drivetrain problem
8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,100.00
Average Mileage:
63,667 miles
Number of complaints:
6 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace rear differential (3 reports)
- don't buy ford!! (2 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2004 Ford Explorer rear differential failure
2007Dec 10
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
Ford told us this is a common problem with Explorers...but no recall. This is my last Ford, period.
2007Nov 08
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I have had my Explorer for 3 years. I bought it used, and at the time it ran great. In the last 2 years, I've had one thing break after another. First the O2 sensor went bad, then the transmission was shifting hard and when I took it to the dealer, I found out there was a recall on something with the transmission. It was good for about a year and then that's when things REALLY got bad. First, my 4x4 function got stuck. Then my truck got stuck in O/D. Once I got those two things fixed, my check engine light came on. It turned out that I needed a new solenoid pack. After replacing that I thought I was good to go. Then about 4 months later I took it in for an oil change and they found a leak in the rear of my truck. I had the rear differential seal replaced only to find out 2 months later it was leaking again and ANOTHER part was failing. I had that fixed as well, but the mechanic recommended I get rid of my truck ASAP because I was about to have to replace the entire rear differential. He showed me metal shavings in the fluid and said he's seen 3 other Explorers in the last 2 months with the same problems. So far I've spent $2000 in repairs. If the rear differential goes, I'm looking at another $1500 at least. My warranty ran out, so I'm coming out of pocket a lot of money. I just want my Explorer fixed and I want FORD MOTORS to be accountable for the problem. I've spent enough of my own money that I could have a new, better vehicle than what I'm driving now.
2007Oct 08
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
Who ever heard of a rear differential needing replacement at 32,000,(of course only months past their STINGY warrenty) without 1 day of abuse, no off roading, just plain suburban mom driving!!!! We were shocked and really got no other help from the dealer, but a huge repair bill. This is our 3rd explorer, think we will EXPLORE our other car options very soon, afraid that more will go wrong sooner, than later.
2007Jun 12
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
The rear end has gone out on the Explorer 2 times since purchase, neither time has a Ford dealership been able to repair, each time the repair costs are around $1000.00. This is not the only issue with the Explorer, from day one issues with transmission, while in warranty multiple dealerships could not find issue would say perfectly normal. Once out of warranty transmission will not shift out of first gear, take to Ford dealership and get told do not have equipment to work on transmission and really don't know anything about transmissions.
2007Mar 15
(reported on)Explorer ES
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
My ABS light has been going on since I bought the car. They said they cleaned the sensor but other than that did not find a problem. Brought it back to the dealer at least two times with same result. I got used to seeing the ABS light on all the time. It turns out the sensor kept illuminating due to metal shavings from rear differential being attached to the magnet in the sensor. Now I need to overhaul the rear end. For has known about this problem since at least 2002 model. Buy something else!!!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jan 02
Explorer XLS V6
i have had vibration and a bad noise from my rear end...come to find out that it is my differential so i called tuffy up to have it fixed and they said that it was a recall so i called ford and they said that there has not been a recall on it and they will not help me with it even though i bought it brand new from them and we have 5 ford vehicles that we have bought in 2 years they said that they can fix it for $1500. well you know what i will trade my vehicle in for a new chevy and never will buy ford AGAIN!!! And believe me i will call the corporate also!!!
Janeen G.
Port Orange, FL, USA
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