Side/rear Glass problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport

When I open the back glass window, one hinge broke off. I try to set the window, the other hinge broke. I have to tie a rope to keep the glass from falling off. I find on line there is a recall for 2002 - 2003 Ford explorer liftgate glass hinge and strut brackets, NHTSA campaign id number: 04v442000. When I contacted Ford dealer and Ford company, they say my vehicle VIN is not covered by the recall. If other Ford expolorers are covered, why my VIN is not covered? is it because there are fewer Ford Explorer Sport built, and less people complain about the problem? I think the recall should expand to cover all explorer build in 2002 - 2003.

The Ford Explorer Sport has a rear hatch that includes a glass section that has the ability to be opened to load items into the trunk area of the vehicle. Three separate times the rear windshield has blown out as it has been opened / closed. The rear windshield is made of tempered glass and when it breaks it explodes into the person operating the window. There has not been any injuries besides a few small cuts, but having glass explode into a person is dangerous. After the first failure the glass was simply replaced. The first failure occurred as the rear glass was opened. After the second failure, the car was brought to a Ford dealership to fix the issue. The second failure occurred as the glass was closed. The third failure occurred 12/1/2013, it has yet to be fixed. This most recent failure occurred as the glass was closed.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport. While standing behind the vehicle, the rear window exploded without any prior warnings. She sustained minor to moderate injuries. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to the dealer. The dealer advised her that the failure was caused by a defect. However she has to pay the deductible out of pocket because there was not a recall, and the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 80,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.

: the contact stated while opening the back window, the left side hinge fell off. The window was hanging by one hinge. An attempt was made to secure the window, but while the window was being adjusted, the right hinge fell off. The wiring from the back windshield wiper held the window in place and kept the window from falling to the ground. The dealership has been informed and determined the hinges were stripped. The dealership recommended a replacement hinge kit to repair the window.

The contact stated the rear windshield exploded while the contact was getting into the vehicle. The vehicle had not been started and it was approximately 35 to 40 degrees outside. There were no warning signals before the windshield exploded. The dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted. No repairs have been made.

Ford explorer 2002 back window popped out of vehicle--breaking brackets that secure it( class) to lift gate--looked to see if this vehicle had a recall---there is for vehicles manufactured until March of 2002--mine was April--even though its a problem--dealer says Ford not responsible.

I was stopped at a red light in my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport in 43 degree weather with no temperature controls being used when my rear windshield shattered into the vehicle. I then pulled over to a safe location and inspected the broken glass. There were no foreign objects in the back of my vehicle indicating malice. After doing some research it seems this is not the first time that a 2000-2004 Ford vehicle has had this kind of an issue. Again, the temperature was only 43 degrees, my vehicle was at a complete stop, and no temperature controls were being used.