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 first noticed and thought it was a scratched - looked at it closer and realized it was much more. The next day I saw that the crack had gotten bigger. Over the following week the crack has doubled in size. I am concerned about how big it's going to get.
I BELIVE FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT SINCE THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT QUALITY ANYMORE, THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. THEY ALL GOT A BIG PROFIT CECK THIS YEAR UP TO 5000.00 EACH EMPLOYEE. THEY NEED TO FOCUS ON REPAIRING THEIR PRODUCT AND STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. LIKE IT USE TO BE. IF THEY HAVE MORE THAN 300 CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS TO BE THE PRODUCT NOT HOW THOSE 300 PEOPLE HANDLED THEIR CAR. I KEEP MY CAR VERY CLEAN, WAXED, GARAGE KEP AND WHEN I NOTICED THE WINDOW PANEL CRACKED I WAS VERY UPSET. I DONT HAVE ON DENT IN MY CAR AND THEN FIND THIS CRACK AND THEN YOU START NOTICING MORE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME CRACK AND IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT. FORD SHOULD FIX IT ,IF THEY WANT TO KEEP THEIR COSTOMERS,ESPECIALLY WITH THE COMPETITION LIKE IT IS WITH FORD AND HONDA
Since this is an obvious, recurring problem, Ford needs to step up and replace, whether it's cosmetic, or not. This crack just showed up. Cold weather not to blame, it's April. Doesn't discriminate by color, either. My 2004 Explorer is Silver and I just saw a brown Explorer with the same problem. With the recesssion you would think the car companies would be bending over backwards to get returning customers. I won't be one of them.
This crack is bullshit and should NEVER happen on a vehicle. I have seen this exact same crack in multiple Explorers around town, that seem to be around the same year model. Ford should be forced to replace this panel with no questions asked.
I just bought the Explorer 2 months ago so my wife would have a dependable vehicle while I am deployed and she is stateside with our newborn, but if the plastic can't even last on this vehicle I don't see how this is going to really be a dependable vehicle for them.
- Jonathan R.,
Mooresville, NC, US
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Ford has not recalled to fix problem.....Definitely a defect in the material or structure of the planel.....See it on every Ford explorer that has not been fixed
I just bought my 2004 explorer last october and i knew it had the crack below the rear window, but then I started noticing ALL the other explorers with cracks. First I thought is was just blue explorers then I saw red and gold and white. It makes me want to jump out and start a petition and ask everyone to sign. This should be recalled!!! I love my Eddie Bauer but the crack cheapens it. I plan on taking this to ford!!!
It may seem insignificant but I'm really the type to complain this crack came about while the car was parked ,no impact , slamming doors, nor extreme weather conditions were to cause this crack and the fact that almost 500 people have complained regarding this same problem means there is some flaw in the manufacture or installation of this piece.
I WAS CONSIDERING PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD BUT I WILL NOT UNTIL THIS PROBLEM ID REMEDIED
This is really aggravating to say the least. Out of the blue, one beautiful 60 degree sunny day, I come out to find an ugly crack straight down the panel, to the left of the FORD emblem under the rear window! My Explorer, paid in full, has always been kept in very nice condition, low mileage, wash it regularly. Now has this awful, ugly crack! And to top it off, FORD has no recalls or acknowledgement of this faulty design/poor workmanship of their product. I see one Explorer after the other now on the road with the very same crack, in the very same place. In fact, one of the the firefighters at my station has a 2003 Explorer which just developed the same crack in the same place last week!! Coincidence? Absolutely not!
Something has to be done about this. If FORD truly believes in the quality of their product, that it can stand up against any comparable import model, then they need to stand behind their product, to address and fix any defects that do come to light. I will soon be adding a photo of my Explorers' crack, which you will find looks exactly like so many, many others.
Very disappointed in the obvious design defect in a company you should be able to trust. Since my truck is not under warranty, I'm told I'm out of luck. That's okay, I can buy another brand next time.
It is very aggravating to leave home and arrive at work to find the rear panel under the rear window completely split up and down at no fault of my own. I AM FURIOUS! Helllooo Ford! Issue a recall or you have forever lost a true blue Ford fan and customer!
Sounds like everybody else. crack along the ford emblem below back window. I've seen about every ford explorer in my town with the same problem!!!!! Big surprise!!!
I have a 2000 Chevy pickup that I bought in 2002 with 32000 miles on it .I have always washed it weekly and had serviced every 3000 miles.Have never gotten a rust spot or had any expense other than tires and brakes.I bought a 2004 explorer in 2006 with 33000 miles on it.This explorer has had the same care but I have had problems with the panel under the rear glass breaking,trans.problems,paint on the hood falling off,and wheel bearings going out.This vehicle has 15000 less miles on it then my pickup.It will be traded in on another vehicle before my truck and it won't be a Ford!
I have had my Explorer for about 2 years now, so far i have had to fix the transmission because when you buy a Ford expect the transmission to blow> if that wasn't bad enough this Feb I noticed the rear panel on the left side of the logo was split straight down the entire panel, if that wasn't enough of an eye sore the tailgate hatch handle(the plastic piece that covers the trunk handle) cracked right off as well. I have tried to find an economical way to repair the pieces but as per usual the pieces aren't available for my vehicle unless you spend $700 at a ford service center. in a recession like ours i am opting to wait for a recall to fix the problems!!! As it stands now I will never buy another Ford Ever!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I first noticed and thought it was a scratched - looked at it closer and realized it was much more. The next day I saw that the crack had gotten bigger. Over the following week the crack has doubled in size. I am concerned about how big it's going to get.
- Angela C., Dallas, GA, US