I own a 2004 Ford Explorer that has experienced two overheating incidents, the second resulted in replacing the engine. The first incident was caused by a stuck thermostat and the second by a leaking hose between the thermostat housing and the engine. In both incidents when the engine temperature warning activated, the temperature was buried in the hot end of the gauge. In both incidents, I immediately decelerated and pulled off the road but in the second incident, the engine was already ruined. An article in the April 2010 issue of design news (made by monkeys, pg 10) about a similar incident with a Mazda led me to believe mine was not an isolated occurrence but a result of increased use of aluminum and better cooling systems. In the Mazda incident, the engine had been replaced once and was saved from a second replacement only because the driver was looking at the gauge when it suddenly pegged into the hot end. The problem is there in no warning of low coolant until the level drops below the water pump which results in a sudden and often catastrophic rise in engine temperature. The Explorer is the most heavily instrumented automobile I have ever owned yet the cooling system warning is stuck in 60S when cars had cast iron blocks, overheated gradually and were forgiving of overtemps.

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. He stated that while driving at 65 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast off the roadway where the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer advised the timing belt had broken and destroyed the engine. The entire engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was left with the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 136,000.

- Warren, MA, USA

Spark plug blowout while driving home from work. Explorer has only 50K miles.

- Reno, NV, USA

When driving vehicle the vehicle stalls when braking. This failure occurs only when the vehicle is at 1/4 tank of gas or less. Vehicle has been to Ford for repair on 3 occasions. The have replaced the ABS sensor, throttle body and a fuel injection cleaning was performed. None of this has fixed the problem. Dec 4 2009 was the first occurrence and has occurred several times with the last being today 2-24-2010.

- Walcott, IA, USA

2004 Ford Explorer XLT fire.

- White Salmon, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. While driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal would stick and cause the vehicle to lurch forward and sometimes stall. A technician stated that the throttle sensor assembly was the cause of the failure. He further stated that there were only four parts in the United States that were available for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 75,200. Updated 0/01/09 the consumer stated the vehicle has since been repaired, however it took a total of 7 weeks, due to issues with parts. Also the vehicle would stall at times. Updated 09/09/09

- Lanett, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. While driving between 10-30 mph, the vehicle stalled. When the contact turns off and restarts the vehicle, it resumes normal operation. The vehicle has shut off a total of four times. He took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic, but they could not locate a failure code. The dealer cleaned the throttle, fuel injector, and reset the power module. The failure mileage was 39,500 and current mileage was 39,600.

- Cedar Grove , NJ, USA

Sparkplug blow out of its socket, tearing the threats off, this seams to be a continuous problem with alot of Ford's engine, I do have a maintainence program off checking all of the standard point on my Explorer, my mechanic checks liquids, oils grease, filters, tires, sparkplugs etc. I believe that after so many complains and a well documented manufactures defect a recall should be issue, because I investigated this issue and it very possible to occur again, this repair cost me $2,154.97 Canadian dollars, and it could cost me the same if it happens again.

- Waterloo, 00, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. In 2007, the contact stated that the instrumental panel lights constantly flashed and lost power. The dealer replaced a hose, which corrected the failure for approximately ten months. On November 2, 2008, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact had to wait several minutes to restart the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 55,000.

- Santa Rosa , CA, USA

Turned on the cruise control and the engine cut out - no power. Placed in neutral and restarted.

- West Newbury, MA, USA

Failure of auxiliary suction line leading to rear ac in vehicle. Paid for replacement at Ford dealership. Part should be expected to function for the life of the vehicle. Ford refuses to accept there was an issue with the piping and reimburse for repair.

- Mundelein, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. She depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle started and began to vibrate. She then placed the vehicle in reverse and heard a loud clunking noise. She smelled a strong gas odor inside the passenger compartment. The contact looked in her rearview mirror and noticed a large amount of smoke coming from the exhaust system. She parked the vehicle and had it towed. She then noticed that all of the radiator fluid leaked out. The mechanic stated that the valve failed and damaged the entire engine. The mechanic also stated that the engine needed to be replaced and appeared to be a manufacturer defect. The current and failure mileages were 63,000. The consumer also stated had problems prior to incident with sun visor falling off, gear shaft would not shift into park, engine sluggish, and while using cruise control vehicle would just shut off. Updated 10/22/07

- The Woodlands, TX, USA

Multiple problems with my Explorer. When shifting into reverse car jolts with a clunking noise. ABS light is on and 4X4 high light flashes. Service engine light on but no hose leaks can be found. Wrench light comes on even after tps replacement suggested by obd-II. Very unhappy with this vehicle. I have owned 7 Ford, this is the worst I have owned.

- Yukon, OK, USA

Ford Motor Company regarding dissatisfaction with lack of performance, reliability and quality of 2004 Ford Explorer XLT* consumer states has had multiple problems with 2004 Ford Explorer such as very hard shifting gears from a parked position, the vehicle shut down on I95 highway twice and pedals became inoperable, vehicle also slams into gear at high speed and wants to reimbursed for the multiple problems of his 3 year old truck.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

On three separate occasions, my Explorer would turn over but refuse to start. The third time it took 2 days for it to finally start. On the way to the service appointment at the dealer, the SUV stalled in the middle of a very busy intersection. The dealer said that they couldn't pin-point any particular cause but they did have a service bulletin that called for updating of some software.

- Gap, PA, USA

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the engine stalled without warning. Afterwards, the engine was restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not alerted.

- Cambridge, OH, USA

: the contact stated the automatic transmission was slipping between gears and made clunking noises. The vehicle also made humming sounds from the engine while accelerated over 55 mph. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

2004 Explorer has stalled several times without any warning. Restarts fine. Seems to be with cruise on and going down hill at speeds between 30 and 40. Has been to dealership 3 times and they say they can't duplicate. Have called Ford they say take to dealershp. See several of same complaints on your site. Very dangerous. Has happened numerous times don't know what to put for incident date.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

2004 Ford Explorer. The vehicle stalled while driving, this happened at different speeds. When this occurred the vehicle had to be rolled off of the road. The vehicle completely shut down. The vehicle had to be turned off in order for it comes back on. The vehicle has been to the dealership, and they could not find the cause of the problem. Also, could not duplicate it.

- Highlands, NC, USA

2004 Ford Explorer engine shuts off and there is difficulty shifting gears.** answer required***. both of theses malfunctions present a danger and a hazard and are very serious defects.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA