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.
6.4
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$460
Average Mileage:
75,350 miles
Total Complaints:
769 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
waiting for Ford to recall (296 reports)
not sure (205 reports)
replace panel (117 reports)
possible class action lawsuit (63 reports)
call Ford motor company 1-800-241-3673 (27 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer Lift Gate Applique - You can purchase the rear panel applique to fix this problem from fordpartswebsite.com, although it will still need to be painted and installed.
Cracked Ford Explores - Visit and join this Facebook group for an additional site where you can tell Ford about this annoying problem.
Ford Explorer Lift Gate Cracks - Become a part of this active Facebook page of Ford / Mercury owners who share information on dealing with the cracked trim panel that Ford would not.
I went to open the back to load groceries and the panel was cracked. I have noticed so many Ford Explorers with cracks. Whenever it rains for some reason my door ajar light stays on and my interior and exterior light under my rear view mirror stays on? I think this should be a recall. I loved my explorer but thinking of selling and never getting another ford product.
I didn't realize the issue of the panel under the rear window cracking was so prevalent until I did a search on it.. I noticed mine cracked sometime within the last month. I bought my Explorer used five years ago with only 42000 miles on it. Now I only have 73000 so you can see it gets driven infrequently. It has been garaged the whole time I've had it so it hasn't been out in the elements.. Obviously this is a construction (design or material) flaw and should be addressed by Ford.
Have had my 2004 Ford Explorer since 2004- purchased new. Crack appeared out of the blue a couple months ago. Ever since it appeared I've noticed it on numerous other Ford Explorers- many times on a daily basis. It has gotten to the point where whenever I see one of them I check to see if there is a crack. Most of the time there is one- typically see at least 1 other car w/ the crack on a daily basis and I only drive about 10 miles during my work commute. Not all that shocked to see the numerous posts on this website about the same problem. Have been a loyal Ford customer all my life-- My dad is a Ford retiree- worked there 30 years. Probably won't buy one again if the company doesn't man-up, do the right thing, and fix this problem free of charge. So far it's not looking good.
- jjgrimm311,
Colorado Springs, CO, US
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Since this crack appeared, we have noticed similar cracks on over a dozen other Ford Explorers. The majority of the cracks are to the LEFT of the emblem. I cannot believe that Ford has not taken some sort of responsibility for this obvious defect in the construction of the panel.
LIke so many other posts regarding this problem, we have the same crack on our tailgate near the Ford emblem. We parked next to an identical model with the exact same crack and had a conversation with the owner, who told us she discovered this is a common flaw with this model. Now I'm seeing similar cracks on other Ford Explorers when we are out and about. How can Ford not take responsibility for this? When we called the dealership to find out about having it fixed, they told us it would be at our expense and over $500 to fix it. REALLY??? We have meticulously maintained our vehicle, and now it looks awful! This is just wrong Ford!
I wrote Ford Motor Credit and spoke with them today. I was told this was not a known problem on this model and it was not under warranty at this time. I explained it is a known manufacture defect on this year and model have been told by 2 dealerships and insurance company and they will not offer any assistance in getting this corrected. The truck was well under warranty when the defect was recognized. I want them to stand behind the product and fix it!!
Well just like some other complaints i had seen 2 blue explorers with a crack in hatch and the next day i had the same thing ironic that thaey were the same color blue , not many major issues other than tran replaced at 185,000 but just weird .
The crack in the rear below the rear back window.. It's definitely a defect!! I love my ford by I hate how the crack makes the car look.
I cannot believe there is no recall.
I am in Ford country.. Florida. Where ever I turn I see another ford explorer with a crack!! Some try to cover with an awful sticker and other tried to paint it!!
Obviously they don't like either. This is my first Ford.. But I may have to purchase my next car back to Nissan.. Never had a problem.. Ford why not Stand by your name and mission ...
Had heard from other owners about the cracking of real window panel. After several years (7) ours has finally cracked. Was wondering about Ford repairing as defect or the cost to have repaired.
Last week I was behind an Explorer just like mine and noticed the crack below the rear window. I had loaded somethings in the back on Friday night and it wasn't there. When I loaded the things back nup on Saturday morning I found that mine had cracked too. I came online to see if there is a recall and I find all the complaints from other Ford Owners about the same problem. How can Ford not do anything to fix this. If I get it fixed myself, I wonder how long before it does it again. Please let me know if anyone gets any solutions to this problem.. I'm also having transmission problems too! I WILL NOT purchase another FORD! I waited for years to get an Explorer always wanted one and now I wish I had never bought it!!
I became aware that Ford Explorers were susceptible to cracking of the rear trim panel below the window from observations of other Ford Explorers while driving. I warned every driver of the car to be very careful closing the back lift gate and back window hatch, yet one day a crack was there. As time has gone on, the crack has grown and new cracks have appeared.
My biggest concern is the resale value of the car being compromised. I had initially chosen to purchase a Ford (used with low mileage) because they didn't take government bailout money. But now with this crack issue I've lost a great deal of respect for the company. I used to hate the bulk and rattle of the Dodge Ram pickup trucks, but now am actually considering changing my plans to purchase a Ford truck with the Dodge truck. I'll do a better job of investigating complaints before I buy any car or truck from this point forward; right here at Car Complaints dot com.
I also have other problems that Ford fixed and then the exact same thing happened (not fixed yet) and now the rear panel cracks in half. I have owned a lot of Fords, and had problems, but they were so small that i did not even know they were there until i got a recall letter. Now i am having bigger problems,and i find out i am not alone by far, and i can't get Ford to give even a good answer. I get answers like , if it is a real problem, there will be a recall. I am now waiting for Ford to do the right thing and recall and fix all these problems.
Vehicle is a piece of CRAP. Already had to have front pinion seal and coolant housing replaced due to blown head gasket. Within 6 months after these repairs the alternator went. A month and a half ago, the tensioner broke. Extended warranty is highway robbery unless you purchase everything meaning very little above was covered. Now the panel on the lift gate below the rear window is cracked all the way down the middle. Tried to buy American, but what a JOKE. My 2004 Toyota Highlander has 105,000 miles and I have not had any of these repairs except the normal maintenance done at their respective intervals. Will never buy another Ford.
A couple of years ago the hinges on the rear window broke, and now this; not to mention the two wheel bearings that had to be replaced. Considering the initial cash outlay I paid, along with the on-going expenses, I'll think twice before buying another Ford.
when i called ford customer service to see if they could help me they said no. now i find out there at that time there was a special assistance program. called them back today to see if i could get my money back they said no they never heard of any program. they just don't want to help because so many cars have this problem and would cost them to must money to help!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Another thing Ford should pay for because of shoddy design.
- Johnny T., Moore, OK, US