2004 Ford Explorer Hatchback/Liftgate Problems
- 54
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 54 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 3 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- failure mileage · 16 records
- lift gate · 15 records
- current mileage · 11 records
- rear liftgate · 10 records
- rear lift · 10 records
- rear hatch · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 17 |
| 30–60k mi | 17 |
| 100–150k mi | 6 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Hatchback/Liftgate
On friday, may 28, 2010 my husband attempted to open the liftgate on our 2004 ford explorer when the glass separated from the vehicle and landed in his hands. It did not shatter because he was holding onto it. Upon inspection, we discovered that the left hinge that connects the liftgate to the vehicle had snapped. The liftgate is currently hanging on the right hinge as we do not have the resources at this time to…
1 injury
ODI 10334287
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rear lift gate panel was cracked below the glass and the vehicle had never been involved in any accidents. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the failure was known but she would be responsible for repair costs. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was…
ODI 10335426
Hatchback/Liftgate
FAILURE OF THE LIFT GATE HINGE PIN. *TR
ODI 10272510
Hatchback/Liftgate
Ford explorer lift gate panel cracked i have not replaced it yet i see a lot of these on the road since my has cracked. *tr
ODI 10262075
Body · Hatchback/Liftgate
LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. *TR
ODI 10284711
Equipment · Hatchback/Liftgate
I take very good care of my 2004 ford explorer. When i was hand washing it i noticed a crack in my back hatch. *tr
ODI 10259383
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact noticed a crack on the rear hatch and near the emblem. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. There was no recall; however, a service bulletin was available for the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were unknown. Updated 03-09-09 *bf updated 03/12/09. *jb
ODI 10256404
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rear panel was cracking on her vehicle near the ford emblem. The manufacturer could not assist with the repairs. The motor for the rear windshield wipers caused the rear panel to crack. The current and failure mileages were less than 80,000.
ODI 10272566
Hatchback/Liftgate
The plastic below the glass on my rear hatch- 04 ford explorer. I have gone through two dealers and ford.com. I have spoken with over 10 people and this includes service managers. I have only 49,000 miles on my vehicle and every day i drive around and i see this problem. They say it is not a safety defect, but what happens when a 2" by 3' piece flies off and a old lady swerves into a semi. Now look what it will cost…
ODI 10251189
Hatchback/Liftgate
The trim panel below the rear hatchback window has cracked. According to internet sources, this is common for the make and year of our ford explorer. There have been hundreds of complaints and appears to be a factory defect. The crack appears on it's own without impact of any kind. *tr
ODI 10256952
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact stated that the plastic underneath the window of the rear liftgate has cracked. The manufacturer stated that the failure was not covered under warranty; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. She feels that this is a safety issue because the frame around the window could crack and cause the window to fall out. The current mileage was 79,900 and…
ODI 10279465
Glass, Side/Rear · Hatchback/Liftgate
My 2004 back rear window panel cracked- defective panel from ford, approx every ford explorer has the same problem and ford will not recall as a mfg defect you can find hundreds of complaints for the same problems on all ford explorers 2002 to 2005. *tr
ODI 10224654
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact noticed a crack on the rear liftgate panel. The manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was 55,000.
ODI 10267694
Hatchback/Liftgate
2004 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. Rear lift gate cracks without cause. Research has indicated this is a known problem since early 2000 with no corrective resolution by ford. What happens if these pieces fall off during initial cracks without drive awareness and injuires someone or property? I believe ford should be made to fix this known error before accidents occur and notify customers the chances of this…
ODI 10222480
Hatchback/Liftgate
The back panel of the car underneath the window has developed a 4 inch vertical crack overnight. The hatch has not been open or closed for several weeks and has not been bumped or hit to my knowledge. *tr
ODI 10218205
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact noticed a crack on the rear hatch of the liftgate. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the failure is a common occurrence. As of december 4, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer offered restitution of $150; however, the contact declined the offer. The failure mileage was 27,846 and current mileage was 27,946. Updated…
ODI 10210812
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. In an attempt to load the rear of the vehicle, the contact noticed an 1/8 inch wide and 6 inch long crack in the center below the rear window. The rear window would not close due to the crack. The dealer was notified of the failure. The current mileage was 52,000 and failure mileage was 49,551. Updated 05/06/08. *lj the top portion of the hatch has shifted. Updated 05/06/08
ODI 10218749
Hatchback/Liftgate
I have a crack on the rear lift gate of my 2004 ford explorer. It runs vertically from under the window, around the left side of emblem, to the bottom of panel. I understand that this is a common design flaw. I had this repaired once already in september 2006. This is the 2nd occurrence and ford is not repairing it under warranty, because my 12 month period ended 6 weeks ago. I feel this needs to be rectified, as it…
ODI 10208128
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The lift gate fell off the hinges when it was being closed. The contact was forced to drive the vehicle with the lift gate disconnected. A mechanic stated that it needed two glass brackets and the hinges needed to be replaced. The repair cost would be more than $600 at the owner's expense. There were no warning signs that the lift gate was loose. The dealer stated that there…
ODI 10208253
Hatchback/Liftgate
Found a crack in the liftgate panel. No impact was suffered to the panel. Crack goes from top to bottom right though the ford emblem. *tr
ODI 10206249
Hatchback/Liftgate
2004 ford explorer 33,663. Miles panel under window of hatchback has cracked down the middle. After viewing the same complaint from owners of this same vehicle, i do not understand why their has not been a recall. *tr
ODI 10203133
Hatchback/Liftgate
Developed crack in back panel under rear window on liftgate. Nothing touched it. Came out one morning and found it there. Ford will not fix it without me paying $150. I've seen 200+ complaints on the internet with the same problem. I bet over 50% of the explorers sold do this. This is not normal.
ODI 10202966
Hatchback/Liftgate
Y 2004 explorer (bought in nov. 2004) has the same problem with the crack in the panel below the liftgate window. The crack just miraculously appeared about three weeks ago. The crack starts right below the window then curves around the right side of the ford logo before traveling straight down again for another 3-4 inches. The dealer stated it was not covered by my warranty. I have noticed a few other explorers…
ODI 10201744
Hatchback/Liftgate
Crack in panel below rear window of my 2004 ford explorer. *tr
ODI 10188786
Hatchback/Liftgate
The area on the back hatch underneath the glass cracked in a straight line. I came out of my house after a cold morning and that's what i found. *tr
ODI 10188586