2016-2019 Explorer & Police Interceptor Spoiler: Cracks, Looseness, and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Failing Spoiler

Failure of the rear spoiler is almost always physical damage rather than a mechanical problem. The symptoms are usually easy to spot with a visual inspection.

• Visible Cracks: The most common failure is cracking of the plastic or fiberglass material. These cracks often start near the mounting points or around the center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) due to stress and temperature changes.
• Loose Fit or Rattling: You may hear rattling or vibrating noises coming from the rear of the vehicle, especially when closing the liftgate or driving at highway speeds. This indicates that the spoiler's mounting clips or bolts have broken or loosened, creating a gap between the spoiler and the liftgate.
• Paint Flaking or Peeling: Cracks in the spoiler can allow moisture underneath the paint, causing it to bubble, flake, or peel away.
• Water Leaks: If the spoiler's seal against the liftgate is compromised, water can leak into the internal workings of the liftgate, potentially damaging the camera, license plate lights, or latch mechanism.

Known Issues and Vehicle-Specific Information

While there are no widespread recalls for the spoiler on the 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, some specific issues and bulletins are important to know, especially for the Police Interceptor Utility.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Critical Sealing Information

• If removing and reinstalling a spoiler on a Police Interceptor Utility, especially one that had emergency lighting, a new rear spoiler sealing kit (Part Number: HB5Z-78442K03-A) must be used to ensure a proper seal.
• This guide and its part numbers cover the standard spoiler. The Police Interceptor Utility was available with optional, factory-integrated emergency warning lights within the spoiler itself. That is a different part and is not interchangeable with the standard spoiler.

Common Cracking Problems

Cracking of the rear liftgate trim panel has been a documented issue on previous generations of the Ford Explorer. The cause is often attributed to stress on the plastic from temperature fluctuations, causing it to expand and contract at a different rate than the vehicle's metal liftgate. While no specific TSB exists for the 2016-2019 models, the same principles apply, and these spoilers can be susceptible to cracking in extreme cold.

Buying a Used Spoiler: What to Inspect

A used OEM spoiler is an excellent alternative to an expensive new part, but a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure you get a good one.

1. Check All Mounting Points

This is the most critical inspection. The spoiler is held on by several bolts and plastic clips. Carefully examine the areas where bolts pass through and where clips attach.

• Look for hairline cracks radiating from the bolt holes. This is the most common failure point.
• Ensure all plastic towers and tabs for the retaining clips are intact and not broken off. A spoiler with broken mounting points will never sit flush and will likely rattle or detach.

2. Inspect for Body Damage

Look over the entire surface for deep scratches, scuffs, or signs of previous repair like sanding marks or uneven paint. Minor surface scratches can be fixed during repainting, but deep gouges or cracks in the main body of the spoiler mean it should be rejected.

3. Verify Compatibility

Confirm the spoiler is from a 2016-2019 Explorer or a 2017-2019 Police Interceptor Utility. Crucially, ensure it is the standard version without the integrated police warning lights. The police version has visible LED strips that are not present on the standard spoiler.

4. Plan for Painting

The OEM part number FB5Z-7844210-APTM ends with "APTM," which means it comes primed and is meant to be painted to match the vehicle's color. Any used spoiler you buy will almost certainly need to be repainted by a body shop to match your specific vehicle, so factor this into your total cost.

Cost Comparison for a Replacement Spoiler

Prices can vary based on your location and the supplier. Painting costs are a significant part of the total expense.

Replacement Overview and Difficulty

• Difficulty: 2 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 1 Hour
• DIY Feasible: Yes

Replacing the spoiler is a straightforward job for a DIYer with basic tools. The process is similar to the previous 2011-2015 generation.

Tools Required:

• Socket set (specifically an 11mm socket)
• Plastic trim removal tools
• Pry tool (optional, but helpful)

General Steps:

1. Open the liftgate and remove the upper interior trim panel to access the spoiler's mounting hardware.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness for the CHMSL and the washer fluid hose.
3. Remove the nuts (typically five) securing the spoiler to the liftgate.
4. Carefully pry the spoiler away from the liftgate. It is held on by strong clips, so steady pressure is required. Work from one side to the other to pop it loose.
5. Clean the mounting surface on the liftgate thoroughly before installing the new spoiler.
6. Position the new spoiler, ensuring all clips line up with the holes, and press it firmly into place.
7. Reinstall the nuts from the inside, reconnect the wiring and washer hose, and replace the interior trim panel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)