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Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

3348 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2011 at 3:14 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, SUV

Messages Page 334 of 335

#3328 of 3348 Re: crack in rear liftgate panel [dmorello] by dbear44

Jan 01, 2011 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: dmorello (Jan 01, 2011 4:38 pm)
Ford has known about the problem since 2003 and doesn't give a crap. They cared a little up until 2009 when they discontinued their "assistance" program. You are on your own. On the bright side, you can order the part thru a dealer (I got mine for $120), and the instructions to replace it are online. Just need the part, paint & double sided automotive tape.
 
good luck! (btw, I still have my part, sold the explorer).

#3329 of 3348 Re: crack in rear liftgate panel [dmorello] by nvbanker

Jan 25, 2011 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: dmorello (Jan 01, 2011 4:38 pm)
I've had 3 of them crack - Ford stepped up and replaced all 3 of them, no charge. They discontinued this rear door in 2006 because the liftgate material was flawed by the subcontractor who provided this panel. They continued to replace them until 2008. But how long does a manufacturer have to guarantee their flaw? 7 years? I don't think so. No manufacturer does on body panels. It's not guaranteed not to age. I think it's asking a bit much to expect them to do something all these years later, myself.

#3330 of 3348 Re: crack in rear liftgate panel [nvbanker] by dbear44

Jan 26, 2011 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Jan 25, 2011 5:54 pm)
That was your dealer, that was not Ford. If you call Ford, they will tell you they never heard of the problem or the program to fix it. And I guess as long as you got yours fixed 3 times, to h*ll with anyone else. Mine cracked and it was one of their "replacements" done in 2007, so YES, since their fix was bad as the original, they should've fixed it again. But hey, long as you're happy, why give a crap about anyone but yourself.

#3331 of 3348 Re: crack in rear liftgate panel [dbear44] by nvbanker

Jan 27, 2011 (11:27 am)

Replying to: dbear44 (Jan 26, 2011 2:48 pm)
So, only you are entitled to have an opinion? Dealers don't absorb repairs when they are factory design flaws. My dealer told me Ford issued a TSB on this problem, so Ford knew about it.

#3332 of 3348 Re: crack in rear liftgate panel [nvbanker] by dbear44

Jan 27, 2011 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Jan 27, 2011 11:27 am)
Oh they know about it, they just pretend they don't. Most people just give up & pay for it themselves.

#3334 of 3348 Re: Cracked rear panel in 2003 Ford Explorer [klain] by wizardofid79

Jun 03, 2011 (8:21 am)

Replying to: klain (Nov 12, 2010 10:02 am)
I have the same problem with my 2004 ford explorer and so far its mum's the word from FORD. I know if atleast 13 other explorer owners with the same problem; what do they think we are "STUPID"? I fianlly got back home and will see the NHTSA at ther DC office and show them this problem and the pictures from the others.
 
They had this same problem before 2002/003 models and their is a service notice for it; they must be buying from the same company. I thought Ford got over this after the tire problem (lack of customer care).
 
Will let you know how it turns out

#3335 of 3348 Re: Cracked rear panel in 2003 Ford Explorer [wizardofid79] by explorerx4

Jun 03, 2011 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: wizardofid79 (Jun 03, 2011 8:21 am)
I think everyone will agree that this is an annoying problem.
It just looks bad.
What it is not, is a safety issue.
I had the panel crack on my '02, it got replaced and the replacement cracked, too.
Second time was probably my fault.
The fact is, 2002 was the first year the Explorer had this design.
To me, the clouded plastic headlights I see across many brands is more of a safety issue worthy of the NHTSA.

#3336 of 3348 Cracked Backlight housing. by nvbanker

Jun 11, 2011 (5:07 pm)

I had a 2002 with this problem, a 2004 with this problem, and still have a 2003 with this problem. All of them cracked, Ford replaced them all under warranty until the warranty expired, the replacements all cracked too. This is the reason why Ford changed the tailgate design in 2006 and eliminated the composit sill on the backlight, they couldn't cost effectively remedy the problem. Maybe they should have come up with a permanent fix, but they didn't. I agree, it's not a safety issue, it's cosmetic, and is merely annoying. I'm annoyed too, but not enough to ditch the cars because they have been so good in so many other ways. Clearly, they were and are the best design of their class inside. I bought an 06 and still have an 07. All in all, I've had 7 of them since 94. I will likely buy one of the new Explorers too, if they still measure up. IMO the only car maker than can complete with their design and exceed their quality is Toyota, and they are brutally expensive these days. I'll likely stay with the Fords.

#3337 of 3348 Re: 2003 crack in Liftgate [bryansos] by mountaineer5

Jul 10, 2011 (7:22 pm)

Replying to: bryansos (Nov 02, 2008 6:26 am)
I own a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and the same problem exist . The rear hatch is cracked down around the emblem. I hope Mercury recalls this soon, I keep my truck in tip top shape and since this is a defect they should fix it.

Messages Page 334 of 335

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