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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:
$3,600
Average Mileage:
132,250 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new transmision (1 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 132013

Explorer LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,450 miles

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

not only the trans on my 04 explorer, but i had the front end repaired twice, the rear hatch window hinges were replaced and the bottom hatch door plastic cracked at the ford loco..HOLY #$#@#$%...

- merijons1949, Stanhope, NJ, US

problem #1

Jul 202006

(reported on)

Explorer

  • 180,000 miles

Can't understand how transmission fluid is getting in the oil.

- Barb H., Fountain Inn, SC, US

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