Yep I see hundreds of those Ford Explorer's here in TX doing that. At least the LR Cowl has a reason to crack being near a hot engine. That Ford Plastic Rear Deck lid plastic is no where near an engine.

 

I will venture to say that any new or used cowl, no matter plastic or fiberglas, will break because water captured/puddled under it expands with brutal force when freezing temperatures hit.
If they are supposed to drain under, at a certain temperature the drain gaps, if any, clog with ice accumulating more water and bursting/cracking.
Mine will stay cracked as is; will not replace. Wrong design. Perhaps if it was rubber...

 

Hi, I'm wondering why this can't be repaired with a good application of black silicone? I haven't tackled it yet so maybe there is something I'm missing.
Mine is also in ruff shape.

 

I use black electrical tape at top edge to the glass.
5 minute job & replace it every 6 months
looks good too

 

And this thread is yet another reason why forums like this are so great. THANK YOU TO ALL for the input here.

New Disco owner still peeling back the onion (yes I know how to wrench, and yes I knew what I wa getting into) and this is a new one. I've noticed mine is a bit loose- not cracked but loose- and the PO did replace the connectors in the dash due to a heater core taking a dump. I bet you anything, this might have something to do with it too.

Looks like further investigation needed as the parts list grows... I'm starting to feel like the Rover is like a KTM: the best machine out there, but having "quirks". (Yes, I have 2 KTMs)

To add a productive question to the dialog, if water has pooled, is there a way to drain it, or a drain that should be cleared allowing you to do so?

 

The heat from engine might slightly aid in the cracking but I really think it comes from the hood mounts when it's opened and shut closed and flexes the cowl assembly.

 

So. Ivory has any good luck with the Miami Rover fiberglass replacements that seal off the air filter and intake?

 

That is what I do and them smooth down so it drains.

 

I removed my heater fan again due to noise and found more leaves in the squirrel cage again after I totally took it apart and and cleaned it 2 months ago. Damn you cracked windshield cowl!! Arrrrrgggghhhh!!!!!
I messaged Street Wolf about the windshield cowl he bought online and he seemed very pleased with the way it was manufactured and easy to install.
I'm going to bite the bullet and buy the remanufactured cowl.

 

Which remanufacter cowl would that be and how bad is the billet price wise?