2004 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,408 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2004 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2004 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2004 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Ford Explorer has 1,408 owner complaints, 75 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,408
- Crash-related complaints
- 75
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Structural Problems, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Check for structural issues such as rust or frame damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, drivetrain, and structural repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Check for structural issues such as rust or frame damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, drivetrain, and structural repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA data for the 2004 Ford Explorer, complaints are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and structural components, with over 900 combined reports. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 75, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model year coverage.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Structural problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Engine problems and visibility issues also appear frequently in the data.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures or malfunctions
- Structural integrity issues, including body and frame problems
- Engine problems such as stalling or loss of power
All 2004 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 477 | 19 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 446 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 123 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Visibility | 101 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 84 | 11 | 5 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 62 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 54 | 30 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 54 | 8 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 51 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 44 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 42 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 41 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 35 | 6 | 2 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 28 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in…
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 …
I need a new gas tank for my vehicle and Ford stopped making the gas tank for my vehicle. That is a very big safety issue. I called Ford and they were helping to find one from junkyard's I don't want one from a junkyard that I have to repair. I asked for Ford to make a gas tank o…
Smoke for a good 5 mins under the hood oil leeking
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.
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…
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 p…
on 5/6/21 at Ramp Ford 4869 Nesconset Hwy.,Pt. Jeff.Sts.,NY at 10:00am dealer sevice Mgr. met with NYSDMV Auto Facilities Inspector on a claim against Mavis Discount Tire,556 Route 25A, Mt Sinai,NY case 1Pi-01937 on a right rear wheel. Ramp removed R/R wheel to inspect with state…
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..
TIRES! TIRES! TIRES! AGAIN! A SECOND TIRE HAS SUFFERED TREAD SEPARATION AND FAILED COMPLETELY. WHY CAN'T I GET ANYONE TO TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY?
ENGINE DIES WHEN DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL OPERATING AND HEADING DOWN SLIGHT HILL AT SPEED OF AROUND 35 MPH. CRUISE IS DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN DRIVING SPEED GOING DOWN THE HILL (UP OR DOWN HILL FOR THAT MATTER). THE TACHOMETER INDICATES A SLOWING OF ENGINE RPM. AT HIGHER SPEEDS…
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST WEEK I NOTICED A SLIGHT 'BUMPING' FEEL LIKE AN UNBALANCED TIRE, SO I TOOK A LOOK WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY BUT FOUND NOTHING. THE NEXT DAY ON MY WAY TO WORK THE "BUMPING' WAS MUCH WORSE SO I STOPPED TO CHECK AND FOUND A LARGE BULGE ON THE TREAD O…
THIS PAST WEEKEND I WAS DRIVING AN 04 FORD EXPLORER WHEN BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A TWO-LANE ROAD AT LESS THAN 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BUT NOT BEFORE SUSTAINING AN INJURY…
THE BODY OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT HAS RIVETS ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF THAT HOLD WATER. INSTEAD OF BEING A FLAT SURFACE WHERE RAIN CAN NATURALLY FALL OFF THE TOP OF THE ROOF IT SITS IN THESE RIVETS AND ACCUMULATES RUST. THIS LEADS TO A LOT MORE PROBLEMS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL STUDS DETACHED ON MULTIPLE TIRES WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES ON MULTIPLE WHEELS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ONCE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AND LOCK IN POSITION. THE CONTACT CALLED SANDERS FORD (LOCATED AT 1006 W CORBRELT AVE, SWANSBORO, NC 28584, 910-326-1801) AND WAS INFORMED THA…
SEATBELT MECHANISM FOR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE IS INOPERABLE. IT DOESN'T LOCK AFTER YOU PUT YOUR SEATBELT ON. THE MECHANISM YOU PUT THE SEATBELT BUCKLE IN IS GOOD BUT AFTER THAT THE LOCK MECHANISM FOR THE BELT TO RETRACT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU AR…
DURING NORMAL USE, USUALLY WHEN IN MOTION BUT FREQUENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY FLOPS BACKWARDS TO THE RECLINE POSITION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE TRUCK WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONE TIME BUT THEY SAID THEY WOU…
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED (APPROX 5-10 MPH) ON A BUMPY ROAD. THE DRIVER WAS LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR REASON FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND THEREFORE THEY WILL NO…
MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS RECENTLY AND QUICKLY BEGAN SHIFTING VERY BADLY. I ALWAYS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BECAUSE WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE FROM P OR D, IT ALWAYS TAKES A WHILE, THEN CLUNKS AGGRESSIVELY INTO PLACE. WH…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Ford Explorer.
2004 Ford Explorer Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford Explorer. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,408 owner complaints, 75 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (477 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (446 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (123 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 75 crash-related reports and 16 fire reports out of 1,408 total complaints. 105 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2004 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.