What causes the top rod case to pull away from or strip out of the face of a steel door?

Hardware falling off a door is caused by one or all of the following issues:

1. Field abuse
2. Improper internal reinforcements in the door
3. Improper field preparation

The top or bottom rod case can strip out of (or pull away from) a steel door face if the door is not properly (internally) reinforced.

Internal exit device reinforcements are construction options to a steel door.

1. When the required exit device preparation is specified and ordered with the door, the door usually would include the internal reinforcements
2. When ordering the door, an option does exist for "Thru-bolt" attachment

To rectify a field problem, assuming the door did not have adequate (or lacks) internal reinforcing and/or the device was only attached with sheet metal or machine screws, the device should be re-installed using either Thru-bolt or Sex bolt attachment.