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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.

5.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$150
Average Mileage:
105,700 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace the brake stop lamp switch (1 reports)
2004 Ford Explorer lights problems

lights problem

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2004 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 152016

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

I have found that my brake lights tend to stay on most often in the winter time. Occurring sometimes multiple times in one day or maybe just twice in one week. It pretty much stops completely in the summer, but I still have to check EVERY TIME I shut the car off because who wants to come back to a dead battery? I have mentioned this issue to mechanics in the past when I brought it in for other repairs/maintenance but they have always said no issue could be found or just brushed it off like I was crazy. I chose not to argue because that's honestly another repair that I don't want to pay for. In the meantime, I just stick to playing with my brake pedal until the light shuts off.

- Cara I., Belle Vernon, PA, US

problem #2

Nov 012014

Explorer XLT 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Real pain in the ass, had to jump start the truck twice in the last 5 days!! What will fix this problem???

- claytonnj, Howell, NJ, US

problem #1

Feb 032010

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

The brake lights stay on and drain the battery until the battery dies. I found out the hard way when this happened on a very cold morning. I was able to get a jump start and be on my way.

The problem occurred again a few days later and that's when I brought it into the dealership in Middleton, WI. The dealership told me that it was the 'brake stop lamp switch' - part $95 and labor $50. I looked this problem up on the internet and there seems to be a cheaper fix: if you pull the part yourself and clean up the connector ends and simply put the part back in.

- Adam P., Madison, WI, US

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