CarComplaints.com Notes: 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.
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.
Although my 2005 Ford Explorer has held up well over the years I noticed a large crack by the Ford emblem on my tailgate which extends from the bottom of the back window to the bottom of the tailgate door just above the lift handle. It expands and contracts with the ever changing weather and allows water to get inside the panel sometimes. I have noticed that many different Explorer models have the same issue like mine. It would be nice to get fixed as it does allow some water into the panel. I have had to release the interior panel and water has come out of it. This tells me that there could be some mold issues potentially inside the tailgate door panel and the inside of my Explorer sometimes holds moisture due to this. It is very frustrating to get into my vehicle and have to take a towel to wipe the front windshield off so I can see to drive. The defrost does not work to remove this moisture because it is on the inside. It would be nice to get the split on the tailgate fixed but it is Ford's responsibility to fix it because it is a defect in the craftsmanship of the vehicle.
Last year, trim on rear hatch came loose half way. Dealer told me it's a known problem and said I should try glue it back on. It held up til now. Loose again 4/28/15. Also had paint blowing off roof was told I'm not org. owner, so they wouldn't be able to fix it. Had it done cost $700 to paint roof.
Vehicle has been very good over all. The trim just pisses me off, that they know it's a prob. They should have to fix it. The designer of this application doesn't know sh*t about cars. I've dealt w/engineers in manufacturing eng. blocks, heads and many variety of parts they draw it and expect it to work. Sorry, I'm just pissed.
I've been told this is a 'stress fracture' and that the rear hatch has to be replaced. I have seen other Explorers with this same crack. Here I read that someone's glass broke. My car has very low miles and I am not rough on it. Since I've seen this on other Explorers in my own town (at the same elementary school my grandson attends) I believe it is a manufacturing defect. I think Ford should replace this at their cost if they want to keep loyal Ford customers. I will rant about my transmission in another section.
We have 2005 Ford Explorer. And the back hitch trim has broke 3 times. It cost about $400 each time. And it breaks on it's own. No person has to touch it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Although my 2005 Ford Explorer has held up well over the years I noticed a large crack by the Ford emblem on my tailgate which extends from the bottom of the back window to the bottom of the tailgate door just above the lift handle. It expands and contracts with the ever changing weather and allows water to get inside the panel sometimes. I have noticed that many different Explorer models have the same issue like mine. It would be nice to get fixed as it does allow some water into the panel. I have had to release the interior panel and water has come out of it. This tells me that there could be some mold issues potentially inside the tailgate door panel and the inside of my Explorer sometimes holds moisture due to this. It is very frustrating to get into my vehicle and have to take a towel to wipe the front windshield off so I can see to drive. The defrost does not work to remove this moisture because it is on the inside. It would be nice to get the split on the tailgate fixed but it is Ford's responsibility to fix it because it is a defect in the craftsmanship of the vehicle.
- Valerie M., Spencer, WV, US