Tailgate Hinge Problems of Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. She stated that when she purchased her vehicle the hinge on the back of the window was broken. The dealer told her that there was a recall and that it could be repaired. The dealer later advised her that her VIN was not a part of the recall. Last year the dealer stated that they would not repair the broken hinge. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and current mileage was 129000.

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I own a 2003 Ford Explorer. First, I noticed a small crack in the tailgate below the rear window. Within two days, the crack spread the entire length of the applique and through the Ford emblem. I contacted Ford and they are aware of this defect, however, they have not issued a recall. We purchased an extended 75,000 mile warranty, but this crack happened at 78,000 miles. Ford said they would not fix because warranty expired and no recall on their end.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4wd. Approximately 12 months ago, the rear trim panel beneath the rear window crack down the middle. I contacted my nearest dealer who informed me that while Ford had recognized that it was a problem, they did not plan to issue a technical service bulletin or recall. The dealer service reps even agreed that there is a significant problem with Explorers and mountaineers. I have seen many other Explorers and mountaineers with the same problem as well as many complaints on-line. Today the rear hatch left latch broke off causing the entire rear lift gate window to nearly fall off. The problem could possibly be related due to the earlier crack causing the weight of the rear glass to shift, place too much strain on the left latch. The dealer is repairing the broken latch, window molding and rear hatch struts, under an extended service plan but still will not repair the previous cracked trim panel. This is indicative of Ford's failure to back up their product and they have lost a long term customer.

2004 Ford Explorer's rear hatch/tailgate hinges broke.

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The rear tailgate on the 2003 Ford Explorer cracked when I closed it after taking an item out of the back of the car. I had seen many other vehicles of the same make and year with this problem but did not know what may have caused the problem until it happened to me. I did not abuse the tailgate ,and I did not use any extra effort to close it than I normally would. I called my local Ford dealer , and they told me to bring it and they would fix it at no charge. When I called later on the day I dropped it off. They informed me they had performed the recall work on the hinge and ball pivot, but they could not repair the tailgate because the vehicle was out of warranty. I contacted Ford and they told me they were aware of the problem with the tailgate situation on this vehicle but it had not been posted as a recall item.

2002 Ford Explorer XLT rear window lift panel cracked (dealer replaced once due to small stress fractures was the explanation given me) replacement panel cracked within 6 months, same place as first crack, but extending all the way through panel. Dealer and Ford motor company contacted and refused to replace. This posses a danger if the panel flies off during vehicle operation. I have seen many other Fords with the same defect and Ford should offer a recall. Please advise.

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Rear liftgate on 2000 Ford Explorer has cracked in two places below the window. Have noticed this on many same vehicles. Have had many comments on if Ford has issued a recall.

: the contact stated while parked in a driveway unloading the vehicle, the rear gate hinges fractured and the glass dropped. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed there was no recall for this defect. The contact expressed concern because the hinges held the glass and the incident could happen while driving affecting other vehicles on the road.

Consumer received manufacturer's recall 04007,NHTSA recall 04v129000 concerning tailgate cables. No parts were available. . Window part of tailgate could fall down an dhurt consumer if he wa susin git to load groceries. Consumer suffers from arthritis in hands and fingers, and uses ths window constantly since the whole tailgate is too heavy to close. Warning indicated not to use the window.

After receiving the recall for the tailgate lift consumer was unable to get the vehicle serviced because there were no parts. Consumer contacted the manufacturer. Recall campaign NHTSA campaign id number : 04v442000. The consumer was told that the repair could not be preformed until the weather warmed.

Consumer received recall 04v442000 rear concerning tailgate glass. However, consumer was told that the parts would be in late November. Consumer contacted Ford manufacturer, and was told they didn't know when the parts would be in. Consumer has been waiting for four months. Consumer scheduled an appointment for December 15, 2004 to have the part replaced with a different component.

Tailgate shell shows cracks around the hinges from metal fatigue. This appeared to be a defect.

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The rear lift gate door is tearing away from the where it attaches to the lift gate door hinge on the left side (dirvers side). The door has always been a problem to close and was ajar from when I bought the car new. The door ajar light would come on all the time, and of couse the numberous time I took it to the dealer they could never "duplicate the problem". Now it is beyond the point of ajustment. The whole liftgate has to be replaced at a cost of approxiametly $1,200. It is a safety hazzard as I have to pull out the fuseto get the lights to go out, in order to drive it at night. The lights won't go off when the door is ajar. When it rains I have to stop to put the fuse back in and drive witht the interior lights on, which is very hard to see. Also fumes come in from the exhaust so I can't go for long trips n it. If I didn't like the car so much I would trade it in, but I really love my Explorer except for this defect in construction. (it has never been involved in a accident. ) I am taking it in to be fixed next week.

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Consumer had lifted tailgate. While consumer was standing underneath tailgate it fell down, hitting consumer on the head. Both hydraulic hinges were leaking oil. Vehicle had not been inspected by dealer.

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Tailgate while in lifted position fell/failed due to left rear bracket coming off, causing minor injury to owner. Child almost injuried due to braket failure.

Consumer experiencing problems getting the dealership to perform recall liftgate repairs on vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but they refused to do the recall work because the vehicle was not purchased there.

There is metal fatigue of door panel at hinge at the upper right hand corner of the rear lift gate. The company says the door has to be replaced, that it cannot be fixed as a fix would further fatigue the metal. The bending of the metal is taking place where the hinge attaches and is bending the panel up so that when the door is closed, the bent body work acts as a scoop, drawing rain water, air and, I assume, exhaust fumes into the passenger compartment. I complained to Ford and they have said they will cover approx. $1,000 of the $1300 estimate to fix the problem. However generous that may be, I feel this is a problem than is a design problem and that it may affect many more than just my unit. I have not yet taken the car in for the repair. . . . The earliest I can get an appt. Is 12/11. The dealer has been most cooperative in this but the expense of the replacement of the door is large and, in my estimation, should be 100% covered by the company. Jm.

The rear tailgate has a window and there is a part of the door that goes up with the window. Consumer noticed a crack from the glass down, and another crack starting to form. Consumer is afraid the whole window may fall out while on the highway.