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
1,408 reports, newest first.
Wheels, Nov 19, 2012, crash
WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON US23 AT BRIGHTON MI THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE FRACTURE OF THE 5 WHEEL LUGS. ACCORDING TO THE MSP THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE BECAUSE OF METAL FATIGUE CAUSED BY THE IMPROPER USE OF IMPACT AND NOT TORQUE WRENCHES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED. THE PROBLEM IS BEING IGNORED BY THE AUTO MANUFACTURERS, AND I HAVE FOUND PUBLICATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT MATTER. THERE ARE LIKELY MILLIONS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES IN SERVICE, AND THE WHEEL LOSS WOULD PRODUCE RESULTS SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS FORD/FIRESTONE TIRE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 17, 2012
WHILE PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE IN THE PARKING LOT THE GEAR SHIFT COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF AND THE CAR WAS STUCK IN REVERSE. THE KEYS WERE STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND I COULDN'T TURN THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND CALL FOR HELP ON MY CELL PHONE. WHEN HELP ARRIVED AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS THEY WERE ABLE TO MANUEVER WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE GEAR SHIFT ENOUGH TO PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE NAMED [XXX], HE PRECEDED TO TELL ME THAT FORD HAS NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM AND THAT HE COULDN'T HELP ME. HE SAID THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RECALLS AVAILABLE FOR THIS PART. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON FORDS AND ADVISED [XXX] AND AGAIN HE SAID FORD HAS NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. I AM RELIEVED THAT IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND IT DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR SHODDY WORKMANSHIP AND TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Nov 15, 2012
THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS IS FALLING OFF. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST 2012. THE HINGE SEEMED TO BE IN TACT THEN BUT HAS SLOWLY BEEN CORRODING AND FALLING OFF. THE GLASS MAKES AN AWFUL NOISE WHEN I DRIVE OVER POT HOLES, BUMPS, ETC. I DO NOT USE THE GLASS IN FEAR IT WILL FALL ON ME. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I TURN MY VEHICLE ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAYS "REAR LIFTGATE AJAR" ONLY TO FIND THAT SOMEHOW THE GLASS LIFTGATE IS NOT LATCHED. NOBODY USES IT SO UNSURE IF THE CORROSION AND BROKEN HINGE IS CAUSING THE GLASS TO AJAR FROM THE LATCH. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MY VEHICLE, AS IT HAS ON NUMEROUS OTHER 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT RECALLED AND THE PART IS $50/PIECE. THE LEFT HINGE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME AS WELL. I AM SCARED THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THINK THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Nov 10, 2012
AFTER A DAY OF SHOPPING I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKED MY SUV. I WENT TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WHEN THE LEFT SIDE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED ON TOP OF ME. FORTUNATELY THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW WAS ABLE TO STAY INTACT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RUN TO MY AID TO LIFT THE DOOR UP. I AM FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT AND MY THREE YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BY MY SIDE. I HAVE READ THAT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE FORD CORPORATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY CONTINUE NOT TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE AT HAND; WHILE LEAVING VEHICLE OWNERS HELPLESS WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURS. I READ THAT THIS WAS A GOOD AVENUE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE SINCE FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND WONDER IF MY HUSBAND WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN SHOUTING DISTANCE WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPEN TO MY SON, UNBORN CHILD AND MYSELF!!!!! *TR
Visibility, Structure, Nov 5, 2012
REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE (LEFT SIDE) BROKE AND RELEASED THE GLASS WHILE DRIVING. WINDOW FELL TO ONE SIDE. I HAD TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY STOP. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PROP WINDOW TO A SAFE POSITION AND LOCK DOWN. IT MUST REMAIN LOCKED DOWN UNTIL I CAN FIX IT. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Oct 24, 2012
THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FELL ON MY WIFE. THE HINGES ARE MADE OF A WHITE TYPE OF METAL THAT HAS CORRODED AND SHEARED OFF. THE PINS INSIDE APPARENTLY BROKE AND IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE FALLING OFF, IT JUST CAME OFF. THE WINDOW HIT MY WIFE IN THE ARM AND LEG. WE WERE LUCKY IT WASN'T ONE OF OUR KIDS CLOSING THE GATE AT THE TIME OR THAT THEY WEREN'T INSIDE WHEN IT HAPPENED OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF POST OF INJURIES INCURRED FROM THIS. FORD RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME PART AND YET THE 2004 WAS NEVER INCLUDED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. A PART OVER TIME SHOULDN'T BREAK OFF AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55MPH THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND THE REAR TIRES TO DRAG. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS WHICH BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO SPEED AS HE MERGED INTO A REST AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Power train, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Steering, Oct 15, 2012
STARTED DRIVING AND WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A TURN I FELT A GRAB. THOUGHT I MIGHT BE IMAGING THINGS BUT HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE NEXT INTERSECTION TURN THIS TIME CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO MAKE A WHEEL CORRECTION. ON THE THIRD TURN IT WAS MARKEDLY WORSE AND A GRUNCH SOUND ACCOMPANIED IT AND IT WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE TURN. AND THEN NEXT FEW TURNS MARKEDLY WORSE AGAIN TO THE POINT I AM CONSIDERING PULLING OVER AND GETTING A TOW AS NOW IT IS DANGEROUS. I FIGURED OUT THAT IT WAS MOSTLY STRAIGHT DRIVING TO THE MECHANIC GARAGE AND THREE TURNS SO I DROVE CAUTIOUSLY. A VERY DIFFICULT DRIVE MAKING TURNS AND I COULD BARELY TURN INTO THE GARAGE DRIVE AS THE STEERING BARELY WORKED AND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY VERY LOUD GRUNCHING. IT WAS A QUICK FIX AS A BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD COME OUT. HAD THIS HAPPENING ON A HIGHWAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION TO NAVIGATE OFF THE HIGHWAY. NO INJURIES. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Sep 29, 2012
4 YEARS AGO THE PLASTIC NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED RIGHT OF THE EMBLEM ON MY BACK HATCH. I LOOKED INTO IT AND THERE WAS 10'S OF THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I HAD AT AN AVERAGE COST OF ONLY $800. THEN TONIGHT MY WIFE GOT SOME CHAIRS OUT OF THE REAR HATCH THEN WHEN CLOSING IT THE REAR GLASS FALLS OUT OF THE EXPLORER BECAUSE " THE ALUMINUM REAR HATCH HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE BROKE" WHICH HAS AN AVERAGE COST OF $300. MIND YOU THE LITTLE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW HINGE ON IS ONLY THE SIZE OF AN ERASER HEAD, BOTH OF THE REAR HATCH DEFECTS ARE NOT UNDER ANY RECALL YET MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED AND OR POSTED VIA THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN TO FAMILIES AS IT SHOULD BE TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY " WHICH SEEMS NOT TO CARE " AND ALSO TO THE NHTSA AS IT COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS WAS TO HAVE HAPPENED TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGH WAY AT 70 MPH. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Sep 26, 2012
WHEN CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS COMPLETELY LET GO OF THE GLASS. FORTUNATLEY MY HUSBAND WAS THE ONE CLOSING IT AND WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT BROKE THE OTHER HINGE AND PULLED THE GLASS OFF COMPLETELY. THE RIGHT HINGE WAS ALSO BENT, AS THE WINDOW WILL NOW NOT SIT LEVEL TO BE PUT BACK INTO PLACE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THERE IS A LARGE HAZARD OF TH WINDOW FALLING. WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN STANDING UNDERNEATH AS USUAL, OR HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND IT BROKE AND SEN "EXPLODING" GLASS PIECES EVERYWHERE. I SEE THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPEAD ISSUE WHEN LOOKING THROUGH COMPLAINTS. ALSO, THE TAILGATE IN MY EXPLORER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK THAT SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE HAD. ONE DAY IT WAS FINE, THEN IT WAS CRACKED. COULD THESE ISSUES BE SOMEHOW RELEATED? OR IS THE ENTIRE HATCH JUST FULL OF FLAWS. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 22, 2012
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS ON THE WARRANTY AND ALSO GIVE IT A OIL CHANGE. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANS WAS FINE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK MY HEAT WENT OUT AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC BUDDY THAT MY BRAKES, ROTTERS, EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS AND THE BACK TIRES WERE SHOT. SO I HAD HIM REPLACED THEM BECAUSE THIS WAS ALSO NOT COVERED ON WARRANTY. JUST LAST WEEK MY RPM STARTED JUMPING WITH MILES OVER 65.(NO LIGHTS WERE ON AT THE TIME)SO I TOOK IT TO 6 DIFFERENT PLACES GETTING ESTIMATES ON WHAT COULD BE WRONG. ALL SHOPS SAID THE SAME THING. "START WITH FUEL FILTER, OIL FILTERS AND OIL CHANGE". THE DAY AFTER I PAID FOR ALL THIS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. (EGR VALVE CODE) THE MAN AT AUTO ZONE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT OFF AND CLEAN IT WITH SPRAY AND LET IT DRY BEFORE REPLACING. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND HAD THEM DO THIS. THE SAME DAY I PICKED UP THE CAR MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, O/D LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING LIKE I WAS HAULING A BUS AND JUMPING. I TOOK IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND HE REPLACED THE EGR VALVE NEW SINCE THE SAME CODE WAS SHOWING UP. LATER THAT DAY AFTER GETTING IT BACK THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MILES THIS WAS FRIDAY 9/21/12. *TR
Visibility, Sep 12, 2012
THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VISOR THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE ON THE CEILING HAS BROKEN OFF. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD THE VISOR FALLS DOWN AND BLOCKS YOUR VIEW TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN FRONT OF YOU. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. I DON'T WANT TO HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM ASKING FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED. THANKS *TR
Visibility, Sep 7, 2012
I HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER BLEND DOOR REPLACED ON MY FORD EXPLORER. THE COST WAS OVER $1000.00. THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REMOVED. I KNOW THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED BY FORD ON THIS PROBLEM,MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. THIS IS AN ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS NOT ONLY COSTLY TO REPAIR,BUT IN MY OPINION CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT CONTROL THE HEATER FUNCTION. THIS CAN LEAD TO A POOR OR NON VISIBILITY SITUATION AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ONLINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM.PLEASE CONTACT FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE. THE BLEND DOOR IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THE BLOWERS AIR PRESSURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 3, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKED IT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN SO IT WENT INTO HIGH RPMS THEN THE TRANSMISSION GRABBED AND SHOT THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND I LOST CONTROL AND WE SPUN IN CIRCLES OFF THE FREEWAY. HAD IT NOT OF RAINED ALL DAY THE SUV WOULD HAVE FLIPPED. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID AND IT MUST BE REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP OR GARAGE ONLY AND I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR AND I SEE THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THESE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE VEHICLES AND ME MY CHILD OR MY HUSBAND COULD HAVE BEEN BADLY HURT IF NOT KILLED HAD THIS BEEN ON DRY PAVEMENT!!! *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2012
TRANSMISSION WENT AT 74,000 MILES. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2012
FILLED UP THE TANK AND IT REGISTERED NO FUEL, BAD FUEL SENSOR. *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2012
I LEFT WORK ON FRIDAY WHEN SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE NOTICED I HAD A HESITATION/SLIPPAGE OF GEARS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I PICKED UP MY CHILDREN WENT TO THE STORE NOTICED A MILD BURNT SMELL WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNING SO I WAS TOLD TO PARK THE CAR. I FINISHED MY SHOPPING CAME OUT GOT THE KIDS IN THEIR SEATS STARTED TO BACK UP AND HAD NO TRANSMISSION. MY KIDS AND I WERE STRANDED 8 MILES FROM HOME BECAUSE WE HAD NO FAIR WARNING THAT IT WAS GOING. I HAD NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH IT BEFORE. THE GUY I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION 2 YEARS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND GET THINGS LIKE THIS FIXED. MY KIDS AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAS THAT HAPPENED ON THE ROAD ON THE WAY HOME INSTEAD OF IN A PARKING LOT. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 23, 2012
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. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2012
CANNOT ACCELERATE, FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING HARD. SCARES ME TO BE IN TRAFFIC WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN BACKSEAT. PUT INTO REVERSE IT JOLTS INTO GEAR AFTER A FEW SECONDS. MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. SOMETIMES THERE IS ALMOST NO ACCELERATION MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AROUND TOWN. *TR
Structure, Aug 19, 2012
THE PINS ON THE LIFTGATE WINDOW ARE BREAKING THROUGH THE HINGE. THE DRIVER SIDE HAS BROKEN CLEAN THROUGH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BEGINNING TO BREAK THROUGH EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE THE OTHER ONE BROKE. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK UNDER THE WINDOW ON THE BACK LIFT DOOR. *TR
Structure, Aug 19, 2012
OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER - MY SON OPENED THE LIFTGATE AND THE RIGHT HINGE SNAPPED LEAVING THE WINDOW DANGLING IN MY 10 YR OLDS FACE. AFTER MUCH READING ONLINE, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MANY FORD OWNERS. THE RUSTED OUT PLASTIC PIECES ARE SNAPPING OFF AND ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL FROM THE HINGE. I WAS ABLE TO RUSH TO THE BACK OF THE CAR TO GRAB THE GLASS BEFORE IT FELL. MY ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE IS SORE FROM TRYING TO HOLD THE GLASS AND TRYING TO SHUT THE WINDOW LIFT GATE SO I COULD GET THE CAR HOME. WITH ONE ADULT AND THREE KIDS, I WAS STUCK TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW & WHAT TO DO WITH THIS WINDOW DANGLING. WE ARE SHOCKED THAT FORD HAS YET TO RECALL THE 2004 MODELS BUT HAS RECALLED PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE PROBLEM & IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET VERY HURT. THE HINGES & STRUTS NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS MODEL. *TR
Structure, Aug 7, 2012
UPON OPENING THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE HINGES COMPLETELY GAVE OUT AND THE LIFT GATE FELL AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. I WAS FORTUNATE IN THAT I WAS ABLE TO CATCH AND HOLD IT, AS MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BENEATH IN ORDER TO HAND ME HIS BEACH TOYS, AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I HAD TO HOLD THE (VERY HEAVY) LIFT GATE UNTIL A MECHANIC ARRIVED TO DETACH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND PLACED THE LIFT GATE INSIDE THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I THEN HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO LIFT GATE WHILE EXHAUST FUMES FILLED THE TRUCK. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE TAILGATE CRACKED, WHICH I SEE IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND THE SUBJECT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
Air bags, Aug 6, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A CHURCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000. ...UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Aug 5, 2012, crash
TRAVELING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH, TRAFFIC 100 - 120 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. PRESSED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND STARTED APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO INITIALLY START TO SLOW, HOWEVER, AS WE APPROACHED THE STOPPED TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND WE COULD NOT STOP, CAUSING US TO HIT THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. THE VEHICLE WE HIT MOVED FORWARD A FEW FEET AND WE HIT THE REAR-END AGAIN AS THE EXPLORER'S ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND DRIVE US FORWARD EVEN WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER THE SECOND COLLISION, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE EXPLORER OFF TO THE SIDE OF A ROAD, NOTIFY THE POLICE, AND FILE A ACCIDENT REPORT. THE EXPLORER HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO EVALUATE WHAT HAD HAPPENED. *TR