2004 Ford Explorer: windshield wiper failure

Filed Sep 5, 2016 · Body · 157,000 miles · WI

Cracks on rear panel happened a few years ago. I was told it's a common known problem with ford, but they won't repair it and it's not needed. Now the hatch won't fully close or lock shut due to the parts behind the ford emblem rusting out due td the cracks. Water has gotten behind it, also the rear wiper will not work due to the water getting through from the cracks. I can now not drive my only truck that fits my family. We were leaving to go out to a family advent, and I noticed the back hatch was open, that is when I found out how damaged it was due to the panel being cracked. I called ford, they told me I would have to repair it out of my own pocket at a ford dealership. This could cause a huge issue if I drove and the back widow fully came off while driving, it could have severally hurt someone or damaged another vehicle and or person, or persons. This common issue needs to be corrected and recalled. I'm not the only one!

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · 60,000 miles · NE

In the middle of the rear panel under the rear glass near the rear wiper cracks. The first time we paid to have the panel replaced. Because we were concerned that the glass would come loose causing an accident. Less than 18 months and the cracks have reappeared only now there are two cracks in the same location. We have seen multiple cars on the road with this same crack. The dealer says they have seen as well. Called ford regarding this issue. However, ford refuses to acknowledge that there is a default in the panel which can causes the rear glass to fall out causing serious accidents.

Filed Oct 4, 2011 · Electrical · 132,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers, interior lights and all four windows failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that her VIN was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v072000. (electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that she could file a claim and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2009 · Body · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rear panel was cracking on her vehicle near the ford emblem. The manufacturer could not assist with the repairs. The motor for the rear windshield wipers caused the rear panel to crack. The current and failure mileages were less than 80,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2009 · Body · 69,000 miles · TX

A crack appeared on the lift gate top panel just below the wiper. The crack runs vertical from the top of the panel around the ford emblem to the bottom of the panel. I noticed that others are having this same problem at around 70,000 on the 2004 ford explorer eddie bauer edition.

Filed Jan 8, 2009 · Body · 64,000 miles · IN

Crack on panel on hatchback below window to the emblem below emblem and then off to the right back to the main crack making a piece of pie look. Motor to the back wiper blade under there where rain can short it out. Also if pie shape flies loose could hurt someone out side the SUV.

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Visibility · SC

Windshield wipers worked intermittently, making the visibility in the rain difficult. Dealer will repair vehicle for $437.00. *ak