Why does my Ford Explorer have a cracked tailgate?
Why does my Ford Explorer have a cracked tailgate?
Ford has systematically refused to repair any cracked tailgates – both inside and outside the warranty period – asserting that the problem is the result of an outside force (i.e., a collision or debris)
Are there any problems with the Ford Explorer?
A class-action lawsuit is seeking damages and “equitable relief” for owners of the 2002–05 Explorer, 2002–05 Mercury Mountaineer and 2003–05 Lincoln Aviator. The lawsuit says these tailgates were “defective at the time of manufacturing” and that Ford knows it, concealed it and continues to lie about it.
What kind of material is Ford Explorer made out of?
Ford redesigned their SUVs in 2002 [1] and started using a polymer called ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for their rear panels. ABS is supposed to be resistant to heat and tough impacts, which makes sense and points to a possible manufacturing defect causing the cracking.
Ford has systematically refused to repair any cracked tailgates – both inside and outside the warranty period – asserting that the problem is the result of an outside force (i.e., a collision or debris)
A class-action lawsuit is seeking damages and “equitable relief” for owners of the 2002–05 Explorer, 2002–05 Mercury Mountaineer and 2003–05 Lincoln Aviator. The lawsuit says these tailgates were “defective at the time of manufacturing” and that Ford knows it, concealed it and continues to lie about it.
Ford redesigned their SUVs in 2002 [1] and started using a polymer called ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for their rear panels. ABS is supposed to be resistant to heat and tough impacts, which makes sense and points to a possible manufacturing defect causing the cracking.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked rear panel?
Including parts and labor, a repaired rear panel can cost between $300-$800 per crack. Any repairs do nothing to prevent future cracking, however. Perhaps that’s why you see so many Explorers on the road with cracked panels – it’s too costly to fix.
Why does my Ford Explorer have cracks in it?
ABS is supposed to be resistant to heat and tough impacts, which makes sense and points to a possible manufacturing defect causing the cracking. The automaker switched to a blend of plastics known as Xenoy in 2003 which, interestingly enough, has experienced cracking problems in other applications. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. The cracks:
Including parts and labor, a repaired rear panel can cost between $300-$800 per crack. Any repairs do nothing to prevent future cracking, however. Perhaps that’s why you see so many Explorers on the road with cracked panels – it’s too costly to fix.
