Hatchback/liftgate Hinge problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that the hatchback hinges fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04v442000 (structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact noticed that the rear lift gate hinges were loose. The contact removed the rear glass window so it would not fall off of the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified and advised him that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear lift gate hinges were loose and the contact was concerned that the rear glass window would fall from the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 153,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford explorer xls sports. While the vehicle was parked the hatchback liftgate hinge broke and the glass fell but did not brake. He stated someone caught the glass. He called the dealer and was advised there was no recall for the failure. He referenced recall NHTSA campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments) and was advised that his vehicle was not part of the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 77,100.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the hinge on the rear liftgate was detached. There was a recall under the NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000 (structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments). An authorized dealer was notified and informed her that the VIN was excluded from the recall defect. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. When attempting to open the rear liftgate, the contact noticed that the glass was loose and the hinge was failing. He was able to safely catch the glass before it struck the ground or himself. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there was no current recall regarding the failure and the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The manufacturer stated that no compensation would be provided because the vehicle was not included in a recall. Upon further investigation, the contact found NHTSA campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments) for the same failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 97,200 and current mileage was 97,250.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. While driving approximately 45 mph on normal road conditions, an excessively loud rattle and wind noise was coming from the interior rear of the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle and observed that the liftgate hinge failed and the bolts loosened. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the failure was due to the liftgate hinge which was a common problem with this vehicle. Nhtsa campaign id number; 04v442000 (structure:bodyhatchback/liftgate;hinge and attachments) is a identical to the failure; however, the vehicle was excluded from the recall since it only applied to four door vehicles. The vehicle was temporarily repaired and resumed operation with caution. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 65,000. Updated 05/18/09. The rear defroster was inoperative. Updated 05/20/09.