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.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2009
WHEN YOU ENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL IT SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2009
SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT OF ITS SOCKET, TEARING THE THREATS OFF, THIS SEAMS TO BE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF FORD'S ENGINE, I DO HAVE A MAINTAINENCE PROGRAM OFF CHECKING ALL OF THE STANDARD POINT ON MY EXPLORER, MY MECHANIC CHECKS LIQUIDS, OILS GREASE, FILTERS, TIRES, SPARKPLUGS ETC. I BELIEVE THAT AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINS AND A WELL DOCUMENTED MANUFACTURES DEFECT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUE, BECAUSE I INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND IT VERY POSSIBLE TO OCCUR AGAIN, THIS REPAIR COST ME 2,154.97 CANADIAN DOLLARS, AND IT COULD COST ME THE SAME IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Feb 26, 2009
THE TAILGATE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED LAST WINTER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT RECALLED. I NOTICED MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY FORD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 25, 2009
GAS TANK HAS A LEAK AND I CAN SMELL FUMES. *TR
Structure, Feb 25, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PLASTIC TRIM PIECE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT WAS GLUED ONTO THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, WHICH HOLDS THE FORD EMBLEM. HE NOTICED THAT THE PIECE WAS CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE AND THAT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL HAD THE SAME FAILURES. HE CONSULTED A PLASTIC EXPERT, WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND MOLDED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE COMPLAINT WOULD BE ESCALATED. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 35,000.
Visibility, Structure, Feb 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH DOOR. THERE IS A CRACK DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER OF THE HATCH WHERE THE LOCK IS LOCATED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR WINDOW OPENS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POTHOLES, THE WINDOW OPENS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,106.
Structure, Feb 21, 2009
CRACKING TAILGATE PANEL BELOW REAR TAILGATE WINDOW EXTENDING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TAILGATE. THE CRACK EXTENDS ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND CRACK SINCE I HAVE HAD IN 2 YEARS IN EXACTLY THE SAME LOCATION. THE PREVIOUS CRACK APPEARED IN JANUARY 2007 AND WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER AT NO COST. THIS TIME THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $450 TO REPAIR AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP AND OR MATERIAL. *TR
Parking brake, Feb 20, 2009
DEAR NHTSA, BELOW IS MY ORIGINAL CONTACT TO FORD MOTOR CORP (FMC). I RECENTLY REPLACED THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 EXPLORER, BUT WHEN I PULLED THE REAR ROTORS, THE FRICTION MATERIAL FROM THE E-BRAKE SHOES FELL ON THE GROUND. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE! SUMMARY: FRICTION MATERIAL WAS NOT BONDED TO E-BRAKE SHOE. BASED ON THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE E-BRAKE SHOES AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT, THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. FMC REQUESTED MORE INFORMATION, AND I COMPLIED. I HAVE PICTURES, BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ATTACH THEM. I ALSO HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE IN MY AREA (S.E. MICHIGAN, AND IT IS COMMON BASED ON INPUT FROM A FORD DEALER AND ANOTHER SERVICE FACILITY) PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN ATTACH PICS. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Feb 19, 2009
I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN I WAS HAND WASHING IT I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY BACK HATCH. *TR
Power train, Structure, Feb 19, 2009
BACK REAR HATCH CRACKED. JUST LIKE THE 100'S OF OTHERS I FOUND ON MY INTERNET SEARCH OF THE PROBLEM. OUR TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT OUR OWN COST. *TR
Power train, Structure, Feb 19, 2009
I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD EXPLORER. 1. CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW PANEL, FORD WON'T FIX. 2. TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HAD TO REPLACE AT MY COST. *TR
Structure, Feb 18, 2009
CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY. NOTICED REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED. NOTHING HAD HIT THE CAR AND HATCH WAS NOT OPENED THEREFORE IT WAS NOT SLAMMED. WENT TO INTERNET TO LOOK UP A RECALL BUT THERE ISN'T ONE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. I FOUND MANY SITES OF THE SAME CRACKS IN THE SAME PLACE. TALKED TO MY SERVICE MANAGER, HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS HEARD OF MANY EXPLORERS THAT DID THE EXACT SAME THING! *TR
Structure, Feb 17, 2009
THERE IS A LONG CRACK IN THE BACK AREA BELOW THE BACK HATCH WINDOW, IT LOOKS LIKE WATER RUNNING DOWN BY THE FORD EMBLEM BUT IT IS A CRACK. I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME CRACK ON OTHER FORD EXPLORER. THAT WHY I BELIEF IT IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE ITSELF. *TR
Structure, Feb 17, 2009
THE HATCH OF OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED ON ITS OWN AND THEN 2 WEEKS LATER ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED NOW THE GLASS IS STARTING TO SHIFT. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. THE FORD BODY SHOP TOLD US THAT HE HAS SEEN OVER 500 EXPLORERS WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. IF IT DOES NOT GET FIXED THE WINDOW COULD FALL OUT DURING DRIVING AND BE A DANGER TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. IF THERE ARE THAT MANY VEHICLES THAT "MYSTERIOUSLY" CRACK THERE HAS GOT TO BE A PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2009
PURCHASED USED 2004 EXPLORER XLT 12/6/07 AT 53,000 MILES. APPROX 6 MOS LATER, IT BEGAN HAVING DELAYED SHIFTING AND WOULD JERK INTO REVERSE. AT TIMES I HAD PULLED OUT TOO FAR INTO THE ROAD AND NEEDED TO BACK UP TO AVOID A COLLISION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT SAFELY REVERSE QUICKLY. IT WOULD HESITATE AND THEN JERK INTO REVERSE AT A HIGH SPEED. THE TRANNY WOULD SLIP AFTER SLOWING DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATING. ONCE AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, I HIT THE GAS AND IT REVVED UP AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I PAUSED AND HIT THE GAS AGAIN WITHOUT CHANGING GEARS AND IT REVERSED. THE FIRST DEALER SAID ITS TRANNY FLUID WAS LOW AND THEY TOPPED IT OFF. NO CHANGE. THE SECOND DEALER REPROGRAMMED IT WITH NO CHANGE. THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID WHICH SEEMED TO FIX THE JERKY SHIFTING AND IMPROPER ACCELERATION. NOW IT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE AGAIN, JUST LIKE LAST TIME. IT STARTS OUT ONLY HAVING ISSUES ONCE A MONTH AND THEN THEY BECOME MORE REGULAR UNTIL IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR. I DON'T THINK THE CAR IS SAFE AS I CANNOT GET IT TO MOVE QUICKLY WHEN I NEED IT TO. THE CAR HAS A NEW APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER AND I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE SEEN SITES WHERE HUNDREDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMETIMES EVEN MUCH WORSE THAN THIS ONE. THE DEALERS ARE STUMPED BECAUSE IT DOESN'T SHOW ANY CODES. ACCORDING TO THE COMPUTER NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR WHEN EVEN I CAN TELL THAT IT HAS MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT NOW HAS 80,000 AND I HAVE PAID THE DEDUCTIBLE AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND STILL NO CHANGE. I BETTER HAVE A NEW TRANSMISSION COMING TO ME... *TR
Power train, Equipment, Feb 16, 2009
MY CONCERN IS IN REGARD TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT MY VEHICLE AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS LIKE IT HAVE; THE LACK OF SAFETY ONE MAY BE FACED WITH IF THE REAR ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL DUE TO SUBSTANDARD PARTS USED IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON THE FORD SUV'S AND F-150'S. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE COSTLY REPAIR THAT IS REQUIRED THE MANUFACTURE WILL NOT HONOR AFTER THE BASIC WARRANTY IS OVER EVEN THOUGH THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. ON THESE VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE POINT OF COMPLETE FAILURE I RISK THE VEHICLES BACK WHEELS LOCKING UP. MY QUESTION TO THE NHTSA IS WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES KNOWING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE DRIVETRAIN OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE 79K ON MY VEHICLE AND A FRIEND HAD THEIR REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED AT 22K AND THE PROBLEM IS PREVALENT AGAIN ON THAT VEHICLE AGAIN AS WELL. IN MY ESTIMATION THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM? DOES HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE OR SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE? I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE BACK TO FORD FOR ONE BANG OR CLANG OR ANOTHER SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD 18K ON IT. WILL THE NHTSA EVER SEE FIT TO MAKE A RE-CALL ON THESE VEHICLES OR AGAIN DOES SEVERAL PEOPLE NEED TO SUFFER INJURY OR LOSS BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE? *TR
Visibility, Feb 16, 2009
2004 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE A TON OF PROBLEMS, BUT ONE OF THE WORST IS THAT THE SUN VISOR HINGES BREAK CAUSING THE VISOR TO DANGLE BY IT'S ELECTRICAL CORD THAT POWERS THE VANITY MIRROR ON IT. EVERY MORNING I HAVE A 7 MILE DRIVE HEADED SOUTH ON A MAIN THOROUGHFARE AND I CAN'T SEE TO CHANGE LANES BECAUSE I HAVE LOST THE USE OF MY SUN VISOR BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHEAP GARBAGE THEY PRODUCED IN 2004! THE DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS BAD ENOUGH, BUT TO HAVE A VISOR DANGLING IN YOUR FACE WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE! AND THEY ARE ASKING US FOR MONEY FOR A BAILOUT?! AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, THEY SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT GETTING BAILED OUT OF JAIL FOR STEALING FROM PEOPLE AND THEN ENDANGERING THEIR LIVES! PLEASE HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CHEAP GARBAGE THEY SOLD TO PEOPLE FOR $30.000 PLUS IN 2004. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE A WRECK BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE? ARE WE TO CONSIDER A SUN VISOR A LUXURY ITEM NOW? PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU LISA HAYES *TR
Power train, Visibility, Feb 16, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE BABIED IT FOR QUITE AWHILE BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAD PLENTY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH IT THAT HAD COST US A LOT OF MONEY AND WE REALLY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO GET THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE STILL OWE A LOT ON IT. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, I SPOKE TO MY MECHANIC AND LOOKED ON THE INTERNET FOR A SOLUTION. IF YOU GOOGLE "2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION", YOU WILL SEE A HUGE LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD HAS THE NERVE TO ASK FOR A BAILOUT WITH MY MONEY, BUT THEY WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR LOUSY PRODUCT!!! THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $2500 TO FIX AND I THINK SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FROM THE START, THEY SHOULD HAVE TO CORRECT IT BEFORE WE START HANDING THEM MONEY. THIS IS MORE THAN UNFAIR! FURTHER, THE PLASTIC PARTS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE CHEAP AND BREAK EASILY. ONE OF MY VISORS IS SUSPENDED FROM THE SUNROOF BY A PHONE EARPHONE CORD BECAUSE THE PLASTIC HINGE BROKE AND IT DANGLES IN YOUR WAY WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. PLEASE HELP!*TR
Structure, Feb 16, 2009
CRACKED PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BY THE FORD EMBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Feb 14, 2009
THE VISORS ON 2004 FORD EXPLORERS ARE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC THAT ARE A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THE VISORS UP CRACKS, THE VISORS WILL FALL INTO THE VISION OF THE DRIVER. THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO TAKE THE VISOR DOWN AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO OBSTRUCT VISION UNTIL IT IS TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. BOTH VISORS ON OUR VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND A SIMPLE WEB SEARCH SHOWS THAT MANY OTHER HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
Structure, Feb 14, 2009
MANUFACTURERS DEFECT: 2004 FORD EXPLORER; 6" PLASTIC PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW RUNNING ACROSS THE CAR HAS CRACKED TOP TO BOTTOM BECAUSE OF COLD WEATHER. A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BUT FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THEREFORE WILL NOT COVER THE TOTAL COST OF REPLACING IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2009
PURCHASED 2004 EXP XLT IN 2007 WITH 34,600 MILES. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SAID JERKING INTO REVERSE AND DELAYED SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND + 3RD WAS "NORMAL". FOUND OUT "NORMAL" MEANT THEY ALL DO IT, BUT NOT THAT IT IS CORRECT. A FORD DEALER TOLD ME SOLENOID BODY REPLACEMENT WILL FIX IT. AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON-LINE, AM NOT SURE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS DO NOT WORK (DIDN'T ON THE '94 EITHER) BUT AT LEAST THE SEATS IN THE 94 WERE COMFORTABLE. JUST DO NOT EVER BUY A FORD AGAIN!. A FRIEND HAS EXACTLY THE SAME MODEL WITH EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. HARD TO BELIEVE FORD DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. BUT IT DOES MAKE IT EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHY LIFE-LONG FORD OWNERS WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. MY FROEND SAID THEY ONLY OFFERED HIM $3200 FOR HIS 2004 EXP XLT ON A TRADE-IN. NOT VERY MUCH UNLESS THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. REALLY SAD FORD WILL DO NOTHING. I FEEL BAD FOR ALL THE GOOD SERVICE PEOPLE THAT ARE FOCED TO LIE TO CUSTOMERS WHILE FORD HIDES BEHIND THE CURTAIN. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2009
I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6. ON 2/9/2009, I LEFT MY WORKPLACE AT ABOUT 6PM AND WITHIN ABOUT 1/4 MILE MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. I SHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR AND IT DID NOT SLIP. WITHIN ABOUT 1 MILE AFTER SHIFTING TO 3RD, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WITHIN ABOUT 5 MILES THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL, WHILE I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A CAUSEWAY! I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF. TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON, PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYED. I CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 1 MILE, AND DRIVE STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN. I PUT IT INTO 3RD, OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 5 MILES THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, BACK ON, AND AGAIN PROCEEDED HOME. I MADE IT HOME. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN THAT LUCKILY WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION RANDOMLY FAILED AND THEN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD'VE LOCKED AND THE POWER BRAKES COULD'VE DISENGAGED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OFF. *TR
Structure, Feb 11, 2009
ON MY ROOF I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT IS PEELING JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOF RACK. THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND PEELING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDE WHICH INDICATED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *TR
Structure, Feb 9, 2009
THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED BY THE EMBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD ON DEC 1, 2008 AND WAS TOLD THAT NOBODY HAS FILED A COMPLAINT. SINCE THEN I'VE NOTICED OVER 15 FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, HOWEVER FORD DENYS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED. *TR