2002 Ford Explorer Sport wipers, windshield & visibility problems

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport. While standing behind the vehicle, the rear window exploded without any prior warnings. She sustained minor to moderate injuries. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to the dealer. The dealer advised her that the failure was caused by a defect. However she has to pay the deductible out of pocket because there was not a recall, and the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 80,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.

I was stopped at a red light in my 2002 ford explorer sport in 43 degree weather with no temperature controls being used when my rear windshield shattered into the vehicle. I then pulled over to a safe location and inspected the broken glass. There were no foreign objects in the back of my vehicle indicating malice. After doing some research it seems this is not the first time that a 2000-2004 ford vehicle has had this kind of an issue.