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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,567 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
2004 Ford Explorer right rear liftgate glass hatch hinge has failed. Glass hatch did not fall but is hanging by remaining hinge and is unstable or unsafe. Issue same as NHTSA action number: RQ08003.
I bought a 2004 Ford Explorer XLS and just started to notice the paint on the roof is beginning to peel off, which is now happening in two locations. I searched online and did see other similar complaints due to a primer defect in these models. As of today no recall has been offered but I feel Ford should fix this problem. I complained to Ford and they told me that this is not covered under my warranty. I spent a lot of money on this vehicle and plan on using it for at least 4 to 5 more years. I am scared to get a car wash thinking more paint will come off.
2004 Ford Explorer. A crack appeared on the rear tailgate panel directly below the tailgate glass and next to the Ford emblem. The dealer, summerville Ford, summerville, SC, informed me that although he sees this problem often on this Explorer body style, no recall has been issued and Ford would not pay for the repair. Obviously, Ford is aware of this poor design resulting in body integrity failure, based on the other Explorer I have witnessed on our roads with the same damage and the other complaints to NHTSA. But Ford is refusing to do anything to correct this failure. I notice the new Explorer no longer have this poor tailgate design. This is damage caused by Ford's poor design and should be acknowledged and repaired by Ford.
As I stopped to get gas I noticed my vehicle had a crack right on the plastic along the right side of the Ford emblem directly under the tail gate glass. I called the dealer and was told it is was a common issue but could not do anything about it unless I pay out off pocket for it or the company recall the part. I have no problem paying to resolve the issue, the problem I have is I take good care of my car alot (I own a show style car) and this seems to be a recurring issue everywhere else with this same type of vehicle and I would like to know what the Ford co is trying to do to address this issue? I go this site from a forums site ( www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2004/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml ) what can be done to address this issue?
- New Windsor, NY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I noticed a paint bubble on the hood of my 2004 Ford Explorer. Is this a paint defect that is causing my vehicle to rust? I would like to know if Ford is doing anything to fix this problem since it seems that many other owners are having the same problem.
Just noticed after 32,000 miles and about 3 and one-half years of ownership that paint on front edge of hood of 2004 Ford Explorer is blistered in several places and beginning to chip.
My gas gauge on my 2004 Ford Explorer has failed me many times. I took it to my dealership & they told me to add some fuel additive to my gas tank & this would cure the problem. Well it has not & my warranty is out!!! I'm very concerned for my wife's safety if she runs out of gas, so we have to keep a written log as to the mileage before fill-up's. I'm told the sensor is bad & would cost close to $1,000 to repair. I have complained to Ford & they refuse to repair since the warranty is out. I have also complained to Ford about a back hatch panel that has cracked for no apparent reason directly under the exterior Ford emblem & they will not repair this since it is out of warranty. These are both for sure manufacturer defects, that Ford should be made to repair at their cost.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Gastonia, NC, USA