I've noticed the paint bubbling on the inside bottom edge of the tailgate. Underneath the bubbling paint is rust all along the bottom edge as you look at it with the tailgate open. How common is this on a 5 year old truck and should I have it repaired or replaced? Thank you.

 

You say it is a five year old truck so I'm assuming it is a 2000? I've had rust on my roof, hood and doors and had them all repainted (also on a 2000). I think rust coming up under the paint is a common problem on these trucks. Personally I would just repaint it, but find a good autobody guy(not Macco or some crappy place like that) and tell them to make sure they kill the rust. Watch for it in other places too, such as your hood, roof and front bumper(if painted). As I have seen this tends to be the problem areas. It starts as small cracks, usually three in a starburst shape. Have your auto body guy give the entire truck a once over.

 

Thanks GABOY. Nice to know what to look out for.

 

Same thing here when I had my 2000 Supercab.

I had rust on the inside edge of the tailgate and the inside bottom of all 4 doors. The truck was less than 2 years old with only about 16,000 miles on it.

Ford repaired it under warranty and told me at the time that it was a common problem.