Mountaineer Cracked Rear Panel Problems

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#body #corrosion

Own a 2002–2005 Mountaineer? Chances are your lift-gate is cracked. Complaints about cracked rear panels in that generation of Ford SUV’s including the Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford Explorer is one of the most commonly issues reported on CarComplaints.com.

A Manufacturing Problem? ∞

The crack is caused by the buildup of water and air behind the window panel over time. It's more than cosmetic as some owners have said as the crack grows it allows water to enter the vehicle and soak the trunk floor. There are even some reports of sensors getting fried from all the moisture.

The rear panel lawsuit wants Ford to cover the cost of repairs — which can be hundreds of dollars — saying the company knew about the problem during manufacturing, but kept pumping out the panels anyway.

For more information about the problem and the lawsuit, visit FordProblems.com.

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.

The automaker switched to a blend of plastics known as Xenoy in 2003 which, interestingly enough, has experienced cracking problems in other applications.

Not Just Cosmetic ∞

The cracks allow moisture to build up and corrode components that were supposed to be protected by the panels. Eventually, the cracks will allow the rear panel to break off while driving.

Vehicles Affected ∞

<thead>
<tr>
	<th style="text-align:left;">Make</th>
	<th style="text-align:left;">Model</th>
	<th style="text-align:left;">Years</th>
</tr>
</thead>

<tbody>
<tr>
	<td style="text-align:left;">Ford</td>
	<td style="text-align:left;">Explorer</td>
	<td style="text-align:left;">
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2001/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2001 Ford Explorer Cracked Panels and Body Defects">2001</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2002 Ford Explorer Cracked Panels and Body Defects">2002</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2003/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2003 Ford Explorer Cracked Panels and Body Defects">2003</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2004/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2004 Ford Explorer Cracked Panels and Body Defects">2004</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2005/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2005 Ford Explorer Cracked Panels and Body Defects">2005</a>
	</td>
</tr>
<tr>
	<td style="text-align:left;"><strong>Lincoln</strong></td>
	<td style="text-align:left;"><strong>Aviator</strong></td>
	<td style="text-align:left;">
	<strong>
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Lincoln/Aviator/2003/body_paint/crack_in_rear_panel_below_window.shtml" title="2003 Lincoln Aviator cracked rear panel">2003</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Lincoln/Aviator/2004/body_paint/crack_in_the_rear_panel.shtml" title="2004 Lincoln Aviator cracked rear panel">2004</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Lincoln/Aviator/2005/body_paint/cracked_rear_panel.shtml" title="2005 Lincoln Aviator cracked rear panel">2005</a>
	</strong>
	</td>
</tr>
<tr>
	<td style="text-align:left;">Mercury</td>
	<td style="text-align:left;">Mountaineer</td>
	<td style="text-align:left;">
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Mercury/Mountaineer/2002/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2002 Mercury Mountaineer cracked rear panel">2003</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Mercury/Mountaineer/2003/body_paint/cracked_black_plastic_panel_at_base_of_rear_glass_hatch.shtml" title="2003 Mercury Mountaineer cracked rear panel">2003</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Mercury/Mountaineer/2004/body_paint/cracked_rear_panel.shtml" title="2004 Mercury Mountaineer cracked rear panel">2004</a>,
		<a href="//www.carcomplaints.com/Mercury/Mountaineer/2005/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml" title="2005 Mercury Mountaineer cracked rear panel">2005</a>
	</td>
</tr>
</tbody>

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

  • In Re Ford Tailgate Litigation

    1. Case Filed

      The affected SUVs named in the cracked tailgate lawsuit are the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. The lawsuit alleges that even though Ford sold millions of those SUVs, consumers might not have purchased the SUVs if the defect had been known.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2002-2005 Mountaineer
    Location
    California

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Mercury generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Cracked rear panels might seem like a cosmetic issue but owners know there's more than meets the eye.

    The split panels let water seep in and corrode underlying components. The inevitable rust and swelling can damage the rear wiper motor and lead to shattered rear windows. It's a mess that Ford should try to clean up, not just sweep under the rug with semantics in court but that's exactly what they're doing with a new class-action lawsuit.…

    keep reading article "Plaintiffs Say the Cracked Rear Panel Lawsuit is More Than Just Looks"

  2. The affected SUVs named in a new cracked tailgate lawsuit are the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator.

    The lawsuit alleges that even though Ford sold millions of those SUVs, consumers might not have purchased the SUVs if the defect had been known.

    The cracked rear panel is a widespread issue in the 2nd generation Mountaineer, as well as the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator.

    keep reading article "Class-Action Lawsuit Wants Ford to Do Something About Their Cracked Rear Panel Problem"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint

  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS

  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA