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:
Ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (124 reports)
Ford should fix it if reported,being it's a known defect!!! (75 reports)
not sure (36 reports)
part needs to be replaced (14 reports)
replace (10 reports)
re-initiate the charity repair solution (4 reports)
Safercar.Gov - This is the site you need to file your complaint with, it is the national safety site for recalls and defects. The more people that complain the better. Call them @1-888-327-4236. I just filed mine today.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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?????????
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.
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.
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.
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
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
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