2003 Ford Explorer Sport Body and structure Problems

“2/14/2007 I noticed there is a fracture/crack between the tailgate door opener and the window. The fracture/crack becomes more/less wider depending on how hot or cold it is outside. I went to the dealer and they stated it would cause me between $400-$800 to get it fix and the whole area will need to be replaced. They stated that it should not cause much problem unless someone hits the back of my car or I close the tailgate not soft enough, which could damage the window. …”

“Window feel and shattered into a million pieces. After contacting my insurance to have the glass replaced I found out the reason for the incident was due to a faulty hinge. I was told by the glass company that the hinge failed due to electrolysis (two different metals reacting with each other). I feel this is the same issue that happened with Ford recall manufacturer campaign number: 04s20, however my VIN does not pull up this issue code and therefore I am not receiving assistance from Ford with this manner. …”

“Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as the whole front of the explorer was in flames as well as the interior. The vehicle is a total loss. The fire department put it out. I had the vehicle for 7 weeks. The used dealer will not take any responsibility. Should they? I purchased the vehicle on mar. 3,2014 at oc auto expo in westminster, ca.”

“In trying to determine where a new rattle was coming I heard on the way home, I noticed the rear gate glass hinge had broken or became dislodged. When trying to secure it to take it to the dealership for repair, the glass slipped and cut deep gashes into the body. I had just returned home and had it fallen off on the highway it good have caused an accident. The dealership attributed it to wear and tear even though I had previously only opened the glass lift gate twice during the life of the car. I was charged a fee just to replace the hinge. I did not get he body work repaired. …”

“I just bought a Ford Explorer Sport 2 door to tow my boat. The specs for towing provided by Ford are 5100 lbs. Maximum trailer weight, 350 lbs. Max tongue weight. My boat & trailer is 3200 lbs and tongue weight 280 lbs., well within specs. My first trip trailering 20 miles to the lake the vehicle then trailer swerved, since the weight pushes the rear down & front end up so that little weight remains on the front to control steering. The Ford engineer consulted said if he bought the explorer to trailer why didn't he buy the 4 door (implying it has a longer wheel base & is more stable. …”