45 problems related to hatchback/liftgate have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2004 Explorer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crack in panel below rear window of my 2004 Ford Explorer.
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.
A crack appeared above and below the Ford emblem on the back flip up window at approx 50,000 miles.
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.
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/jb.