2004 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,408 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 75 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 105 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
62 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Feb 14, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS, RADIO AND WINDOWS STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURES PERSISTED FOR A DURATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1-5 MINUTES. DURING THE FAILURES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING ALSO DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURES DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Interior lighting, Equipment, Dec 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHICH WHILE DRIVING LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT MY HUB ASSEMBLY ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. I REPLACED IT WITH A HUB ASSEMBLY FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS IN JAN 2010. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART AGAIN IN DEC 2010. I LOST BREAKS. I ALSO HAVE A HORRIBLE JERKING WHEN I AM BACKING UP FROM A TIGHT SPOT AND THE WHEELS ARE TURNED SHARPLY. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT GO OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR THE VEHICLE IS CRANKED UNLESS I TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION AND BACK TO THE ON WHEN THE DOORS OPEN POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE REVIEWED TWICE IN THE PAST. I HAVE HAD THE JERKING LOOKED AT WITH NO REASON GIVEN MORE THAN ONCE. I HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED ON NOV 30TH AND NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE TERRIBLE CONDITION THE HUB ASSEMBLY WAS IN NOR THE BEARINGS THAT A MOBILE MECHANIC SHOWED ME WERE TERRIBLY WORN. I AM REPLACING THEM SOON. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP THE CONSUMER IN FIXING SINCE MOST FORD BUYERS ARE DIEHARD FORD OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 11, 2010
2004 FORD EXPLORER ANOTHER BAD TRANSMISSION ! 3000.00 REBUILD OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING , INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON , WINDOWS DON'T GO DOWN, DOOR OPEN LIGHTS ON DASH ARE ON .. SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF THESE COMPLAINTS I BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET ! FORD HAD TO HAVE SOME FAULT IN ALL THESE COMPLAINTS ???? *TR
Electrical system, May 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BLEND DOOR MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE BLEND DOOR MOTOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,820.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Nov 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING, IT DEACTIVATED ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RE-SET THE ERROR CODE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, AND MOSTLY ON THE INTERSTATE. ALSO WHEN HE WOULD TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS, THE AUTOMATIC WARNING SYSTEM WOULD MAKE AN ALARM NOISE AND BLINK UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CUT OFF. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO LOSE FLUID, WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HEARD A ROARING NOISE NEAR THE TIRE AREA. HE WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LASTLY, THE AESTHETIC PIECE ON THE LOWER HALF OF THE HATCH-BACK HAD CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Apr 20, 2009
2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS, 41,000 MILES ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF, LOOSING POWER FOR THE BRAKES AND STEERING. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING AT A STOPLIGHT, OR EVEN DECELERATING OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO AN EXIT RAMP. IT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR OF FIVE TIMES AND I'VE BEEN VERY LUCKY EACH TIME TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER, PUT MY CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND RESTART IT. THE CAR HAS NO TROUBLE STARTING BACK UP. I'VE RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND THAT MY EXPERIENCE IS NOT UNIQUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER CAN BE VERY UNSAFE IF THERE IS SOME SORT OF FAILURE. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKS AT ANY SPEED AND THEN STALLS. THE VEHICLE MUST BE PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO RESTART. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSTIC IS NOT PROVIDING A PROPER DTC ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE COMPUTER INDICATED WHAT PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT ALL REPAIRS WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 2/23/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE LOST POWER ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/25/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IN 2007, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY FLASHED AND LOST POWER. THE DEALER REPLACED A HOSE, WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MONTHS. ON NOVEMBER 2, 2008, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2008
APPROXIMATELY IN SEPTEMBER 2007, MY LIGHTER WENT OUT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, CARL GREGORY ON BOX ROAD IN COLUMBUS, GA. THEY CHARGED ME $35.00 FOR A FUSE AND NOW IT WON'T WORK AGAIN THIS YEAR. THE FUSES ARE FINE BUT THE LIGHTER JUST ISN'T WORKING. I NEED THE LIGHTER TO CHARGE MY PHONE. IS THIS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 73600 MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 6, 2008
I HAVE 2 ISSUES THAT I WOULD LIKE ADDRESSED. 1. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SOMETHING BECAUSE MY RADIO KEEPS GOING OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR SO NOW. NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT CORRECTING THE ISSUE BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. 2. MY HATCHBACK HAS A CRACK IN IT AND I AM WONDERING IF IT IS ON RECALL TO BE REPLACED SINCE I SEE ALOT OF THE SAME CRACK ON OTHER EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Sep 10, 2008
I HAVE HAD MANY, MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. PROBABLY THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE IS THE RECURRING FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS LAST TIME THAT THIS OCCURRED I WAS ON INTERSTATE-85, IN MORNING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPM'S ARE FLYING TO THE RED DANGER AREA AND I HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER AND AM LOSING SPEED. THERE IS AN 18-WHEELER ON MY REAR AND I CAN'T PICK UP SPEED! LUCKILY, I WAS APPROACHING AN EXIT AND MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND ONTO A LESS TRAVELED ROAD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE ENDURED THIS SCENARIO. ONCE AGAIN THE SOLENOID IS GONE, WITH REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $1255.00. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED AT 32,567 MILES, AND I NOW HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN AT 76,725 MILES. I HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH PACK REPLACED AT 24,940 MILES AS WELL AS THE RING GEAR, PINION, AND ALL BEARINGS REPLACED AT 24,940 MILES. AT 35,558 MILES THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,335 I HAD TO HAVE THE PATS TRANSPONDER(SECURITY SYSTEM) REPLACED. IN SHORT I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED THREE TIMES THE FRONT END REBUILT , THE BACK END REDONE. I HONESTLY CAN SAY I DO NOT FEEL VERY SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE TO USE THIS TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN. THESE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE THE NORM FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, AS I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD IS NOT MADE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE MY HEATING AND AIR REPLACED. THIS OCCURRED IN THE WINTER OF 2007 AND WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS I COULD NOT DEFROST MY WINDOWS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH 57,000 THAT STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 3 MONTH AGO. IT SHUTS OFF LIKE SOMEONE TURNED THE KEY. THE OCCURRENCE IS VERY RANDOM AND THERE IS NEVER ANYTHING COMMON BETWEEN OCCURRENCES EXCEPT IT TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM BRAKING. IT'S AS IF IT'S RUNNING OUT OF GAS. IT TOOK ABOUT 10 MINUTES EACH TIME BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART. ALL 4 TIMES, EVEN THOUGH IT DIED LIKE THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF, IT ACTED LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN I WAS TRYING TO RESTART IT AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT WOULD START LIKE NORMAL. SINCE THEN THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN DONE: FUEL FILTER REPLACED, MAF SENSOR CLEANED AND THE IAC VALVE INSPECTED. THE SERVICE SHOP WHERE IT IS TAKEN SAYS THERE IS NEVER AN ERROR CODE IN THE SYSTEM WHEN I BRING IT IN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS CONDITION. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2008
PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JUNE 2005. IN 2006 HAD TO REPLACE THE O2 SENSOR. IN MAY 2007, HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME O2 SENSOR. NOW IN JANUARY 2008, WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK JUST STOPPED ON A HILL WITH TRAFFIC COMING UP, LARGE DIESEL TRUCK, ALMOST CAUSING AN REALLY BAD ACCIDENT. HAD VEHICLE CHECKED AND THE EXACT SAME 02 SENSOR IS OUT FOR THE 3RD TIME AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF 2004 VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WAS TOLD THIS BY 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES. CONTACTED FORD AND WAS PRETTY BLOWN OFF AND STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BECAUSE I HAD AN OUTSIDE WARRANTY AND NOT A FORD WARRANTY. THEY DIDN'T EVEN CONTACT THE DEALERSHIPS AFTER CLAIMING TO HAVE DONE A INVESTIGATION. WAS TOLD I JUST HAD TO PAY AGAIN. NOW WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN AND I'M NOT SO LUCKY THAT A BIG DIESEL TRUCK CAN WHIP INTO THE OTHER LANE TO AVOID HITTING ME. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS QUALITY CHECKED WITH A 115 POINT INSPECTION; HOWEVER, SHE WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS MISALIGNED. THE SUNROOF WAS REPLACED WITH TAPE. SHE DOESN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAGS. THE WINDOWS HAVE CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE PROPER SPEED IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED CAN RANGE FROM 20 TO 50MPH. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MARCH 20, 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2008
CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS DEFECTIVE, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. HOW CAN THE SAME SWITCH FAIL AND BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. IT IS SOMETHING DEEPER IN THE SYSTEM, HOWEVER CHANGING THE SWITCH OUT ALLEVIATES THE PROBLEM FOR A WHILE. NOW THAT THE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT WILL BECOME A MAJOR HEADACHE. *CN
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER MALFUNCTIONED AND THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED. THE DEALER INSTALLED A WIRE HARNESS, CLUSTER, AND PCM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Electrical system, Dec 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECREASED DRAMATICALLY. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. TWO MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AUTOMATICALLY. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,325. UPDATED 03-05-08 *BF
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Seats, Nov 8, 2007
2004 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED-OWNED SUV FOR 38K BEEN IN SHOP REPEATEDLY-FROM MINOR TO MAJOR THINGS. SUV IS A $ 34,000 TURD. CURRENTLY NEEDING TO GO BACK TO SHOP FOR MULTIPLE REPAIRS. THE DAY OUR WARRANTY EXPIRES CAR IS GONE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 16, 2007
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER ALONG WITH OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROBLEMS. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED TO DATE. IN NOVEMBER 2006, THE REAR WINDOW OF THE LIFTGATE BROKE OFF THE HINGE. WE WERE TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAD TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR OUT OF OUR POCKET. TODAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 THE FRAME OF THE REAR LIFTGATE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *NNM
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2007
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. LAST YEAR AT 38,000 MILES, THE KEY LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET IT OUT. PORTSMOUTH FORD N.H. SAYS TOO BAD: IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WILL COST ME $400 TO GET IT OUT. TODAY I HAVE 56,000 MILES ON MY EXPLORER AND THE KEY IS STILL IN THE IGNITION. IT IS A PAIN. I WAS HOPING FOR A RECALL. HAVE YOU HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM?*JB
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2006
WITHOUT WARNING, MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER TURNS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASH (CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM ON MESSAGE CENTER) THEN I LOSE THE POWER STEERING WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS OFF. EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED FOR CODES AFTER THE FACT BUT THERE WERE NONE (POSSIBLY BECAUSE THE BATTERY GAUGE SPIKED DURING THE INCIDENT). THEN THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, ONLY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN 2 TIMES AFTER THAT. YESTERDAY THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A DVR RECORDING DEVICE. CLEARLY, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2006
2004 EXPLORER HAS STALLED TWO TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. RESTARTS FINE. SEEMS TO BE WITH CRUISE ON AND GOING DOWN HILL AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AND 40. HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE. SEE SEVERAL OF SAME COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE. VERY DANGEROUS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PUT FOR INCIDENT DATE. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 27, 2006
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2004. SIX MONTHS ALONG THE CAR SHUT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING AND FAILED TO TURN OVER. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED AND AFTER FOUR DAYS CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. HAD NO PROBLEMS FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS. IN FEBRUARY 2006 ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ONE EVENING, THE CAR STALLED ONCE AGAIN . SAME SITUATION . I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER. THREE DAYS LATER GOT IT BACK, THEY CLAIMED THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY. YESTERDAY JUNE 26TH I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS I AM DRIVING ON THE RAMP TO THE BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY IT DIES ONCE AGAIN. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL SO UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. IMAGINE IF IT HAD SHUT DOWN ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY AS I WAS DRIVING. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED. THE CAR IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2006
TRANSMISSION SLAMMING INTO REVERSE / DRIVE, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, SOLENOID PACK REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO, STARTED HAVING SAME PROBLEMS AND NOW THIS TIME ALSO, RPMS SHOOT UP TO 7 WHEN ACCELERATING. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK AGAIN. WON'T HONOR WARRANTY AFTER THE $800.00 PROBLEM WAS JUST FIXED! ALSO, HAVE SERIOUS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS! FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, REAR SHOCKS (LEAKING), REPLACE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS. *NM
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2006
DT*:THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY ON THE VEHICLE RAN OUT DUE TO THE DRIVER LEAVING THE LIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GIVEN A JUMP-START, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, BUT THE MOTOR DID NOT START. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITH A SEMI-USED BATTERY, AND THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT START. NO MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED.