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.
A plastic part was broken that cost about $70 but to replace it the entire dasboard has to be removed. I bought this car used in the summer and when I tried to switch to heat in the winter I only heard a clicking noise from the switch. I investigated and found this is a common problem to Ford's and a there should be a recall. Repair was quoted for $1500 form the dealer I bought the car from. I shopped around and found some independent repair shops who would do it for less. I complained to the dealer and they agreed to lower the cost to $700 insinuating that I should of checked it out when I bought the car (who checks the heater when it is mid summer?). They probably were aware of the problem when the sold it to me because it is common.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
A plastic part was broken that cost about $70 but to replace it the entire dasboard has to be removed. I bought this car used in the summer and when I tried to switch to heat in the winter I only heard a clicking noise from the switch. I investigated and found this is a common problem to Ford's and a there should be a recall. Repair was quoted for $1500 form the dealer I bought the car from. I shopped around and found some independent repair shops who would do it for less. I complained to the dealer and they agreed to lower the cost to $700 insinuating that I should of checked it out when I bought the car (who checks the heater when it is mid summer?). They probably were aware of the problem when the sold it to me because it is common.
- Johnny T., Moore, OK, US