Side/rear Glass problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer

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.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear liftgate glass unexpectedly shattered without accessing the door. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000. . . . Updated 04-10-14 updated 04/22/14.

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.

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.

Rear window hinge fractured causing glass to fall off of rear door. This is the same problem as the 2002-2003 Ford recall #04s20. Ref NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000. Ford does not include the 2004 Explorer in their recall but the problem is the same. I have heard of other 2004 Explorer owners having the same problem and the service manager at the dealer who replaced the hinge said it is a common problem on the 2004 model year. I feel that the problem extended into the 2004 models and should have been included in the recall of the 2002-2003 models.

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.

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer, about a month ago I noticed the plastic hinge for the back tailgate glass was breaking off. After visiting several Ford used car lots, I seen several Explorers with the broken hinge and realized this is a very common problem. I have contacted Ford and expressed my concerns, but they are standing by their product. I recieved an estimate of $360 to repair the hinges, but being a single parent of four there is no way I could afford to have this repair done. I hope that Ford will step up and recall this issue but no luck yet.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear window panel was fractured. The vehicle was taken to three repair facilities where the contact was advised that the rear window panel would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 28,990. Updated 12/01/10. Updated 12/07/10.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the fiber glass fitting under the window next to the tailgate began cracking and was becoming progressively worse. The owner had not contacted the dealer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 57,000.

I knew the back rear panel had a crack going down it, but thought nothing of it because most explores have the same problem. It wasn't until I was driving down a very dark road at 6 am and boom! the back glass just popped. I thought it had been shot out. The sheriff's department showed up and he thought the same thing. But the only thing we found was between the hydraulics on the window itself, the crack in the panel and temperature outside it imploded. My insurance in ky paid for it, but it took two windows and it still isn't right.

When opening the rear hatch of my 2004 Explorer the hinges failed. The glass door fell away from the hinges and was being held only by the hydraulic arms. When I tried to move the glass which I was holding in my hands it shattered. I was told there was a recall on the 2002 and 2003 models but not on the 2004s. Obviously the problem has not been corrected.

When deck glass was raised the left hinge broke causing the glass to fall. I caught the glass preventing it from shattering on the pavement. The weight of the deck glass then caused the right hinge to break. Had to replace hinges through a auto body shop. This could have caused serious injuries! my quick reaction in catching the glass prevented any injuries. Had my children been with me it could have been a different situation. After doing research I found that previous year model Ford Explorers have been recalled for this same thing happening.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. Directly below the rear window, near the rear trunk door, the fiberglass window was cracked. The vehicle has not been inspected, but the contact believes that the failure was something that the manufacturer should recall and repair. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 52,800.

The operator of the sport utility vehicle opened the rear window to obtain materials in the back of the SUV. Once the rear window was lifted open. The bolt that attaches the hinge to the window sheared off, causing the window to fall down and striking the operator in the head and neck. The part will be replaced (hinge and bolt). The failed parts will be kept.

- the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The rear hatch lift near the rear window cracked. The dealer would not repair the window because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 56,400. The door ajar light flickered on and off until the hatch was pushed and then the light would stop flickering.