Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer - part 2

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The rear liftgate glass hinge has fractured. The contact opened the rear liftgate glass and, when he attempted to close it, the liftgate would not shut correctly. The hinge split into two pieces. The contact feels that if he attempts to open the rear liftgate, the glass will shatter. He discovered a recall for this failure, but the dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 63,000.

2003 Ford Explorer limited edition crack in liftgate below the glass. Ford motor company told me there is no recall on it and to repair it myself.

Trim panel on the bottom of rear hatch window developed a large crack unexpectedly. Crack is vertical from window to bottom of liftgate glass.

I owned a 2003 Ford Explorer. I was getting ready to go on a trip when I noticed that a vertical crack had formed in the middle upper liftgate panel below the window. I have no idea what cause. However, it appears to the same defect that others are describing in this same model. At the time it was about 90,000 miles on the odometer. Ford needs to make a recall on this issue.

I purchase a 2003 Ford Explorer in the same year. Last year my wife noticed a crack on the liftgate directly below the rear window. The crack was about 4 inches long and narrow in width. I took the car to my local dealers body shop and was told by the manager " that I see this all the time in all of Fords SUV's including the Lincoln and Mercury models. It is a defect from the factory and one that Ford will not recall". He gave me a estimate of $350 and advised that I go to the dealer and talk to someone there. I did so and was told by the service manager that there were 2 reasons why they would not fix the car for me. The 1st is that the car was out of warranty and the 2nd was that I did not buy the car from them, I purchased the car as a demo from another dealer. I was given a number to contact Ford which I did and was told the same thing that the dealership told me. I then took the car to the dealer where I bought the car and was told by the service manager that he would have the regional rep from Ford contact me whenever he was in town. He also stated that if Ford would not help me then he would fix the car for half price the cost. I haven't heard from them in a year. I have researched this and there are numerous complaints from people who have Explorers with the same problem. As the body shop manager at the dealer said, this is a flaw that Ford motor CO. Is aware of and will not recall. My car now has 3 cracks on the liftgate and I like so many others are not responsible for them. We are desperately seeking help from somebody in holding Ford accountable for this. Thank you!.

There appeared without warning a big crack in the rear liftgate of the 2003 Ford Explorer. The crack goes from the bottom of the glass all the way to the bottom of the liftgate. The crack expands and shrinks according to the temperature. So far it got as wide as 1/4 inch. . The crack is in the shape of a peace sign. Nothing hit the vehicle; it's stored in a garage everyday. I went to mallouf Ford dealership in north brunswick NJ and they said I'd have to pay $800 to fix it. There was another person in the dealership at the same time with the same problem. I went online and found a slew of other Ford Explorer owners with the same problem. My concern is the glass of the rear lift gate not being properly supported and will eventually become loose, crack or fall out. Let's not wait for something horrific to happen before this growing problem is fixed.

The back liftgate panel is cracked on my 2003 Ford Explorer. I live in colorado and the local Ford service department said it was likely due to our dry weather, they haven't heard of it occurring in other states. I travel beyond colorado frequently and have seen several other vehicles with the same problem. This sounds like a manufacturer/Ford defect that should be considered under a recall.

When cold, below 35 degrees f, the rear hatch will not fully open. The hatch stops at head height. I've hit my head twice. Ford has said because the hatch opens when it's warm, there is nothing they can do. It's a minor head bump, but has potential to damage an eye because of the way the hatch sheet metal protrudes. The SUV is a 2003 Ford Explorer.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v442000 concerning rear liftgate glass. Owner received notification from the manufacturer in October 2004. Owner has been in touch with the dealership, but is constantly being told that parts needed to repair the recall are unavailable.