Problems with 2002 Ford Explorer STRUCTURE

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. after the engine was turned off and the door was closed, the contact heard a loud noise. she noticed that the liftgate glass shattered. the vehicle was driven to the dealer, but no repairs were made. the vehicle was previously serviced for nhtsa campaign id number 04v442000(structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments) in may of 2007. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. updated 03-04-08 *bf the consumer stated the problem was thought to be fixed back in april 2007, however the rear glass shattered again. tl the dealer stated that the brackets were replaced; however, the glass broke and sounded like an explosion. the vehicle has been at the dealer for 21 days to have the glass installed. the contact had to pay $948 to have the vehicle repaired. the contact has the brackets that should have been installed. she also spoke with the manufacturer and they didn't offer her any assistance.

The rear windows was recalled and the repair was performed. now the back window failed as i am told by the ford dealer has cracked. after some searching i see this is pretty common after the repair. http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2002/windows_windshield/rear_lift_gate_window_exploded.shtml *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact stated that the molding on the rear of the vehicle was cracked. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 77,000 and failure mileage was 65,000.

2002 eddie bauer explorer transmission transmission type 5r55w started to slip and the vehicle has 110,000 mi. next my o/d dash light started to flash and then the check transmission light went on. dealer stated it was just a bad solenoid replacement cost of $1,000 or worse? second opinion stated that there is a buried code in the diagnostic about the overdrive wasn't working and the test drive by mech. noted that 5th gear wasn't working. the independent mech. stated that he was sorry when he found out it was an explorer because he has a lot of this work. the transmission was overhauled to the sum of $2,710. safety concern? well you have your family in this vehicle trying to merge onto a highway while your transmission is slipping or worse. to me this is as big as a safety item as their back glass lift gate they recalled. or their roll over issue for that matter. so i may be one person but you just have to type in this issue on the internet and the number of complaints are incredible. ok so many people have had the same issue. so go to their tsb and this is littered with transmission issues. this is clearly a faulty transmission from the start but apparently consumer complaints have not been enough for ford to do the right thing here. i would ask that the nhtsa do what is in their power to request ford to do the right thing here and reimburse us for fixing an obvious and dangerous design flaw. *tr

2002 explorer rear window exploded when my 14 year old daughter closed the top lift gate. rear window recall was performed in 8/2007 ford will not cover cost ($1,400.00) for repair. *tr

Stress fracture running vertically along plastic panel of liftgate directly under back window appeared. the crack is located to the left of the ford emblem running from the glass the length of the panel. no force of any kind was applied to the area to cause this crack. i live in a cold weather climate with rain and snow and am now worried about water getting inside and effecting the electrical system. since this is a commonly documented problem, that could lead to further more serious problems, ford should replace the panel. *tr

Went to open liftgate when parked in the dark and cut hand on cracked panel. called ford, they are aware that the plastic panels are cracking in the cold/hot temp changes but are not recalling them. we taped the crack so our children won't get hurt. please help. if you go to www.carcomplaints.com there are lots of people with this same problem. thank you *tr

Crack on rear hatch of vehicle, this is the second time that it has happened. first time it was replaced at our cost. *tr

2002 ford explorer rear hatch plastic panel cracked completely through, top to bottom directly above and below the oval ford emblem. ford customer service ran the vin. no. and told me this panel had been replaced once already. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. in march of 2007, the contact found a crack in the center of the liftgate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was informed that the warranty had expired. the vehicle was taken to the dealer again on january 6, 2008 and they stated that the repair was the contact's responsibility. the current mileage was 16,000 and failure mileage was 14,500. updated 03-04-08 *bf

2 large vertical cracks in back panel of tailgate extending down from window. *tr

Door ajar light and beeping sensor is always going off. causing the doors to unlock while driving and also causing the inside dome light to turn on and off. i have done some research and alot of ford explorers are having this problem. *tr

The paint on my 2002 ford explorer was peeling off the panels between the windows after 3 years (and it's primarily parked in my garage). after contacting ford and appealing to 2 different dealers for assistance, i decided i could live with it because it was cosmetic flaw even though the dealers admitted that this was "normal" for this to happen. however, on dec 26, 2007, i went out to my car in the morning while out of town,and noticed a three inch crack in the body of the rear hatch, just to the right of the ford logo. this did not happen as a result of being closed too hard or any other logical cause. it just cracked on its own. i called ford about this problem and they said that i would need to take it to a dealer for an estimate. i complied with this request and took it in. the dealers service manager told me that at one time, there had been funds available for this repair, but not anymore. i was told by ford that since it was out of warranty, they could not help me. so ford is well aware of this problem but will do nothing to remedy the problem. this happened as a result of a manufacturer's defect, but since i took care of my vehicle by parking it out of the elements, it did not manifest until the car was out of the warranty period. i also believe this poses a safety issue because the cracked plastic is a bit sharp and i do not wish to cut my hand when closing the door. *tr

2002 crack on hatchback panel under rear window. on december 26, 2007 i went into my garage and noticed 2 cracks, one on each side of the ford emblem, each about 3 to 4 inches long. i know for sure they were not there the night before because we had taken some packages out of the hatchback, and there were no cracks. it is evident that the 2002 ford explorer has a faulty manufactured hatchback. when i searched this problem on the web, it was surprising to find out that it had the highest amount of complaints than any other exterior complain. this is an accident waiting to happen. once the cracks run down to the bottom of the panel there is big potential that the window will fall out. this leaves the window at risk to fall out and injure someone. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact noticed that the rear glass was cracked from the top to the bottom of the glass. he noticed another crack beginning to form at the top as well. one crack is in the center and the other is on the top right. the manufacturer stated that they would assume a small portion of the cost to have the glass replaced, but did not state whether the failure would recur. the failure mileage was 25,000 and current mileage was 46,700. updated 04-02-08 *bf

Rear lift gate cracked in the middle. *tr

I recently purchased a used 2002 ford explorer. the middle section of the hatch cracked down the middle. upon further research i found this is a widespread problem with explorers of this year model. it's obvious to all those who own one that the problem was a defect in material from the manufacturer. ford refuses to fix it or even make partial restitution for having it repaired. *tr

Rear gate plastic that is directly below the rear window snapped due to cold weather most likely. don't know why there is glass underneath this section, the whole thing should be metal.

Cracked tailgate applique (under rear glass). dealer won't replace, car under extended warranty. was never hit or abused. *tr

2002 ford explorer lift gate clip on applicator is and has been splitting from top to bottom every time some one closed the lift gate i saw this on many other ford explorers and it cost {us -s 300 dollars to install a new one at the dealers shops to repair. some thing need to be done ford manufacture need to reimburse to fix this problems now and in the future i cannot afford to fix my explorer so i am waiting to see if ford can fix this problem for me and others like me who cannot afford to fix the problem i believe something should be done. please for a reply at my email thank you sincerely e j. *tr

2002 ford explorer xlt. noticed a crack in the rear panel located below tailgate glass the crack is from top to bottom. *tr

Outside cover on hatch lid cracked just below the glass. have seen several other explorers with the same problem. i talked to the owners and they also have had no response from the dealerships in our area. i have talked to 15 other owners and have seen many more cars with this crack. *tr

The body panel below the back window is cracked for no reason when i took my truck into a ford dealer they said that is normal and ford knew about the problem and there isn't anything they could due. so i called the ford service number in my ford handbook and the manager confirmed they knew about the problem but its not a recall out because its not a major problem and if i wanted it fixed i would have to pay. so i also asked about the transmission failure rate and i was also told they knew about that too (the transmissions fail under 100,000 miles) but there isn't a recall and i would have to pay to get the transmission fixed as well. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. on september 9, 2007, the hinge failed on the liftgate and the glass fell out and shattered. he notified the dealer and a recall was found. the dealer advised him to take the vehicle to the ford dealer. ford stated that his vin was not included in the recall and would not repair the vehicle. the manufacturer stated that the recall had been performed by the previous owners, however, it was done improperly at the time. the recall number was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 91,600. updated 01-14-08. *kb updated 12/12/07. *jb

Last summer 2007, i noticed a crack in the plastic panel beneath the rear window in my ford explorer. i took it into a body shop to ask how this could have happened and they told me that they had seen several ford explorers with the same defect and that the part had been recalled by the manufacturer. i looked up online the recall and saw that it was for the same year, make, and model of my explorer so i took it to the dealership and they ran the vin number and said that my particular car wasn't a part of the recall even though it is the same exact part and car. i then called the ford national customer service line and filed a complaint and they did nothing about it. i was told by 2 autoshops that if i don't get the part replaced it could crack completely and the window can fall out of the car. *tr *dt*jb *dt *tr

Cracked lift gate/ upper half. *tr

1. i took our 2002 explorer in for the recall of the back window. when they installed it they put a small crack in panel in the back below the window. 2. the crack grew until finally the whole panel cracked in half. the edge is quite sharp and the panel is a bit loose now. 3. ford refused to fix it. we track 2002 explorers with this problem and have found that 1/6 have it. i saw another today prompting me to send this. here are related articles: www.fordproblems.com/explorer/cracked-rear-panel.shtml www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2003/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml. *tr

The problem is my 2002 ford explorer rear window liftgate, my panel below the rear window is cracking for no reason, i do not use is part of the liftgate, after doing some research on the internet i found over 100 owners with the same problem. this is a design and engineering safety problem that will allow the rear window to fallout or explode when operating the door or normal driving of the vehicle . ford motor company should replace the panels at no charge to the owner of 2002 and up ford explorer with this tailgate design. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact stated that the rear liftgate had cracked right below the glass. the crack is spreading. the current mileage is 52,000 and failure mileage was 45,000. updated 09/05/07. *jb

The lift gate (window portion) of my 2002 ford explorer has sustained a crack directly down the middle under the glass. the crack is clean cut and appears to expand and close when the weather is cold and contracts and closes when the weather is hot. i have no idea how the crack appeared. i noticed it approximately 2 month ago and has not had any incidences that would warrant the crack. since i've noticed the crack, i've seen two other explores that have the same crack in the same location as mine, and starting wondering if this is a body defect. can you please research this concern for me and notify me of your findings? *jb

A crack appeared on the rear hatch door under the rear window. the crack just appeared one morning without any direct action. a search on the internet showed that this problem is happening to many 2002 ford explorers. *tr

I have a 2002 ford explorer. the hatch below the window is cracked in three places..... and looks like it is not going to last much longer. i have noticed this on many of the same makes and some in the same year and new years. i am very concerned and think that this issued needs to be resolved and recalled asap. i would like to know what other steps i might take to help me resolve this issue. i am embarrassed of it and think that ford needs to step up to the plate. *tr

2002 ford explorer xlt, plastic trim piece below rear window glass cracked all the way. this was a safety issue as the glass could fall out without proper structural support. ford issued a recall for the rear glass hinge posts, but the will not fix the plastic which broke as a result of normal closing of the hatchback. i found a forum with 129 postings on it today claiming the same issue. http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2002/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml i would like ford to fix this problem free of charge as it was a safety hazard and defect. *ak

The rear window liftgate has cracked vertically from the glass all the way to the bottom of the panel for no apparent reason (i.e. happened overnight while rear window was completely closed). i have noticed that most explorers in my area with the same liftgate have the same vertical crack in the same location. concerned with potential glass breaking due to some structural defect in the window liftgate. *tr

2002 ford explorer xlt rear window lift panel cracked (dealer replaced once due to small stress fractures was the explanation given me) replacement panel cracked within 6 months, same place as first crack, but extending all the way through panel. dealer and ford motor company contacted and refused to replace. this posses a danger if the panel flies off during vehicle operation. i have seen many other fords with the same defect and ford should offer a recall. please advise. *tr

Rear liftgate of 2002 ford explorer develops crack on piece below glass. *jb

There is a large crack in my tailgate that starts at the back windshield glass and runs halfway down my tailgate. i guess there are a lot of people with these cracks and ford should be held responsible in paying for these repairs. i spoke with the local ford dealership and they said they know about the problem but they do not want to fix it. i will never buy a ford again if they are going to treat their customers like this...please help us get them to recall this. thanks. *jb

Rear liftgate on 2000 ford explorer has cracked in two places below the window. have noticed this on many same vehicles. have had many comments on if ford has issued a recall. *jb

Daughter came out of school to find crack beneath rear window. thought to be result of hit and run in parking lot. took to dealer who said it is a known defect. repaired at no cost to us, no problem. good dealer! we are very good ford customers, having bought exclusively fords for 20+ years. this will not deter us from buying ford again. *jb

I have a 2002 ford explorer that has several cracks on the liftgate that just appeared one day. i have seen several other explorers with the same problem and am not sure why this has not become a recall. *tr

Paint is blistering and chipping on the hood and fender of my 2002 explorer. abs light comes on and airbag light stays on. *tr

The liftgate exterior cracked down the middle with no pressure being applied, maybe the weather made it crack, but this is a manufacturers defect. *jb

Rear hatch on 2002 explorer trim piece at bottom cracks..thsi is a common problem and ford knows about it but will not fix

The back panel of our ford explorer has cracked the vertical length of the to panel. have seen many other explorers with the same defect. *jb

2002 ford explorer, crack in rear panel below rear window. ford will not repair, it is a common problem among many 2002 ford explorers. *jb

2002 ford explorer - panel below rear window (applique) cracked. ford dealer claims it happens when weather is to hot or cold. *nm

On a 10 degree night, i woke up to find a nasty crack in the rear liftgate under the glass. it not only cracked, but separated and made about an 1/8" gap. another crack beside it forming a triangular shape as well. looks like it will fall out any time. my insurance won't cover this because it is a known ford issue!!!!!!! tell me how that is fair, that we pay the money for these very expensive vehicles, and there is a well known defect in them, but we have to pay for it. i can't blame the insurance companies for denial. it is fords place to pay for this. it is unethical for ford to treat their customers like this and very bad for business. i can't use my back hatch anymore for fear that it will crack again and pieces fall out. i carry full coverage insurance and do my part to take care of my vehicle, now i can't afford to cover something that is fords fault!!!!!! come on ford, cut us some slack. ch . *nm

I own a 2002 ford explorer. on feb 3rd the lift gate split in 2 pieces. manf. defect. ford is aware of this happening and has neither offered any kind of monterey assistance or issued a recall. they told me that i needed to pay the repair out of my pocket because it is no longer under warranty. they understand this is a hazard but are not willing to do anything about it. the only thing holding my liftgate closed is the 2 pumps on either side of the gate. obvious hazard!! there are hundreds of vehicles just like mine where the tail gates are failing. does someone need to die before ford does anything about it??? *jb

The upper rear window liftgate was opened to access cargo and as soon as it was in the up position, the glass exploded sending shards of glass within the vehicle and outside the vehicle. husband was showered with glass and just missed being hit by the attached lower panel that fell on the exterior of the car. this is a serious safety hazard. if passengers were sitting in the third row seats, they would have been showered in glass. if this happened while a parent is holding a child while retrieving items from the back, they could incur serious injuries. glass shattering over your head for no apparent reason is extremely hazardous. this is a serious design flaw. the vehicle did go in for the recall sent out a couple of years ago to replace a bracket. obviously, this did not do a thing to prevent this window from breaking, ford knows there is a problem and tried to do the cheapest thing possible to fix it, instead of replacing the entire rear liftgate assembly. ford should be taking responsibility for this defect and albeit my opinion, i believe that a class action lawsuit should be on the horizon. we will be contacting the dealer tomorrow and finding out what they have to say. with all the information that is on the internet on the number of people having this same problem, this is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed and resolved before it causes a death or life changing injury. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact heard a loud noise while driving in reverse. three days later, she discovered a crack below the window of the rear door. the dealer stated that they have three other vehicles on location with the same failure. the ford manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because her vehicle is not under warranty and it was not serviced with ford. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 59,000 and failure mileage was 58,750. updated 02/01/08. *lj updated 02/01/08 *tr