2004 Ford Explorer complaints

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER ONLY A DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP. THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WILL COST ME $3400 PLUS THE $10550 THAT I PAID FOR THE VEHICLE THE DAY BEFORE. WHAT A BIG MESS THIS IS. *LN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A DELAY RESPONSE AND WOULD SLIP VIOLENTLY INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ONE YEAR AND SIX MONTHS LATER, AFTER THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NOTICED A NUMBER OF CRACKED REAR PANELS ON LATE MODEL FORD EXPLORERS (2004-2006)- THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ON THE FORD EXPLORER- FORD HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP EXIST- FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES OR OFFER A GOODWILL REPAIR THESE FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. *TR

THE TAIL GATE ON THE 2004 EXPLORER SHOULD BE RECALLED,IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE AND LOTS OF PEOPLE WILL DIE WHEN THE BACK WINDOWS JUST START FALLING OUT. EVERY EXPLORER I SEE IT LIKE THIS! BUILT FORD TOUGH..LOL.....I GUESS IT'S OK FOR A FEW HUNDRED TO DIE UNTIL FORD MAYBE RECALL IT, IT'S THERE RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD TILL THIS GETS FIXED. THINK OF ALL THE LAWSUITS IN THE MAKING FORD..BAD BUSINESS!!! FIX MY FOUND ON ROAD...BEFORE YOU GET SUED...MY BACK WINDOW WILL FALL OUT SOON AND GUESS WHO`S GETTING SUED. FIX YOUR JUNK FORD YOU LIED TO ME QUALITY IS JOB 1000 MAKING MONEY AND LYING IS JOB 1..YOUR SICKLING BOYCOTT FORD I ALREADY HAVE 3000 PLUS WITH THIS PROBLEM JUST WAIT FORD YOU'LL GET YOURS... *TR

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS FAILING; IS WILL SLIP OUT OF GEAR, AND THEN SHIFT BACK INTO GEAR HARD ENOUGH THAT IT MAKES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKE AND LURCH FORWARD. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68K MILES ON IT, AND IS ONLY USED AS A COMMUTER VEHICLE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF ROAD, AND I HAVE NEVER USED IT TO TOW ANYTHING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR TO FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN MOVED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN 2007 AND THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED PER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID A SECOND TIME FOR $1000 AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC TAILGATE ATTACHED TO THE REAR WINDOW LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD DEALER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE, SO I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW & FORD SHOULD FIX FOR FREE. FORD GIVING ME RUN A ROUND. SO MUCH FOR FORD TOUGH. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT TO GET THIS FIXED FOR FREE? OR SHOULD I TAKE IT TO THE NEWS STATION ABOUT JUST HOW TOUGH FORD TRUCKS ARE.... THEY CRACK LIKE EASTER EGGS....... I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS OFF ROAD AND KEEP IT IN A GARAGE.

MY WIFE OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH WHAT I'VE FOUND TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DASH BOARD. IT USUALLY IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS ISSUE WITH THE EXPLORER HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A DECADE. I THINK THAT FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. AFTER ALL FORD DID TAKE BAIL OUT MONEY. I THINK THAT A RECALL WOULD BE THE PROPER ACTION FOR THE FORD. MOTOR COMPANY. I AM ONE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WHO HAVE BEEN ABANDONED BY ANOTHER BIG COMPANY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, HE COULD FEEL A SLIP IN THE GEARS. HE ALSO STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THERE WAS A VIOLENT SHIFT IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 02/23/11

REAR PANEL VERTICAL CRACK BELOW WINDOW. *TR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER UPHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN SHE FELT LIKE THE ENGINE IS LOOSING POWER. SHE STOPPED, EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR IN THE ENGINE AREA. THEN SOME PEOPLE STOPPED AND PULLED HER AWAY BECAUSE FROM THE POINT MY WIFE WAS STANDING SHE COULD NOT SEE THE ACTUAL FIRE. AS A RESULT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED DOWN COMPLETELY CREATING A BIG HOLE IN THE HOOD. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 120K MILES ON ODOMETER AND WE HAVE NOT MISSED ANY SERVICE MAINTENANCE POINTS. SHE SAID BESIDES THAT POWER LOSS THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

1) 2004 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER TRANSMISSION BADLY SLIPPING AND DELAY IN ENGAGING RESULTING IN VEHICLE LUNGING FORWARD ONCE IT ENGAGES. 2) HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 3-4 YEARS INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL IN FIRST TIME I COMPLAINED. NOW IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY. 3) HAD TO HAVE THE TRANS REBUILT AT A COST OF $2328.25. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHICH WHILE DRIVING LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT MY HUB ASSEMBLY ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. I REPLACED IT WITH A HUB ASSEMBLY FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS IN JAN 2010. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART AGAIN IN DEC 2010. I LOST BREAKS. I ALSO HAVE A HORRIBLE JERKING WHEN I AM BACKING UP FROM A TIGHT SPOT AND THE WHEELS ARE TURNED SHARPLY. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT GO OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR THE VEHICLE IS CRANKED UNLESS I TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION AND BACK TO THE ON WHEN THE DOORS OPEN POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE REVIEWED TWICE IN THE PAST. I HAVE HAD THE JERKING LOOKED AT WITH NO REASON GIVEN MORE THAN ONCE. I HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED ON NOV 30TH AND NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE TERRIBLE CONDITION THE HUB ASSEMBLY WAS IN NOR THE BEARINGS THAT A MOBILE MECHANIC SHOWED ME WERE TERRIBLY WORN. I AM REPLACING THEM SOON. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP THE CONSUMER IN FIXING SINCE MOST FORD BUYERS ARE DIEHARD FORD OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. *TR

I AWOKE ONE MORNING AND I FOUND A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH OF MY 04 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS NOT LIKE THAT THE PREVIOUS EVENING WHEN I GOT HOME. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR STORIES. I ALSO FOUND THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO MANUFACTURER RECALL TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. PLASTIC REAR HATCH CRACKED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURE. REAR GLASS MAY BREAK WHILE DRIVING AND POSE HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. PLAN ON REPLACING, HOWEVER I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD PAY FOR IT BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY OF THE ORIGINAL PART. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,500.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT TRIED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,242.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,100. UPDATED 02/23/11*LJ UPDATED 05/04/11

I HAVE HAD MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FOR 3 YEARS NOW. TODAY I WENT TO OPEN MY REAR HATCH AND THE WINDOW HINGES JUST BROKE. NOW MY WINDOW IS HANGING THEREAND I DON'T KNOW HOW I AM GOING TO GET THEM FIXED SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

THE HATCH BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FORD LOGO ON MY EXPLORER. IT SEEMED TO HAVE HAPPENED OVER NIGHT. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE WINDOW IN WHILE DRIVING. FORD HAS HAD THREE YEARS OF MODELS WITH THIS SOME PROBLEM AND HASN'T MADE IT RIGHT BY IT'S OWNERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED TWO CRACKS BELOW THE REAR WINDOW ON THE TAILGATE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

I BACKED SUV OUT OF GARAGE AND PUT IN PARK, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE WHILE STILL RUNNING (TO CLOSE GARAGE DOOR), CLOSED THE SUV DOOR, TURNED AROUND AND SAW THAT SUV WAS MOVING FORWARD INTO MY GARAGE. I OPENED THE SUV DOOR WHILE IT WAS MOVING AND JUMPED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, PUSHED ON THE BRAKE AND SUV DID NOT STOP, I WAS LOOKING DOWN AT THE FLOOR TO SEE WHY SUV DID NOT STOP, PULLED UP MY FOOT AND PLACED IT BACK DOWN ON THE BRAKE. SUV STILL DID NOT STOP. IT THEN MADE A LOUD NOISE LIKE THE ENGINE WAS REEVING UP AND THEN THE SUV TOOK OFF FORWARD, RAN THROUGH THE BACK OF MY GARAGE, RAN THROUGH MY BACK YARD, RAN OVER A TREE IN THE YARD, RAN THROUGH MY BACK YARD FENCE AND MY NEIGHBOR'S FENCE AND CRASHED INTO THE BACK SIDE OF NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. ALL WHILE THIS WAS OCCURRING, I WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH MY LEFT LEG STICKING OUT OF THE CAR (SINCE I JUMPED IN THE SUV IN A HURRY, I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT MY LEG WAS STILL OUT OF THE SUV), I CONTINUALLY ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON THE BRAKES (EACH TIME LIFTING MY FOOT UP SO THAT I COULD PLACE IT DIRECTLY ON THE BRAKE), THE ENGINE REEVED UP AGAIN WHILE GOING THROUGH THE YARD. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE SUV WAS THE TALL CONCRETE FOUNDATION OF MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE THAT IT RAN INTO. I JUMPED OUT OF THE SUV, FELL TO THE GROUND AND LAID THERE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE I REALIZED THAT MY SUV WAS STILL RUNNING, THEN I JUMPED BACK INTO THE SUV AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF.

I KNEW THE BACK REAR PANEL HAD A CRACK GOING DOWN IT, BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT BECAUSE MOST EXPLORES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WASN'T UNTIL I WAS DRIVING DOWN A VERY DARK ROAD AT 6 AM AND BOOM! THE BACK GLASS JUST POPPED. I THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN SHOT OUT. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND HE THOUGHT THE SAME THING. BUT THE ONLY THING WE FOUND WAS BETWEEN THE HYDRAULICS ON THE WINDOW ITSELF, THE CRACK IN THE PANEL AND TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IT IMPLODED. MY INSURANCE IN KY PAID FOR IT, BUT IT TOOK TWO WINDOWS AND IT STILL ISN'T RIGHT. *TR

TAILGATE WINDOW HINGES FAILED ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE WINDOW FELL OUT AND DAMAGED THE LIFT STRUTS. I WAS NOT INJURED. *TR

AS EVERYONE ELSE, I AM HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION. IT SHIFTS VERY HARD AND JERKS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. ALSO HAVING ISSUES SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD. PROBLEM IS STEADILY GETTING WORSE. THIS MORNING THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I KILLED THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND IT STOPPED. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. FORD OBVIOUSLY KNOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. HOW COULD THEY NOT? I HAVE FOUND TONS OF MESSAGE BOARDS ON THE INTERNET WITH EVERYONE ELSE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

WHILE DRIVING, I TOOK A LEFT TURN AND FELT A BUMPING IN MY RIGHT REAR TIRE. I PULLED OVER THINKING IT WAS A FLAT TIRE. IN FACT, THE WHEEL BOLTS HAD BEEN SHEARED OFF COMPLETELY. WHEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, THEY DISCOVERED THAT A TOTAL OF 10 BOLTS/NUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND 8 OUT OF THE OTHER 10 BOLTS WERE LOOSE OR WORN. I ALSO NEEDED TO GET A NEW WHEEL. THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I TOOK A LEFT TURN AND THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED, AGAIN WITH THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE BOLTS WERE SHEARED OFF. I HAVE NOT YET BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE LATEST INCIDENT BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE WILL BE ADDITIONAL BOLT DAMAGE ON AT LEAST SOME OF THE OTHER TIRES. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACKED REAR PANEL SPLITTING THE ENTIRE BACK PANEL. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I THINK IT COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN AS THE WHOLE PANEL COULD BREAK OFF BY THE REAR WINDOW. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ON LINE AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH MY YEAR EXPLORER. FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY PRODUCT.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 4-LANE HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION FAILED. NO WARNING, JUST THUMP AND DONE. MY RESEARCH REVEALS THAT DEALERSHIP ARE REPORTING THAT 1 IN 10 2004 EXPLORERS HAVE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO, HEATER BLOWER MOTOR WENT OUT OVER 1 YEAR AGO, LEAVING NO DEFAULT HEAT FOR DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD.

CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW. FROM THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. HAD WINDOW TIGHTENED. *TR

WERE A FAMILY A FORD EXPLORER MY FAMILY HAS 4 OF THEM RANGING FROM THE YEARS 1996,99,2002,2004 AND EVERYONE OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES. RANGING FROM ROTTING SUSPENSION PARTS,TO WHEEL BEARING ISSUES ON NEWER MODELS,ROTTING FUEL AND BRAKE LINES,THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN AMERICAN MADE COMPANY THAT IS JEOPARDIZING THE LIVES OF AMERICAN AND CHILDREN WITH TOTAL DISREGARD OF HUMAN LIFE,BUT I BET YOU THE OWNERS OF FORD DON'T HAVE THESE ISSUES THEY PROBABLY DRIVES FOREIGN HAHA BUT SERIOUSLY SOMEONE WILL GET HURT BY THIS AND IT COSTING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET TO FIX AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS PLEASE DO A RECALL ITS SO UNFAIR AT THIS POINT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HINGE ON THE TAILGATE WAS BROKEN WHERE THE GLASS WAS HANGING. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW, FROM THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL WAS FRACTURED BELOW THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH V6, BOUGHT NEW. INCORRECT TRANSMISSION FLUID PUT IN ALL 2004 EXPLORERS AT FACTORY. RECALLED AND PUT IN ADDITIVE AROUND 40,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED ONE YEAR AGO, AROUND 50,000 MILES. TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO ENGAGE AND THEN SHIFTS HARD (CLUNKS) INTO REVERSE. HAPPENS 75% OF THE TIME. HAVE BEEN TOLD WE NEED A NEW (OR REBUILT) TRANSMISSION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH SHE HIT A DEER. THE AIR BAG ONLY OPENED IN THE COLUMN OF THE STEERING WHEEL. POWDER RESIDUE CAME OUT OF THE AIR BAG BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT AT ALL. NO ONE WAS INJURED; YET, THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

BACK GLASS HATCH FELL OFF IN MY HANDS COULD HAVE REALLY HURT SOMEONE. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER, PURCHASED NEW. EVERY SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR IT HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND WILL NOT GEAR DOWN WHEN TURNING OR SLOWING DOWN FROM A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED. THEN TAKES APX 20-25 SECONDS TO CATCH BACK UP WHEN ACCELERATOR PRESSED..HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST BE HIT SEVERAL TIMES.. BECAUSE IT WON'T GO WHEN IT DOES CATCH UP THERE IS A HARD BUMP IN THE CAR AND LOUD SOUND..VERY AGGRAVATING AND SCARY. HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ITS A (SP) SOLENOID PROBLEM AND HAD BEEN FIXED, BUT IT HASN'T HAVE BEEN DISGUSTED AND BEEN DRIVING IT THIS WAY BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE $2000 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LONG HAIR LINE FRACTURE ALONG THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEAR INTO REVERSE. UPDATED 01/06/11 UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF UPDATED 02/03/11

FORD 2004 EXPLORER PAINT BUBBLING AT FRONT OF ALUMINUM HOOD. CLEARLY A DEFECT. TOOK TO DEALER WHERE THE BODY SHOP MANAGER SAID HE REPAINTED 70 SO FAR THIS YEAR BUT FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF IT. ASKED TO MEET WITH THE DISTRICT SUPERVISOR. SET UP A MEETING WHEN HE WOULD BE IN TOWN. HE WOULD NOT EVEN COME OUT TO TALK TO ME AND SENT SOMEONE ELSE OUT TO TELL ME FORD WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IN MY WARRANTY IT READS, "RUST MUST PERMANENT FROM THE INSIDE OUT". I ARGUED THAT IT IS AN ALUMINUM HOOD AND WILL NEVER RUST! I THEN WROTE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND HAVE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I KEEP CHECKING FOR RECALLS AND HAVE SEEN NOTHING TO DATE. MY WIFE AND I SEE MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME. SHAME ON FORD!! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING TAKEN CARE OF WITH THIS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT AND NOT SOMETHING ANY OF US CONSUMERS EVER DID TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A FORD 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STALLS AT ANY SPEED. UPDATED 03/23/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE WAS FRACTURING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HINGE WOULD NEED REPLACING AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. ANY REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,100.

10/20/2010 - SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - REAR PANEL UNDER BACK GLASS AROUND FORD LOGO CRACKED AFTER A COOL MORNING 32-35 DEGREES. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM THE WINDOW ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. ON OCTOBER 7, 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HAD A CRACK IN THE PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED SHE MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT, IF THERE FAILURE BECAME A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED AND COULD POTENTIALLY FALL OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE CRACKED PANEL AND THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL REGARDING THE PLASTIC PANEL AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT REPLACED THE PLASTIC PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL WAS CRACKED BY THE EMBLEM IN THE REAR LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE TODAY. THE FIRE BEGAN UNDER THE HOOD. PER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AREA. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OUT FOR THIS YEAR MODEL, UNLIKE THE 2003 AND OLDER MODELS, BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO SEVERAL POINTS, DROP THE KIDS OF AT SCHOOL, ONE AT DAYCARE, AND A STOP FOR BREAKFAST. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH OUR CAR. AFTER ARRIVING TO WORK, MY WIFE GOT A CALL THAT HER CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS, MALFUNCTIONS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WERE ALWAYS PERFORMED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE PEDAL AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY TAKE OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED -1/10/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL IN THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS SPLIT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HIS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.

A CRACK HAS FORMED IN THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. IT OCCURRED OVERNIGHT WHILE NOT IN USE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL I BEGAN NOTICING MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS OF ABOUT THE SAME YEAR (2002-2004) WITH THE SAME DEFECT. I DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT ALL I COULD FIND WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING AND NO ACTION FROM FORD. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU, BUT AT ONE WEBSITE THERE ARE AT LEAST 290 OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE POSTED A COMPLAINT. IF YOUR INTERESTED, HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2004/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR

I HAVE 2004 AWD LIMITED EDITION FORD EXPLORER WITH 69,000 MILES. I AM NOW FACED WITH REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $5,000. THIS CAR IS FAR TOO NEW, WITH FAR TOO FEW MILES TO BE IN NEED OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR