CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 Ford Explorer one of our worst vehicles on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Another common problem for the 2002-2005 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
9.0
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,010
Average Mileage:
83,800 miles
Total Complaints:
42 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (20 reports)
replace steering column (9 reports)
had to pay for the expensive repair (4 reports)
replace defective parts with better upgrade (4 reports)
XMAS Eve 2006, with my Explorer loaded with presents, I made my last stop and thought I was on my way home. But NO! The stupid Gear Stick breaks as I was trying to put the car into gear. Luckily I had AAA towing. But unfortunately I had the "Hi Tech Extended Warranty" and this wasn't covered. I'm out $1,000. Worst Xmas ever. I fear this is going to cause a tragic accident one day. I'm certain that, even though it's "fixed" that it will happen again. This is one the Feds should look into.
Came from hospital visiting my grandmother .. parked in an indoor lot .... go to shift truck to back up ... and SNAP! the gear shifter comes out of the steering console !?!?!!?!?. limp like a broken arm! .. Tow truck can't come into the lot ... no clearance .. so the tow operator climbs under the truck to shift while I'm holding the brakes to prevent truck from rolling over him... he tells me that the connector part is made of aluminum ? .. not steel !.... not feeling Ford right now ...
- Thermon D.,
Norristown, PA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
XMAS Eve 2006, with my Explorer loaded with presents, I made my last stop and thought I was on my way home. But NO! The stupid Gear Stick breaks as I was trying to put the car into gear. Luckily I had AAA towing. But unfortunately I had the "Hi Tech Extended Warranty" and this wasn't covered. I'm out $1,000. Worst Xmas ever. I fear this is going to cause a tragic accident one day. I'm certain that, even though it's "fixed" that it will happen again. This is one the Feds should look into.
- blinky, Wilmington, DE, US