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 PER YEAR
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.
6 of 18 total reports mention: structure.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20130501
3 of 18 total reports mention: structure.
3 of 18 total reports mention: power train.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20061115
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. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20061003
2 of 18 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
2 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20130501
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, 20120806
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:body, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.