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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.

1.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
122,335 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 lights problems

lights problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 012014

Explorer

  • 50,000 miles

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

Plastice parts are deteriorating, desolving in front inside drive sun visor-lighted visor broke off; centerl rear A/C and heat moon roof light console falls off-plastice clips desolved and will not fasten into roof assembly, causing blocked eyesight and at time on right turn hitting head or eyes. This is unsafe and Ford motor knows of complainst. Part are not availble. This is a highway safety issue. The model was the eddie bauer top of the line $40, ,835 car fmv $5000 only 54000 miles pri level code 450240U74 ship wgt 4357

- Miller Place, NY, USA

problem #5

Jun 202019

Explorer

  • 264,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the brake lamps, turn signals, and emergency flashers failed to operate properly. This was a distraction to the contact's driving because he could not notify other drivers of the vehicle's movements. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, but they did not have time to diagnose the vehicle. The contact called a Ford customer service line, but they did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 264,000.

- Jasper, TX, USA

problem #4

Aug 052018

Explorer

  • 203,011 miles
I am having electronica issues with my 2004 Ford Explorer, that control lighting and speed of my vehicle. Also the left signal arm that controls high beams, and lighting snapped off while I was on the freeway on August 5th, 2018. The electrical problem started in June 2018.

- Tualatin, OR, USA

problem #3

Sep 072015

Explorer

  • miles

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

Transmission went out at approx 93,000 miles, heat went out around 85,000 miles, seat belts have been replaced once under warranty and again don't work, electric seat doesn't work, misc. Other things

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #2

Apr 152015

Explorer

  • 119,000 miles
My rear hatch in the back of my Explorer has a crack in it. Which I think has caused the back window to shift which in turn has caused my door ajar light to flash while the door chimes go off and the interior flicker while you are driving down the road but there are no doors open. The lights flickering make it hard to drive in the night. I think Ford should fix this problem for everyone.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #1

Dec 142010

Explorer

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was experiencing an intermittent failure in which the headlights, radio and windows stopped functioning while driving at any speed. The failures persisted for a duration of approximately 1-5 minutes. During the failures, the power door locks and instrument panel lighting also did not function. The vehicle was not taken to have the failures diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000 and the current mileage was 98,000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

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