I have noticed that many ford explorers had cracks below the rear window next to the FORD emblem. This made me catious when shutting the window/gate. Well that did not work. Florida does not get super cold but evidently with the cold weather (40 degrees) it was enough to crack the rear gate. It makes me made that I was so cautious only to wake up and find that the crack was caused by the cold. This is definately a production issue and FORD should recall the part. I have a Ford Excursion as well. I have been thinking about purchasing a Ford pick up but if Ford does not replace the part I will be looking at other makes. Ford should back their products and those of us that have backed them by purchasing their vehicle thru the years. ---Discouraging!!!!

I am placing this complaint in an effort to have this issue resolve once and for all. I first brought my vehicle to Ford in 2008 with a cracked back panel. Ford charged $354 for the repair which I paid at that time. Less than 12 months it cracked again. For a second time, I brought my vehicle to the dealer to see about repairing it again. They were requesting another payment of $354 to have it repaired again. Needless to say that I did not feel I should have to pay this money to begin with as is should have been covered under this warranty. The staff at the dealership was unwillling to work with me. My vehicle is still cracked and now has multiple cracks in this area. I am highly unhappy and dissatisfied with Ford and request your attention to have this resolve..I will think twice before buying a ford again.

Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated. Thank you.

I was thoroughly aggravated because I have always kept my vehicle in the garage until the last 5 months and as stated it has very low mileage. It has been very well maintained and has been a real pleasure to drive. I just cannot believe that Ford has had this problem for several years and has not fixed it. I have been observing these types of cars and have found that the Lincoln Navigator has the same problem, not sure of the year. I have thought about contacting individuals who have this type of problem and request that they too should complain. The are so many Americans buying foreign automobiles because of the poor quality of the American made products. The big companies like Ford should stand by their product and improve there quality before they loose any more customers.

I truely hope that these Ford problems are fixed without any expense to the customers and improve on the quality of their products.

Update from Mar 30, 2011: I have been turned down that Ford will not fix my car through the extended warranty. I have contacted BBB and they have declined due to the mileage over 52K. A Ford Dealership Body shop has stated that this is an ongoing problem with the adhesive and will happen again once it is repaired. I don't think we should have to pay $600 to repair it when it is going to happen again and again. I have been in contact with several Explorer owners and taken pictures to send to the news stations here in AZ. Also, have joined a Ford Forum so we can join together and possible create a class action against Ford.

Update from Mar 20, 2012: I would like to get as many others that have the same problem to join together so we can start a CLASS ACTION against Ford, Lincoln and Mercury so they will repair the panels with minimal cost to customers.

Found the crack Thanksgiving day, took to Ford dealership 11-29-2010. They won't cover it under my extended warranty, took to insurance company and they will fix it. I should be happy, right? WRONG. This is a design flaw by Ford, they should repair it, the crack in the panel is 1/4 inch wide for water to flow in when it rains and short out electrical wires on liftgate. Whatever they say, it is a safety issue. I paid good money for this piece of garbage, plus a lot extra for extended warranty and all they do is shrug their shoulders.