Adaptive Equipment problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer eddie bauer - garage kept, low miles due to working from home. Discovered a crack in the back hatch upper panel. When reported to insurance company (progressive) the agent indicated that this is a known defect and all Ford dealers are aware of it. I discovered other Ford Explorers and expeditions around the county with the same crack. Crack is caused by lack of stabilization behind the panel and the crack appears due to regular closing of the back hatch. Starts with a single crack (can lead to multiple cracks). The crack allows water to enter the back hatch area causing rust and disabling or limiting the back window wiper. I wrote a letter to Ford and emailed them regarding this manufacturing defect and was told that this is not something they take care of. Cost to repair can run anywhere from $275 to $1,000, depending upon the severity. We have started a facebook page for those of us around the country that have experienced the same problem and our number is growing every day. Problem seems to be 2002 thru 2006 Ford Explorers and expeditions. Ford has changed the manufacturing for the years following.

Driver side hinge disconnected,the bolt was missing. The shifting, unbalance weight weight caused passenger side hinge to crack. The window fell striking the back of the head of the owner,unlocking and reaching in to the cargo space. A small child was with her who could have been seriously injured,. Had this top of the liftgate fallen off in traffic it would have caused seriouc injurie and car damage. Many complaints of this manufacturing defect have been filed and recalls were in effect for other model years.