Hatchback/liftgate problems of the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

I own a 2002 Mercury mtnr. 85,000 mi. Normal,expected usage. . 4 wks ago noticed a crack in the rear lift up door panel above/below the ctr. Of the mtnr. Logo. Crack thr/thr plastic panel. . Door is used frequently as access to the rear storage area. . 2 days later took it to the Ford/merc. Dealer, serv. Mngr. States that he has recently seen another "same" crack. . Contacted Ford who stated that they would not take any responsibility as the vehicle had >100,000mi. . Same result when he contacted them for my vehicle, sent in for reconsideration with pictures of the vehicle/crack. . . Appears to be an engineering/manufacturing problem, not specifically related to >mileage as much as related to frequent usage of this door, and a plastic panel susceptible to breakage secondary to design/placement of logo, creating a "weak" area that is exposed to frequent "banging down" as the door is closed. . Ford's answer the second time was a denial of resonsibility and a suggestion that the owners contact their insurance company (not the correct or customer friendly response, as this would only result in customer paying out a deductible and/or being subjected to increased insurance rates). . . I realize that this is not a failure that resulted in accident, injury or death, but it is one more example of how the american automobile manufacturers are not listening to the customers and certainly not standing behind their products, as defects, faults are identified secondary to less than excellent design, engineering, and manufacturing. . When will the american auto industry realize that the average consumer is not impressed with the high powered, dramatic advertisements seen todau, and would like them to be interested in producing a safe, sturdy, well engineered vehicle. . . I am very concerned that Ford has taken no interest or resonsibility for such an obvious product defect. . . . I have had the panel ordered and it will pay to have it replaced. . . Have there been other such incidents noted?. . . . Thank you .

: the contact stated the liftgate fell off. This occurred while the liftgate was opened and it fell onto the contact's head. There were no warning indicators before liftgate fell.

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. The contact noticed a crack on the panel of the liftgate. The dealer replaced the panel, but was unable to diagnosis the cause of failure. Approximately one year later, she noticed another crack on the liftgate panel. The dealer stated that they would order the part and replace the panel. As of July 2, 2007, the panel has not been replaced. The failure caused the close door light to remain illuminated. The current mileage is 68,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

2002 Mountaineer stalls, transmission control assembly, main control valve, and gasket had to be replaced. The lift gate was sticking, and while closing it, the glass shattered, the glass was recalled, and was suppose to have been fixed. The oil light illuminated. The trim on the front door fell off while driving. There was a grinding noise coming from the rear wheels, it was determined that there was severe rust on the brake componets, the park brake shoes fell apart due to corrosion, the rear wheel bearing and knuckle assembly had excessive rust.

Rear lift gate panel below glass has developed a crack. This lift gate has been recalled but dealer states the cracked panel is not part of the recall. Two dealers have said this problem has occurred in other vehicles. Has not yet been repaired. Also transmission trouble. Dealer said needed to replace at cost of $3200. 00. Dealer charged $80. 00 to tell me it needed fixed. Took to trans. Repair shop to repair at cost of $1300. 00. This month I have also had to replace the idler pulley, egr valve, and the elec rear window is not functioning.

After the dealership performed the liftgate/glass bracket recall 01i010000 the hatch door shifted when opened and the entire cargo door alignment is off. The vehicle been back to the dealership 3 times since the recall was performed. The problem hasn't been correct thus far.

The liftgate was made out of plastic and had stress fracturers from top to bottom, which was caused by constantly opening and closing. The liftgate was not durable enough to be closed with force or window would shatter. Vehicle was taken to dealership, but the problem had not been resolved.

Subject regarding rear liftgate applique (trim panel) cracks. Dob=02/02 and will ck. Design version. 061604_pco.

Rear liftgate applique (trim panel) cracked for no reason.