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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.

5.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$80
Average Mileage:
64,650 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 012011

Explorer XLT 4.O

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,865 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I must say, that all my vehicles have had a lumbar and with this not working it is extremely uncomfortable on long drives.

- Ken H., Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

problem #5

Aug 222012

Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Just felt a pop in the seat in the lumbar area unable to adjust. Seat is uncomfortable.

- jjohnston326, Lady Lake, FL, US

problem #4

Jun 062006

Explorer 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

2004 explorer, I"be replaced both right and left sun visor 3 times. Problem, the mounting bkt is plastic and breaks into pieces.

Ford says not a problem.

James

- James W., Hallandale Beach, FL, US

problem #3

Aug 012009

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Frustrating.. You pay 25 k for a car... this much shouldn't go wrong with it.

- Kari W., Peoria, AZ, US

problem #2

May 012009

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Lumbar support broke while still under warranty...had fixed for no cost. Went out again at approx 38K...POS!

- hkwerb, Vancouver, WA, US

problem #1

Oct 012008

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Driver side lumbar support snapped at one point but didn't notice till a long drive and tried to adjust it. Not sure what broke it.

- oliver_tulane, Locust Grove, GA, US

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