Hatchback/liftgate Hinge problems of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

The contact has a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact feels that the vehicle is experiencing the same failure as recall campaign (04v442000) issued for the 2002 Ford explorer. The vehicle has a crack going from the glass all the way down past the Mountaineer emblem on the back hatch of the vehicle. The contact has heard of rear windows exploding on the Ford vehicle because of this problem and thinks this is a safety hazard for this vehicle. The failure mileage was 52489 and the current mileage was 53000.

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. When the contact attempted to close the rear hatch window, it suddenly exploded. She noticed that the rear driver's side window hatch had fallen off of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear lift gate needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 79,332. Updated 11/07/08 the consumer learned of recall #04v442000 but was informed her vehicle was not included in the recall. . The consumer was told the recall was related to the failure of the rear window brackets but also because of where the vehicle was manufactured. Updated 11/07/08.

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. While the vehicle was parked, the window liftgate shattered when it was closed. The dealer stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA campaign id numbers 04v442000 (structure:body: hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments), 01i010000 (visibility: glass, side/rear), and 07e104000 (visibility:glass, side/rear); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. Updated 09/15/08 updated 09/17/08.

Plastic piece between the back window and lift gate handle keeps cracking. A ($400 repair) 2002 Mercury Mountaineer.

Back lift shattered when closing, resulting in shattered glass in my hand, inside the car, on top of the car and all over the parking lot near other cars (everywhere) and brackets hanging from the wires on the top (it was raining outside!). I drove car to dealer who after initial questions and Ford approval then advised of recall and provided a replacement car during repairs but it took 6 weeks to repair. Amazing while the 6 week repairs of "waiting for parts" I got a recall notice in the mail (Aug 05). After bothering the dealer to get the car back, I was called to pick up the car and I was told the "check engine soon light" is coming on! when I picked it up, I not only see the light is intermittent coming on, but my electric window switches are not working to put the windows up and down (except the front passenger works fine) and the driver seat belt is not retracting correctly! this car is only 3 years old!!.

Back lift shattered when closing, resulting in shattered glass everywhere and brackets hanging (it was raining outside!). I drove car to dealer who provided a replacement car during repairs but it took 6 weeks to repair. Then when I was called to pick up the car I was told the "check engine soon light" is coming on! when I picked it up, I not only see the light is intermittent coming on, but my electric window switches are not working to put the windows up and down (except the front passenger works fine) and the driver seat belt is not retracting correctly! this car is only 3 years old!!.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer hinges on the tailgate had separated resulting in the window shattering. The warning light came on, consumer released and closed the hatch back and the warning light remained on. Returned to the rear of vehicle and raised tailgate window which shot out of consumer hand and shattered into many pieces. Inspection revealed one of the hinges on the tailgate window had separated from the car which caused the window to shatter.

Upon awaiting parts to have the rear liftgate glass recall 04v442000 repairs performed the glass dropped down into the structure about 1 1/2 inches which caused stress on the trim below the gate window, resulting in the trim breaking. Manufacturer was aware of this problem due to numerous complaints being filed, but they were not willing to repair the trim.

The bottom frame that supports the window of the hatch is cracked right down the middle. Owner contacted the dealer and was given an estimate for the repair.

Nhtsa campaign 01i010000; Ford issued a liftgate glass recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but the dealer still does not have the parts available in order to repair the vehicle. . . . . .

The rear window shattered while trying to close it. Prior to the glass shattering the left strut came apart from the window. The consumer replaced it into place and attempted to close the window when it shattered. Pe04045. Pco.

Rear window shatterred while closing the rear hatch door. Dealer was not notified. Pe04045. Pco.

While closing the rear door the window broke. The driver drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the window needed to be replaced due to worn parts. Pe04045_pco phonecon confirmed related to invest.

I was making sure all the doors of my 2002' Mountaineer were closed and when I shut the back lift gate one of the connecting brackets came out of place and caused the whole thing to shatter a spray glass in my face. I had glass stuck in my scalp and had to wash out my eyes for 4 hours as well as my hands and face being cut. I read on your website that this is a know defect by Ford, I contacted Ford on this and they basically told me since my car was out of warrenty they dont care and the part cost over $1200 to be replaced - because the way it was designed you cannot get just the glass I need body parts too. Pe04045. Pco.

Passenger-side lift cylinder bracket became detached. As I was closing the liftgate glass, the window exploded and the metal piece fell to the ground. I sustained a minor cut to my ankle. The debris field was as far as 10ft. Fortunately, my sons were not injured. The vehicle is out of warranty, but my insurance company has advised me that I can take it into the dealer. Pe04045. Pco.

Without warning right side liftgate hinge snapped, causing the liftgate to hit the consumer in the chest. Pe04045_pco.

Struts gave out on hatchback, causing hatch to fall on owner's head, knocking her backwards, glass in hatch shattered into her hair and skin. Pe04045. Pco.

2002 Mercury Mountaineer rear hatch strut failure - three (3) occasions within four weeks. Dealer has no solution to problem. Ford engineering suggested that the entire rear hatch/glass/strut assembly be replaced. Back-ordered direct from Ford's supplier due to high demand for replacements. Dob is 6/01 mount rotating and resulting in strut detachment. Replaced entire glass assembly after numerious attempts to reglue mount. 06140 pe04045. Pco.

The rear glass on my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer exploded when it was being closed. It happened mid-stream while being shut. Pe04045. Pco.

Bracket on left side of lift gate broke, the lift gate detached from the bracket and cylinders. The lift gate fell on my upper body as a result I have been seeking medical attention. Pe04045. Pco.

The vehicle transmission slipped, jumped and made clunking noises. The steering column locked up. The rear hatch fell onto the consumers head which resulted in retinal detachment and balance trouble. Pe04045. Pco.

Consumer was driving and noticed door ajar light was on. She pulled over, shut off engine, and got out of vehicle with remote, key in ignition. Consumer noticed side doors closed, and walked to rear of vehicle and pushed remote to release liftgate. Instantly, window exploded, a metal piece on bottom of tailgate fell off. Vehicle has been at dealer since that day, still trying to rid vehicle of glass. Cannot give consumer a reason why this happened. Consumer is considering lemon law. Purchased veh. 04/01 and within 1000 miles (05/01), attempting to open glass, glass shattered. Will get VIN and dob_06142004_pco pe04045. Pco.