2003 ford explorer cracked rear hatch

[tgalatis]

Rod, yes on both counts - I have never handled a class action, but I was thinking that it may be worthwhile to do so, for all parties involved (except Ford, that is). Or I may be able to shop it to someone who does handle class actions, if there is an interest. I just can't see letting Ford get away with not accepting responsibility, if it is in fact a design/manufacturing defect (which I am not certain if it is). What do you think?

[shorod]

I don't know all the specifics of the cracks and have not seen an independent failure analysis to show what the root cause of the cracking is. If it is purely cosmetic and the warranty clearly does not cover the cracked panel in those cases where the owner's panels were replaced, then I don't think it is Ford's responsibility to repair these.

That being said, fortunately I have not experienced this issue (my Mountaineer is a 2000 so not subject to the plastic panel), nor has my brother on his 2003 Explorer, and I would be frustrated if the panel cracked on my vehicle, but I also don't feel it is the responsibility of the factory to cover non-warrantied items just because they didn't last as long as some consumer's think they should. I suspect the bean counters have done the math and determined the risk of losing customers is significantly lower than the cost to replace all the affected panels and dealing with consumers who will attempt to take advantage of the voluntary recall, etc.

-Rod

[tgalatis]

Well,

Guess I am the lucky one - Ford called me today and just sent me a release in exchange for a check for $349.58 to repair the crack. Bye.

[explorer9471]

My 04 Mercury mountaineer has a crack in it as well. Near the glass on the lift gate. Pieces also separate when the weather is warm.

[Elin]

Originally Posted by shorod

I don't know all the specifics of the cracks and have not seen an independent failure analysis to show what the root cause of the cracking is. If it is purely cosmetic and the warranty clearly does not cover the cracked panel in those cases where the owner's panels were replaced, then I don't think it is Ford's responsibility to repair these.

That being said, fortunately I have not experienced this issue (my Mountaineer is a 2000 so not subject to the plastic panel), nor has my brother on his 2003 Explorer, and I would be frustrated if the panel cracked on my vehicle, but I also don't feel it is the responsibility of the factory to cover non-warrantied items just because they didn't last as long as some consumer's think they should. I suspect the bean counters have done the math and determined the risk of losing customers is significantly lower than the cost to replace all the affected panels and dealing with consumers who will attempt to take advantage of the voluntary recall, etc.

-Rod

I'm sorry you cannot appreciate the frustration and anger of the people who did experience a crack on the rear panel of their Ford Explorer. I love my Explorer - this is my second one. I bought it used and the day after I got it the panel cracked. I was really upset, I hadn't had it 24 hours and already it was damaged due to no fault of mine or anyone else's (except Ford.) The dealership refused to do anything about it. I found this website and realized there are hundreds of people who have the same problem. The panel is definetly defective - if the plastic on the car cannot withstand water and cold weather something is wrong with the materials used to make it, and, yes, I think Ford should reinburse the owners who have this problem. There should have been a recall when it was apparent that this was a problem. When I or anyone else purchases an automobile we expect it to stay in the condition it was purchased in and not fall prey to poor materials or workmanship.

Elin

[shorod]

But that's where I have issue. Generally a recall is for a safety issue. Where's the safety concern due to a cracked appearance cover? I don't disagree that it would be extremely frustrating to experience such a crack. This though is similar to the beds of late '80's Toyota pickups rusting out before the cabs, and probably prematurely. Should Toyota have issued a recall for the rust if the vehicle is no longer under the rust-through warranty? I don't think so. Should they have considered extending the rust-through warranty to keep customers satisfied? Possibly. However, once the financial numbers are crunched, it probably wouldn't make sense just to keep customer's happy. Did it hurt Toyota in the long run? Apparently not.

Ford is running a business to make money for the shareholders. It isn't always practical to do what even they may consider is the morally correct thing to do.

Just my $0.02. Those who are impacted by the cracked panel probably feel differently, but it's hard to argue with the business plan.

-Rod

[annabelle28]

I have 03 explorer, same thing right down the middle! It sucks!

[four_labs]

Well, I am hear to join you all. I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT. I only had 60 k on mine. I noticed a crack on my hatch. It started from the window down to the ford emblem. I went by the Ford dealer. They said that there is not a recall. He also said that he has seen a lot of these. A couple of days later, I noticed that it went the rest of the way down. No chips on the paint, no dents. It is obvious that I did not treat my suv badly. It is my baby. I took it to a friend that owns a dealership. He checked with the body shop. They said that they can fix it but they can't say if it will last a week, month, or year. It is a stress fracture/metal fatique. They said that it would be the same price to replace just the hatch that has the window and fracture. I am hoping that Ford will replace it because it is still expensive. If anyone finds out something, let us.

[fordtdi]

Originally Posted by shorod

But that's where I have issue. Generally a recall is for a safety issue. Where's the safety concern due to a cracked appearance cover? I don't disagree that it would be extremely frustrating to experience such a crack. This though is similar to the beds of late '80's Toyota pickups rusting out before the cabs, and probably prematurely. Should Toyota have issued a recall for the rust if the vehicle is no longer under the rust-through warranty? I don't think so. Should they have considered extending the rust-through warranty to keep customers satisfied? Possibly. However, once the financial numbers are crunched, it probably wouldn't make sense just to keep customer's happy. Did it hurt Toyota in the long run? Apparently not.

Ford is running a business to make money for the shareholders. It isn't always practical to do what even they may consider is the morally correct thing to do.

Just my $0.02. Those who are impacted by the cracked panel probably feel differently, but it's hard to argue with the business plan.

-Rod

"Hard to argue with the business plan?" Should we discuss the profitability of Ford? Or the declining market share to Japanese competitors? It happens for a reason. Same crack on my 03, happened with less than 50k. Ridiculous

[rhandwor]

This type of decision is poor business with the auto makers asking for a few billion from the U.S. government. Auto makers have driven away customers with these types of decisions. The only reason I buy domestic vehicles is because I worked in the steel mills years ago and I don't like to see business
move overseas.
I would stop at an independent body shop and get an estimate. This will give you another opinion.

[jbufogle]

2004 Mercury Mountaineer cracked rear hatch panel - I also have the same problem. Seems the dealer would want to right this wrong, but will not. Can you advise of any recourse for this issue?

[jbufogle]

I want a check. How did you do that?

[stacker721]

Add me to the list. Mines an 03 explorer xlt that I bought new. I live in Reno, NV, and I just noticed it 2 days ago, about the time the temps dropped @ night. I'm off tommorow so I'm calling the dealer, I'll let you guys know...

[simreal]

Im in.

my 2002 Explorer also has the cracked panel.

[stacker721]

So I called the dealer today,and they told me that since there is no recall from the company, they wont pay for the fix. The dealers body shop quoted me 460 bucks to have it fixed. I'm pissed, but unless you know someone of authority within Ford, I think thats what you're gonna get.Good luck.