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.
Fairly annoying. Livable but if you depend on the indicator and not the clicks of the shifting column you're gonna want to replace the Shift Indicator bracket. Link for a well priced bracket and youtube for install. Good luck.
Here is the plastic replacement piece: http://amzn.to/1QC7qol
The indicator that shows the gear your in was broken. The arrow always indicated neutral, no matter what gear it was in. I brought it to the Ford Dealership, and it was fixed. The only problem was that it happened again a few months later. I was told that i would have to pay to have it fixed this time because it has nothing to do with what they fixed. It never has been fixed because i don't have the money to get it done.
- adept,
Belleville, NJ, US
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Fairly annoying. Livable but if you depend on the indicator and not the clicks of the shifting column you're gonna want to replace the Shift Indicator bracket. Link for a well priced bracket and youtube for install. Good luck.
Here is the plastic replacement piece: http://amzn.to/1QC7qol
- Amber W., Lake Havasu City, AZ, US