT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE HINGES AND BACK WINDOW SECTION WERE THE SUBJECT OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. IT WAS APPARENT THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE BACK HATCH WINDOW AND THE HINGES, SINCE ,IT SENT OUT A TSB ADVISING ITS SERVICE PERSONNEL ON THE BEST WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK RESEARCH SHOWED THAT THE TSB WAS ISSUED ON 1/1/05. FORD WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE QUICKEST WAY TO FIX IT WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FORD FAILED TO ADVISE ME AS AN OWNER THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE REAR WINDOW HATCH AREA. THIS CONCERNS ME AS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE GLASS HAD BEEN OPEN AND I WAS STANDING UNDER THE GLASS WHILE LOADING OR UNLOADING MY VEHICLE, I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT BY THE FALLING GLASS OR KILLED AS WELL AS ANY OTHER PERSON STANDING NEXT TO ME OR A CHILD NEXT TO ME. FORD ADVISED ME THAT BECAUSE IT HAD NOT BEEN FORCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A RECALL THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO ADVISE VEHICLE OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 82,000

ON JUNE 21, 2007 I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW OF THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER FOR MY 11 OLD DAUGHTER TO PUT MY SON'S BABY BAG IN THE BACK. WHEN THE GLASS OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HINGE FATIGUED AND BROKE, TWISTING THE GLASS HARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE A DENT IN THE WINDOW RECESS AND FALLING ON MY DAUGHTER'S HEAD, BENDING BOTH STRUTS. AFTER INVESTIGATING OTHER MODELS I DISCOVERED THAT MODEL YEARS UP TO 2003 WERE COVERED UNDER A RECALL ,BUT THE 2004 WAS NOT. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION ,AND THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY NO HELP, TELLING ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS NOT MUCH MORE HELP, REPLACING MY HINGES WITH THE 2003 RECALL PACKAGE AND INFORMING ME THAT 33% OF THE TIME WHEN THEY REPLACE THE HINGES THE GLASS BREAKS AND THE REPLACEMENT COST WILL BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE PARTS WERE $102 AND THE LABOR $100. *AK

ON JUNE 4 2007, I OPENED THE HATCH ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHEN I SHUT THE HATCH, THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY FELL AND THE GLASS HATCH SHATTERED SHOWERING ME AND THE EXPLORER AND THE GARAGE WITH THOUSANDS OF SHARDS. I SUSTAINED SOME SMALL CUTS ON MY FACE. I WAS LUCKY THAT MY SON WAS ALREADY IN THE CARSEAT AND NOT OUTSIDE BY THE SUVLIKE HE USUALLY DOES. OTHERWISE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT BY THE THOUSANDS OF GLASS SHARDS. LATER, I NOTED THAT THE HINGE ON WHICH THE HATCH WAS SUSPENDED, THE ONE SIDE BROKE OFF CAUSING THE WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY TO FALL AND THE GLASS TO SHATTER.I WAS ALSO LUCKY I WAS WEARING MY SUNGLASSES(WHICH BROKE). I NOTICED THAT THE METAL PART ON WHICH THE HATCH WAS HUNG WAS PUT ON COCKEYED WHICH PROBABLY CAUSED THE PROBLEM. HATCHES ARE MEANT TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED AND THE WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY IS NOT SUPPOSED TO FALL DOWN ON SIMPLY CLOSING THE HATCH. I E MAILED FORD AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE DEFECT BUT THEY WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL. MY SUV IS STILL IN THE SHOP. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND THE GLASS SHARDS WHICH WENT OVER THE EXPLORER ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD.

I HAVE AN 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE CRACK IN THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW/HATCH. I THINK THAT FORD MOTOR CORP NEEDS TO REPAIR THESE FOR ALL OF THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THESE VEHICLES AND ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CRACK LEADING TO WATER DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

REAR PANEL TO THE LEFT BELOW THE BACK WINDOW, NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM IS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT, IT JUST HAPPENED ON IT'S OWN. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY 2004 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST APPROX. $400 TO REPAIR. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, AS IT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 48,500

HINGE ON LIFTGATE GLASS FRACTURED AND BROKE. 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SEE 2003 NHSTA RECALL 04V442000. LIFTGATE GLASS HANGING OFF AND CAR UNUSABLE. METAL FATIGUE ON HINGE/GLASS ATTACH POINT ON GLASS. COULD MY CAR HAVE RECEIVED "OLDER" DEFECTIVE PARTS FROM PREVIOUS YEAR AS IT HAS A MANUFACTURE DATE OF 08/03? NUMEROUS PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR PROBLEMS WITH SAME PART. *TR

Mileage: 55,087

CRACK IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Mileage: 62,426

THE AREA ON THE BACK HATCH UNDERNEATH THE GLASS CRACKED IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I CAME OUT OF MY HOUSE AFTER A COLD MORNING AND THAT'S WHAT I FOUND. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED.*AK

Mileage: 33,000

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK OF THE HATCH OF THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH 74050 FAILURE MILEAGE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE HATCHBACK GLASS COULD FALL OUT AND INJURE HER CHILDREN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*AK

Mileage: 74,050

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPENING THE REAR GLASS HATCH THE CONTACT HEARD THE GLASS CRACK ,AND NOTICED THAT THE HINGE CAME LOOSE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE HATCH. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,283. *AK

Mileage: 51,283

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER ALONG WITH OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROBLEMS. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED TO DATE. IN NOVEMBER 2006, THE REAR WINDOW OF THE LIFTGATE BROKE OFF THE HINGE. WE WERE TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAD TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR OUT OF OUR POCKET. TODAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 THE FRAME OF THE REAR LIFTGATE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *NNM

Mileage: 12,000

ON 11/23/2006, MY WIFE, PUT SOMETHING IN OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER VIA THE REAR HATCH WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE GLASS HINGE BROKE. THE GLASS REMAINED IN TACT, BUT TO BE ABLE TO CLOSE THE HATCH I HAD TO REMOVE THE TWO STRUTS. THIS APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO RECALL #04V442000 ON THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE IN 2002. *JB

Mileage: 44,716

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW HINGE IN THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED, AND THEN THE WEIGHT OF THE WINDOW FRACTURED THE SECOND HINGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL #04V442000 REGARDING THE STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME.

Mileage: 54,060

THE HINGE ON THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW CAME APART UNEXPECTEDLY. I HAD POPPED IT OPEN USING MY KEYFOB RELEASE BUTTON TO LOAD SOME BAGS INTO IT AND THE HINGE IMMEDIATELY FAILED. THE WINDOW ITSELF TWISTED AND WAS HANGING BY THE 2ND HINGE THAT HADN'T FAILED AND THE GAS SHOCKS THAT ENABLE THE WINDOW TO STAY OPEN WITHOUT HOLDING IT. I WAS ABLE TO FIT IT BACK TOGETHER TO CLOSE IT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO ORDER PARTS. WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2003 BUT NO THE 2004 MODEL. I WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO PICK UP A RECALL PACK THAT CONTAINED BOTH HINGES. THE PARTS MANAGER SOLD THEM TO ME @ COST BECAUSE THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, HOWEVER, IF ONE OF MY CHILDREN HAD BEEN STANDING NEARBY IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT THE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT BY THE GLASS AS IT CAME DOWN. FINALLY, I WALKED AWAY ABOUT $20 POORER (BECAUSE I REPAIRED IT MYSELF) AND WITH SEVERAL SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT AROUND THE HINGE AND THE BACK TAILGATE. *NM

Mileage: 43,000

THE LEFT HINGE ON THE GLASS HATCH FAILED DURING A NORMAL CLOSING OPERATION. THE LIGHT ALUMINUM CASTING FAILED AS A RESULT OF METAL FATIGUE CAUSING THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE HATCH TO FALL ON MY WIFE. THE FORD DEALER CLAIMS THIS FAILURE IS NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000 AND THAT MY WIFE MUST HAVE BRUTALIZED THIS TRUCK. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER AND INSTALLED ARE CLEARLY MUCH HEAVIER CASTINGS. THE ISSUES CONCERNING CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000 STILL EXIST ON THIS 2004 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND PICTURES COMPARING THEM TO THE NEW ONES. *NM

Mileage: 26,625

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE FAILED AND GLASS STRUCK ME IN ARM AND CHEST AS I LOWERED GLASS. *JB

Mileage: 41,961

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 REGARDING HATCHBACK HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE HINGES SHEARED OFF AND THE HATCH ON THE LIFTGATE FELL OFF WHEN OPENING. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT FORDS REPLACEMENT HINGES HAVE NOT BEEN MODIFIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIR. *NM

Mileage: 61,000

1. OPENED THE BACK HATCH GLASS 2. THE LEFT HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING. I PUSHED THE GLASS BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE GLASS CLOSED AND LATCHED. MY LEFT SHOULDER HAS BEEN HURTING SINCE THE INCIDENT. *JB 3. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HINGE BRACKET. THEY REPLACED BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES.

Mileage: 59,842

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY FORD EXPLORER 4DOOR SPORT TRAC HAS STALLED, BECAUSE MY TEENAGE CHILDREN HAVE ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED/KICKED THE INERTIA CONTROL DEVICE FOR FUEL SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING/DRIVING. THIS DEVICE HAS ITS OWN PUSH START BUTTON TO RESTART FUEL OPERATIONS ONCE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I WAS ON THE BELTWAY 495 DOING 65 MPH THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY PULL OFF AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON 11-18-2005 THE DEALER FAILED TO COVER THIS DEVICE SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER THE TECHNICIAN STATED HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL CARS RETURNED FOR THE SAME THING. *NM

Mileage: 23,601

DT: WHILE DRIVING ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 THE ABS FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ABS, MAINTENANCE, AND FOUR WHEEL LIGHTS CAME ON AND BLINKED WHEN HE LOST THE BRAKES. A DIAGNOSIS TEST WAS PERFORMED, AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE REAR WHICH WAS CALLED ASY-T. THE FUEL GAUGE BROKE. IT SHOWED THE FUEL TANK LEVEL WAS HIGHER THAN WHAT IT REALLY WAS. THE DRIVER'S REAR WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COVER OVER THE HATCHBACK HANDLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, HAD TO REPLACE THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THERE HAS BEEN A REPAIR DONE TO THE FOUR BY FOUR UNIT. THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 17,978

DT: WHILE DRIVING ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 THE ABS FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ABS, MAINTENANCE, AND FOUR WHEEL LIGHTS CAME ON AND BLINKED WHEN HE LOST THE BRAKES. A DIAGNOSIS TEST WAS PERFORMED, AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE REAR WHICH WAS CALLED ASY-T. THE FUEL GAUGE BROKE. IT SHOWED THE FUEL TANK LEVEL WAS HIGHER THAN WHAT IT REALLY WAS. THE DRIVER'S REAR WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COVER OVER THE HATCHBACK HANDLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, HAD TO REPLACE THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THERE HAS BEEN A REPAIR DONE TO THE FOUR BY FOUR UNIT. THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 17,978

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WOULD SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN IT WILL SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO AS OF TODAY, WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT. *JB THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH ON IT'S OWN WHILE HITTING THE RESUME BUTTON IN CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR OF THE BRAKING AND TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES, THROTTLE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, CRUISE CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL DEFAULT, GENERAL COMPUTER DEFAULTS AND THE REAR TRIM PIECE AT THE LIFTGATE OPENING WAS DISTORTED. *SC

Mileage: 7,000

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND THE ENGINE STALLED. *NM THE ENGINE RAN ROUGHLY AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE REPAIR THE CONSUMER NOTICED A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. AIR COMING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WAS THE REASON FOR THE NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE WINSHIELD WAS REMOVED AND RESEALED. *TC *JB

PAINT IS COMING OFF DRIVERS RUNNING BOARD. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ONLY 3 WEEKS. *AK

Mileage: 1,010

OTHE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED ON 2/16/2004, ON 2/18/2004 THE DRIVERS SIDE RUNNING BOARD BROKE WHEN I STEPPED ONTO IT WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE I STEPPED UP ONTO THE RUNNING BOARD AND IT CRACKED AT THE SEAM CAUSING ME TO FALL BACK INTO THE DRIVING LANE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE RUNNING BOARD ON 2/24/2004. ON 2/26/2004, THE PASSENGER SIDE RUNNING BOARD CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE, THIS WAS ONLY THE SECOND TIME SOMEONE ENTERED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I AM WAITING FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE THIS ONE. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN WHILE THERE IS TRAFFIC MOVING NEAR THE VEHICLE A PERSON COULD FALL BACK AND BE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK

Mileage: 47