2002 Liftgate Fascia cracked

[zing77]

Hi all. I have an '02 Explorer. The plastic panel below the wiper on the liftgate glass is cracked right in the middle. I'm not sure when it happened or how, but I know I want to replace it. What is entailed in replacing this part? Anyone else have this problem? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[kumbahash]

Ford knows this is a problem on the 2002 models. The local dealer admits it. I know of at least 3 other people who have experienced it. Unfortunately, Ford refused me any help. Instead, I got it repaired under the comprehensive portion of my car insurance.

kumbahash

[ralphschoneman]

mine is the same. is it fglass or plastic? anyone repaired? im thinking boat hull patch, then paint.

[Klaus]

Same on my 02. Ford Warranty does not cover it since it is " an external panel ". The plastic is actually bonded to the glass under it and that makes it very difficult to remove and replace. The dealer wanted to charge about $ 400.- CAN. for the part incl. paint plus labor.
While I was sitting there waiting for them to decide how to fix it, I saw a nice 06 in the parking lot and traded in my 02. Since the tailgate was now the dealers problem I have no idea how it got fixed in the end.

[Klaus]

[quote=Klaus;143063]Same on my 02. Ford Warranty does not cover it since it is " an external panel " and may have been subjected to " impact ", even though there was absolutely no sign of it to be seen. The plastic is actually bonded to the glass under it and that makes it very difficult to remove and replace. The dealer wanted to charge about $ 400.- CAN. for the part incl. paint plus labor. I think I know what's causing it:Since the plastic panel due to temperature changes expands and contracts ( much like the vinyl siding on your house ), but the glue and the glass under it does not, something has to give!
While I was sitting there waiting for them to decide how to fix it, I saw a nice used 06 in the parking lot and traded in my 02 on the spot. Since the liftgate was now the dealers problem I have no idea how it got fixed in the end. Note: the liftgate on the 06 has been redesigned and there is no such panel!

[Old Bubba]

I took mine in to the dealer. They said they had a recall, only on parts made
in a certain factory and certain year. Mine was not one of them. Bull! if you watch the roads, there are many of them cracked. Ford just refuses to admit they had a engineering problem and won't do anything about it. The later models are not designed or build this way. No cheap fix on the crack fascia.
I am still riding with mine.

[kumbahash]

One of the service managers at the local dealership said it is a design issue. They have changed it for the next body style explorer. Has nothing to do with impact/stress. I got mine fixed at a local body shop for $250.