2004 Ford Explorer Sport
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
11 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving 65 MPH, lost control of my vehicle while switching lanes to avoid a high speed vehicle approaching behind me. Ran in to a median 2 times before stopping faced traffic head on. Fortunately, I wasn't critically injured, but serious enough.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-01
Also filed under Air bags
Noticed that the back panel of tailgate is cracked on Friday, February 22, 2008. The crack runs from underneath the rear windshield to the Ford emblem and the continues to the handle of the tailgate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-25
Power train
4 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 Ford explorer. Transmission shifts roughly into reverse and third gear. Car was put into reverse in June, 2004 and did not move until a few seconds later, and then lunged backwards, hitting my wife and breaking her arm.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-11-15
We have a 2004 Ford explorer V8 sport. We have had two major transmission problems and now we have a shaking in the front end after the latest repair to the transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-03
Visibility/wiper
2 of 18 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Air bags
2 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the side of a church. The air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-06
Seat belts
1 of 18 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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I
2008-06-23Recall queryClosed 2008-10-24 Rear liftgate glass hatch failure
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2009-04-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-08-19 Vehicle rollaway allegations
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.