2002 explorer tailgate cracking

Initially had a 3" stress crack just right of center, starting just below window. Now there's another one 6" to the left and they are getting wider/deeper. Anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks...

Apparently there is a service bulletin from Ford to the dealers. Not sure what it says and what the remedies are. Check with service manager at dealership. Or call Ford Customer Relations to report the problem and ask them assist. Personally I haven't had the problem...yet. One word of advice. When closing the tailgate glass, put your palm/hand on the rear wiper arm bottom (above emblem)to close glass and not on the Ford emblem.

There was a problem with the adhesive on these pannels - in fast temp
changes the adhesive would hold the plastic too tight to the glass and
with expantion differances it would break the pannel - the TSB calls to
replace pannel and use an updated adhesive -=-=- go engineers :loser:

This recently happened to my 02 as well. Mine is out of Warranty at 61k - any chance Ford will take care of this anyway since there is a Service Bulletin issued or am I going to end up buying a new liftgate?

either the engineer had a hangover or the guy at the assembly line had a hangover....=)

or was it the machine?!?!?

I've experienced this same problem. I have 37K and the dealership won't stand good for it even with the extended warranty. It is obviously a design flaw. When I got a quote at an autobody place, the guy said he had seen a couple other explorers with the same problem. I called Ford and they claim no one has ever reported a problem with this. Obviously they are lying. The quote states its about a $230 to fix it. Anyone have a copy of the new bullentin on these cracked tailgates?

Was at my Ford Dealer today about my 02 Explorer, still waiting on brackets for the liftgate recall, and advised them about TSB for the crack. The crack on my liftgate is left of emblem and about 4 inches and growing. The dealer tells me its not their problem. Their advice is for all of us to lobby hard with Ford to get this covered. Most vehicles with problem are off warranty now. Extimate to fix - $200 for panel, $150 for paint and one hour labour. See today that Escapes are now recalled for liftgate problem. LETS GET OFF OUR BUTTS AND START CALLING FORD DEMANING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM - NO FAULT OF OWNERS!!!

my 2002 just cracked last weekend. has 55,000 miles. thats why i signed in today to see if anyone else has seen the problem. dont thin i will pay $250. thought of filling the crack with a flexible something like RTV, but dont know how to color it.

Just had the same problem with my 2002 explorer. I spoke to the dealer when I had it in for the lift glass recall. They said that they have seen several of these as well. They said that Ford has not been covering the repair. I did nto realize that there was a TSB out for this! Sounds like it is a design problem!

I received a recall notice on my liftgate. Safety recall 04S20

Mine just cracked a week or so ago. went in and the warrenty expired back in Oct. I just bought the car used 1month ago, and the warranty I have with the loan doesn't cover this type of thing.
no i'm having another problem already, i'll make a new post for it.

I think I'll ask the dealer about that safety recall trucku mentioned.

trucku, did the recall refer to this problem specifically?

lets see. its for 2002 Ford Explorers and Mountaneers.

The issue states in my letter is for the accidental dropping of liftgate glass. This may in turn strike someone or shatter the glass which can lead to cuts.

Contact your dealer and give them the safety recall number so they can look it up for you. Safety Recall 04S20.

My notice suggests I dont use my liftgate glass till it is fixed. I received this notice on October 2004. from Ford Motor Company P.O. Box 1904, Dearborn Michigan 48121.
1-866-436-7332.
Here are some other numbers if you can't get resolve from dealer.
Auto Safety Hotline. 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9393.
HOPE THIS HELPS.

oh yes my notice states what is to be replaced is both strut mounting brackets and bouth hinges on the liftgate glass with new designed parts.

Unfortunately recall is only for the brackets and hinges. The plastic fascia is not a part of the recall. When closing glass don't press on the FORD emblem, close by placing hand on the wiper arm base. There is a TSB (technical service bulletin) that addresses the problem and suggest how to repair but the cost is not covered...so it's out of your own pocket.