One problem related to hatchback/liftgate has been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I think the rear door of Ford explorers should be investigated. I have a 1997 Ford explorer XLT. The weld that holds the rear door at the top is starting to come apart. I was informed that this is an engineering defect on Ford explorers by a Ford body shop. Why has there not been a recall on this issue? I have also seen this on several other explorers. I was told that this occurs because the sheet metal used on the door is so thin that it does not support the weight of the rear door that good.