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.
A friend noticed the crack in the panel under the back glass of my Explorer when he parked behind me one night. I had no idea it was there and took a look. It's a nasty vertical crack and then there is a separate crack from the bottom of the plastic to the middle of the crack connecting... it looks like an upside down letter "Y" and there is no way i'm spending 400-500 dollars in fixing this thing. I look at every Explorer I see on the road now and in my tiny town of 3000 people, i'd say about 75% of the Explorers have the crack on this panel. That's pretty sad.
When we contacted ford for this problem they offered to pay a small part of the bill which I see as an insult. This is absolutely a manufacturers defect and should be recalled by Ford. Fords customer service was horrible and imo their quality has definitely fallen off in the past 10yrs. Im a loyal ford customer with 3 Fords of my own but if this goes unresolved, I will be taking my business to another company. Chevrolet seems to be doing the opposite and really improving their vehicles.
Add us to the list. Our back panel cracked by itself and we had no idea it was as huge of a problem as it is. I am going to put the call into Ford but don't really expect to get anywhere with it. Have other issues with this car and hope to DUMP it soon!! I wish Ford had another car I could get so that I could give it right back to them, ha, but am afraid some poor unsuspecting soul will get it. Hate that.....
I have a 2004 Explorer XLT that had the popular rear lift gate crack. I sent a letter to the ford corporation about this problem. They responded from their customer support office with a very unpleasant man who would not let me talk and was very rude. I tried to explain to him my problem and asked him why ford is not taking care of their customers on this wide spread problem. I told me that he was not aware of any explorer lift gate windows that were having problems with the plastic piece cracking and how can I complain to him on something they have no knowledge as being a problem. I told him that they must have known there was a problem and change the design in the 2005 and new explorers. He told me that since I was out of my 36000 mile warranty that I was on my own. Thank god my ford dealer is great!!! They replaced it for me and it only cost me $50.00. I still had a problem paying $50.00 for a known ford problem but its better than seeing that butt crack on my car.
Ford just blows off anyone that brings up the problems, My crap dealer is El Cajon Ford in El Cajon Ca. they responded as if i was stupid, and didn't want to talk to me just
try to pass me off to difference people.
Have anyone gone to small claims court on them yet? if so what was your out come?
I noticed my rear hatch panel cracked and asked about it a the dealership. I was told that the crack is a common problem with explorers and is because to the panel expands and contracts causing it to crack. I said it ought to a recall because its a design flaw. The serviceman basically agreed but said there is no recall and said it would cost $384.00 to repair.
This is my 7th ford and my 3rd Explorer. This is my last ford.
2004 Ford Explorer XLT 42000 miles same problem with rear panel cracked next to ford plate, I think ford needs to recall this problem and get it fixed right,if they don't take action to this matter, we the costumers need to get together and go to ford dealerships and alert new costumers about ford's poor quality, I should stay with CHEVROLET
Well, it looks like I can join the 2004 chapter of the Ford Explorer "Butt-Crack" club. I Went to the store, no crack when loading groceries, drove 2 miles home and there it was, the famous cracked panel above and below the emblem. I hate to waste money fixing this only to have it happen again.
I have created a flicker group account where we can all post pictures of our "Butt-Cracks". Maybe if we all post pictures it will get Fords attention and/or we can email the link when sending a complaint to customer service.
Well, let me add my two cents. My 2004 Ford Explorer developed a crack on the rear hatch just below the window. Called Ford and they said they could do nothing. Too bad. Then I talked to a body shop guy and he says it will cost $300. Like everyone else here Ford assumes no responsibility for the crack. Probably won�t buy a Ford again. Doesn�t bother them.
I bought my vehicle in May 2006. I just happened to Google 2004 Ford Explorer complaints and found that I was not the only person that has this problem. This morning when I was leaving to go to work, I noticed the crack under the rear panel. It curves along the left of the Ford logo and extends diagonally to the end of the panel. I have not researched to see if a dealer will repair it without it being at my expense. However I seriously doubt it because I am beyond the 50,000 mile warranty. If that is the case, then it can just remained cracked and hopefully it will not worsen. My only concern is that water may seep into the crack and collect inside the hatch/door. Has anyone had that happen?
This is a flaw in manufacturing and should be fixed by Ford. I have called customer service and I was told by a supervisor by the name of Randy "There is nothing more we can do for you here at Ford." Not a very customer service statement. If Ford does not do the right thing here and fix this issue, it will determine if I purchase another Ford. I have had Ford autos for many years and currently my family owns many trucks. I did not pay $30,000.00 for a vehicle to have the body start exploding. I was told by a dealership this was a known problem and they did not know why Ford did not recall the vehicles. They kept the part in stock but I was over the mileage. I am not sure what mileage has to do with a manufacturing flaw on Ford's part. This is most disturbing to me as a customer.
I see I'm not the only one. And it wasn't until my rear Liftgate applique cracked that I noticed the many others out there on the road with similar cracks. I got no results from the Ford dealers in SoCal (Oxnard, Santa Paula & Ventura) as they all play ignorant on this issue. It amazes me how these service managers look surprised when they see the crack. Ford should take full responsibility and come up with a solution to remedy this obvious defect. I realize it is not a safety issue however, the pride and integrity of "Built Ford Tough" should hold water. These ugly cracks are located next to their Ford emblem for every person to see and judge. I own three Fords and I am sorry to say that I am leaving the Ford family for another company. May I suggest a fiberglass or composite material cover 24" in length painted black or color-coated with a new emblem that could be placed over these cracks (similar to the tailgate covers on Nissan Titans). Thanks for listening, I feel better.
I have owned Fords for several years and I am so disappointed in their customer service. I was on the phone and looking up the issue on-line and I couldn�t believe how many complaints. The customer service person basically told me no one was complaining and when I told him I was on-line looking at the complaints he basically told me I need to go to a dealership and work it out with them. Oh, yeah this is not cause for a recall because it is not endangering anyone. I told him what will happen if the window cracks while I am driving and it shatters, will that be cause for a recall or a major law-suit. I should not have to pay for something the manufacture is responsible for. Oh, he told me Ford is improving their cars every year. Good luck with that, this is the last time I will buy a Ford or have one in my drive way again. Please pursue this issue to the highest, because I will there riding them.
Ford needs to recall this issue. I have been given 3 quotes. $300.00 Ford Dealer, $800.00 Ford Dealer, $275.00 Private Body Shop.
I came out one morning and found the crack on my rear tailgate. Car is in immaculate condition. I washed the car earlier in the morning and it was cold outside. This is obviously a manufacturing defect!
My Explorer had not even reached the $50,000 mile mark. Do to a job change, I was not able to address the issue right away. Now it is not covered under my warranty.
Just noticed the crack in the panel of the tailgate under the rear windshield. It goes from the windshield to the Ford emblem and then down to the handle of the hatchback. I'm taking the vehicle to a dealership this week and will post more of what I found. Doesn't look good thus far with all the above comments and information.
After the piece under my tailgate window cracked took it to ford. they said it happens all the time but they were not responsible because warranty had just expired. I had just bought car a few weeks before. And we did nothing to make happen. A week weeks after that ai was in a drive through and saw the explorer in front of me had the same problem. I got out of my car and talked with the lady in the explorer in front of me. She said her car and her son's exact same model had both done that. Tell me if you are making crap how con it not be their responsibility when it breaks. (over and over)! I want it RECALled. I can't afford to get it fixed... about $400.00
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
A friend noticed the crack in the panel under the back glass of my Explorer when he parked behind me one night. I had no idea it was there and took a look. It's a nasty vertical crack and then there is a separate crack from the bottom of the plastic to the middle of the crack connecting... it looks like an upside down letter "Y" and there is no way i'm spending 400-500 dollars in fixing this thing. I look at every Explorer I see on the road now and in my tiny town of 3000 people, i'd say about 75% of the Explorers have the crack on this panel. That's pretty sad.
- Brian S., Carrollton, IL, US