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Cracked Panel Below The Rear Window
2002 Ford Explorer (Page 16 of 32)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 Ford Explorer is hands-down our worst vehicle on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
6.5
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $450
- Average Mileage:
- 79,300 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 622 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- Ford should pay for it (396 reports)
- not sure (86 reports)
- paid to have rear panel replaced (48 reports)
- file complaint with NHTSA to get a recall issued (26 reports)
- start a class action suit and get damages reimbursed (17 reports)
- dealership replaced the entire panel (10 reports)
body / paint problem
Helpful websites
- Cracked Ford Explores - Visit and join this Facebook Group for an additional site where you can tell Ford about this annoying problem.
- Class Action Lawsuit For This Issue - Looks like there is a class action lawsuit for this problem. I would sign up to show how many of us are having this issue.
- Replacement Trim Panel At Lower Cost - Save money on a replacement part at Rock Auto. Use their parts search and drill down to Ford => Your Year => Explorer => Body => Rear. You will see several options listed there.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have read other's problems with this same issue and I am shocked that Ford has not issued a recall when it is clear there is a problem with this part. I live in Buffalo NY and believe the rear hatch door cracked directly below the window 2 days ago due to temperature. However I believe that a great deal of people who purchase SUVs live in areas who experience snow and cold weather ,hence the need for 4 wheel drive.The body of this vehicle should also be able to withstand the climate, OUTRAGEOUS FORD!! DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE THE RECALL!!!!
- meegan, Buffalo, NY, US