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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.

6.5

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$450
Average Mileage:
82,250 miles
Total Complaints:
268 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. Ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (124 reports)
  2. Ford should fix it if reported,being it's a known defect!!! (75 reports)
  3. not sure (36 reports)
  4. part needs to be replaced (14 reports)
  5. replace (10 reports)
  6. re-initiate the charity repair solution (4 reports)
2005 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 7 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #148

Nov 052011

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,245 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

I have a cracked rear tailgate panel. This was replaced in 12/07. It is cracked AGAIN. I believe it cracks from the motor of wipers being turned on while it is still cold outside. I have only 20,000 miles from the time it was last replaced. FORD says they will not fix. They also told me to call NHS and report problem. They have so many problems it is all over the internet. I will never buy another Ford again!! In one month I have taken pictures of this problem on so many Explorers. Why don't they fix this problem. Age of car should not matter. Disappointed and will fight to get this fixed. Future Ford of Roseville in Ca just called me and told me it would cost up to 1,000 to fix. BAD BAD Business.

- tmjlc, Fair Oaks, CA, US

problem #147

Nov 012010

Explorer ES 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Seeing as so many vehicles are having this problem ford should implement a recall policy

- Vincent B., Sumter, SC, US

problem #146

Jan 022012

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

cracked liftgate by the ford emblem. looks like heck and seems like it is very hard to close now....come on ford...you know it a problem. drive anywhere you'll see it..

- rows, Phila, PA, US

problem #145

Dec 092011

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As I can see from this site it seems to be a big problem with the Ford Explorer's. I was loading my explorer last week and started to see a little crack in the panel and wasn't sure how it happened. I was going to get a paint shop to look at it and find out how much it would cost to fix the small crack. However, the next morning the crack was huge. I did a search on the internet and came across this site and noticed that I'm not the only one with the problem and it was a ford problem. Did a bit more looking and found this link of a current court case: http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/06/17/Ford.pdf and http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1223-ford-cracked-tailgate-class-action-lawsuit- I guess this is BIG problem with our ford models. I am happy knowing someone has started a class action suit against Ford regarding this issue. I've owned a Ford all my life.. (4) Mustang Cobra's a GT and two explorer's. Never had a problem until now. I hope this class action gives all of us new panels and the repair charge to boot.

- Rodney S., Greenville, NC, US

problem #144

Aug 152011

Explorer XLT 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Ford should do a recall as there seem to be a lot of similar complaints. We've driven behind other Explorers with the same cracked back

- Fred B., Orangeville, PA, US

problem #143

Dec 122011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,942 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

Xmas Shopping@Wal-Mart, it was Monday night. Came out with my bags, got ready to lift tailgate; that's when the black line was noticed, rubbed my hand across and realized it was cracked from underneath window down the panel near the Ford emblem. Called Insurance Company to report it. I thought someone had hit my tailgate. Police said, no hit and run. They accused Me of closing the tailgate and causing it to crack. I corrected Him right then and said, "Why would I want to damage something I work hard too pay for". Needless to say, no report was written. So, I have to pay the deduction in order to have it fixed. I'm pissed, it's the Holidays and I'm going to Florida for Xmas. Taking it tomorrow for scheduling repair. Got on Google and see I'm not the only Victim. I've had my Vehicle for 4yrs. and this was the first complaint.

- mmbogan, Moss Point, MS, US

problem #142

Dec 072011

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ford should at least address this problem for it is definite manufacturer defect and if ford refuses to acknowledge this issue. we the people should band together and sue ford ourselves.

- jdmorgan, Atlantic City, NJ, US

problem #141

Nov 072011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

The crack, on my 2005 Explorer, has extended from the top to the bottom around the Ford emblem on the back of the vehicle. A friend of mine has the same problem, with her Explorer, and the window exploded today and cut her hand. So I would like to have it fixed and paid for by Ford before my window explodes and causes injury to any one in my family.

- Paula G., Gates, NC, US

problem #140

Sep 212011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I will not get a good price when I purchase another car. I am very unhappy and dissatisfied with Ford. I will not purchase another Ford.

- Shirley M., Pennsauken, NJ, US

problem #139

Dec 292011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I have seen three other ford explorers in Charlotte with cracks at the very same place as my car. Ford should recall and fix. I take care of my car and this crack just appeared out of nowhere.

- hughesnc, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #138

Nov 152007

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

it's not that it creates any functional problems, but is obviously a design flaw....once I noticed mine I started observing others....at a minimum, at least 80% of the explorers I see with the same body design, have this crack....

Ford should just 'pony' up and do the recall and repair it......when I pay 25-30K for a car I don't expect it to have a 'design' flaw!!!

- geegeetx, Royse City, TX, US

problem #137

Jun 152011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Where is Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs Guy when you need him? He is the popular spokesperson for FORD. Isn't he for the working man? FORD did the right thing when they did not take bailout money, which is why many of us stayed with them. Just do the right thing NOW! Prior to buying this Explorer, I drove a 99 Explorer for 12 years. Just passed it on to my grandson. I LOVE Ford Explorers! What I don't like is FORD MOTOR COMPANY"s attitude that this is my problem instead of theirs.

- jrobinsonfl, Panama City, FL, US

problem #136

Sep 012011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

This crack appeared in my father's Ford Explorer in September. I started investigating and finally did a Google search, and to my surprise found all these other people with the SAME crack !! I've also started noticing other Ford Explorers with the EXACT SAME crack in the EXACT same place!!!! Why hasn't Ford owned up to this and recalled. I have a VW Beetle and I can assure they would have already recalled this crap. I guess Ford isn't going to own up unless this hurts someone???? Are they not concerned with their reputation and quality of vehicle?????????

- K S., Fayetteville, AR, US

problem #135

Nov 082011

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

My Explorer is in great condition, I take very good care of it.

This crack is significant & annoys me every time I see it.

Ford needs to step up and do the right thing; redesign it and fix all of its Ford Explorers at their expense

- Paula A., Henderson, NV, US

problem #134

Jan 022012

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

My concerns are about a crack that developed in my 2005 Ford Explorer rear door hatch as a result of a design flaw.

Thanks,

Danny Armstead

130 Shennandoah St

Cherokee, AL

- darmstead, Cherokee, AL, US

problem #133

Dec 012011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

Never noticed this problem until it happened to me. Now I see it on almost every similar model on the road and in parking lots. Hard to understand how they are not responsible for fixing this.

- djulie, Fort Mill, SC, US

problem #132

Jun 012011

Explorer XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

i see it all the time in explorers. a very common problem. should be dealt w/ by ford!!

- Belinda C., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #131

Dec 022011

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,200 miles

This crack appeared overnight.Looks terrible.Not a safety issue, unless the window hatch falls out and hits a car behind.Then Ford will do something about it.Remember years ago the problems explorer had with overturned vehicles. Let the lawsuits begin.

- Phil T., Easton, PA, US

problem #130

Dec 012011

Explorer N/A V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I have a crack from the rear glass to the second panel that showed up overnight,

I called the dealer to ask questions about it and they stated that it was not a factory defect or recall. Is this the american was or am I in the wrong country. #1 it showed up overnight #2 it was not my fault #3 I live in AMERICA where ford vehicles are suppose to be made and where they are suppose to please the customer. this is very unacceptable

and Ford company should handle this in the proper manner to please the customer or they will lose alot of well respectd customers because this will spread out and they will see a customer decline because of their ignorance. to the ford company do whats right and fix the problem because I know I am not alone.

- Wesley L., Kraemer, LA, US

problem #129

Jun 302010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD WOULD WANT AS MANY EXPLORERS RIDING AROUND FOR EVERYONE TO SEE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ABOUT 1 OUT OF 3-4 I SEE ARE CRACKED. I AM SAD TO TO SAY I LIVE IN LOUISVILLE WHERE THESE SUV'S WERE BUILT

- Steve H., Taylorsville, KY, US

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