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.
Woke up and went out to my car for work. Noticed a chirping sound coming from under my head. Stopped by auto parts store to see what they thought. Changed serpentine belt, idler pulley, and pensioner with no success. Noticed Harmonic Balancer pulley looked like it was crumbling. Did not get it fixed. DIY for $100 plus labor time or have dealership do it 7@$700. What a bummer for a huge fan of Ford.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Woke up and went out to my car for work. Noticed a chirping sound coming from under my head. Stopped by auto parts store to see what they thought. Changed serpentine belt, idler pulley, and pensioner with no success. Noticed Harmonic Balancer pulley looked like it was crumbling. Did not get it fixed. DIY for $100 plus labor time or have dealership do it 7@$700. What a bummer for a huge fan of Ford.
- Phil S., Orlando, FL, US