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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:
112,450 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 032016

Explorer EB 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,450 miles

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

Went to the BMV to get my updated plates. When I got in my 2004 Explorer to leave my shifter(on the column) would not budge. Stuck permanately in PARK. It was raining torrents at the time. I had to call a friend to take me home and I left the vehicle there. As I'm writing this complaint it still sitting at the BMV. Anyone have a solution ?

My next car won't be a Ford. Thumbs down Ford !

- Richard G., Jeffersonville, IN, US

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