Hatchback/liftgate Hinge problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear hatch was open and the hinges that opened the glass fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04v442000 (structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,500.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking coming from the rear window. The contact noticed that the driver side of the rear windshield hinge was crooked and the panel was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they advised that the hinges need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 118,000 and the current mileage was 121,000. Updated 6/4/12.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while opening the rear hatch the lift gate hinge failed off causing the lift gate to hang on by one hinge. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the hinge needed to be replaced. The contact did not have the hinge replaced. The contact stated the lift gate could have fallen off while driving. The failure mileage was 123,000.

One of the two hinges that secure the rear liftgate glass to the vehicle recently broke. Under the NHTSA's guidance, Ford previously issued a recall describing and addressing this exact problem. However, Ford claims that my truck falls outside the build dates for the affected vehicles. Several other owners have complained of this issue online, so it appears the recall needs to be expanded to the later build dates.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While attempting to open the rear lift gate window, the hinge for the window broke and the glass became disengaged. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed his vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments). The vehicle was not serviced for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the rear lift gate hinges fractured and caused the rear windshield glass to fall and shatter from the vehicle. The dealer advised there were no recalls for the vehicle and any repairs would be at the expense of the owner. The vehicle was repaired accordingly. The failure mileage was 110,950 and the current mileage was 113,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While the contact was closing the rear lift gate the hinge broke without warning. Prior to the recent failure the vehicle was taken to the dealership where NHTSA campaign id #04v442000 (structure: body: hatchback/lift gate: hinge and attachments) repair was performed on the vehicle. The repair was insufficient and failed to address the safety defect. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection where the dealer refused to repair the vehicle free of charge. The current and failure mileages were 70,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear lift gate/applique split down the middle which caused water to enter the vehicle, also known as a cracking fracture of the panel. Recall number 04v442000, structure, body, hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments is related to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The contact expects the manufacturer to be responsible for the repairs since there is an existing recall. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 01/12/10 updated 01/15/10.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hinges for the rear liftgate fractured and almost caused the glass to disengage and cause injury. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments); therefore, they would not assume any responsibility. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.

My wife and I own a 2003 Ford Explorer. Under NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000, the liftgate glass struts brackets and glass hinges were allegedly repaired. One of the glass hinges that was allegedly replaced had failed. The hinge pin for this hinge has been sheared off in a similar manner to the problem with the original hinges covered under the above referenced recall. My Ford dealer and Ford are entirely unwilling to address this issue under the original recall, stating that they have met their obligation. Since the replacement hinge has failed in the same manner as the original I am left with only two possible explanations. The replacement part is similarly flawed or the part used in the recall was not the replacement part. Regardless of the explanation, a safety issue remains with the glass liftgate on my 2003 Ford Explorer and it is my belief that this directly relates to the above recall. The liftgate glass has not (yet) fallen, but with a failed hinge such a accident will occur.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the liftgate hinge broke on the right side and the left side of the glass was wedged inside the roof. If the hatch had not been wedged, the glass would have shattered onto her feet or caused injuries. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments), although the failures were identical. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 74,555 and current mileage is 74,575. 4/01/09 updated 04/07/09.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving 55 mph with the cruise control activated, the cruise control failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the cruise control wiring failed. There is a recall for the vehicle speed control, but his VIN was not included. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 11,550 and failure mileage was 11,330. Updated 06/25/08. The consumer stated after the dealer fixed the recalled rear hatch probelm, the cargo hatch flew open while driving down the highway. A.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. When the contact opened the liftgate, the right hinge swung out and became detached. The hinge nearly struck his child. He called the dealer and was notified of a recall on his year, make, and model vehicle for this identical failure. He called the manufacturer and was informed that his VIN was not included in the recall. The contact believes that if the failures are the same, his VIN should be included. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 70,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The rear liftgate window suddenly blew out while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that it was a common failure, but they could not explain the cause. The vehicle is currently at the shop being repaired. The contact has pictures of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 72,000. Updated 03-31-08 after doing some research, the consumer discovered the gas in the struts that hold the top portion of the rear hatch can explode when cold weather is a factor. Updated.

2003 Ford Explorer has structure: body: hatchback 6" vertical crack in plastic below hatchback window. Recall 04v442000 does not apply to my VIN number however is same problem. Spent 40 minutes on phone with Ford and they stated that I must complete a complaint form.

Rear hatchback was taken to Ford for a recall regarding the hatchback hinges. The stress of the failed hinges has caused cracks to develop below the rear window in the facia, it is cracking.

After opening the hatchback to put groceries inside, the window fell. After inspecting it, it turns out the hinge on hatchback broke causing the window to fall. It hit my left arm and forearm causing severe bruising, other than that nobody else was hurt and the window did not fall off completely. I called the dealer and was asked to drop it off for inspection. Was eventually fixed. But I can't help to wonder if it will happened again and if the consequences will be worse.

: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked at home the rear lift gate window exploded. During the incident the temperature out doors was about 70f. Last year, the vehicle was taken to the dealership who replaced the gates defective hinges, according to recall # 04v442000 instructions. The contact expressed concern about the incident because it could have caused a serious accident. The consumer was told poor quality glass may have used to perform the recall work. The consumer had the window repaired at his expense, however days later he heard a noise and upon inspection, the consumer discovered the inside panel of the liftgate was very loose and it looked as though it was about to fall off. Updated 08/02/06.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/lift gate:hinge and attachments) and was repaired. After the repair, the contact noticed a fracture in the panel under the rear liftgate window. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 04/10/lj updatd 04/20/12.

Panel under tailgate window cracked and split while vehicle parked in driveway on cold day. Vehicle had previously had tailgate hinges replaced under recall. Dealership advises that manufacturer denies any responsibility to repair/replace. Dealer estimate of $401 to repair.

The contact states while the vehicle was parked she heard the liftgate glass explode. Nothing hit the glass and the hydraulic shaft released. The vehicle is currently at a local mechanic, but they have not diagnosed what happened. The dealership and manufacturer were not willing to assist with repairs, therefore, the insurance company was repairing the vehicle.

The lift gate trim piece needs to be repaired for the 4th time not including lift gate recall which would be the 5th repair. I have been informed by local dealer that this is "design flaw" and Ford has yet informed them how to correctly repair the problem.

Complaint regarding recall 04s20 relating to the rear lift gate. *** no answer required***. The consumer still had not received a call or letter as to when to take the vehicle in to have the recall work performed.

The plastic molding around the rear glass on the liftgate cracked. Consumer was concerned that the glass may fall out while opening the liftgate or while driving. The dealer was notified. . . . . . The consumer was advised by dealership that this happened to a lot of people. If not under warranty the consumer must pay. The consumer's gas gauge failed with only 2500 milles over warranty.

Received recall notice for hinges on rear window of hatch and was advised not to open until hinges were replaced, which I did not. Noticed the fiberglass under the window cracked approximately 4 inches to the left of the latch. Took the vehicle to Ford dealer and the warranty administrator said the fiberglass was not covered under recall. The warranty administrator said he would send a request for Ford to repair the fiberglass under the glass but doesn't know if they will since they have denied paying for a few of these that he has already submitted. I am convinced this damage is a direct result of the defective hinge and feel that Ford should repair my vehicle.

The consumer was experiencing problems with the liftgate latch. She then took vehicle to get serviced. Recently while she was driving, the back window literally came off. She was aware of a recall for this vehicle. Nhtsa's recall #04v442000. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer, they denied that there was such a recall.

Complaint received via e-mail. "I have a 2003 Ford Explorer and the rear glass hatch has a recall. Recall # 04s20 we first brought the problem to hawkinson Ford's attention sept 2004. In oct 2004 we received a notice and were told the hinge had to be redesigned and would take several months. Jan 11, 2005 we had the repairs done to the hinges. The next day the very first time the hatch was opened both hinges moved I drove right back to the dealership. I spoke to paul's the assistant manager and showed him this problem, he was amazed. We set up another appointment to have it checked and repaired. My concern if this is their new design, wow it lasted 1 opening and now I have moisture in my Explorer because the window doesn't close properly. I can only used the lift gate and have to worry if I drive could bumps cause the window to fall out. I would like to talk to someone on the subject in regards to my options. ".

Consumer was unable to have the liftgate bracket repaired since no parts were delivered to the dealer since receipt of NHTSA recall 04v442000. . . . . Consumer was advised not to use tailgate window. However the remote operated window was one of the reasons for purchasing the Ford Explorer. Consumer complained that to wait four months for repairs was radiculous.

Received recall notice for hinges on rear window of hatch and was advised not to open until hinges were replaced, which we did not. Noticed the fiber glass under the window cracked from the window to bottom of where window lifts. Took to Ford dealer and service writer said the fiber glass was not covered under recall but he felt the crack was a result of hinge failure. He opened the rear window on the hatch and was unable to close it. The dealer had to replace the hinges before we could drive the vehicle. The service writer has sent a request for Ford to repair the fiber glass under the glass but don't know if they will. I am convinced this damage is a direct result of the defective hinge and feel that Ford should repair my vehicle.

Consumer was waiting three months for recall 04v442000 concerning liftgate parts to come in. He contacted Ford manufacturer, and was told they do not know when the parts will be available. Consumer was very concerned.

Rcall 04v442000 concerning rear liftgate glass: consumer was unable to get this recall honored by the dealer because no parts were available.

The lift gate sheared off the hinges while pressing the remote. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. The mechanic informed the consumer the parts were not available at this time. Please fill in additional information.

Consumer received recall campaign 04v442000 concerning rear liftgate glass. However, consumer was waiting since October 2004 for repairs. Ford continuously told her that the parts were not in.

The glass blew out of the back rear trunk window. After going to the dealer for repair, the manufacture stated there was a recall, however, the consumer was never notified. Please provide information.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v442000, consumer received a recall for the hinges on the liftgate. Consumer has been unable to have the vehicle repaired since the dealer has made not contact with her for the service date.