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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.

4.0

definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
47,300 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Sep 092014

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,562 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Attempted to re glue it lasted about 1 month, only solutions are either remove headlinder or replace at a cost of $1000

- Thomas Z., Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #1

Dec 012013

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

A few months ago I noticed the headliner hanging down just right center of the windshield. There isn't much tucked in so I would assume that the sunlight is causing the fabric glue to either dry out or shrink thereby making it come apart and begin to hang down. I would assume if I don't get it fixed sometime soon, it will just worsen and become a larger area. At this point it's about 6" wide and 2" deep.

- Cris B., Pleasanton, CA, US

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