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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
16,356 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Ford Explorer brakes problems

brakes problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #10

May 012008

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,582 miles

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

2004 Ford Explorer XLT having recurring problems with antilock brake system. The consumer stated the ABS light illuminated twice. The first time the problem occurred, the dealer diagnosed the problam as a faulty switch which they replaced. The second time the light illuminated, the dealer stated the problem was a speed sensor on the rear axle.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #9

Jan 312007

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
2004 Ford Explorer had brake problems* the ABS locked up and caused the vehicle to overturn. The air bags failed to deploy during the accident.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #8

Jan 012005

Explorer 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles
We have experienced multiple problems with the electrical systems of our 2004 Ford Explorer along with other miscellaneous problems. The electrical problems have not been corrected to date. In November 2006, the rear window of the liftgate broke off the hinge. We were told there were no recalls for this problem and had to pay for this repair out of our pocket. Today, January 16, 2007 the frame of the rear liftgate cracked in the middle.

- Mesquite, TX, USA

problem #7

Aug 102006

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

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

: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at various speeds, the antilock brakes activated on normal road conditions without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who replaced the wheel speed sensor. Afterwards, upon applying brake pressure at any speed there was a pronounced vibration within the brake pedal. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was contacted.

- Mount Kisco, NY, USA

problem #6

Sep 162005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,978 miles
While driving on September 16, 2005 the ABS failed. When this occurred it caused the consumer's vehicle to almost hit another vehicle. The ABS, maintenance, and four wheel lights came on and blinked when he lost the brakes. A diagnosis test was performed, and it showed that there was a problem with the speed sensor. The dealership replaced the speed sensor in the rear which was called asy-T. the fuel gauge broke. It showed the fuel tank level was higher than what it really was. The driver's rear window motor had to be replaced. The cover over the hatchback handle had to be replaced. Also, had to replace the weather stripping. There has been a repair done to the four by four unit. There were multiple problems with the vehicle.

- Watertown, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 222005

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle suddenly started accelerating uncontrollably. Driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Vehicle continued to accelerate excessively. While making a right turn driver hit the curb and flipped four times landing upside down in a ditch. Driver and passenger sustained injuries, and were transported by an ambulance to a hospital. Vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company.

- Loganville, GA, USA

problem #4

Mar 152005

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

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

While driving 70 mph check engine light came on, then, moments later the engine revved up and down, and the brakes failed, not allowing the vehicle to stop. Dealer stated the vehicle jumped timing.

- Ocean Springs, MS, USA

problem #3

Jun 082004

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
At all times the ABS brake light is on. Also, when vehicle is used in wet weather it will skid. Vehicle is scheduled to go to the dealer in the near future.

- Erie, MI, USA

problem #2

Jun 242004

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles
2004 eddie bauer Explorer 4X4: Engine failed, safe mode when nothing appears to be an issue. Others on news groups claim they found it to be faulty ABS electronic control unit.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #1

Jun 082004

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles
Loud pop from rear-end. ABS light, wrench, and check engine light came on. Found to be a bad speed sensor and defective rear-end. SUV has been in the shop for 2 weeks and no rear-end in sight.

- Dewitt, AR, USA

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