I own a 2003 ford explorer. The plastic panel just below the tail gate window has cracked from top to bottom. Upon doing some research on this problem it appears that there are 100's of similar incidents.
2003 Ford Explorer body complaints
Page 11 of 13: complaints 281 to 310 of 354, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2003 ford explorer xlt vertical crack in fiberglass tailgate panel just below rear window glass no impact to tailgate occurred-crack just appeared while driving. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 50000 miles.
Ford explorer 2003. Tailgate cracked in half below window. No precipitating cause. Car under warranty, dealer stated this was manufacturing defect. Replaced at no charge, apparently with another defective tailgate. Tailgate cracked again 9 mos. Later. Dealership required payment of 20% from owner since vehicle out of warranty (38k miles) even though it was admittedly ford's manufacturing defect. Ford replaced the tailgate with a third defective tailgate that will undoubtedly crack again. Both ford facilities stated that they'd wish that ford would do a recall and "accept responsibility for the defect". They'd replaced one a month at the small dealership and "many" at the larger dealership. Pictures available per e-mail if desired.
Upon going out to my truck this morning to put my sons stuff in the back, I noticed that I have a crack in the panel just below my liftgate glass. This struck me as unusual as I don't even use the liftgate window. I decided that I would do a search for a recall that I may not have been privy to...and I have found hundreds of complaints, but no recall. The dealers are refusing to replace this item even when it is under warranty, they say it isn't covered. If there is obviously a defect and this many people are having the same issue ... Why isn't something being done about it. If it keeps cracking the glass is going to fall out!! The dealerships are saying that if you still have warranty that they will replace it no charge, but at the same time even if you do have warranty ... It isn't covered. There should be a recall on this...as it does pose a hazard if the window falls out due to the crack in the structure. Does anyone know if anything can be done about this or who we need to contact???
Rear hatchback was taken to ford for a recall regarding the hatchback hinges. The stress of the failed hinges has caused cracks to develop below the rear window in the facia, it is cracking.
The panel below the rear window of my 2003 explorer has cracked/broken into pieces. The 6-8 inch break runs to the right of the ford emblem. Apparently this is a very common defect in 2002-2003 explorers which ford refuses to acknowledge.
Just noticed a large crack in panel underneath rear window of 2003 ford explorer xlt. The crack just appeared without any reason. Dealer refuses to pay for replacement. We have not repaired yet because we are seeking dealer reimbursement. There are a huge number of cases of this same problem in 2002 and 2003 explorers. One website that lists many others with same problem is autobeef.com. Dealer estimate was $648. Please acknowledge receipt of this complaint and inform us on how to proceed.
Rear liftgate body panel below glass window developed a crack from top to bottom today after closing the liftgate. The dealer says it is not covered and they have seen this before. This is clearly a design defect since this panel is broken but not the glass in the liftgate.
The lift gate trim piece needs to be repaired for the 4th time not including lift gate recall which would be the 5th repair. I have been informed by local dealer that this is "design flaw" and ford has yet informed them how to correctly repair the problem.
My 2003 xlt explorer has a fiberglass panel below the window on the tail gate. We purchase the vehicle from a ford dealer in august and with in a couple of weeks a crack appeared from the window to the top of the ford emblem. I brought the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that they have seen this problem in many explorers and ford is aware of it but they do not offer any savings or warranty coverage for repair. If this is a common defect, than what is ford doing to remedy this issue?
Ford explorer- 2003 location rear hatch or door. Panel below window where ford emblem appears. Plastic body part splits for no apparent reason. Has happened to many other explorers. Dealer says it is caused by rear wiper motor being housed behind crack. Dealer will not repair, though this is a known defect, without charging customer an extended warranty deductible.
I own a 2003 ford explorer xlt, and yesterday I noticed that the back panel below the back glass, has a 1/4 crack all the way down it! It is located a inch or two right of the ford emblem. This is ridiculous, I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in for an estimate, since I have 59,000 miles on the vehicle, it isn't covered under the warranty. Well, on the ford website under my warranty information it states that corrosion and defective parts are covered for 5 years regardless of miles driven. Well what does this fall under? I have put so much money in this vehicle because of other mechanical problems, that I am not going to put more money in it for this. Ford needs to cover it, or start some type of investigation for a recall.
Dt*: the contact stated while parked in a driveway unloading the vehicle, the rear gate hinges fractured and the glass dropped. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed there was no recall for this defect. The contact expressed concern because the hinges held the glass and the incident could happen while driving affecting other vehicles on the road.
The panel directly below the rear window in my 2003 ford explorer has developed large cracks in it. After talking to the dealer, it was very evident that this is a common defect as they said they see a minimum of 10 per year and that ford will not fix it unless it is under warranty. My vehicle has 68,000,miles on it. I also have seen this defect listed multiple times in automobile defect websites such as www.carcomplaints.com.
The rear panel below my window on my 2003 ford explorer cracked all the way through. I went snow sking and after doing research on the internet, I found that this scenario is common. The panel gets moisture behind it and freezes, then cracks. I have a ford manufacturer warranty, and I am still under warranty. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, I called the ford customer service line, and contacted the local media, who suggested your website. No one is willing to fix the problem, and one day it will fall off while I am in traffic. Currently I have not fixed the problem. I advised the ford customer service people that I would never fix the problem. I would keep it there as a constant reminder of their commitment to customer service. Check out the internet (autobeef.com) lots of people are having the same issue.
After opening the hatchback to put groceries inside, the window fell. After inspecting it, it turns out the hinge on hatchback broke causing the window to fall. It hit my left arm and forearm causing severe bruising, other than that nobody else was hurt and the window did not fall off completely. I called the dealer and was asked to drop it off for inspection. Was eventually fixed. But I can't help to wonder if it will happened again and if the consequences will be worse.
Dt*: the contact stated that the paint on the edges of the vehicle front hood was bubbled and peeled. The service dealer determined it was caused by corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted and requested the vehicle owner to provide a report on the paint issue from the service dealer. The contact was waiting for the report from the service dealer
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked at home the rear lift gate window exploded. During the incident the temperature out doors was about 70f. Last year, the vehicle was taken to the dealership who replaced the gates defective hinges, according to recall # 04v442000 instructions. The contact expressed concern about the incident because it could have caused a serious accident. *ak the consumer was told poor quality glass may have used to perform the recall work. The consumer had the window repaired at his expense, however days later he heard a noise and upon inspection, the consumer discovered the inside panel of the liftgate was very loose and it looked as though it was about to fall off. Updated 08/02/06.
Explorer limited. Six months into owning this car, bought at approximately. 32,000 miles, I noticed there was bubbling on the hood of car. It was on the front of the hood on both sides above head lamps as well as in the middle (point of the of the hood). Even though this is a manufacturers defect kenny ross in pittsburgh will not work with me in getting repaired. One of their collision men said I was out of warranty. I spoke to the manager he said if it is under warranty not a problem. Then the head guy of the collision department said even if I had a warranty the hood would have been covered only under the 12 months, 12,000 miles warranty (???). Just the basic run around and they insult your intelligence. The paint is now cracking and peeling off. I noticed the bubbling at about 39,000+ miles and just reported it to ford may of this 2006, although I did mention it to the guy that sold me the car a year or so ago. In addition I purchased the extended service plan from this so called dealership thinking I was getting an extended warranty, which was implied, only to find out that the extended warranty and the extended service are two different things. Buyer beware but they should have to disclose the difference. Why would I buy an esp when I can extend the warranty for just about the same price.
Hello. I have several complaints regarding my 2003 ford explorer including several safety issues. The first complaint is regarding the driver's seat which shifts routinely on acceleration and de-acceleration. This concerns me if I get into an accident and the seat malfunctions. The second complaint is regarding the gear shifter not going into park easily. I have to jiggle it to into park. I am concerned that this might not properly engage park and my vehicle might roll. Thirdly, my rear lift gate trim has had to be repaired at least 3 times. I am concerned that although the dealership says there is no safety issue, there possibly could be due to the rear lift gate hinges being recalled and representative informing me that the reason that I continue to have a crack appearing is due to design flaw. This concerns me b/c I frequently utilize the lift gate to retrieve groceries and other items and do not want the window to fail and fall on my head. The remainder concerns are regarding the function of my vehicle. I have had to have 3 of the window motors replaced under warranty. The transmission has had to be fixed twice (shifting module malfunction). Finally, the fuel gauge had to be repaired due to improper fuel readings. I guess all these items could be very problematic as well b/c I could run out of gas and be stranded with my child, my vehicle might not shift properly leaving me stranded. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. Ps. I would also like to add that as I was completing this process I remembered that my vehicle had a high pitched whine that had to be repaired. I do not remember exactly what had to be repaired but it was covered under warranty.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle's paint looked bubbly like a blister on both the driver and passenger sides of the hood. The corrosion was located on the side of the hood closest to the head lights. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined that it was a manufacturer's defect. The manufacturer directed the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. The dealer refused to repair the defect at no charge because the vehicle's warranty had expired. There was a vast amount of information on the manufacturer's website regarding the defective paint which was observed by the contact. The vehicle was not involved in a crash or fire.
Rear hatchback was taken to ford for a recall regarding the hatchback. Prior to that, there were problems with the hatchback, I.e. Accidentally opening. Now just below the rear window of the hatchback, it is cracking. Similar to many owners listed on this site.
Molded running board broken under normal use, one dealer accused me of having a child jump on the running board - reason unknown. Another dealer took photos and sent to detroit, warranty repair refused?
Plastic under (attached to) rear liftgate window cracked. Crack is 10 to 12 inches long. Entire liftgate needs replacing. Ford says I have to pay for it. I have seen several explorer on the highway with the same defect.
After having about of freezing weather my wife noticed a crack on the plastic panel attached to the bottom of the rear hatch back window. I took it to our local ford dealer upon which I was informed that this is a defect in manufacturing and that they replace quite a few of these every year. But being that my warranty expired in august of 2005 they will not pay for replacement. I feel ford should be held responsible.
This morning I noticed a crack in the tailgate of my 2003 explorer xlt. It was not there two days ago. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and he said that the part is not covered under warranty or recall so I will be responsible for the charges. He has personally seen many of these. I have been on several forum sites and know that I am not the only one having this problem. Is anything being done from ford's side?
Panel under tailgate window cracked and split while vehicle parked in driveway on cold day. Vehicle had previously had tailgate hinges replaced under recall. Dealership advises that manufacturer denies any responsibility to repair/replace. Dealer estimate of $401 to repair.
Our ford explorer was parked in our garage like it is every night. In the morning we went out to put something in the back of the explorer when we noticed that the back top hatch was cracked. It cracked right down the middle of the ford sign. When we closed the hatch after noticing it it pinched my fingers. We contacted the dealer where we bought the vehicle and we were told that it was a service bulletin but not a recall and that he understood that it was dangerous and told us to contact ford customer service. My husband contacted them and was told that they could not fix the problem. Ford gave us an estimate to fix it and it would be about $400. The problem with the hatch being cracked is that if someone was sitting in the third row seat at any time the glass could pop out and hit them in the head. When you do open the hatch your fingers get pinched if they are in the wrong place. We have not gotten the problem fixed yet.
I have a 2003 ford explorer xls. The rear lift gate on this vehicle has cracked directly below the rear window. We have spoken to the ford dealership here and they say they are not obligated to fix this piece due the vehicle being out of the initial warranty even though I have the premium esp plan and the fact that temperatures got to below freezing (27 degrees f). This is an engineering defect that should be dealt with since the piece located on the exterior of the vehicle and should be able to withstand freezing temperatures. This is a part I believe should be coverage against defect. Cost of $57.00 plus installation and painting. I would like any help in this matter.
Dt: the contact states while the vehicle was parked she heard the liftgate glass explode. Nothing hit the glass and the hydraulic shaft released. The vehicle is currently at a local mechanic, but they have not diagnosed what happened. The dealership and manufacturer were not willing to assist with repairs, therefore, the insurance company was repairing the vehicle.
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