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.
Tires, Oct 20, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN BRUNSWICK, GA IN LATE SEPT 2006. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, WE NOTICED A BUMPING/VIBRATION. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, EACH TIME IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT (DID NOT WORK). THEN, WE WERE TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLERS) WERE OUT OF ROUND, BUT YET THEY DID A FORCE BALANCING INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE TIRES; WHICH DID NOT FIX IT AND NOW IN ADDITION TO THE BUMPING, IT IS NOW PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS A "TRUCK" AND THERE WILL BE A LITTLE VIBRATION AND BUMPING. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS SINCE I HAVE DRIVEN TRUCKS ALL OF MY LIFE WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM. I TRADED A 1998 EXPLORER THAT DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TIRES AS A TEST TO SEE IF IT IS THE TIRES. THEY DON'T WANT TO DO THIS BECAUSE OF COST ISSUES. I ASKED THEM TO LET ME DRIVE ONE OF THE NEW 2007 SPORT TRACS TO SEE IF THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE REPLY WAS THAT THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALER THAT IF THIS PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FIXED THAN I DON'T WANT THE VEHICLE. WHAT AM I TO DO? *NM
Power train, Oct 16, 2006
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO ADD AN ADDITIVE TO THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS BEEN IN 2 MORE TIMES FOR THIS AND THIS FRIDAY I JUST GOT IT BACK FROM TRANSMISSION REPAIR ONLY TO GO OUT AND FIND TRANNY FLUID ALL OVER MY GARAGE (70 MILES AFTER THEY FIXED IT AGAIN) I ALSO HAD THE STARTER GO OUT IN IT AND NOW THEY STILL CANT FIND WHAT IS CAUSING IT...(LIKELY STORY). *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Oct 12, 2006
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE CAR JOLTS WITH A CLUNKING NOISE. WHILE DRIVING CAR JOLTS OCCASIONALLY. WHEN BRAKING CAR SHAKES. ABS LIGHT IS ON AND 4X4 HIGH LIGHT FLASHES. EXPLORER WAS TAKEN IN DECEMBER 2004 AND FIXED FOR THE TRUCK JOLTING INTO REVERSE. TRUCK NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. TRUCK TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER NEXT WEEK. *NM
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
Power train, Oct 3, 2006
WE HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER V8 SPORT. WE HAVE HAD TWO MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND NOW WE HAVE A SHAKING IN THE FRONT END AFTER THE LATEST REPAIR TO THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
Structure, Sep 27, 2006
THE HINGE ON THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW CAME APART UNEXPECTEDLY. I HAD POPPED IT OPEN USING MY KEYFOB RELEASE BUTTON TO LOAD SOME BAGS INTO IT AND THE HINGE IMMEDIATELY FAILED. THE WINDOW ITSELF TWISTED AND WAS HANGING BY THE 2ND HINGE THAT HADN'T FAILED AND THE GAS SHOCKS THAT ENABLE THE WINDOW TO STAY OPEN WITHOUT HOLDING IT. I WAS ABLE TO FIT IT BACK TOGETHER TO CLOSE IT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO ORDER PARTS. WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2003 BUT NO THE 2004 MODEL. I WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO PICK UP A RECALL PACK THAT CONTAINED BOTH HINGES. THE PARTS MANAGER SOLD THEM TO ME @ COST BECAUSE THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, HOWEVER, IF ONE OF MY CHILDREN HAD BEEN STANDING NEARBY IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT THE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT BY THE GLASS AS IT CAME DOWN. FINALLY, I WALKED AWAY ABOUT $20 POORER (BECAUSE I REPAIRED IT MYSELF) AND WITH SEVERAL SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT AROUND THE HINGE AND THE BACK TAILGATE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 22, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A DRY INTERSTATE, THERE WAS A LOUD POP THAT SOUNDED LIKE A BALLOON POPPED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND RAN INTO A DITCH WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD FRACTURED APART.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2006
STARTED OF BEING AN ENGINE VIBRATION, 2 MONTH LATER CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE. JUST MADE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED IT BUT MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE PULLEY COMING OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WORRY ME. *NM
Power train, Sep 20, 2006
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER (44,000 MILES). I WAS HAVING MY AC FIXED AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN OIL ADDITIVE THAT NEEDED TO BE PUT INTO MY TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT HESITATION AND SLIPPING DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. 6 MONTHS LATER I BEGAN EXPERIENCING HARSH ENGAGEMENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AS WELL SLIPPING IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN SPEEDING UP AND SLOWING DOWN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (WORLD FORD) WHERE THE WORK WAS DONE AND THEY EXPLAINED I MIGHT NEED TO INSTALL A SOLENOID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT WOULD COST ME $900.00. KNOWING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FROM THE MANUFACTURER I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING. FORD CORPORATE RAN ME AROUND FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS (HANGING UP THE PHONE, PLACING ME ON HOLD FOR A LONG TIME AND PROMISING TO CALL ME BACK BUT IT NEVER HAPPENS). I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT THAT DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF MY VEHICLE AN IMPROPERLY FORMULATED TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS USED IN THE TRANSMISSION. I ALSO SPOKE TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD THE $900.00 SOLENOID DOES NOT HELP THE PROBLEM AT ALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ACTIONS I CAN TAKE TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR HELP. *NM
Power train, Sep 12, 2006
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 WHICH RECENTLY HAD TO BASICALLY HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT SIMPLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. SINCE THE WARRANTY IS EXCEEDED IN MILEAGE I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS, WHICH TOTALED $1652.78. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 56,000 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP WITH INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM. JUST A LITTLE PIECE OF INFO, I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A 2002 EXPLORER THAT HAD THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I DO NOT FIND THAT TO BE COINCIDENTAL! AND HER VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO HER. *NM
Steering, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Equipment, Sep 8, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. THE RECIRCULATION BALL AND THE RACK AND PINION FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER CAME AROUND A CORNER AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 5 MONTHS PRIOR, AND HE BELIEVED THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY FIXED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR DID NOT DEPLOY IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE POLICE CONCLUDED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND UPON ROUNDING THE CORNER, HE LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK THE BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN. THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUS REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE SUCH AS AN INOPERABLE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND THE REAR VENTS DID NOT BLOW OUT AIR. UPDATED 10/3/06 *JB UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS AND MADE CLUNKING NOISES. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE HUMMING SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE WHILE ACCELERATED OVER 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER.
Power train, Sep 7, 2006
MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR IN 8/12/05 BECAUSE THE AC STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO WORLD FORD OF KENDALL IN MIAMI, FL ONE OF THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASKED ME IF HOW MY TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING AND AT THE TIME IT WAS FINE. UPON RECEIVING MY CAR BACK ON 8/16/05 THE AC WAS FIXED AND MY RECEIPT STATED THE AC WAS FIXED BUT IT ALSO MENTIONED SOMETHING REGARDING A RECALL IN MY TRANSMISSION. THE RECEIPT SAID THERE WAS AN OIL ADDITIVE PLACED IN MY TRANSMISSION. 1 YEAR AND 1 MONTH LATER MY TRANSMISSION HAS BEGUN SLIPPING AND HESITATING. WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO WORLD FORD OF KENDALL IN MIAMI, FL TO SPEAK TO THEM REGARDING MY TRANSMISSION I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR SERVICE WORK IS GUARANTEED UP TO 12 MONTHS SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. UPON DOING MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THE OIL ADDITIVE THAT WAS PLACED IN MY FORD WAS TO PREVENT THE SLIPPING AND HESITATION OF MY TRANSMISSION. I CALLED THE CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS OF FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OR A RECALL SERVICE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN DONE. THEY NOW WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION ON A CAR THAT WAS BROKEN WHEN IT LEFT THE MANUFACTURING PLANT. MY CAR HAS 45,000 MILES AND NO WHERE IN MY PAPERWORK OR MY CAR MANUAL DOES IT STATE I WOULD HAVE TO PUT AND OIL ADDITIVE IN MY CAR BY 45,000 MILES. WHEN I SPOKE TO FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS THEY TOLD ME IF THE OIL ADDITIVE DOES NOT WORK ANOTHER PROCEDURE WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE BUT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE ESPECIALLY FROM A LARGE CORPORATION SUCH AS FORD. MY FAMILY DRIVES THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE AN UNSAFE CAR RESULTING FROM A RECALL IN MY TRANSMISSION. I ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION RECALL, THE AC IN MY CAR HAS ALSO BROKEN TWICE AND NOBODY WANTS TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THERE ARE SO MY PROBLEMS WITH A 2 YEAR OLD CAR. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE OR AT LEAST SOME GOOD ADVICE. THANKS AGAIN. *NM
Power train, Sep 6, 2006
BOUGHT IN FEB. 2006 WITH 12,000 MILES - THE 2004 EXPLORER XLS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE HESITATED, THEN JERKED HARD AT FIRST -- THEN AS TIME WENT BY -- APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS THE JERKING WAS WHILE AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING. THE JERKING MOTION OCCURRED 17 TIMES WHILE DRIVING 35 MILES. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER MANAGER SAID THAT IT STILL JERKS IN REVERSE AFTER THE 3RD TIME AND OFFERED NO REMEDY OF ANY KIND, JUST $79.00 AND THERE YOU GO. ALL THIS WITHIN 20,000 MILES. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING - WHAT IF I NEED THAT REVERSE QUICK TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND THERE IS A HESITATION IN TRANSMISSION SHIFTING???*JB
Power train, Aug 29, 2006
PURCHASED A NEW 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN AUGUST OF 2004. BROUGHT SUV IN FOR RECALL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDITIVE/REPLACEMENT. SUV STARTING TO HESITATE AND JUMP INTO REVERSE. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON A HILL THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD WHEN MOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS PEDAL. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER IN JULY OF 2006, REPLACED SOLENOID AT APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED REVS A LITTLE HIGH THEN BALANCES OUT. LEATHER SEATS ALSO CRACKING AND DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THEM STATING THAT IT IS SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. *JB
Power train, Aug 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DID NOT ENGAGE GEARS IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER 41000 MILES AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER.
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.
Power train, Aug 17, 2006
2004 FORD EXPLORER WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK WILL SHOW IT IS IN PARK BUT IS REALLY STILL IN REVERSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. IN ADDITION THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IMPROPER TRANSMISSION ADDITIVE BEING USED AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID ON THESE MODELS ARE GOING BAD CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. AFTERWARDS, UPON APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A PRONOUNCED VIBRATION WITHIN THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.
Power train, Aug 4, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE REVERSING. WHEN THE GEAR FINALLY ENGAGED, THERE WAS A JOLT FELT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SOLENOID IN MAY 2004 BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.
Visibility, Aug 3, 2006
DRIVER'S SIDE AUTO WINDOW FAILS TO OPERATE. HAD IT REPAIRED ONCE AND FAILED AGAIN WITHIN A WEEK. TAKING IT IN FOR 2ND REPAIR. *JB
Tires, Jul 31, 2006
WE WERE TRAVELING IN THE HOV LANE HEADED EAST ON I-635 BETWEEN 60-65 MPH. ONE OF THE TIRES ON OUR EXPLORER FAILED. WHEN I GOT OUT TO CHECK THE TIRE I FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE TREAD OF THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED AND ONLY THE EDGE OF THE TIRE REMAINED ALONG THE RIM. WE CALLED BOTH AAA AND 911. THE POLICE ARRIVED ABOUT 15 MIN LATER AND STOPPED TRAFFIC SO THAT WE COULD MOVE TO A SAFER LOCATION AS CARS WERE SPEEDING AT US GOING 60-70 MILES AN HOUR WITH LITTLE ROOM TO REACT TO OUR SITUATION (B.F.GOODRICH TIRE). *NM
Tires, Jul 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOUR MICHELIN TIRES ARE CRACKING. THE DEALERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE INFORMED THE CONTACT THE TIRES WERE ONLY WARRANTED FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES. MICHELIN OFFERED TO SWAP OUT THE TIRES AND PRO-RATE THEM. THE TIRE SIZE IS: P23570R16.
Structure, Jul 20, 2006
THE LEFT HINGE ON THE GLASS HATCH FAILED DURING A NORMAL CLOSING OPERATION. THE LIGHT ALUMINUM CASTING FAILED AS A RESULT OF METAL FATIGUE CAUSING THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE HATCH TO FALL ON MY WIFE. THE FORD DEALER CLAIMS THIS FAILURE IS NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000 AND THAT MY WIFE MUST HAVE BRUTALIZED THIS TRUCK. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER AND INSTALLED ARE CLEARLY MUCH HEAVIER CASTINGS. THE ISSUES CONCERNING CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000 STILL EXIST ON THIS 2004 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND PICTURES COMPARING THEM TO THE NEW ONES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2006
AUTO GOES INTO FAIL SAFE MODE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES SINCE MAR. 10, 2006. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP ON MAR. 14, APRIL 22, APRIL 27, MAY 25, AND JUNE 12, ALL FOR THE SAME CONCERN. THE ENGINE BOGS DOWN TO 4 CYLINDERS AND LOSES POWER. THE FIRST 3 TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH THE LAST TWO TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY COMING OFF A FEEDER ROAD. I'M AM AFRAID I WILL END UP IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON JUNE 12, 2006 AND JUST PICKED IT UP YESTERDAY ON JULY 17,2006. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A MONTH. AS I WAS FEEDING INTO TRAFFIC YESTERDAY EVENING OF JULY 17, THE ENGINE AGAIN DOWNSHIFTED INTO FAIL SAFE MODE CAUSING ME TO BOG DOWN. I HAVE LOST ALL FAITH IN THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT WANT IT ANYMORE. I HAVE OWNED FORDS FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM BEFORE WITH A FORD. *NM