CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 Ford Explorer one of our worst vehicles on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Another common problem for the 2002-2005 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
Brake light switch (yfit-13480-aa Pollak) is of poor quality and malfunctions on a regular basis. The switch will either stay on and kill your battery or your brake lights will not come on at all! MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!!! OTHER CARS COULD REAR END YOU WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS!!!!
Of course you cannot find this part ANYWHERE!!! and the only replacement part requires a different plug and rewiring....major expense and pain in the rear!!!!
took to ford dealer because it wouldn't shift out of park they told me not to park on hills because it was binding the tranny what a joke buckey ford Sidney Ohio weeks later no cruise control brake lights etc replaced brake switch and wouldn't u know it i can park on hills with no problem
- Nicholas W.,
Piqua, OH, US
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Brake light switch (yfit-13480-aa Pollak) is of poor quality and malfunctions on a regular basis. The switch will either stay on and kill your battery or your brake lights will not come on at all! MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!!! OTHER CARS COULD REAR END YOU WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS!!!!
Of course you cannot find this part ANYWHERE!!! and the only replacement part requires a different plug and rewiring....major expense and pain in the rear!!!!
- Rick D., Englewood, CO, US