NHTSA Complaint #10219680 — 2003 FORD EXPLORER

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	10219680
Vehicle	2003 FORD EXPLORER
Component	STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Date of Incident	February 26, 2008
Date Filed	February 29, 2008
Mileage	72,000 miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	Yes
State	IN

Consumer Description

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SUDDENLY BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 03-31-08 *BF AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE GAS IN THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE TOP PORTION OF THE REAR HATCH CAN EXPLODE WHEN COLD WEATHER IS A FACTOR. UPDATED

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