Subject: Cracked panel below the rear window (tailgate applique) where: 9 degrees temperature in shiloh, Illinois (15 miles East of St. Louis). Vehicle type: 2002 Ford Explorer XLS 4 door wagon 6 cyl 4.0 SOHC 51,101 miles. What: The plastic applique panel below the glass on the liftgate has developed one vertical crack, approx 1/8th" in diameter running the length of the panel (approx 4.5 inches) to the right of the "Ford" emblem. Background information: After doing some research on the internet I found over 75 owners with the same problems, most in the last 3 months (cold weather). This repair is not covered by Ford extended warranty (esp). Please visit the website listed below for other customers comments. www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtm cost/comments: Auffenberg body shop (belleville, il 618-234-0330) repair cost $380 if rear window breaks add an additional $1100. Ford definitely has a quality problem with this cosmetic defect part. After contacting Ford prior approval department (800-321-7790 option #3) and customer center (800-392-3673), both offices informed me that this defect is not cover under the esp warranty. Action: Ford Motor Company should replace the panel at no charge. I look forward to your reply and a resolution to this problem. A copy of this letter will be forwarded to the Consumer Affairs, better business bureau, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office Of Defects Investigation.

- Shiloh, IL, USA

Lift gate causes the body frame to split.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Crack in liftgate that occurred spontaneously when weather became winter--rear wipers were used and crack occurred. Recall was done at this area dealer summer 2005 prior to correct liftgate recall.....we inquired about possible over tightening during recall service and it was denied. We have had this car since the summer of 2002 and have had it in cold weather before and up until the recall fix it never cracked. Concerned about glass falling out since the tailgate is cracked from top to bottom. The dealer asserted that it was a known problem with cracks in liftgate... since we are not under warranty we had to pay $600 to get this fixed. Mileage on the car is only 23000!!!!! it is the safety issue of glass falling out while driving or falling into the car upon my children that concerns me. Many internet websites I have been to discuss other such cracks occurring in the tailgate I don't understand why some dealers are willing to help and others don't. the prices vary too which amazes me.

- Mystic, CT, USA

My 2002 Ford Explorer had it's rear glass fall off when I attempted to open it 2 days ago. I called Ford and they sounded surprised. I called them back with the information about the 50,000+ vehicles recalled for this and they remain unimpressed. I'm looking for some help. I called winchester Ford, (winchester va) 540 667 4434. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks very much, ben

- Berryville, VA, USA

I have had my vehicle into the Ford dealer for the same problem at least 4 times with no success it is still under manufacturer warranty and is a 2002 Ford Explorer.

- Spring, TX, USA

I bought a 2002 Explorer on May 23,2002. In the past 8 months, the vehicle has been towed in because it woudn't start--acomputer chip was replaced. My A/C made a high pitch squeal and after at least five times of trying to repair the existing A/C clutch, a new one was finally put on. My front end suspension has been fixed. My midlift gate cracked in November and a new one was put on. I have had daily problems with the driver's side seat not fully going into position when I start my truck and this problem has not been fixed as the service dept. That I deal with nevers seems to be able to see the problem. Funny how it does it every day for me, though. My blinkers will sometimes stick and stay on without blinking--this also has not been fixed. At the beginning of January,2003, on the way home from a trip, my husband and I noticed that every time we slowed the truck down, there was a blast of air from the upper vents in the vehicle. This happened no matter what setting we had it in (ie. Defrost or floor vents). This past Thursday, Jan.16, the suspension was repaired and supposedly the heating system was as well. Now the air doesn't seem to leak out the top vents, but continuosly comes out of the floor vent, no matter what setting the heat is on. I have a rental vehicle once again, while they keep the vehicle overnight tonight to see if they can hopefully fix this problem. Needless to say, we are currently checking into the lemon law for our state!!!

- North Mankato, MN, USA