2004 Ford Explorer
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3294 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1196 |
| 2012 | 824 |
| 2013 | 2229 |
| 2014 | 1674 |
| 2015 | 1771 |
| 2016 | 2443 |
| 2017 | 1677 |
| 2018 | 720 |
| 2019 | 291 |
| 2020 | 1198 |
| 2021 | 412 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 106 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 95 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: power train — 473 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
CRASH FIRE INJURY34% of complaints: structure — 439 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE LEFT REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL AND BRUISE MY DAUGHTER'S ARM. TERRIBLE DESIGN AND FRAUGHT WITH PERIL. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20120522
8% of complaints: visibility — 102 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and power window devices and controls.
INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 76 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE REVERSING, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A CHEVROLET COBALT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181109
WHILE TURNING LEFT AT LOW SPEED, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED INTO A GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040526
I WAS PARKING IN AN UNDERGROUND GARAGE AT JEFFERSON/WOODWARD IN DETROIT. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 5-7 MPH LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPOT. I FOUND AND SPOT AND BEGAN TO TURN INTO IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040519
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 1/17/12 DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. IT WAS A STRONG SMELL. NOTICED A GLOW UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND PULLED INTO A EMPTY PARKING LOT. THE TRUCK WENT UP IN FLAMES. CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID PROVE WHAT HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120426
SAFETY TIMELINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (473 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (439 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (102 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Explorer is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.