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.
Structure, Oct 15, 2008
I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE REAR HARD COVER THAT COVERS THE BED OF THE TRUCK DOES NOT SEAL TIGHTLY. DURING HEAVY OR STEADY RAIN, WATER WILL TRICKLE INTO THE BED OF THE TRUCK. DAMPENING ANYTHING STORED IN THAT AREA. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TO LODGE A COMPLAINT. FORD CLAIMS THE COVER WAS NEVER ADVERTISED AS BEING WEATHER SEALED. HAS ANYONE ELSE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM? IS THERE A CURE FOR IT ? I HAVE TRIED ADJUSTING THE COVER. THIS ONLY HELPED SLIGHTLY. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, RPM'S RACING BEFORE ENGAGING INTO GEARS. HARD CLUNK WHEN SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD. LOSING POWER WHILE WAITING FOR SHIFTS TO ENGAGE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 14, 2008
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE, REAR, BOTH SIDES. AT 40,000 MILES, AND AGAIN AT 86,000 MILES. NORMAL DRIVING, PRIMARILY HIGHWAY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING TO OCCUPANTS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE, AS WELL AS ANY VEHICLES IN PROXIMITY DURING BEARING FAILURE. LOSS OF CONTROL CAN, AND PROBABLY WILL RESULT. PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE IS COMMON ON THESE VEHICLES. THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE IS SLOWLY SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE DANGER TO SELF AND FAMILY REGARDING THIS. I WISH I HAD KNOWN EARLIER, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE MANUFACTURER TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH THIS PREDISPOSITION TO FAILURE. I WORK IN AEROSPACE, AND THIS WOULD NEVER HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH FAILURE ANALYSIS DURING THE DESIGN PHASE. I WILL NOW BEGIN ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT ANYONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO IN AN EFFORT TO GET THEM TO FILE A COMPLAINT AS WELL. EVENTUALLY YOU WILL HEAR US. MAYBE THE MEDIA WILL GET INVOLVED, THEY LOVE THIS KIND OF STUFF, ESPECIALLY IF THEY CAN DRAG GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE INTO IT. I KNOW YOU GUYS KNOW ABOUT THIS. YOU JUST DON'T THINK ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED YET, SO IT GETS IGNORED. I'M GOING TO START TRYING TO CHANGE THAT. MAYBE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN, MAYBE IT WILL BECOME A GIANT MESS, WHO KNOWS? EITHER WAY, I CAN'T LET THIS GO WITHOUT SAYING SOMETHING. THIS THING IS MARKETED AND SOLD AS A FAMILY VEHICLE, AND THERE IS NO WAY ON EARTH I WILL EVER PUT MY WIFE AND CHILDREN INTO IT AGAIN. AND MY CONSCIENCE WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO JUST TRADE IT OR SELL IT WITH THIS ISSUE BEING EXPOSED, JUST TO GET RID OF MY PROBLEM AND PASS THE RISK ONTO SOME OTHER FAMILY. HERE'S A LINK, IF YOU WANT TO SEE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN THAN WE'D ALL LIKE TO ADMIT: < HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML > YOU'LL FIND A LOT OF THIS WITH A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH. I WISH I'D DONE THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS DEATHTRAP. WHETHER YOU DO SOMETHING OR NOT, I HAVE NO SAY IN THAT, BUT I'M GOING TO TRY TO EXPOSE IT. *TR
Structure, Oct 13, 2008
THE REAR HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER ARE FAULTY, THEY CRACKED AND ARE BARELY HOLDING MY GLASS WINDOW UP. FOR FORD, THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE; THE 2003, 2002, AND 2007 MODELS HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE 2004 MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS COSTLY AND IS DANGEROUS. WHILE DRIVING, THE HATCH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSING THE GLASS TO BREAK. *TR
Structure, Oct 13, 2008
I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS AND JUST STARTED TO NOTICE THE PAINT ON THE ROOF IS BEGINNING TO PEEL OFF, WHICH IS NOW HAPPENING IN TWO LOCATIONS. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND DID SEE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS DUE TO A PRIMER DEFECT IN THESE MODELS. AS OF TODAY NO RECALL HAS BEEN OFFERED BUT I FEEL FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. I COMPLAINED TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND PLAN ON USING IT FOR AT LEAST 4 TO 5 MORE YEARS. I AM SCARED TO GET A CAR WASH THINKING MORE PAINT WILL COME OFF. *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
Structure, Oct 2, 2008
THE BACK GLASS HINGES ON 2004 EXPLORER BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO COME OFF MY VEHICLE. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT AND HAD MY HUSBAND COME UNDO ALL THE PIECES SO NOTHING ELSE WAS BROKEN. *TR
Structure, Sep 25, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND, AFTER OPENING THE LIFTGATE AND ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT, THE RIGHT HAND HINGE FRACTURED AND LANDED ON MY HAND. LUCKILY MY HUSBAND WAS RIGHT BESIDE ME AND HE WAS ABLE TO LIFT IT AND THERE WAS NO INJURY TO MY HAND. THE LEFT HAND HINGE WAS FRACTURED ON ONE SIDE AND WE HAD TO REMOVE THE HYDRAULIC ARMS TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE AND DUCT TAPE IT CLOSED. AFTER READING ONLINE THAT THE 2002/2003 EXPLORERS HAD BEEN RECALLED I HOPED THEY WOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE 2004 MODELS. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. MY TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED IN MARCH 2004 AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT 2003 PARTS WERE USED SO FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODELS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH MY HUSBAND BESIDE ME AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT COULD HAVE FRACTURED AND BLOWN INTO THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. I HOPE THERE ARE OTHER DRIVERS WHO COME FORWARD TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AS I KNOW THERE HAVE TO BE A LOT MORE OF US OUT THERE! THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FRACTURED HINGES AT A COST OF $122. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $410.79. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,000.
Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Sep 22, 2008
OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I REALLY LOVED THIS TRUCK BUT LIKE MANY OTHERS WE HAVE BECOME EMBARRASSED BY OUR PURCHASE. IF THIS KIND OF FRAUD WERE TO OCCUR WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCT WE WOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF RECOURSE BUT NOT SURPRISINGLY THE MOTOR COMPANY'S SEEM TO ENJOY A CERTAIN LEVEL OF PROTECTION. THE 'BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU' WON'T EVEN LISTEN TO CAR COMPLAINTS. GIVEN THE SEVERE AND UBIQUITOUS NATURE OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT NO REMEDIATIONS IS FORTH COMING FROM THIS ORGANIZATION, THE MANUFACTURER OR ANY OTHER. THE COST OF THESE VEHICLES IS A BURDEN TO SAY THE LEAST AND IS FINANCIALLY DEVASTATING TO THOSE OF US WHO PURCHASED THEM IN GOOD FAITH ONLY TO HAVE A 30,000 DOLLAR VEHICLE BECOME USELESS AND DANGEROUS BEFORE REACHING 50000 MILES. LIKE ALL THE OTHER 'VICTIMS' OF FRAUD, I AM WASTING YET MORE OF MY TIME BY COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2008
I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MY 2004 FORD LIMITED V8 CRUISE CONTROL CAN KILL THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE BEEN USING THE COAST BUTTON ON MY CRUISE CONTROL TO REDUCE SPEED AS I APPROACH A SPEED SIGN LOWER THAN MY EXISTING SPEED. IF I HOLD THE BUTTON AS THE CAR SLOWS TO A SPEED BELOW 35MPH (APPROXIMATE) THE ENGINE QUITS LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR VACUUM BRAKING. I'VE TRIED IT SEVERAL TIME AND THE FAULT IS CONSISTENT. WHENEVER THE CAR SLOWS TO BELOW THE MINIMUM CRUISE CONTROL THE DEVICE SHOULD DISENGAGE, NOT STALL THE ENGINE. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND OWNERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF IT. *TR
Structure, Sep 16, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER. A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR TAILGATE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW THE TAILGATE GLASS AND NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE DEALER, SUMMERVILLE FORD, SUMMERVILLE, SC, INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH HE SEES THIS PROBLEM OFTEN ON THIS EXPLORER BODY STYLE, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. OBVIOUSLY, FORD IS AWARE OF THIS POOR DESIGN RESULTING IN BODY INTEGRITY FAILURE, BASED ON THE OTHER EXPLORERS I HAVE WITNESSED ON OUR ROADS WITH THE SAME DAMAGE AND THE OTHER COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA. BUT FORD IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. I NOTICE THE NEW EXPLORERS NO LONGER HAVE THIS POOR TAILGATE DESIGN. THIS IS DAMAGE CAUSED BY FORD'S POOR DESIGN AND SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND REPAIRED BY FORD. *TR
Visibility, Sep 15, 2008
BACK PLASTIC PANEL JUST BELOW THE BACK WINDOW? THERE IS CRACK FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THERE IS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL FROM THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD AND MY DEALERSHIP WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT AND YET I HAVE SPOKE WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2002, 2003 AND WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I JUST PURCHASED THE EXPLORER FROM GIBBSON FORD, DICKSON CITY, PA LAST OCTOBER. IT ONLY HAS 35, 000 MILES AND I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY SAID IT IS NOT COVERED. IF YOU READ WWW.BLUEOVAL.COM THERE ARE OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. GIBBONS AND FORD WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, YET IT REALLY IS A DEFECT. THEY ARE NOT EVEN USING IT ON THE NEWER VEHICLES. THE FORD CALL CENTER AND ON LINE PEOPLE TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS THE DEALERS RESPONSIBILITY, YET GIBBONS TELLS ME THAT FORD TELLS THEM WHAT TO DO. I AM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE. ANY HELP *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
Power train, Sep 6, 2008
IN 2005 I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXXLTSPNBX 11900 FROM HERZ CAR SALES. JUST FEW MONTH AFTER THAT I EXPERIENCED THE FIRST OF 20 CRITICAL ENGINE SHUTDOWNS THAT I EXPERIENCED UP TO NOW. 2. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE ENGINE OF MY CAR TURNS OFF SPONTANEOUSLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE: - SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER - SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING SERVO, I.E. A SHARP SIDEWAYS KICK IF THE CAR IS IN A CURVE - SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING POWER - THE NEED TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE, WITH THE DANGER TO SHIFT TO 'R' OR EVEN 'P' IN PANIC, AND TO LOCK UP THE STEERING WHEEL AT FULL SPEED (!!!) PANIC IS THE RIGHT WORD FOR THE FEELING MY WIFE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED IN EVERY OCCURRENCE OF THIS FAILURE. 3. AFTER THE FIRST TWO FAILURES I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, BUT THE WORKSHOP COULDN'T LOCALIZE THE PROBLEM. THEY TEST-DROVE HE CAR FOR 200 MILES AND CONCLUDED HE CAR WAS OK, IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT I TOLD THEM THAT I HAD TWO EVENTS IN 20,000 MILES. THE TOTAL FREQUENCY HAS BEEN BY NOW ONCE IN EVERY 2,500 MILES, ON AVERAGE. THE SHUTDOWN SEEMS TO BE OCCURRING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, MORE LIKELY ON SLIGHT DOWNHILL SLOPES. 3. NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM SO FAR. *TR
Structure, Aug 30, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE SNAPPED AND ALLOWED GLASS TO FALL. ISSUE APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR TO ACTION # RQ08003. *TR
Power train, Aug 29, 2008
BOUGHT CAR WITH 9K MILES ON IT, TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO GEAR IN REVERSE CAUSING CAR TO JUMP BACKWARDS, CALLED DEALER STATED KNEW WHAT PROBLEM WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. 40K MILES LATER IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN, MORE SEVERE AND JERKING FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST HIT PEDESTRIAN, COULD NOT CONTROL. DEALER STATES OUT OF WARRANTY WILL NOT FIX. INFORMED THEM THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM, WORK IS FAULTY. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ON-LINE WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. CAR IS NOW JERKING MORE VIOLENTLY CAUSING THE WHEELS TO SCREECH WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. DOES THERE NEED TO BE A DEATH OR INJURY IN ORDER TO INVESTIGATE THIS? *TR
Power train, Aug 28, 2008
THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. MY 2004 EXPLORER HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AT THE 2-21/2 YEAR MARK. IT WAS LIMPED THROUGH BY REPLACING THE SOLENOID. NOW AT 42/3 YEARS (OUT OF WARRANTY) IT IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING AND SUDDENLY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AT THE 41,000 MILE MARK. I FEEL FORD HAS A CLEAR PROBLEM BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND I AM SURE THAT IS A SMALL FRACTION OF THE PROBLEM AS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW TO COMPLAIN. FORD HAS PUT BANDAIDS ON THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANTY IS UP, THEN THE CONSUMER GETS STUCK. WHILE THIS MAY NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE, IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION/ DESIGN FLAW AND CONSUMERS NEED TO BE COMPENSATED. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE SOMETHING RECALLED? DOES A LIFE HAVE TO BE LOST? THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE LEMONS AND THE CONSUMERS HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF. MANY PROBABLY REMAIN SILENT BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY WERE JUST UNLUCKY SO I AM SURE THE COMPLAINTS YOU HAVE ARE JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. IT SEEMS YOUR AGENCY SHOULD PROTECT NOT JUST FROM INJURY, BUT FROM FRAUDS AND DECEPTION. FORD HAS BEEN DECEPTIVE AND SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE LEMONS. *TR
Wheels, Aug 27, 2008
REAR RIGHT TIRE CAME OFF SUV AS I WAS TRAVELING WITH 3 CHILDREN AND WIFE IN SUV AT 60 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE, AS PER THE TOW AND MECHANIC PERSON THEY STATED WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO SUV GOING FROM ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO THE OTHER ON COMING TRAFFIC SIDE, MY SON IS HAVING NIGHTMARES ABOUT THIS. *TR
Structure, Aug 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR GLASS DOOR, THE DOOR COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE HINGE, WHICH CONNECTED IT TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08. *JB
Tires, Aug 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN TIRES, SIZE P235/70R/16 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE SIDEWALL THAT AFFECTED ALL FOUR TIRES. THESE WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CRACK. AT THIS TIME, THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,207.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR PRESSURE HOSE THAT CONNECTS TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW HOSE WOULD COST AT LEAST $400. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,080. UPDATED 09/17/08. *LJ THE AIR CONDITIONERS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FAILED TWICE. ONE FORM THE HOSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE GOING TO THE RADIATOR. UPDATED 09/25/08. *JB
Structure, Aug 13, 2008
THE REAR HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FELL APART AND THE WINDOW FELL OFF. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS RECALLED FOR 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORERS BUT FORD WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR MY 2004 VEHICLE USING THE SAME DEFECTIVE HINGES. *TR
Structure, Aug 13, 2008
ON AUGUST 8, 2008 I OPENED THE BACK GLASS OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER AT WHICH TIME THE BRACKET AT THE TOP OF THE GLASS BROKE LOOSE CAUSING MY GLASS TO FALL. IT HIT ME IN THE HEAD WHEN IT FELL AND WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY FELL ON ME IF THE OTHER BRACKET HAD NOT STAYED IN PLACE. I CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY BUT HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT MODEL YEARS OF THE FORD EXPLORER WERE RECALLED PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. MY EXPLORER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AS FORD INSTALLED FAULTY BRACKETS ON MY TRUCK. CURRENTLY MY HUSBAND PURCHASED A "RECALL KIT" FROM FORD TO CORRECT THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIX MY BACK GLASS SO THAT MY VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AGAIN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAVING RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLAM AS A FAULTY SWITCH WHICH THEY REPLACED. THE SECOND TIME THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS A SPEED SENSOR ON THE REAR AXLE. *JB