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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.

6.4

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$460
Average Mileage:
75,350 miles
Total Complaints:
769 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. waiting for Ford to recall (296 reports)
  2. not sure (205 reports)
  3. replace panel (117 reports)
  4. possible class action lawsuit (63 reports)
  5. call Ford motor company 1-800-241-3673 (27 reports)
  6. do not buy Ford again (25 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 32 of 39)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #149

Jan 152009

Explorer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

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

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH THE IDEA IT WAS ONE OF THE BETTER OF THE FORD PRODUCTS. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL CRACKED FOR NO REASON.

WHEN I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP MCCOTTER FORD IN TITUSVILLE THEY SAID OH NO...THAT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN THEY ARE CRACK RESISTANT. BUT YET THEY SALE THE PANELS AND MY PANEL CRACKED WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY! THEY WANTED 100.00 FOR THE PANEL AND 350.00 TO PAINT IT AND INSTALL. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO DISAPPOINTMENT IN A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS IMMEDIATELY!

- kimmiesue, Titusville, FL, US

problem #148

Jan 262009

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Same problem here... Its funny how you never seem notice things until it happens to you now every Explorer I look at and it has the same problem. I really hope Ford recalls this.

- Frank B., Pontotoc, MS, US

problem #147

Jan 092009

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,353 miles

Anyone who has this problem should file a complaint with the NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov) they have only received 3 complaints about the cracked applique on 2004 Explorers. Ford will do nothing unless more complaints are filed, 2002-present.

- Thomas Z., Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #146

Nov 112008

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

Same problem as everyone else here! Walked out one day and there was the crack. I also thought it could be the cold weather, but I do keep my car in the garage when not driving it. I also had to replace my transmission at 75,000 miles. I owned a 93 Ford explorer before this one and kept it for 13 years never had any problems, but this 2004 one is one thing after another. My next car will not be a Ford unfortunately. I think Ford needs to stand up and take care of this issue.

- sdante, Battlefield, MO, US

problem #145

Nov 222008

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Adding to everyone's complaints. I noticed the crack one day out of the blue. I thought maybe something from the road flew up and hit the back or maybe someone tried to break in my vehicle. I noted another Explorer driving next to the other day and noticed the same crack in the same spot. You would think with the amount of complaints for the same problem that Ford would issue a recall. I am thinking since it doesn't seem to be a safety issue...they could care less.

- tiffany8974, Bowling Green, KY, US

problem #144

Jan 012009

Explorer XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

I have noticed a crack down the whole of the panel below my rear window. Ford have told me there is no recall! what is going on? I was driving through town yesterday and was behind a 2004 ford explorer that had the same exact crack. I found this site today and found there are many others with the same issue. These trucks are not cheap to buy, what can we do about this?

- Nicola K., Dover, DE, US

problem #143

Jan 212009

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,750 miles

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

Once again, another satisfied Ford Customer, lol. About two weeks ago I was reading AutoBeef and the problems with the Explorer rear Applique cracking and low and behold it happened to mine this past week. The dealership stated there was a recall for this about a year ago and that I would have to pay for it myself. They gave me a quote of $443.91. I think that's ridiculous and can't wait to get rid of and never purchase another Ford vehicle. I will wait about a month or so to see if Ford steps up, if not, here I come Toyota.

- Terence D., Horizon City, TX, US

problem #142

Dec 282008

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I am another of the unhappy Explorer owners who went to get something out of the back of the vehicle and noticed the crack below the window. I called a Ford dealer and was told that it would cost $600.00 to fix. My son has a 2002 Explorer with the exact same crack and after finding this web site I see we are not alone. My husband and I have owned many Ford vehicles but this will be the last as Ford doesn't want to take responsibility for an obvious flaw in the plastic piece that is below the window.

- kcva, Mineral, VA, US

problem #141

Jan 182009

Explorer XL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

I cannot believe this!!!! Right when warranty ends of course this factory defect appears and Ford tells me it is not covered! Telling me that I live in Hawaii and it is because of the weather BS I read this forum from people all over the US Hello ford wake up and serve us Americans like we serve you...........................

- Vanessa 1., Kapa, HI, US

problem #140

Jan 152009

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,550 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

Why would Ford even sale an Explorer that they know has a DEFECT and apparently this has been going on for sometime. I was driving to work one day last week and it was COLD.....the car had been in the garage...I was about 5 miles away from my house and BOOM....it sounded like a bomb went off. Come to find out...my back rear panel just SPLIT in half and FORD won't fix it. I can't turn it into my insurance company...not an accident. So....I did write the Better Business Bureau concerning this problem. I hope this helps to get my car and all of your cars fixed. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND MAKE THIS RIGHT FOR ALL OF US.

- Pam G., Germantown, OH, US

problem #139

Sep 012008

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,340 miles

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

I HEARD ABOUT A RECALL THAT WAS FOR FORD EXPLORER AND THEY HAD IT FOR 2002-2003 FORDS AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHY THERE ISNT A RECALL FOR FORD EXPLORER XLT !!

- Judith M., Whittier, CA, US

problem #138

Jan 052009

Explorer XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

Add me to the list. Was just quoted $380.00 to fix. Known problem and no abuse involved. Ford needs to step up.

- Mark T., Shady Cove, OR, US

problem #137

Oct 012008

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,340 miles

to whom this may concern has been having some technical difficulties so if your workers can fix the back rear panel of my car because i heard of a recall that my friend to me on fords year 2002-2003 and i was wondering why there wasn't a recall on ford models year 2004 because my back panel was damaged . and if you guys can fix it i would greatly appreciate it !thank you

- Judith M., Whittier, CA, US

problem #136

Jan 102009

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I was shocked when I called the dealership today. I was told by the service manager that he has seen this problem over 20 times recently. Stated that no recall has been issued and would cost me over $300.00 to fix. I almost fell out. We had an in-depth discussion concerning my options...calling customer service etc. Sounded good till I googled "2004 Ford Explorer Hatch Crack". So much for calling FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! Like most other I take good care of my vehicles. Now I have a huge single crack on the rear of my explorer. I asked if the dealership discloses the problem to people that purchase used explorers off the lot. I was sure that they would offer a $350.00 up front discount. YA THINK!!! I would hate to think Ford would be dishonest about anything concerning their vehicles. Maybe Ford could get a few billion from the US Govt to waste. But before they waste it all they could issue a recall and FIX OUR PROBLEM!!!!!

- Dewayne E., Hartselle, AL, US

problem #135

Nov 012008

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I thought I was the only one with this problem until I started asking around and found out that my friends mother's Explorer has the same thing happen a few months prior. What is wrong with these damn things. To make things worse my transmission went out and they are impossible to fix in 2004 explorers:(

- Keith A., Hitchcock, TX, US

problem #134

Oct 012008

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,340 miles

my rear windshield panel is cracked and i think that your company ford should pay for the damages caused . therefore , i heard there was a recall on fords year 2002-2003 and i wanted to know why there isn't a recall on the model XLT year 2004 because it was your workers fault and every time i open my panel and close it the clutch doesn't close ! and damages my car!!! if you guys can please help me out on fixing it i would greatly appreciate it thank you!! and can you email me back !! or call (562)-237-0589 please call me back. thank you

- Judith M., Whittier, CA, US

problem #133

Nov 012007

Explorer XLT 4.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

As others have said, I have a cracked panel below the rear window. Dealer says not a warranty issue.

- Liz V., Edmond, OK, US

problem #132

Jan 102009

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

I walked out of my garage yesterday and looked at the back of my truck and thought it was water running down and touched it just to realize it was a crack.... I couldn't believe it..I have not driven it more than a few miles in the last several months due to illness so was very shocked to see damage to my vehicle. I have always trusted Ford - no one is perfect but they have always taken care of their issues...When I looked it up on line and saw how many complaints there are and Ford has not issued a recall I was extremely upset... We all are in financial straits but this is their problem and they should fix it...

- Debbie D., Suffolk, VA, US

problem #131

Jan 072009

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,517 miles

Add me to the list! May be the last Ford I own! Not like it was mistreated in any way. Known problem, time to escalate the complaint process.

- brucer, Arlington, TX, US

problem #130

Jan 052009

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,285 miles

I talked to a friend of mine who owns a ford dealership in n.c. He told me that water gets into the panel and then freezes. and there you have it "the Crack". No recall YET hopefully Ford realizes this is a defect and they will take care of the problem

- Brian R., Langhorne, PA, US

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