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.
The lock and unlock on the 2004 Ford Explorer locking system quit working. Tried to reprogram and it did not work. Took vehicle to a Ford Dealer and they said they had no idea how to fix it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The lock and unlock on the 2004 Ford Explorer locking system quit working. Tried to reprogram and it did not work. Took vehicle to a Ford Dealer and they said they had no idea how to fix it.
- Dan K., Houston, TX, US