modette

I have a 2004 Explorer but mine seems to be fine and my car has sat out all winter here in Michigan. However I do have a new tailgate that was installed after a mishap...so maybe mine is okay. Mine is a lease so I do not care if it does crack...lol

However my uncles, and my cousins both cracked. My cousin has a 2003, and my Uncles is a 2003 I believe. My cousins was replaced at the dealership with no problems, but my uncles was over the miles/warranty period and they would not touch it at the first dealer he went to.

Right now it is not a RECALL, it is a case by case situation up tot he dealer if they replace it. First question both dealers asked my uncle was, "Did you buy it here?", he said no and they were less eager to help him out. Always lie to the service department, make sure you say YES if they ask...they wont go and check if it is true and most people our honest when asked.

From what he was told it is from water getting behind the plastic and freezing and unfreezing that is making it crack.

Kuwait,
Maybe the high temps are causing the glue to melt and then the plastic is contracting and breaking.

The rear tailgate is a poor design by Ford, the original ones were fine and worked great, not sure why they went and changed to a poor method/product.

Also you can always ask the dealer to have a Ford represenitive look into the matter, a lot of the times Ford with split the cost with you to keep you. If you did buy the car from Ford, you can always talk to your sales guy...sometimes they will get things pushed through to get you to come back.

Good luck all....