NHTSA Complaint #10144327 — 2002 FORD EXPLORER

IN MAY, 2005, FORD DEALER PERFORMED FIX FOR NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. THIS RECALL IS INTENDED TO PREVENT THE REAR TAILGATE GLASS FROM FAILING. THE ALARMING ISSUE IS THAT 5 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL FIX WAS PERFORMED, THE REAL TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE TAILGATE GLASS WAS IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS OCCURRED INSIDE A CLOSED GARAGE SO WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION SENT THOUSANDS OF PIECES A GLASS FLYING AS FAR AS 15 FEET. THIS COULD HAVE INJURED ANYBODY STANDING NEAR THE REAR OF THE CAR. IN THIS CASE, NOBODY WAS NEAR THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. PERHAPS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE RECALL FIX, OR PERHAPS THE RECALL FIX WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. BOTH THE FORD DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS COSTS. *NM