Problems with 2004 Ford Explorer STRUCTURE

2004 explorer rear tail gate crack next to ford emb. *tr

Paint on roof of vehicle is chipping and body is rusting. *tr

Paint cracked and peeling on both sides of roof rack. dealer was notified and said there wouldn't be any problem in submitting the claim on the paint. after my research and a month of run around the dealer finally acknowledged there was a paint problem. i was told by dealership that i was wasting my time on the claim because ford was not going to back it's vehicle up..what a waste of time and money on my part. ford will never see my business again!!! i hope this goes along with alot of other people concerning this matter!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that the liftgate glass strut became disengaged from the hinge, which allowed the glass to loosen. the glass appears that it could fall out at any moment while driving various speeds. the contact found recalls on the 2002 and 2003 explorers, but not for 2004. the dealer stated that there were no recalls for her vehicle and it could not be repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments). the failure mileage was 90,000.

Ford explorer lift gate panel cracked i have not replaced it yet i see a lot of these on the road since my has cracked. *tr

Liftgate glass applique cracked. *tr

Back hatch panel on my 2004 ford explorer cracked into two pieces for no reason. looked online and many other owners are having the same problem and no recall on this part has been issued. i have not replaced the part yet as it is a $400 repair that is obviously due to poor quality of parts used by ford. *tr

Car sat in driveway. noticed rear hatch was cracked. nothing had hit the car and hatch was not opened therefore it was not slammed. went to internet to look up a recall but there isn't one. this is a factory defect. i found many sites of the same cracks in the same place. talked to my service manager, he told me that he has heard of many explorers that did the exact same thing! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. since november of 2008, the contact has been experiencing issues with the rear hatch door. there is a crack directly in the center of the hatch where the lock is located. as a result, the rear window opens without warning. while driving over speed bumps or potholes, the window opens. the vehicle was taken in for inspection, but the contact was informed that the warranty was expired. she feels that this is a safety issue, which could cause a serious crash. the current and failure mileages were 42,106.

On my roof i noticed that the paint is peeling just to the outside of both sides of the roof rack. the paint is cracked and peeling uniformly on both side which indicated it is a defect in the painting process. *tr

Cracking tailgate panel below rear tailgate window extending to the bottom of the tailgate. the crack extends along the left side of the ford emblem. this is the second crack since i have had in 2 years in exactly the same location. the previous crack appeared in january 2007 and was repaired by dealer at no cost. this time the dealer wants to charge me $450 to repair an obvious defect in workmanship and or material. *tr

I have had 2 problems with my ford explorer. 1. crack in the rear window panel, ford won't fix. 2. total transmission failure, had to replace at my cost. *tr

Rear panel on 2004 ford explorer is cracked. this happened in february of 2009. nothing has been done to repair this due to the cost. this is a defect common to this model and should be repaired by ford. this could cause shattering of glass window if it becomes loose. *tr

Paint on the roof of my vehicle has peeled off only to reveal rust. of course, the warranty states that if there is no perforation then not their fault if more than 60 months have passed. *tr

2004 ford explorer; rear panel below window cracked. *tr

The plastic piece below the rear hatch glass has cracked between the window and the top of the tail gate. i have contacted ford with no response. i have see many explorers with the same problem. some say the damage is cased by water getting behind the plastic and freezing, causing the plastic to crack. this could allow more water into the panel causing more problems. *tr

Noticed a number of cracked rear panels on late model ford explorers (2004-2006)- this problem is widespread on the ford explorer- ford has failed to acknowledge that this defect in workmanship exist- ford should recall these vehicles or offer a goodwill repair these ford explorer owners. *tr

There is a long crack in the back area below the back hatch window, it looks like water running down by the ford emblem but it is a crack. i have seen this same crack on other ford explorer. that why i belief it is a defect in the vehicle itself. *tr

The panel below the rear window cracked for no apparent reason. i loaded my gym bag into the back and closed the hatch. when i came back 5 min later to wipe the dew off the window i noticed 2 vertical cracks on the panel. the cracks seem to be getting longer and i fear the window may fall out. *tr

I take very good care of my 2004 ford explorer. when i was hand washing it i noticed a crack in my back hatch. *tr

Cracked plastic panel below the rear window by the ford emblem. *tr

Manufacturers defect: 2004 ford explorer; 6" plastic panel below rear window running across the car has cracked top to bottom because of cold weather. a very common problem but ford does not consider it a safety problem and therefore will not cover the total cost of replacing it. *tr

The rear hatch panel on my ford 2004 explorer cracked for no apparent reason. when i went to the local dealer he said it is a common defect. when i asked how much it would cost to repair he quoted me $650.00 i have seen dozens of this model in my daily driving experience in az. why hasn't ford made a replacement for all of us who have this problem. it irritates me that they say quality is number one but won't own up to a defect that is replete in emails on line? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that there was a plastic trim piece in the rear of the vehicle that was glued onto the rear liftgate window, which holds the ford emblem. he noticed that the piece was cracked right down the middle and that several other vehicles of the same year, make, and model had the same failures. he consulted a plastic expert, who stated that the part was defective and molded incorrectly. the contact feels that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. the manufacturer stated that the complaint would be escalated. the local dealer stated that they could not assist with the defective part. the failure and current mileages were less than 35,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a loud noise in the rear of his vehicle. he noticed that the panel under the rear window of the vehicle was cracked in half. he does not know how the failure occurred. the dealer stated that the failure was caused by a defect in the materials and changes in the temperature. the contact has to pay for the repair because there is no recall on this failure. the failure mileage was 64,000. updated 03/09/09. *lj updated 03/10/09. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact noticed a crack on the rear hatch and near the emblem. the dealer stated that nothing could be done. there was no recall; however, a service bulletin was available for the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were unknown. updated 03-09-09 *bf updated 03/12/09. *jb

My back gate to my 2004 ford explorer has cracked and i have read where this is a severe problem as my window could fall out. this is a very serious problem and by reading online there are hundreds of thousands of these that have done this. which means there needs to be a recall. *tr

We have a 2004 ford explorer that had a spontaneous crack occur on the back lift gate below the glass and through the ford emblem. we have seen many explorers on the road with this defect and were told that this is not going to be recalled and would be responsible for fixing. although we considered; most people that have had this fixed; the crack happens again. this would cost 4-8 hundred dollars to fix and will probably occur again. *tr

The rear window lift gate has cracked from the bottom of the rear window to the bottom of the liftgate causing the rear window to be unstable and possibly fall off while driving. *tr

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. *tr

Engaged release button to lift rear glass hatch. glass was lifted and as i reached in to get something out of vehicle, glass fell on top of my head. i was dazed for a few seconds unsure of what had happened. when i pulled myself from under glass, i saw glass was hanging off of one side of vehicle. my husband inspected vehicle and found that left hinge on glass had broken causing glass to fall. he contacted ford corporate office and was instructed to take vehicle to local ford dealership where they would inspect vehicle. this was done and local dealership inspected and stated that this was a defected part and contacted ford corporate office. corporate office refused to cover this repair. we decided to have other hinge replaced also instead of risking chance of injury again. cost $80.00 + several nights of headaches (literally) from injury. *tr

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.

While driving 2004 ford explorer we heard loud noise, then noticed the rear hatch door had a 6 inch crack to the left of the ford emblem. i believe this could become a road hazard to other vehicles while driving. i have also written down other local license plates with same problem with ford explorer. *tr

This morning present on the backside of my 2004 ford explorer back hatch is a crack in the metal beginning under the back window proceeding vertically down to bottom where it stopped above my back license plate. the crack is 8-10 inches in length. it was not present prior to this morning when i approached my car to go to work. research on the internet reveals 100's of complaints with the exact description. ford is not addressing this defect since all the vehicles are past the mileage warranty. my sister also owns a ford explorer and she has the same crack in the back of her hatch. both cracks are located to the left of the ford emblem on the back hatch. continues use of this vehicle will cause the metal crack to widen, thus impacting the back hatch window making it unable to close properly. *tr

I noticed a crack on the rear panel of the tailgate of my 2004 ford explorer. it is in the middle, right next to the ford emblem. i took the vehicle to the ford dealership. the service manager explained that this was a common problem that people are bringing in to them. they said that there was no recall for it. they said my only option was to pay to get it repaired, which would cost about $450.00. my vehicle only had about 48,000 miles, but was no longer covered under the 3 year warranty. the manager also said that if i do choose to get it fixed, to keep the receipt because if there ever is a recall on it, i could be re-imbursed. *tr

The hatch of our 2004 ford explorer cracked on its own and then 2 weeks later another crack appeared now the glass is starting to shift. i have seen multiple explorers with the same defect. the ford body shop told us that he has seen over 500 explorers within the last 3 months with the same problem. but they refuse to fix it. if it does not get fixed the window could fall out during driving and be a danger to others on the road. if there are that many vehicles that "mysteriously" crack there has got to be a problem. *tr

1. washed my 2004 ford explorer and the paint began peeling off the front of the roof. 2. the problem just started and now there is a 1.5 foot circle on the front roof where the paint has peeled. 3. the roof is going to be repainted. *tr

The rear hatch door cracked on my 2004 explorer, next to the ford emblem, for no apparent reason. concerned safety of glass now. dealer says to bad that they might fix it for around $250.00 i still have a warranty but not for the body. *tr

The back panel under the window on my 2004 ford explorer cracked by the emblem. i contacted ford on dec 1, 2008 and was told that nobody has filed a complaint. since then i've noticed over 15 ford explorers with the same problem and numerous complaints on the internet, however ford denys there is a problem and has refused to provide me with assistance in getting this resolved. *tr

2004 ford explorer with the back plastic door been split in half, it looks like this is happening to a lot of ford explorers, we have taken the truck to the dealer. the problem is not on a recall and it will be on our own expenses. *tr

Long crack under rear window of tailgate,beside ford emblem, appeared overnight,no accidents, 39,00 miles, otherwise excellent condition. *tr

I own a 2004 explorer and a few weeks ago i noticed a crack in the back hatchback. i went to the ford dealership to ask for a estimate and when i told the service attendant what the problem was, he stated that the cold weather contributed to the crack and he said that it has happened to at least 75% of the explorers. i asked is it the explorers only and he said "yes." my warranty has expired and therefore they do not want to pay for the repairs. it cost $350.00 and when i called the ford company they referred me to the dealership where i purchased the vehicle and the service manager said" we deal with those on a case by case basis" which to me meant if you still have a warranty then you are covered. they didn't do a recall because if it is not broken then don't fix it. unfortunately this crack occurred after my warranty expired. i would not have a problem repair the vehicle if it was due to negligence on my behalf or something that i did to cause the problem but this should not have happened even with everyday wear and tear on a vehicle. could you please assist me in attempting to get the ford company to repair my vehicle? i am concerned with the crack and moisture or water getting inside and possibly creating additional problems to the vehicle. *tr

I wanted to file a concern/complaint about my 2004 ford explorer. the hatch door below my rear window has cracked. i am very disappointed in this as i have seen and found on the internet that this is very common in this make and model. ford has no recall on this to my knowledge and should investigate the commonness of this problem and do right by their customers. *tr thank you,

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while attempting to shut the rear glass on the liftgate, the hinges failed and prevented the glass from closing. the hinges were bent back into place in order for the liftgate glass to close, but currently it cannot be used at all. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for repair. the contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 91,000.

The plastic below the glass on my rear hatch- 04 ford explorer. i have gone through two dealers and ford.com. i have spoken with over 10 people and this includes service managers. i have only 49,000 miles on my vehicle and every day i drive around and i see this problem. they say it is not a safety defect, but what happens when a 2" by 3' piece flies off and a old lady swerves into a semi. now look what it will cost . if this was an isolated case i would have no problem. if nothing is done in the next week, i am currently in the process of photographing everyone that i see. then i am going to trouble shooter tv. and i want people to see why you should never buy a ford. there is no wonder they need a bail out. if i choose to run my business to the ground, i don't get government assistance. ford motor company what a joke. please never buy one. when a company makes a mistake admit it and people will respect you. look at what a $200 piece of plastic can cost you. just google the problem and you can see it is not isolated. *tr

The rear tailgate cracked from the bottom of the rear glass and propagated downward around the ford emblem and finally to the bottom of the liftgate panel. this has happened on a 2004 ford explorer limited, v8 with . *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while cleaning the rear window of the vehicle, the contact noticed a crack between the window and the handle. the vehicle was driven to the dealer and they referred him to a local body shop. after arriving at the body shop, the mechanic stated that there were several ford explorers with this defect. the manufacturer stated that they were not liable for the repairs. the current mileage was 14,136 and failure mileage was 13,636.

The trim panel below the rear hatchback window has cracked. according to internet sources, this is common for the make and year of our ford explorer. there have been hundreds of complaints and appears to be a factory defect. the crack appears on it's own without impact of any kind. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that the glass on the hinge of the rear windshield would glide up and down, as if it were not secured or molded properly. the manufacturer stated that the entire hatch needed to be replaced in order to correct the failure at an estimated cost of $1,200. the failure and current mileages were less than 40,000. updated 12/30/08 *cn updated 12/30/08. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact noticed that the frame supporting the side/rear glass was fractured. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07e104000 (visibility:glass, side/rear); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 66,783.