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.
Now this is the 3rd issue I've had since purchasing the vehicle 10 months ago!!! We were on our way out of town, a short, 30 minute drive, and the O/D light starts flashing, SEL on and transmission slipping. Mind you, I had dealt with the fuel rail pressure sensor only 2 weeks ago and the upper thermostat housing 2 months ago. I am looking through reviews and complaints and this seems to be something ALL TOO COMMON that Ford has refused to address, considering the amount of transmission problems these generation Explorer's have had. I am beyond livid!! I purchased the vehicle from a well known lot here in Utah, but had issues almost immediately. The dealer did replace, out of "good will," the ball joint and E-brake that were bad. We get a lot of snow during winter and 4 wheel drive is a must. My Mother has the same model year and has had no issues, which is why I chose this vehicle. Now I am stuck paying for a vehicle I cannot drive, after 10 months of owning it, am working full time and doing clinical rotation while in nursing school, which is a 30 minute drive from my house. I am literally at a loss and quite frankly, more than pissed at Ford for knowing about this issue. I am going to see what the dealer will do (if anything at all). Anybody have any ideas or resources to help with this issue? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Been having problems with my transmission, my overdrive light flashes off and on then my car is no longer in gear. Even when I give my car some gas it still doesn't shift. I don't know what to do hopefully there's someone out there having the same problem as I am.
- all4them1822,
Taylor, US
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Now this is the 3rd issue I've had since purchasing the vehicle 10 months ago!!! We were on our way out of town, a short, 30 minute drive, and the O/D light starts flashing, SEL on and transmission slipping. Mind you, I had dealt with the fuel rail pressure sensor only 2 weeks ago and the upper thermostat housing 2 months ago. I am looking through reviews and complaints and this seems to be something ALL TOO COMMON that Ford has refused to address, considering the amount of transmission problems these generation Explorer's have had. I am beyond livid!! I purchased the vehicle from a well known lot here in Utah, but had issues almost immediately. The dealer did replace, out of "good will," the ball joint and E-brake that were bad. We get a lot of snow during winter and 4 wheel drive is a must. My Mother has the same model year and has had no issues, which is why I chose this vehicle. Now I am stuck paying for a vehicle I cannot drive, after 10 months of owning it, am working full time and doing clinical rotation while in nursing school, which is a 30 minute drive from my house. I am literally at a loss and quite frankly, more than pissed at Ford for knowing about this issue. I am going to see what the dealer will do (if anything at all). Anybody have any ideas or resources to help with this issue? Any info is greatly appreciated.
- Scott I., Layton, UT, US