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.
Power train, Jun 11, 2008
WE PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 LITER V6 APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO (46,000 MILES). SHORTLY AFTER THE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD FROM "PARK" INTO "REVERSE". THE VEHICLE ALSO SHIFTS HARD WHILE IN MOTION. IT FEELS AS IF THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. MECHANIC ADVISED THE TRANSMISSION WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $600.00 IN PARTS, AND APPROXIMATELY $800.00 IN LABOR. IT IS UNKNOWN HOW LONG THE TRANSMISSION WILL LAST UNTIL COMPLETE FAILURE. I HAVE GRAVE CONCERNS THAT IT MAY FAIL AS WE ARE ON THE INTERSTATE CAUSING DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2004 EDDIE BAUER 4.0 LITER EXPLORER. THE PREVIOUS OWNER BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK FOR ALL RECALLS, PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS INCLUDED A COMPLETE TRANS FLUID FLUSH EVEN THOUGH THE FORD STATES THE 1ST MAINT. ON TRANNY IS 100 K MILES, CHANGED THE FRONT SEAL THAT SUPPOSEDLY "CORRODES IN THE PRESENCE OF THE OLD TRANSMISSION FLUID', AND HAD THE SOLENOID BODY CHANGED TO CORRECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AGAIN AT 34,000 MILES. IT SHIFTS ERRATICALLY AND FEELS UNUSUAL WHILE DRIVING IN FORWARD, AND ONCE WARMED UP AND AT A STOP, WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, THERE IS A 1 TOO 2 SECOND PAUSE AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VIOLENTLY INTO REVERSE. MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT TRANNY WILL EAT ITSELF UP. IN SHORT ALL PREVENTABLE MAINT. AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON CAR TO AVOID PROBLEM, AND YET AT 34K MILES TRANNY IS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. YOU REALLY NEED TO PUT FORDS FEET TO THE FIRE AND GET THIS FIXED AS A RECALL AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WEB IS FULL OF REPORTS OF TRANNYS DIE-ING ON THE ROAD WITH NO WARNING. YOU ALL ARE THE WATCHDOG, PLEASE DO YOUR JOB. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2008
I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. CAR STARTED VIBRATING AT LOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY AFTER A STOP AND WHEN TURNING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO MECHANICS AND BOTH TOLD ME THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SO I WILL BE UNABLE TO PAY FOR THE COSTLY REPAIR. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT MANY MANY OTHER FORD CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Structure, Jun 1, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER REAR BACK PANEL HAS A SIGNIFICANT CRACK WHICH CAME ON SUDDENLY. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS UNTIL I STARTED CHECKING ON HOW TO FIX IT VIA THE NET. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 29, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH FAULTY GAS GAUGE. CAR SAID 70 MILES TO EMPTY YET MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS (AGES 3&5) RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY. THEY HAD TO HIKE 1 MILE DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY TO GET ASSISTANCE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN NO GAS GAUGE IS ONE THAT DOES NOT READ ACCURATELY. THANKFULLY THEY EVENTUALLY ARRIVED HOME SAFELY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF STRANGERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 28, 2008
1. I HAVE HAD BAD VIBRATION AND A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VIBRATION HAS BEEN SO BAD IT HAS ACTUALLY BLOWN OUT 2 TIRES IN THE REAR WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY. 2. REAR DIFFERENTRAL, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, IT IS GOING TO CAUSE MY VECHILE TO BREAK DOWN AND IF THAT HAPPENS THE VECHILE IS NO GOOD TO ME BECAUSE OF THE COST TO FIX IT. 3. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE PROBLEM AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER A $1000 TO FIX IT WHEN THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH IT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN OVER 3 MORE CASES OTHER THAN ME THEY HAVE TOLD ME. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 28, 2008
1. I HAVE HAD BAD VIBRATION AND A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VIBRATION HAS BEEN SO BAD IT HAS ACTUALLY BLOWN OUT 2 TIRES IN THE REAR WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY. 2. REAR DIFFERENTIAL, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, IT IS GOING TO CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO BREAK DOWN AND IF THAT HAPPENS THE VEHICLE IS NO GOOD TO ME BECAUSE OF THE COST TO FIX IT. 3. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE PROBLEM AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER A $1000 TO FIX IT WHEN THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH IT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN OVER 3 MORE CASES OTHER THAN ME THEY HAVE TOLD ME. *TR
Visibility, May 23, 2008
THE LEFT SIDE POWER WIDOW MOTORS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. FORD MOTOR CO. SAYS IT IS NORMAL. I DISAGREE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED IN THREE YEARS. *TR
Power train, May 22, 2008
FORD EXPLORER 2004 - BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2004 MY FORD EXPLORER STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS AFTER 1 YEAR I BOUGHT IT. FORD DEALER FIXED IT BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CLAIMED THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE 1 YEAR AFTER THE FIX WAS MADE AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND IT WILL COST ME AROUND 1400 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I DID NOT HAVE THEM FIX IT AND FIGURED THAT I CALL FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET THIS FIXED FOR FREE. THAT DID NOT GET ME ANYWHERE. THIS WAS BACK IN 2006 OR 2007 AND I AM STILL HAVING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A MECHANICAL HAZARD BECAUSE A FAILED TRANSMISSION DRIVING ON A FREEWAY CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT. I HAVE A WIFE, A 4 YEAR OLD AND A 1 YEAR OLD AND ALWAYS FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THEM. *TR
Structure, May 21, 2008
EXTERIOR PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY FORD EXPLORER 2004 IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING. I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING. *TR
Power train, May 17, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER LAST YEAR. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PURCHASE BUT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION I HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW WHEEL BEARING. A FEW MONTHS AGO I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS ISSUES. A LOUD ROAR AS I DRIVE. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HEARD THE FAMILIAR SOUND OF ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING TALKING TO ME. I PICK MY DAUGHTER UP EVERYDAY FROM SCHOOL AND RELY ON THIS VEHICLE TO BE FUNCTIONING IN A SAFE MANNER. I RESEARCHED A BIT AND FOUND COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT REGARDING THESE ISSUES. I CAN SEE THAT THIS COMPLAINT IS OLD NEWS BUT IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND AN ON GOING PROBLEM. IT IS NOT CHEAP EITHER! I AM DISGUSTED WITH THIS CAR AND DEMAND THIS WIDESPREAD ISSUE BE RESOLVED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. JOSEPH SULLIVAN *TR
Power train, May 16, 2008
2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH SEALS LEAKING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT AXLE SEAL AND PINION SEAL WERE REPLACED. THE REAR AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING AND ALSO WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE CHARGES. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED ON MARCH 31, 2008 THE REAR AXLE SEAL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING, AFTER HAVING THE FRONT AXLE SEAL AND PINION SEAL REPLACED 2 WEEKS PRIOR. *JB
Fuel system, Other, May 13, 2008
THIS IS A ON GOING PROBLEM, OUR FORD EXPLORER HAS TROUBLE WITH THE LINKAGE TO THE CARBURETOR, THE FIRST TIME WE HAD PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORER WAS OCT OF 04. BICKFORD FORD IN SNOHOMISH WA. TRIED TO REPAIR IT. THEN THERE WAS TWO TIMES BICKFORD TRIED TO FIX IT, THE LAST TIME WE TALKED TO BICKFORD THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THAT FORD MOTOR CO. DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT EITHER. WE ALSO TUCK IT TO ANOTHER AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX IT EITHER. WE HAVE NO CHOSE BUT TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT , BUT WE ARE ALSO AFRAID IT COULD CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS , WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED OR JUST STARTING OUT AND GIVE GAS IT DOSE NOT START TO GO SO YOU GIVE IT A LITTLE BIT MORE GAS AND THEN IT WILL JUMP FORWARD OR BACKWARD( IF YOU ARE BACKING UP) TO APPOINT THAT IT WILL SOME TIMES SQUEAL THE TIRES. IT ALL SO STALLS WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN TO TURN A CORNER. THAT IS ALSO DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 13, 2008
THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. HINGE PINS ARE CORRODED AND JUST SHEARED RIGHT OFF. LOOKS LIKE THE HINGES BECOME LOOSE AND GO SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HATCH IS OPENED THE PINS BREAK. APPEARS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MY MODEL YEAR. FROM THE REVIEW OF THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE FORD HAS SOLVED THE HINGE PROBLEMS. THE EARLIER RECALL WAS # 04V442000. CAN THE RECALL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE 2004 (AND MAYBE LATER YEARS)? *TR
Power train, May 13, 2008
PURCHASED 2004 FORD EXPLORER USED WITH 9K MILES ON IT. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED STRONG JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN PUTTING INTO REVERSE. DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM, STATED IT WAS COMMON. NOW 43K MILES, SAME PROBLEM; MUCH STRONGER. I'M NOTICING THIS JERKING WHILE DRIVER FORWARD AS WELL. ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL JUST JUMP FORWARDED AS IF SOMEONE WAS JUMPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. I'VE READ SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SOME WITH INJURIES ON WWW.MYCARSTATS.COM; OVER 197 COMPLAINTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD NEED TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. ONCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES PEOPLE ARE BEING QUOTED OVER $3K TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR
Structure, May 12, 2008
CLOSED THE BACK GLASS OF THE TAILGATE WITH NORMAL AMOUNT OF FORCE AND CRACK APPEARS FROM GLASS TO FIBERGLASS ( RIGHT NEXT TO FORD SYMBOL). *TR
Visibility, May 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW, NEAR THE REAR TRUNK DOOR, THE FIBERGLASS WINDOW WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS SOMETHING THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECALL AND REPAIR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,800.
Power train, May 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, I WENT TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE SO I COULD BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. IT WAS DANGLING BY SOME SORT OF CORD. I COULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, AND COULD NOT GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON. I'VE HAD THREE MECHANICS LOOK AT IT, AND ALL OF THEM SAID THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BREAK. IT IS GOING TO COST ME $1100 TO FIX, BECAUSE A WHOLE NEW STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE ORDERED FROM FORD. I CONTACTED FORD VIA EMAIL, AND THEY ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL AT THIS TIME, WHICH I THINK IS UNACCEPTABLE GIVEN HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2008
TURNED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT - NO POWER. PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Structure, May 4, 2008
MY GAS GAUGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED ME MANY TIMES. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD ME TO ADD SOME FUEL ADDITIVE TO MY GAS TANK & THIS WOULD CURE THE PROBLEM. WELL IT HAS NOT & MY WARRANTY IS OUT!!! I'M VERY CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY IF SHE RUNS OUT OF GAS, SO WE HAVE TO KEEP A WRITTEN LOG AS TO THE MILEAGE BEFORE FILL-UP'S. I'M TOLD THE SENSOR IS BAD & WOULD COST CLOSE TO $1,000.00 TO REPAIR. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD & THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR SINCE THE WARRANTY IS OUT. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED TO FORD ABOUT A BACK HATCH PANEL THAT HAS CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON DIRECTLY UNDER THE EXTERIOR FORD EMBLEM & THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THESE ARE BOTH FOR SURE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS, THAT FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2008
PURCHASED A NEW 2004 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC V6 IN NOV 04. OCCASIONALLY WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE, ENGINE WOULD GIVE A "HARD" JERK. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, STOPPED(ESPECIALLY) IF ROADS WERE WET, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PROCEED FORWARD, VEHICLE TIRES-GOOD TIRES/EVEN WEAR,ROTATED REGULARLY AND/OR VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE CONTROL AS ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FORWARD. ALWAYS A VERY ANNOYING NOISE IN REAR RIDING AS PASSENGER. BUT IT TO DEALER @ BEGINNING, CHECKED IT OUT UNDER WARRANTY, NOE VEHICLE HAS A LITTLE OVER"75930". DROVE IT FROM ONE STATE TO ANOTHER, PARKED IT, NEXT DAY DROVE IT < THAN A 1/4 MILE TO STORE, SHOPPED, RETURNING HOME THE "TRANSMISSION" GAVE A VERY LOUD NOISE, GRINDING AND A HARD JERK, ENOUGH TO HURT ONE DRIVING OR PASSENGER'S BACKS. 2ND GEAR UNABLE TO ENGAGE, RPM RACE TO 4000 2ND GONE! FORD DEALER QUOTES A REPAIR(REBUILT) @ $3555.0+TAXES @ RATE OF "$100.00" AN HOUR = LABOR NEARLY A "$1000.00. BROUGHT IT TO A REPRIABLE TRANS SHOP QUOTED $3000.00 COMPLETE WE HAVE BEEN A"DIE-HARD" OWNERS OF FORDS FOR YEARS, EVEN OWN A 1956CROWN VIC., 86 F250, 99 LINCOLNCON'T, 00MUSTANG, AND THIS )$ FORD EXPLORER IS THE WORSE VEHICLE PUCHASED @ "$38,000". NEVER MIND ALL THE PREVIOUS ONES, NEVER HAVE I EVER DEALT WITH A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE OF POOR WORKMANSHIP/DESIGN. REPORTS REVEAL THAT THESE 04'S DEFINITELY HAVE FORD MANUFACTUTRER DEFECTS OR CRAFTMANSHIP FAULTS. WHY DO PEOPLE GIVE UP ON "AMERICAN" VEHICLES, AH AH? @ "75,930+ MILES A BROKEN TRANSMISSION. *TR
Visibility, Apr 30, 2008
THE OPERATOR OF THE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE OPENED THE REAR WINDOW TO OBTAIN MATERIALS IN THE BACK OF THE SUV. ONCE THE REAR WINDOW WAS LIFTED OPEN. THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL DOWN AND STRIKING THE OPERATOR IN THE HEAD AND NECK. THE PART WILL BE REPLACED (HINGE AND BOLT). THE FAILED PARTS WILL BE KEPT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2008
FAILURE OF AUXILIARY SUCTION LINE LEADING TO REAR AC IN VEHICLE. PAID FOR REPLACEMENT AT FORD DEALERSHIP. PART SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO FUNCTION FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD REFUSES TO ACCEPT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE PIPING AND REIMBURSE FOR REPAIR. *TR
Structure, Apr 25, 2008
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A TWO PART REAR LIFT GATE. THE MAIN LIFTGATE WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE SMALLER GLASS LIFT GATE "COLLAPSED" WHEN I WAS OPENING IT. IT IS A HINGED LIFT GATE WITH HINGES THAT ATTACH TO THE GLASS. ONE OF THE HINGES FAILED AND THE GLASS DOOR COLLAPSED (HITTING ME ON THE HEAD AND CUTTING MY HAND). THE HINGE THAT BROKE LOOKS AS IF IT MAY HAVE CRACKED RIGHT WHERE THE RETAINING PIN IS LOCATED SECURING THE GLASS DOOR TO THE HINGE ATTACHED TO THE BODY. THE HINGE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF A CAST IRON OR "POT METAL", WHICH COULD BE SUBJECT TO BREAKING OR CRACKING. WHEN IT BROKE IT ALSO CAUSED THE OTHER HINGE TO COME DISCONNECTED. THE DOOR IS JUST "HANGING" BY THE DOOR SHOCKS. THE AUTO IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I AM TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, BUT WANTED TO FILE THIS REPORT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE OF THE PART AND THE POTENTIAL FOR PHYSICAL INJURY. *TR UPDATED 05/05/08. *JB
Power train, Apr 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. NOW THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT AT ALL AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IS NOT DRIVABLE. I ASKED THE FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SHIFTING PROBLEM WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASE AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE THAT THEY COULD FIND. *TR