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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,984 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.
Transmission shifts very hard so bad that it jerks me and my children's heads forward when it happens. This occurs the worst when going into reverse and into 2nd and 3rd gears. Brakes lock up/stick after being pressed for 3 seconds.
I had just purchased this vehicle to tow with. I was driving in the country with the cruise control on and set at about 45mph. All of a sudden I realized I the vehicle had turned itself off. No power steering, no brakes nothing. It did start right back up after getting off the road. Later in the day returning home it did the same exact thing at 50mph with cruise engaged. I talked with Ford shop and they say it is a known problem with no known fix. This is very dangerous.
Transmission is slipping, not fully gone yet, only a matter of time before it completely goes. I do not have the $2500 to replace the transmission. Every person I have talked to say this is a common problem with the Ford Explorer. I have taken into the garage over 10 times. Ford should be forced to recall these transmissions and Ford should have to pay for it.
2004 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to crankshaft pulley failure the consumer stated he was unable to move the vehicle from the road and had it towed to a repair shop, but was unable to make the repairs, due to other damage to one of the components. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where they informed the consumer the crankshaft pulley had failed, broke the V-belt, which in turn hit and damaged the crankshaft position sensor.
- New Castle, DE, USA
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- Tell City, IN, USA