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.
6.4
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$460
Average Mileage:
75,350 miles
Total Complaints:
769 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
waiting for Ford to recall (296 reports)
not sure (205 reports)
replace panel (117 reports)
possible class action lawsuit (63 reports)
call Ford motor company 1-800-241-3673 (27 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer Lift Gate Applique - You can purchase the rear panel applique to fix this problem from fordpartswebsite.com, although it will still need to be painted and installed.
Cracked Ford Explores - Visit and join this Facebook group for an additional site where you can tell Ford about this annoying problem.
Ford Explorer Lift Gate Cracks - Become a part of this active Facebook page of Ford / Mercury owners who share information on dealing with the cracked trim panel that Ford would not.
Took the truck to the dealer but they will not fix it for free. We see this same location cracked on other Explorers too. We are concerned about rust and rot in the cracked location. It should be a recall.
I take pride in keeping my vehicles looking nice, and to have to see, not only my truck, but every explorer I pass have that crack in the rear panel annoys the hell out of me. Ford knows they f@cked up why cant they just fix the problem. If this is how Ford is going to be about admitting to and fixing their problems I will never buy a Ford again!! I took my truck in to see how much it would cost if I just fixed it myself instead of waiting for a recall, and it would be over $1,000. I refuse to pay that kind of money when Ford should grow a pair of balls and get it themselves.
the more I hear that ford knew about the crack during manufacture, the more pissed off I become. "Found On Road Dead" ------FORD, now I know why. I also had to replace the transmission. Please put me on the class action lawsuit. I can document the cracked rear panel if needed.
I purchased this 2004 Explorer EB in 2012 @ a Ford dealer in Houston. When I inquired if they were going to fix the rear panel crack, they laughed and said all Explorers of that model had these cracks....as if it's normal, live with it. I have since had the transmission problems, and replaced wheel bearings, just like everyone says would happen. The vehicle has 122,000 miles on it now as I travel to pipeline facilities around Texas a lot. I guess, from what I'm hearing, I'm lucky the thing still drives. Regardless, I'm getting a new vehicle in a few months.
I noticed this crack a few years ago and noticed many people with the same complaint. I have not gotten an estimate on it but worry that if the window completely breaks apart it could fall off and cause an accident and/or injury.
It makes the car look cheap and trashy. I thought Ford would want their cars to look at least good and with that crack in the rear door trim it looks cheap and trashy.
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE 2004, IE. STUD AND WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT. NO DAMAGE BUT ISSUES
COSMETICALLY THE REAR PANEL IS COMPLETELY ANNOYING. I HAD TO GET IT FIXED WHEN IT OCCURRED. MY BODY GUY HAD NO IDEA ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS OUT THERE. IT COST ME OUT OF POCKET $500. NO WARRANTY, NO VOUCHER, ETC. TO FURTHER COMPLICATE THE MATTER, THE PANEL IS NOW SEPARATING FROM THE REAR WINDOW AND WILL NOT STAY ADHERED. I TOOK IT BACK AND NOW HE IS SAYING THAT I MUST PURCHASE A NEW REAR WINDOW SINCE THE WINDOW HAS A RUBBER SEAL THAT THE PANEL MUST LAY ONTO . NOW I HAVE MORE COSTS.
HE HAS RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE WITH THE PANEL AND FOUND THIS WEBSITE AND NUMEROUS MORE IN ADDITION TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SINCE FORD INTERNAL MEMOS HAVE NOTED THE PROBLEM BACK IN 2002 AND STILL DID NOT CORRECT NOR NOTIFY. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND ADDING YOUR NAME TO THE LIST. I ANTICIPATE THIS WILL COST ANOTHER 5-6OO DOLLARS TO REPAIR.
MURRAY FRANK AND SAILER ARE THE LEAD FIRM 800 497 8076
I AM CONTACTING FORD TO SEE WHAT THEIR RECOURSE IS AT THIS TIME.
This problem is widespread. Most of the Explorers that I see on the road have the same problem. Although the number of complaints on your site are relatively small compared to the number of vehicles on the road, I suspect a very high percentage of these cars suffer from the same problem. Water will leak into the back hatch and ultimately cause more than cosmetic damage.
I HAD NOTICE THE CRACK DOWN THE PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY EXPLORER --WENT TO DEALER ABOUT RECALL AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NONE --STARTED TO NOTICE SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH SAME ISSUE --WHEN ASKED THE OWNERS HOW THEY DID THAT THEY REPLIED THAT IT JUST HAPPENED - WENT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS AND NO SOLUTION - I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO EAT THE COST TO HAVE IT FIXED WHICH IS CRAZY AS THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN WORKMAN SHIP OF VEHICLE --I THINK FORD SHOULD PAY TO FIX OR REPAIR THE ISSUE ON ALL VEHICLES --THE CONSUMERS PAY TOO MUCH AND WORK TO HARD FOR THIS KIND OF CRAP--ALL I WANT IS FOR FORD CO TO MAKE IT RIGHT --AND THAT IS NOT ASKING A LOT -ESPECIALLY WHEN I DID NOT CAUSE THE PROBLEM -------------------------------
This first happened to my sister's Explorer. She said after it happened to her, she started noticing it on other Fords she was driving behind. Apparently, in researching it is very wide spread. It then happened to my parent's Ford Explorer. Mine was next. Like my sister, I notice that pretty much every Explorer I am behind of this period has the same issue. Obviously a design defect (just like the gear shift that broke off when I attempted to reverse my vehicle).
I'm disappointed to find this is a common problem and Ford hasn't done anything about it. My car lasted longer than many before cracking, but that doesn't mean I'm any happier about it.
This crack on back door beneath glass is really ugly and it's right next to Ford logo. It makes my vehicle look like crap and it's ridiculous to count the other Ford Explorers out there and see the same darn crack. Ford should be ashamed to not not address this issue, any class action lawsuits count me in. I called Ford and got report number but I have my doubts and have no faith they will fix it.
Its the little things, like attention to detail that a consumer cares about. Since I have to file each complaint separately (1 of 7), I will not go off yet. I will state this was my third "American" made vehicle (Chevy and Saturn), this is my last. Most of the overseas car manufactures are now IN THE STATES, providing jobs, I will be giving them my sale from now on.
It's time for Ford to ante up and fix this problem, it's gotten to be a joke between my son and I when we drive around and am able to count the number of Ford Explorers that all have the same crack in the rear panel. It's actually a disgrace that Ford has not addressed this issue, when it's a defect that seems to affect almost all Ford Explorer's
One day, I looked at the back and saw this huge long vertical crack on my plastic rear panel. I feared the panel would just disintegrate every time I opened and closed the rear gate. It is also unsightly. To minimize further damage I applied a plastic weatherproof black caulking - it is still unsightly.
I don't understand why Ford won't recall and fix the problem - it is obvious that they have a defective part or defective quality because these online websites and forums are full of Ford owners with the same problem!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Took the truck to the dealer but they will not fix it for free. We see this same location cracked on other Explorers too. We are concerned about rust and rot in the cracked location. It should be a recall.
- Ronda A., San Jose, CA, US