NHTSA Complaint #10478494 — 2005 FORD EXPLORER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW SPLIT AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW, WHICH EXTENDED TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE DAMAGE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW COULD EXPLODE WHEN SHE DROVE THROUGH A CAR WASH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HEAT COULD BE A FACTOR IN THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LATCH FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE TIRE SENSOR GAUGE REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE TIRE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CHECK THE AIR PRESSURE OF THE TIRES ON A CONTINUAL BASIS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.