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, Equipment, Jul 6, 2006
04 EXPLORER HAD HARSH REVERSE. RPM'S WENT TO 7 SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. FORD REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN",FORDS ALTERNATIVE TO A RECALL, THAT EXPIRED LAST YEAR TO PUT AN ADDITIVE IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE THE PUT IN THE WRONG TYPE. HAD THE SOLENOID REPLACED ONCE BEFORE. FORD CLAIMED IT TO BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. COST 1300.00 TO REPAIR BAD SOLENOID,AND 2 PISTON AND RODS. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2006
2004 EXPLORER HAS STALLED TWO TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. RESTARTS FINE. SEEMS TO BE WITH CRUISE ON AND GOING DOWN HILL AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AND 40. HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE. SEE SEVERAL OF SAME COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE. VERY DANGEROUS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PUT FOR INCIDENT DATE. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Jul 1, 2006
I OWN A 2004 FORD SPORT TRAC XLT WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S TIRES (M+S P255/70R16). I HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED EVERY 3 TO 5 THOUSAND MILES. PROBLEM IS THE TIRES KEEP CUPPING OUT, WHICH CREATES A LESS SAFE DRIVING ENVIRONMENT AND CAUSES EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE LOCAL TIRE STORE THAT THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND BUYING NEW TIRES WILL NOT CORRECT IT. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED? NOTE, THE WHEELS ARE WITHIN ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. PLEASE ADVISE...THANKS. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 27, 2006
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2004. SIX MONTHS ALONG THE CAR SHUT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING AND FAILED TO TURN OVER. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED AND AFTER FOUR DAYS CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. HAD NO PROBLEMS FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS. IN FEBRUARY 2006 ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ONE EVENING, THE CAR STALLED ONCE AGAIN . SAME SITUATION . I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER. THREE DAYS LATER GOT IT BACK, THEY CLAIMED THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY. YESTERDAY JUNE 26TH I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS I AM DRIVING ON THE RAMP TO THE BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY IT DIES ONCE AGAIN. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL SO UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. IMAGINE IF IT HAD SHUT DOWN ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY AS I WAS DRIVING. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED. THE CAR IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. *NM
Air bags, Jun 15, 2006
THE SIDE AIR BAGS (BOTH) DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. (4 DOOR PICKUP). THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AND INITIALLY THEY SAID IT WOULD BE A WARRANTY REPAIR BUT CALLED BACK A WEEK LATER INDICATING THAT FORD WOULD NOT WARRANT THE REPAIRS AND THE COST TO ME WOULD BE $2300 TO $2500. I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD REOCCUR IN THE FUTURE AND PERHAPS WITH MY GRAND CHILDREN OR DOG IN THE VEHICLE WITH A HAND OR HEAD OUT OF THE WINDOW. THE EXPLOSIVE FORCE OF THE DEPLOYMENT HAS ME CONCERNED ABOUT EVER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AGAIN NOT TO MENTION THE UNWARRANTED EXPENSE AND THE DESTRUCTIVE NATURE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. IT DESTROYED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT (NOW NON OP AND BEING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE) HEADLINER, A PILLAR MOLDINGS, C PILLAR MOLDING ETC. I HAVE TO WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE OR UNIQUE TO MINE. I'M CONTEMPLATING A TRADE IN FOR A TOYOTA. ANY INSIGHT YOU CAN OFFER WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2006
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING THE FACT THAT IT DOES NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IT TAKES A FULL SECOND OR MORE FOR IT TO DISENGAGE AFTER THE BREAKS ARE APPLIED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS NORMAL, THAT MY VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL THAT IS CONTROLLED BY A CABLE DRIVEN BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR AND NOT A VACUUM CONTROL LIKE MOST CARS. IF THIS IS TRUE IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I HAVE HAD TO VEER OFF THE ROAD WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED ON A HIGHWAY AND SOMEONE PULLED INTO MY LANE ABRUPTLY WHERE IF THE CRUISE DISENGAGED WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION OR A CLOSE CALL. HOWEVER, AFTER HITTING THE BRAKES I WAS FIGHTING THE CONTINUAL ACCELERATION, OR SLOW DECELERATION OF THE ENGINE. MY OTHER CARS DUMP IMMEDIATELY, IN FACT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HITS YOUR FOOT IF ITS THERE, NOT SO WITH THE FORD. *JB
Power train, Jun 11, 2006
2004 EXPLORER HAS HAD ONGOING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. I ONLY BECAME AWARE OF THE FACTORY MISTAKE IN TRANSMISSION FLUID TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING A LEFTOVER. SOMEHOW IT WASN'T DISCOVERED UNTIL MORE THAN A YEAR LATER? I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR LURCHING INTO REVERSE AND NOT ENGAGING IN PARK CORRECTLY. THE CAR ROLLS ABOUT 2-4 FEET WHEN IN PARK AND NOW THE NEW PROBLEM IS IT REFUSES TO GO INTO DRIVE AND REVS IN NEUTRAL UNTIL YOU PRESS ON THE ARM OF THE GEAR SHIFTER WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS INTO THE DEALER TWO TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. TWICE I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THE SECOND TIME THE CAR LURCHED INTO REVERSE IN THEIR PARKING LOT, I'M ONLY SORRY THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER'S CARE WASN'T PARKED BEHIND ME! I AM BRINGING IT IN AGAIN SINCE THE NEW TRICK IS WHEN YOU STOP ON THE HIGHWAY (TO PAY A TOLL) THE ENTIRE CHASSIS AND BODY OF THE CAR SHAKE AND VIBRATE SO VIOLENTLY THAT THINGS FALL OFF THE DASHBOARD. ONLY BY DEPRESSING AND HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR CAN I DIMINISH THE SHAKING. I USE MY CAR FOR TRANSPORTING MY FAMILY. IF IT IS NOT CORRECTED THIS TIME TO MY SATISFACTION, FORD WILL TAKE THIS CAR BACK. I'M DISGUSTED WITH THE ATTITUDE OF THE DEALERSHIPS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO AND THE INCOMPETENT SERVICE I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2006
TRANSMISSION SLAMMING INTO REVERSE / DRIVE, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, SOLENOID PACK REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO, STARTED HAVING SAME PROBLEMS AND NOW THIS TIME ALSO, RPMS SHOOT UP TO 7 WHEN ACCELERATING. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK AGAIN. WON'T HONOR WARRANTY AFTER THE $800.00 PROBLEM WAS JUST FIXED! ALSO, HAVE SERIOUS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS! FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, REAR SHOCKS (LEAKING), REPLACE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS. *NM
Power train, May 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A SHIFT DELAY BEFORE GOING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, AFTER A 5-10 SECOND DELAY IT GOES INTO GEAR. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. LAST WEEK THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE IT BROKE OFF IN THE COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE DELAY PROBLEM HOWEVER THEY ARE UNABLE TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC CODE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Power train, May 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN LURCHED FORWARD AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AS IF THE REAR WHEELS WERE LOCKED CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS METAL IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THEY REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY ASSEMBLY, COMPRESSOR, POWER BELT, BOLT, VIBRATION DAMPER, SCREEN ASSEMBLY, BEARINGS, OUTPUT SHAFT, PISTONS, RODS AND THE CARRIER OVER DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Power train, May 21, 2006
TRANSMISSION BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SHIFTING BETWEEN 2 AND 3 RD GEAR, INTO OVERDRIVE, AND INTO REVERSE. ON 5/12/06 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WITH THE KEYS STILL IN MY PURSE AND THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. BASED ON THE OTHER VEHICLES HE HAD SEEN HE HAD A GOOD IDEA WHAT MY EXPLORER'S PROBLEM WAS. UNBEKNOWNST TO ME, THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO MY PROBLEM MY NEIGHBOR HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH HIS EXPLORER. EVIDENTLY THE TRANSMISSION, SOLENOID, PROBLEM WIT THE EXPLORER IS COMMON AND WOULD LEAVE ON TO BELIEVE IT TIS A PRODUCTS LIABILITY CLAIM ON EITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR ONE OF ITS PARTS SUPPLIERS. 3 SOLENOIDS WERE REPLACED AND MY AIR FILTER WAS REPLACED. MY OUT OF POCKET COST WAS $996.. *JB
Structure, May 18, 2006
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE FAILED AND GLASS STRUCK ME IN ARM AND CHEST AS I LOWERED GLASS. *JB
Power train, May 11, 2006
I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE A HARSH DELAY WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS I ABSORB THE COST. THERE WAS A "CUSTOMER PROGRAM" ISSUED IN JANUARY 2005 AND EXPIRED ON 12/31/05. I DID NOT RECEIVE THE FORM BY MAIL AS I HAD MOVED AND THEY ARE STILL REFUSING TO FIX IT. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER $1600.00 TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, May 9, 2006
I HAVE TWO ISSUES WITH A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. FIRST ISSUE THE SYSTEM THAT NOTIFIES TIRE PRESSURE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS GO ON OR OFF WHEN THE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED OR NOT PROPERLY INFLATED. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX OR CHECK THE SENSORS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AREA THEY CAN NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM PASSENGERS AND ANOTHER TIRE COMPANY OF THE ISSUE HAPPENING. SECOND ISSUE. 2004 FORD EXPLORER STALLED WHILE TURNING BRAKING AND STEERING LOCKED UP. IDENTICAL REACTION AS TO THE PROBLEM STATED IN THE FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IN OTHER VEHICLES FROM FORD THAT IS BEING INVESTIGATED. *NM
Power train, Apr 9, 2006
REPEATED REAR END HOUSING FAILURES. JAN 06 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WHINING IN REAR END, "CLUNK" NOISE WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE, HESITANT TRANSMISSION, AND HARD TO SHIFT BETWEEN DRIVE, PARK AND REVERSE. REAR END FROM FACTORY WAS FOUND TO BE EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED AND CRACKED DUE TO BROKEN CLIP PRESENT IN REAR END FOUND WHEN IT WAS BEING REMOVED. REAR END WAS REPLACED FOR WHINING NOISE. 2 WEEKS LATER, CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING REAR END GEAR OIL. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS OVERRUN AND WAS OK. 4 WEEKS LATER THE REAR END OIL PUDDLED IN MY GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE AGAIN THE WHOLE REAR END HOUSING WAS REPLACED. WE I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AFTER OVER 3 WEEKS IN THE REPAIR SHOP, I ONLY DROVE 24 MILES AND THE REAR END BEGAN TO LEAK GEAR OIL AGAIN. ALSO THE MUFFLER WAS CHERRY RED AND EXTREMELY HOT WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK. THE TECHNICIANS WERE PUZZLED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS COOL, BUT THE MUFFLER BURNING HOT WITH CHARRED SPOTS PRESENT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO BEEN A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHEN ENGAGES AND CLUNKS INTO GEAR. THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN OUT OF THE REPAIR SHOP LONG ENOUGH TO SEE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS FIXED. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 37 DAYS SINCE JAN 1 2006. AT THIS POINT, THE REAR END COULD LOCK UP DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING OF OIL AND THE EXTREMELY HOT MUFFLER POSED A SUBSTANTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT 20-4 0MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAVE ILLUMINATED. AFTER STALLING THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART, SURGE AND STALL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES. THE LAST VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE ELEMENT, FILTER, COMPLETE MODULE ENGINE, THE KEY WAS REPROGRAMMED AND THE COOL RETURN WAS REPLACED. THE NEXT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE CROSSING A RAIL ROAD TRACK. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED A TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR OF THE FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/02/06. *JB
Power train, Apr 6, 2006
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING WHEN CHANGING GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. SOMETIMES TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO IN TO REVERSE.
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2006
DT*:THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY ON THE VEHICLE RAN OUT DUE TO THE DRIVER LEAVING THE LIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GIVEN A JUMP-START, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, BUT THE MOTOR DID NOT START. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITH A SEMI-USED BATTERY, AND THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT START. NO MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; WITHOUT INCIDENT IT WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HAD SNAPPED. THERE WAS NO CAUSE AS TO WHY IT HAD FAILED.
Power train, Mar 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Mar 15, 2006
2004 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW, EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES VERY QUICKLY, HARD ENGAGEMENT INTO REVERSE, CLUNKING WHEN DOWNSHIFTING, CAR LURCHES UPON ACCELERATION DURING A SLOW TURN. I HAVE HAD INTO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES, BEGINNING 1 YEAR AGO AT 10,000 MILES. RECALL ADDITIVE PUT IN 1ST TIME, 2ND TIME AT 15,000 MILES I LOST THE ENTIRE RIGHT RACK AND PINION WHILE DRIVING (WOULD NOT STEER TO THE RIGHT), THEY TOLD ME AFTER REPAIR, THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS ALSO GONE. 3RD TIME THEY PUT IN A QT. OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. 4TH TIME THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID. 5TH TIME I REQUESTED BUY-BACK. THEIR TRANSMISSION TECH GUY WENT WITH ME, HE OBSERVED THE PROBLEM; HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY DID NOT KEEP VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. ONE MONTH LATER AFTER I HAD TO KEEP CALLING BACK THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY ADDED ANOTHER ADDITIVE AND REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. THEY ALSO HAD TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR CABLE, IT TOLD ME I WAS IN REVERSE WHEN I WAS IN PARK. PICKED UP CAR TODAY, THEY TOLD ME IT SHIFTED GREAT NOW, AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME AN EXTENDED 5 YR. 75,000 MILE WARRANTY. I DECLINED, STATED I WANTED A BUY-BACK. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE CAR ONCE AGAIN CLUNKED WHILE DECELERATING AND ALSO WHILE ACCELERATING INTO A TURN. I HAVE FILED WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE.
Power train, Mar 4, 2006
2004 FORD EXPLORER - TRANSMISSION DELAYS ENGAGEMENT OF REVERSE AND DRIVE. FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOLENOID. PROBLEM RETURNED WITHIN 9 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A $975 REPAIR INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SOLENOID. *JB
Power train, Feb 24, 2006
VEHICLE REAR-END WHINE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20MPH AND BELOW, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THIS OCCURRED PRIMARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 8, 2006
5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR NEW IN 8/04 IT WOULD NOT START(1/05) ;WAS ABLE TO RESET FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH AND START CAR. DEALER (MUZI FORD, NEEDHAM, MASS.)EXAMINED CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. IN 2/05 CAR WOULD NOT START,COULD NOT RESET FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH; DEALER REPLACED IT. IN 4/05 SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND DEALER REPLACED SWITCH , STATING IT WAS 'BURNED OUT'.IN 2/06 IDENTICAL PROBLEM OCCURRED AND BOTH SWITCH AND COMPUTER WERE REPLACED BY DEALER. FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AT THIS POINT. THE CAR IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS.*JB