Ford engineers made a decision to fasten the fiberglass panel and "Ford" insignia onto the rear lift window. This is clearly a design flaw that has caused stress to the panel under normal opening and closing operation that the window can support, however, the panel is incapable of withstanding on a recurrent basis.The different stress tolerence between the window and the fiberglass panel is the reason for the exceptional number of reported instances in which the fiberglass panel has been reported to break. Issue resolution SHOULD rest with Ford.

This is a vehicle I use at work. I am not, and never have been a Ford fan. This is a good reason why. They make crap products and don't repair it even when their is no fault, whatsoever, on the part of the consumer. This is OBVIOUSLY a manufacturer and engineering defect. It can't be prevented. If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. And Ford won't do $#!^ to fix it. My brother became a senior master mechanic for Ford because he knew he could make more money fixing their junk. Glad I don't own one personally. LOL My Ford has a butt crack!!!

When we first noticed this we thought someone had attempted to break into our car. We couldn't find any marks around the crack and dreaded the cost of replacing this piece. Then the other day while driving my wife and I noticed the same crack on another explorer. We did some research and were surprised to discover how rampant this problem is. We called Ford about this problem. They told us to go to the dealer to get it looked at. I explained to the dealer that the vehicle has been garage kept since we bought it new in 2005. They informed us that it happens on about every other explorer they see. To the dealers credit they were sincere and helpful providing a phone number to call and explaining that we needed to speak to a customer relations manager. They also said that if Ford did not offer to help replace the part it would cost approx 400 dollars to repair. I called Ford again and explained the problem. The girl on the other end immediately sprung an attitude when I told her why I was calling. She seemed extremely annoyed when I said it was the dealer who explained that the problem was wide spread and that they had provided me with the phone number to call her. She put me on hold and after 5 mins came back and said she had talked to the dealer and they agreed to provide a 25% discount for the repair cost. I explained that this was unacceptable since I had not caused the crack and that it was fords faulty quality that had caused it. I then explained to her that after talking to the dealer and going online their were thousands of people with the same problem. She told me that people blog all the time and if they spent more time calling Ford maybe they would issue a recall. I then asked to talk with a manager. The manager was more belligerent explaining that since the vehicle was out of the warranty Ford was under no obligation to do anything. I said I understood that but since there were so many problems with this part and since I had not done anything to cause the problem Ford should own up and fix the issue. He then told me I was not listening to him and that he was basically done talking to me. I then explained that my wife's grandfather worked for ford back when quality apparently mattered. (I was a little mad at this point.) I also explained that since we had been married we had always bought Fords but we no longer would, and that the other seven people in my wife's family would also no longer be purchasing a Ford. He then said that's fine, and he hopped that he was able to help me. Then he hung up. So much for American cars are now quality made.

Needless to say I am still a little angry. Although to be honest I actually expected this. Think my next vehicle will be a Hyundai or a Subaru.

Rediculous the truck is such a nice truck able to do alot of stuff with it but it is stupid that ford isnt doing anything about it. i have drove around california looking at explorers and everysingle one has the same crack. on the exact same side of the ford emblem. ford needs to step up to the plate get there asses kicked and finally just get rid of the damn emblem and have the liftgate lock aligned so the sh*t shuts properly then replace the panel and if they really want there emblem on the back of the damn truck then get a f-n stick-on ford emblem hello problem f-n solved

I would love to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by Fords willingness to correct the issue which has been well documented on the Explorer. Like most companies it not about costumer service but about how must we can save in the short term. I've owed four Fords in my lifetime and common sense would tell you if Ford wanted to ensure my future car purchases were also Fords they would correct this issue. I guess that Ford is taking there que from the Honda auto makers in not admitting there is an issue. The problem with that is it will come around and bite them in the tailgate.

Where does Ford get the audacity to tell me that since the crack is not a safety issue, no recall was warranted? Not a safety issue?? How about for others:

I've read AT LEAST 20 posts now from owners who've stated the cracked panel FELL OFF when they were driving! So it's not a safety issue when the driver behind you on the highway swerves to avoid the debris and causes a 10 car pileup?! PROBABLE- NO POSSIBLE- YES!

I have an 05 Explorer and am still covered under my 6yr 60K, so it sure is great to know that the extra money I forked out for the extended warrantly won't at least buy me a one-time charitable repair. This is AFTER I experienced the #2 defect in the Ford Explorer when my transmission died on me on the highway!

Too late, Ford. I am selling (for whatever I can get for this disaster of an automobile)never buying again, and advising everyone I have ever met in my life to stay away from Ford motors, their wallet depends on it. SHAME ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

I had the panel replaced under warranty in 2008. 14 months later the panel cracked again. The local Ford dealer wanted $400 to replace it this time as the warranty had expired. I think the problem would be eliminated if there was no opening for the Ford emblem. I have also had window motors replaced 5 times! I had a 4"x5" plastic handle that snaps into a floor panel have broken tabs. The dealer wanted $60 for this 50 cent piece of plastic. Ford sure makes a lot of money replacing shoddy parts with shoddy parts! Guess who's not buying any more Fords?

SHAME ON FORD!!! Ford knows this is a defect on they're product however doesn't want to take responsibility in making the repair IF REPORTED! I don't see a need to post a recall...however If reported, stand behind your product and FIX IT considering the number of consumers that have the same crack in the same place on the same years of Explorers!!! It's not a coincident, it's a defect! My 2005 Explorer is well taken care of, stays in our garage out of the weather and only have 60,000 miles on it. The only problem is the ugly crack on the back gate/door...same location as all other complainants. It's very upsetting to have this happen for no reason.