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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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
120,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

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

accessories - interior problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #1

Feb 222012

Explorer XLT 40.L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

I FEEL THAT WHEN FORD MAKES A CAR THEY SHOULD TAKE THE CARE SO THAT THE COSTUMERS MAY FIX SOMETHING AS THIS. I PAID EIGHT THOUSAND FOR MY CAR A YEAR AGO AND ALL I HAVE BEEN HAVING IS PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTO THEFT LOCKED IN POSITION AND CAN NOT START MY CAR. HAVE REPLACED THE MODULAR AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS FIXED AND NOW I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN.

I JUST WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD YOU PUT AN AUTO SYSTEM ON A CAR AND HAVE NO WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM? IT'S SEEMS LIKE FORD JUST WANTS TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOU. WHOEVER INVENTED THIS SYSTEM IS SH*T. I HAVE A FAMILY, MY FAMILY NEEDS TRANSPORTATION, NOT FOR FORD TO REPROGRAM MY CAR JUST TO MAKE A BUCK. BIG COMPANIES THINK ABOUT THEIR POCKETS. WE NEED TO WAKE UP AND FORD DOES TOO.

YOURS SINCERELY. THE SNYDER FAMILY.

P.S. THANK YOU FORD. ITS CHRISTMAS.TELL MY KIDS WHAT THEY'RE GOING TO DO WITHOUT A CAR.

- Geoffrey S., Columbus, OH, US

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