MYRModel Year Report

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

● Typical for this model
2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:54.739Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
86
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2003: 78 complaints 2004: 86 complaints 2004 86 2005: 66 complaints 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints
1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2002 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2004 86 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2008 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints 2010
1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2002 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2004 86 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2008 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints 2010

2004: 86 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19976
19985
19990
20003
2001167
2002144
200378
200486
200566
20065
2007100
200823
20096
201031

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

17% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing front and shock absorber.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

15% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Have had 2 of these 2004 Ford sport trac trucks.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-09

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Air bags

15% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-05

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. While driving 40 MPH in inclement weather and road conditions, there was a loss of traction and steering ability.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-15

Also filed under Steering and traction control system

Structure

10% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

Vehicle speed control

9% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and linkages.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

When vehicle was idling in the parked position vehicle surged backwards. This caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle and hit a tree.the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-20

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  2. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…

    Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2009-04-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-08-19 Vehicle rollaway allegations

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.