There are no safety recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer, but owners have filed 1,304 complaints with NHTSA.
2004 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 473 | |
| Structure | 439 | |
| Visibility | 102 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 76 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 72 | |
| Electrical System | 57 | |
| Engine | 44 | |
| Steering | 42 | |
| Wheels | 42 | |
| Suspension | 40 | |
| Air Bags | 39 | |
| Unknown or Other | 35 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 308
- Structure › Body — 209
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 58
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 54
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 19
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 18
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 15
- Suspension › Rear — 14
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Ford Explorer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · reported May 28, 2024
on [XXX] brought to local shop on power steering leak. Week before, Paid $50 for inspection. on [XXX] appointment was line and replaced. But tech said get pass brake line was rotted and was bad leak of brake fluid. On [XXX] my wife's Explorer was reinspected and rear driver side brake copper line also reported rotted after paying $539.95 for power steering low pressure and brake line. Wife's Eddie Bauer 2004 v8 was reported to FORD Motor Co. Case# [XXX] defective copper brake lines on suv. No good will offered no warrantee fue to latent defective brake line copper tubing coming from ABS…
Engine · reported Apr 22, 2023
Back windows fell off track and windows fell down, cannot roll them up. AC and Heater broke and won't work at all. Fuel system is too lean. Transmission is going out Timing Chain and tensioners making loud knocking noise. Burning oil.
Air Bags · at 153,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2022
The contact's son owned a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving in the rain at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned as he rounded a corner. The vehicle slid into a ditch and hit a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's son and his friend were both transported to the hospital for their injuries. Her son was treated for soreness in various parts of his body and was released the same day. Her son's friend had to remain in the hospital overnight and his injuries were unknown. A police report was…
Steering · reported Nov 12, 2021
On two incidents this week when steering wheel is cut to maximum left or right in tight parking lot and narrow road while making tight turns at legal speeds the engine (V8 4.6L) stalls. Brought to non-Ford mechanic for inspection(NYS ANNUAL) and passes but mechanic looked for a power steering pressure sending sensor or switch that is to give signal to EMC to increase idle to compensate for more power steer demands. Part is $35 at Partgeek but mechanics dont know where the harness the sending switch is located, if one exists or is it in power steering pump. Call Ford NADA! Call two local Ford…
Tires · at 96,125 miles · reported Apr 23, 2021
Michelin crossterrain tires suffering tread separation. Three out of four so far. Had I not been paying attention to this problem it would have happened on the highway..
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Explorer?
Owners report power train problems most often (473 reports), followed by structure (439). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.