2011 Ford Explorer roof leak and easy fix!

I have a first year of the new body style 2011 Ford Explorer and recently I found a leak that runs down my seatbelt in the third row seating.
I've located the source and was able to fix it easily.
I'm surprised that this is still a problem even after all these years, shame on you Ford!
So to fix it myself, I scraped off the bulk of the silicone and then sanded the rest off ... because nothing will stick to silicone... Even silicone won't stick to old silicone.
I used a sealant product called Lexel, it comes in clear or white, it's not like silicone and is much more durable, you can find it on Amazon or at the hardware store... Can't even tell it's there, the white matches my paint almost perfectly.

[@jasonsvatek]

Thanks a bunch! I was just about to start tearing out the headliner and found this video! Life saver!

[@cutator]

I had the exact same problem on my 2011. It started after about 9 years. Mine was on the exact opposite side. I used liquid metal and did both sides since I was already doing one side. I talk to the tech at the dealership. He said the electronic gates tend to have this problem about 8-10 years in. The Manual gates this will happen 4 years in. The tech said the main issue with that seal is it gives way especially on the up lift and the tendency to push it up if you don't think its all the way. The gate should be stopping before its all the way up, but people push up on them anyway. Ford really should put a better weld and seal in that location in new versions of the Explorer.

[@traciecrawford8276]

Thank You, I have taken it to our Ford dealer numerous times & no one could find anything because unless it rains it doesn't leak. Now I can take this video, make them watch it, & have them fix it!

[@dzgroove9]

Did the dealership make you pay for the fix?

[@Movieman1965]

Did the dealership fix it? Or did they say it's not free to repair?

[@erinchumbler4315]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so grateful you posted this. I’m having the same problem and with our nonstop rain in the last few months it has been a real pain!

[@Bones151]

Just bought a 2013 same exact leak I'm going to get it fixed asap thank you for the video

[@mediocrefloridaman]

How has your 2013 explorer held up?

[@biscuitproof-ty8ke]

Same. My 2013 needed a new water pump recently, after almost 200k miles. It was costly to replace. Other than minor wear and tear, the water pump, and this bad leak, the vehicle has been a dream.

[@sumhansonchick]

Joe, Thank you so much for posting this! I've been trying to find the source of the 3rd row leak on my 2011 explorer for a few years now (I bought it used in 2013 and I love it, with the exception of this stupid leak). The dealership couldn't find the problem (they used a "rain booth simulator"), and they couldn't fix a leak they couldn't see. Low and behold, it was raining last night when I was out running errands. I noticed it had gotten worse, and I decided to try and look up the solution one more time. This video popped up and I immediately ran out with a flashlight and bottle of water. I tested, and sure enough, I have a crack/leak in that same exact spot. We're fixing it this weekend. So thank you again! You just save us an insane amount of money and cured my headache. Hah!

[@scottg5588]

Me Too!

[@biscuitproof-ty8ke]

Me three!

[@Gregsgreatfood]

Same problem on my '15, and now my '18... Thanks for the tip.

[@tanna11487]

Thanks joe Same exact problem here. I was about to go out and find the culprit but decided to look here first. Saved me some time. I can’t believe the quality of Fords these days. I could go on and on. No more Fords for us. Thanks. Jay.

[@SealofPerfection]

It's best to use urethane seam sealer to fix this. It'll hold up longer. However, since yours had silicone already put on it, probably no choice but to use it again, as nothing will stick to silicone but more silicone. But if you're fixing one for the first time, buy some urethane seam sealer and it'll be a better repair.

[@jamesacker7343]

My leak was on the right side of the right hinge. It was the top seam spot welded to the body panel. l wire brushed it, cleaned it and sealed it with JB Weld. I checked again the next day with some alcohol because it's thinner and no, so far.

[@valdemiroliven4266]

Muy bueno el video

[@ryanpaulsimpson]

Thank you

[@matthewfries4079]

Just curious, you posted this in 2017, did sealing those cracks solve the problem? I have a 2013 model that just started collecting water in the spare tire compartment. If that solved it I’ll be taking the whole tailgate off and resealing it myself this weekend.

[@joeplouff4115]

Yes, still no leaks since the repair

[@joeplouff4115]

Still no leaks, just to follow up, you can get to the areas that need to be resealed without removing the liftgate.

[@christophermuniz9253]

Sitting here at the dealership, just got my call that they’d found the leaks, 3 of em. Total price to fix it came out to 406.25. I didn’t expect it to be that pricey. So maybe I’ll try some silicone or something. Idk.

[@joeplouff4115]

Use a product called Lexel, lts like silicone, but lasts longer, sticks better and the clear version is more clear than silicone.... just need a thin amount over the cracks/leaks...

[@jmpc23gillen43]

I just noticed my spare tire area is filled with an inch of water, how do I fix it? just sealant?

[@joeplouff4115]

I used a product called Lexel, it comes in clear or white, it's not like silicone and is much more durable, you can find it on amazon or at the hardware store

[@stephanienichols6420]

I have the same cracks in my 2013 explorer with leaking water AND exhaust! I sealed all of these same cracks with 3M 5200 marine sealant and it did NOT resolve issue

[@joeplouff4115]

You must have other leaks you have missed

[@sanpedrosilver]

Thx joe but my 2012 started to leak from the sunroof area. 50k for lots of water in my car 🧐