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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 335 of 336

#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.

#3338 of 3348 Re: 2003 crack in Liftgate [mountaineer5] by dbear44

Jul 11, 2011 (2:42 pm)

Replying to: mountaineer5 (Jul 10, 2011 7:22 pm)
They will not be recalling this. It is an old issue that they usually will claim to know nothing about. It is not a safety issue, it is a cosmetic issue. Your only choices are to have the shop fix it ($400+) or buy the piece yourself & replace it. ($130+). The instructions to replace this part are online. Just Google or Bing Ford liftgate fascia.

#3339 of 3348 Re: 2003 crack in Liftgate [dbear44] by nvbanker

Jul 18, 2011 (9:00 am)

Replying to: dbear44 (Jul 11, 2011 2:42 pm)
Afraid I agree with both of you. A) they should fix it, but B) they won't be doing a recall. It's not safety related as mentioned above, it's not functional so no lawsuit or possibility of injury is likely. It's kind of like the GM cars of the 80's, with the rubber strip that went down the side of the cars, that was glued on. Every one of them fell off the first year, and continued to do so, until people just pulled them off. Very poor design. Ford discontinued the design in 2006 because of the failure of that piece of fascia, which even cracked after replacement. The subcontractor who made that piece did a lousy job on it. But don't hold your breath on a recall. Ain't gonna happen.

#3340 of 3348 Re: Rear Window [melodious] by willhend17

Sep 02, 2011 (9:42 am)

Replying to: melodious (Jul 17, 2001 5:30 pm)
yeah there is a recall on the back hinges! my window fell out, got everything replaced!

#3341 of 3348 Re: Rear Window [willhend17] by explorerx4

Sep 02, 2011 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: willhend17 (Sep 02, 2011 9:42 am)
Good news, although you replied to a 10 year old post.

#3342 of 3348 Steering Wheel and Seat swap by davidcullen90

Oct 18, 2011 (9:03 am)

Hi guys I have a 97' Explorer XLT. It's got 35,806 miles on it (believe it or not) and it has an ugly cloth interior and an ugly, fat steering wheel. I picked this bad boy up for $3300 and I wanted to know what years of Explorer are seat and steering wheel compatible with this car. I'd like a tan leather interior out of an 01' or so, and a steering wheel out of an 02' or up. Tell me if I can do this, how, and price.
 
Thanks!

#3343 of 3348 Re: Steering Wheel and Seat swap [davidcullen90] by nvbanker

Oct 20, 2011 (9:58 am)

Replying to: davidcullen90 (Oct 18, 2011 9:03 am)
The complete redesign of the Explorer occurred in 02. So no parts from an 02 are likely to fit. 01 should be fine.

Messages Page 335 of 336

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