Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Ford EXPLORER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1,304 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 1,090 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 308 of 1,304 complaints (23.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting38529.5%
Braking behavior13010.0%
Engine operation725.5%
Steering behavior614.7%
Electrical and battery issues292.2%
Fuel system concerns161.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
308
Structure:Body
209
Power Train
108
Structure
80
Visibility
59
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments
58
Vehicle Speed Control
55
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
54
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission308
Structure:Body209
Power Train108
Structure80
Visibility59
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments58
Vehicle Speed Control55
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate54

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 308; Structure:Body: 209; Power Train: 108; Structure: 80; Visibility: 59; Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments: 58; Vehicle Speed Control: 55; Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate: 54

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
183
25,000 to 49,999
194
50,000 to 74,999
266
75,000 to 99,999
205
100,000 to 149,999
162
150,000 and above
80
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,000183
25,000 to 49,999194
50,000 to 74,999266
75,000 to 99,999205
100,000 to 149,999162
150,000 and above80

Under 25,000: 183; 25,000 to 49,999: 194; 50,000 to 74,999: 266; 75,000 to 99,999: 205; 100,000 to 149,999: 162; 150,000 and above: 80

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (266). 214 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
88
2005
111
2006
60
2007
94
2008
136
2009
186
2010
175
2011
124
2012
88
2013
55
2014
67
2015
46
2016
23
2017
19
2018
10
2019
10
2020
1
2021
6
2022
1
2023
2
2024
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
200488
2005111
200660
200794
2008136
2009186
2010175
2011124
201288
201355
201467
201546
201623
201719
201810
201910
20201
20216
20221
20232
20242

2004: 88; 2005: 111; 2006: 60; 2007: 94; 2008: 136; 2009: 186; 2010: 175; 2011: 124; 2012: 88; 2013: 55; 2014: 67; 2015: 46; 2016: 23; 2017: 19; 2018: 10; 2019: 10; 2020: 1; 2021: 6; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 385 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 130 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 72 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10079344 · 2004-07-15 (July 15, 2004)

WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT SURGED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10079344 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10091172 · 2004-09-17 (September 17, 2004)

ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION IN "REVERSE" IT HESITATES, SLIPS THEN SURGES. LOUD BANGING/CLUNKING NOISES HEARD, SOUNDS LIKE UNIVERSAL JOINT. DEALER STATES PARTS ON ORDER. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO FORD, DEALER BLAMES IT ON A DEFECTIVE SERVO, SYNCHRO OR SOLINOID. AWAITING NATIONWIDE BACK ORDERED PARTS FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURE, WHAT MAKES ME THINK THAT THIS SAME PART WON'T AGAIN FAIL. WHAT IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE TRANSMISSION WHICH STILL IS ENCOUNTERING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I AWAIT THE REPAIR PARTS?…

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10091172 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10078357 · 2004-06-16 (June 16, 2004)

LOUD POP FROM REAR-END. ABS LIGHT,WRENCH,AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. FOUND TO BE A BAD SPEED SENSOR AND DEFECTIVE REAR-END. SUV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS AND NO REAR-END IN SIGHT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10078357 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10078969 · 2004-06-28 (June 28, 2004)

2004 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER 4X4: ENGINE FAILED, SAFE MODE WHEN NOTHING APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE. OTHERS ON NEWS GROUPS CLAIM THEY FOUND IT TO BE FAULTY ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10078969 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10056376 · 2004-02-02 (February 2, 2004)

THIS IS INTERMITTENT STALLS, POOR THROTTLE, NO START. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 5,251 miles reported. Look up ODI 10056376 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10087118 · 2004-08-03 (August 3, 2004)

VEHICLE STALLED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILLS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 140 miles reported. Look up ODI 10087118 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10065119 · 2004-03-17 (March 17, 2004)

4THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN IT'S TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND DOES NOT RETURN WITHOUT PULLING IT BACK. *PH THIS WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC OR GOING AROUND A SHARP BEND. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE FORD DEALER THREE TIMES AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE NEW EXPLORERS WERE MADE THAT WAY AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THERE WAS A BIG CLUNK AT TIMES WHEN BACKING UP AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THE RIDE WAS VERY BUMPY AND CAUSED THE OCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10065119 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10067475 · 2004-04-15 (April 15, 2004)

PROBLEMS WITH THE STARTER AND WHEELS NOT RETURNING TO CENTER POSITION AFTER MAKING A TURN. (NAR) *PH *CB THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE WRONG TYPE OF SWAY BAR HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE FACTORY. THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER AFTER TURNING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PHYSICALLY BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CENTER, OR IT WOULD CONTINUE RUNNING OF THE ROAD. *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10067475 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100176 · 2004-11-19 (November 19, 2004)

CAR HAS A HARD TIME ENGAGING INTO GEAR, WHEN BACKING UP IT FEELS LIKE I'VE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE JUST JUMPS IN REVERS.I HAVE ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE BECAUSE OF A DELAY IN ENGAGING INTO REVERSE. IN DRIVE IT DOES THE SAME THING. I WORRY THAT I AM GOING TO HIT A CAR THAT MIGHT BE PARKED IN FRONT OF ME OR EVEN A PERSON. NOT ONLY THAT I WORRY THAT IF I DID HIT ANOTHER CAR I WOULDN'T KNOW THAT I DID IT. THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING. IT HAS LEFT US ALMOST STRANDED TWICE. THE CARS BATTERY HAS DIED FOR NO REASON, EVEN AFTER DRIVING A COU…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,095 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100176 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100752 · 2004-11-30 (November 30, 2004)

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE GAUGE POD, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, POWER WINDOWS AT 2,300 MILES. NO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, TACH, FUEL GAUGE, TEMP, OIL, BATTERY, RADIO (NOTHING IN THE DASHBOARD FUNCTIONS EXCEPT THE AIRBAG LIGHT). *AK FORD DEALER IN ALLENTOWN PA WAS VERY RUDE AND WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO NOT WORK IN A TIMELY MANNER AND KEEP US IN THE DARK. DROVE VEHICLE TO TEXAS (WITH NO GAUGES) TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED. AT THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. TRANSMISSION ALSO HESITATES EXCESSIVELY BETWEEN SHIFTS.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100752 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10067239 · 2004-04-15 (April 15, 2004)

WHILE FILLING UP THE FUEL TANK GASOLINE GAUGE REGISTERED FALSE READING. CONSUMER HAD A FULL TANK OF GASOLINE THAT DAY. THE NEXT DAY THE GASOLINE GAUGE REGISTERED A HALF OF A TANK. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10067239 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10107723 · 2005-01-22 (January 22, 2005)

FORD EXPLORER 2004 - XLT - GAS GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY FOLLOWING FUELING VEHICLE (FULL TANK). GAUGE WILL DISPLAY 1/2 TANK. OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER 60 DAY PERIOD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. CHECK GAUGES, FUEL TANK SENSOR, ETC. GAUGE IS WORKING NORMALLY AT THIS TIME. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10107723 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

1,304 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

83.6%Usable mileage1,090 / 1,304 records
99.8%Valid incident date1,301 / 1,304 records
100.0%Valid filing date1,304 / 1,304 records
99.8%Ordered incident and filing dates1,301 / 1,304 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
Steering
80936.2%
ODI 10482910 · 300 mi

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE BACKING UP AND DRIVING. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND ON CAUSES POWER STEERING TO WORK. VERY HARD TO STEER, NOT SAFE TO DRIVE... DEALER IS PUTTING A HOLE NEW POWER STEERING UNIT IN... *TR

Look up ODI 10482910 at NHTSA ↗

48528.9%
ODI 10573219 · 5,677 mi

TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT ILLEGALLY CAME INTO THE LANE I WAS ENTERING (THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE SHOULDER), I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION, WHICH CAUSED ME TO TURN MY VEHICLE INTO A CURB. AT THE TIME, I WAS TRAVELING 15 TO MAYBE 20 MPH. AFTER HITTING THE CURB, MY VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AND UPON INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN IN HALF. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY SUBSEQUENTLY SERVICED THE VEHICLE, WHICH I PICKED UP ON MARCH 15, 2014. HOWEVER, WITHIN 100 MILES OF DRI…

Look up ODI 10573219 at NHTSA ↗

33618.8%
ODI 10680739 · 25 mi

FORD MOTOR CO. AND WORTHINGTON FORD OF LONG BEACH, CA ARE SELLING VEHICLES WITH DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE STEERING AND REFUSING TO FIX THE DEFECT(S). 1/25/2015 PURCHASED FORD EXPLORER (8 MILES ON VEHICLE); DAY AFTER PURCHASE, 1/26/2015, NOTICED PROBLEM WITH STEERING, PARKED VEHICLE, WOULD NOT DRIVE OR LET WIFE DRIVE. RETURNED VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER VIA ARMSTRONG TOWING (FLATBED) FOR REPAIRS/EVALUATION. WORTHINGTON FORD OF LONG BEACH: [XXX] ALL ACCUSED ME OF CAUSING THE DAMAGE; SAID IT ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $600.00…

Look up ODI 10680739 at NHTSA ↗

50320.5%
ODI 10838706 · 12,200 mi

WHILE MAKING A TURN ON A LOCAL STREET POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED NO FURTHER ISSUES. I HAVE OWNED MANY EXPLORERS INCLUDING 11-13 AND NOW 16. THE 16 HAS 12K MILES ON IT.

Look up ODI 10838706 at NHTSA ↗

754.4%
ODI 10913513

2017 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ALERT GAUGE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYS FAILURE OF COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM, TRACKING CONTROL SYSTEM AND STEERING SYSTEM. ATTEMPTS TO REPLACE/REPAIR SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN FAILS. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER A SENSOR WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER CALLED THE CONSUMER AND INFORMED HIM THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10913513 at NHTSA ↗

182.5%
ODI 11118467 · 8,400 mi

MY EXPLORE HAS FAILED TO START ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT A TOW TO GET THE CAR, AND THE DRIVER GOT IT TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THEN HE SHUT IF OFF AND IT FAILED TO START AGAIN. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE COULDN'T GET THE ISSUE TO OCCUR SO THERE WASN'T ANYTHING FOR HIM TO DO EVEN THOUGH HE HAD A FAULT CODE. MY EXPLORE ONLY HAS LEST THAN 9000 MILES AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT YET THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DONE AFTER KEEPING MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS. THERE SHOULD BE THINGS THAT SH…

Look up ODI 11118467 at NHTSA ↗

93.0%
ODI 11208940 · 1,800 mi

ON MARCH 2ND 2019 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH 1,800 MILES WAS TOWED TO THOMASSEN FORD IN CHARLES TOWN WV LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. COMPLAINED OF STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FUEL/GASOLINE WAS LEAKING BADLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. ON MARCH 4TH NOTIFICATION WAS PROVIDED FROM SERVICE WRITER THAT NONE OF THE FUEL LINES OR CLAMPS WERE ATTACHED PROPERLY FROM THE FACTORY. VEHICLE SAT AT THOMASSEN FORD UNTIL MARCH 27TH WHEN REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE. APRIL 9TH 2019 SOME FORM OF FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE PARKED VEHICLE FOR 8…

Look up ODI 11208940 at NHTSA ↗

242.0%
ODI 11315531 · 900 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAYTHE 'STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW LIGHT' CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH MILES ON ODOMETER 900. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT THE 'STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY' MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO POWER STEERING OR ANY TRANSMISSION OPTIONS LIKE SPORT, ECONOMY, REGULAR, DEEP SNOW, NO ASSIST FOR UPHILL OR DOWNHILL PARKING

Look up ODI 11315531 at NHTSA ↗

51.2%
ODI 11404027 · 20 mi

THE WHEEL WELLS OF THE VEHICLE COLLECT LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND ICE. THIS BUILD UP CONSTRICTS THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE CONTACTING THE TIRES RESTRICTING ROTATION AND STEERING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP. NO REMEDY TO THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN OFFERED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ANY ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FORD IS UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER AND SNOWY ICY CONDITIONS. THE BUILD UP HA…

Look up ODI 11404027 at NHTSA ↗

93.4%
ODI 11504904 · 207,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel started moving independently from side to side, without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 207,000.

Look up ODI 11504904 at NHTSA ↗

1210.9%
ODI 11517340

I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collisi…

Look up ODI 11517340 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 11633176 · 3,600 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recomm…

Look up ODI 11633176 at NHTSA ↗

98.9%
ODI 11683816

On October 24, 2024, my 2025 Ford Explorer ST experienced a sudden steering column lock and complete loss of braking while I was driving, leading to a crash and injuries. The vehicle had approximately 800 miles and was a warranty replacement provided weeks earlier. Prior to delivery, the dealer referenced a Quality Assurance hold of about two months on this vehicle, which was not disclosed to me in any detail. The simultaneous loss of steering and brakes suggests a potential common cause safety defect that may affect other 2025 Explorer ST v…

Look up ODI 11683816 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 11740470

Purchased new 26 Ford Explorer on [XXX] from Franklin Ford in TN. During test drive noted the BlueCruise hands free was canceling but was advised by dealer that it might need to download an update or sync my profile. Next day I confirmed the BlueCruise and adaptive cruise was not working. The hands free BlueCruise and adaptive system will cancel randomly with no warning even while in turn. This almost caused me to slam into the vehicle next to me several times but was able to catch the wheel just in time. This is an extreme danger and hazard. T…

Look up ODI 11740470 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
34415.4%
ODI 10497684 · 1,023 mi

I JUST BOUGHT A 2013 FORD EXPLORER LAST WEEK AND I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH BURNT OIL SMELL GETTING INSIDE THE CABIN EVEN WITH A/C IN RECIRCULATION MODE. IT IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT TO PAY OVER 40K FOR A BRAND NEW SUV AND BEEN DEALING WITH SUCH AN ISSUE. I HAVE A NEWBORN AND I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT WITH ME IN THE EXPLORER BECAUSE I GUESS IT IS HARMFUL FOR ANYBODY. FIRST TIME I BOUGHT A FORD AND I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT MY DECISION TO SWITCH BRANDS. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NEED TO GO BACK ON MONDAY TO DO A SYSTEM UPDATE BUT I DON'T THINK UPDATING…

Look up ODI 10497684 at NHTSA ↗

33620.0%
ODI 10608596 · 100 mi

WHEN DRIVING MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER AT ANY SPEED AND ON ANY TERRAIN, THE EXHAUST FUMES ENTER INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IS EXTREME, CAUSES HEADACHES, NAUSEA, AND TENDS TO BURN MY EYES AS WELL AS MY GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME. BECAUSE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF THIS PROBLEM, AND BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, MY DEALER WAS NOT GOING TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THEY HAVE AGREED TO SPRAY THE UNDER PART OF THE EXHAUST WITH A RUBBERIZED SEALANT THAT WAS USED …

Look up ODI 10608596 at NHTSA ↗

40222.4%
ODI 10716742 · 4,000 mi

RETURNING HOME FROM CHURCH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. IT WAS VEERING TO THE LEFT AND I COULD NOT STRAIGHTEN IT UP. THERE WAS A THUD AND DIRT AND DUST AND THE CAR STOPPED. GOT OUT AND THE FRONT LEFT SUSPENSION WAS ON THE GROUND. NO TICKET, NO NOTHING BECAUSE I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. FORD HAS MADE A DECISION THAT IS WAS NOT A CAR FAILURE. WE ASK FOR THE FINDINGS OF THERE INSPECTIONS AND WAS TOLD THY DID NOT RELEASE THOSE TO THE CUSTOMER. WE REALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEIR REPORT AS I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND WANT TO KNOW WHY TH…

Look up ODI 10716742 at NHTSA ↗

43017.5%
ODI 10817212 · 4,567 mi

PURCHASED 2016 FORD EXPLORER NEW. HAS 4567 MILES ON IT. STARTING NOTICING A POPPING SOUND UNDER FOOT FLOOR BOARD DRIVER SIDE WHENEVER I FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD TO ABOUT 7 MILES PER HOUR ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME AFTER THE FIRST POP WHILE DRIVING, ONLY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD AT ABOUT 7 MPH. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE NOISE CHECKED OUT THEY ADJUSTED THE FRONT BRIDGE LINK BOLT AS PER TSB 15-0186 AND SAID THE NOISE WAS GONE. I WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND AS S…

Look up ODI 10817212 at NHTSA ↗

36921.8%
ODI 10906040 · 200 mi

I HAVE A 2017 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS A EXHAUST LEAK THAT I SMELL WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I ALSO SMELL THIS ODOR WHEN I TOW MY WAVE RUNNER. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT MY SON VOMITED WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT CAN NOT FIX IT. THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT I CANNOT DRIVE AND FORD DOES NOT CARE. WHAT CAN I DO? I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS ISSUE AND I FOUND THAT THERE IS A LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS SAME ISSUE WITH 2011…

Look up ODI 10906040 at NHTSA ↗

16722.8%
ODI 11072324 · 5 mi

THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WREAKS OF GAS FUMES (NOT CARBON MONOXIDE) ON THE INSIDE OF THE CARE. THIS PRIMARILY HAPPENS BETWEEN 1/4 TO TO A FULL GAS TANK. THE SMELL ALWAYS OCCURS AFTER A GAS FILL UP. THE GAS TANK IS NEVER OVERFILLED. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN TAKING A SHARP TURN AFTER A STOP SIGN/LIGHT, AND WHEN BRAKING SWIFTLY. LIVING IN A NORTHERN CLIMATE, THE GAS SMELL GETS TO BE SO BAD, THAT WINDOWS NEED TO PERIODICALLY BE OPENED IN ORDER TO VENT THE VEHICLE OF GAS SMELL. THIS DOES NOT GO OVER WELL WHEN IT IS ZERO OUTSIDE. WITH OVER 3500 MI…

Look up ODI 11072324 at NHTSA ↗

4715.8%
ODI 11233031 · 3,000 mi

THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER IS DELIVERED NEW WITH ONE INADEQUATE HORN. ALL OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVE TWO HORNS AND ARE WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM A HORN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE HORN IS SO LOW I COULD NOT SCARE A SQUIRREL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE WITHOUT EFFECTING THE WARRANTY.

Look up ODI 11233031 at NHTSA ↗

20717.0%
ODI 11282678 · 75 mi

HAVE EXTREMELY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES COMING IN THE FRESH AIR INTAKE-MAKING ME AND MY PASSENGERS EXTREMELY SICK-NAUSEUS, REALLY BAD HEADACHES, EXTREMELY SLEEPY, ACID REFLUX AND EVEN HAVE PEOPLE ASK HALF HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE IF WE'VE BEEN STANDING NEXT TO AN EXHAUST PIPE!!!! ONE OF THESE TIMES, IM NOT GOING TO REALISE JUST HOW TIRED ITS MAKING ME-THAT I CRASH AND KILL MYSELF OR WORSE KILL SOMEONE ELSE OR FAMILY!! SERIOUS ISSUE ANS FORD CLAIMS......NOTHING WRONG!! [XXX]!! THIS IS A DEADLY FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH RIGHT NOW!!! WAY …

Look up ODI 11282678 at NHTSA ↗

8419.6%
ODI 11429352

Constant shuddering between 30-45mph. Local dealer fobs it off as typical, I've driven other 2020 and 2021 Explorers, none have exhibited similar symptoms. Dealer refuses to repair, Ford corporate will not investigate. Has already had one rear axle replaced under warranty, not waiting another 3 weeks for parts when this one breaks again.

Look up ODI 11429352 at NHTSA ↗

5520.6%
ODI 11470468

Purchased car 5/31/22 from Apple Ford, 8800 Stanford Blvd, Columbia MD 21045. Started hearing sounds of rodent infestation 2 days later. Sporadic scurrying sounds that seemed to be coming from metal frame area above headliner in the car. Have recorded the sounds and attempted to share this verification of infestation with dealership, to no avail. As disabled vet w/anxiety/ptsd, scurrying sounds are unnerving, rodents are known to cause wiring damage which affects vehicle safety, sudden emergence of rodents when operating vehicle is addition…

Look up ODI 11470468 at NHTSA ↗

2522.7%
ODI 11532171

I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I want my vehicle !! I’m making a substantial payment on a vehicle I can’t have !!!! Please resolve this ASAP !!!!

Look up ODI 11532171 at NHTSA ↗

419.0%
ODI 11595059

This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operational. Further investigation into the matter revealed that Ford apparently "recalled" the camera systems on the Explorer for the 2023 models, but has not distributed any information to its dealers. Now I have a forward facing camera that is not operational, but the vehic…

Look up ODI 11595059 at NHTSA ↗

1716.8%
ODI 11631832

Hands free connection from cell phone to vehicle speakers and mic won't work properly. I consider this a safety issue as it requires me to pickup phone and turn off Bluetooth and work phone manually, looking at it, rather than hands-free. Dealer says corporate has no resolution. Ford consumer line said they're aware but no idea when or if a resolution will be available.

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1026.3%
ODI 11730076

I was driving home from work on the interstate. It was not overly crowded and not many vehicles around me. I was going the speed limit. All the sudden I heard a loud pop and a very loud sound. I wasn’t sure exactly what happened. I thought maybe I blew a tire so I pulled over to the side of the road. I then figured out that my sunroof had shattered/exploded in my brand new 2026 ford explorer. I just purchased it new on 1/30/26 and it has approx 3k mileage. Luckily I had the shade on my sunroof closed otherwise glass would have been everywhe…

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
1185.3%
ODI 10493132 · 224 mi

THE SHIFTER CLICKS AS SOON AS I PUT THE GEAR IN PARK. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE QUITE A FEW BAD EXPERIENCES WITH MY PREVIOUS CARS THAT I KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT NORMAL. TAKING THE CAR AGAIN TOMORROW SINCE IT KEEPS ON HAPPENING. IT'S ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS SO THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. *TR

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744.4%
ODI 10533188 · 1,100 mi

I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER 2014 ON JULY 1ST 2013. ON AUGUST 1ST, 2013, MY CAR DID NOT MOVE FORWARD WHILE I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT TO 'D' (DRIVE) IN A PARKING LOT. INSTEAD, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS WHILE I STEPPED ON GAS. I WAS VERY CONFUSED, AND THOUGHT IT WAS MY ILLUSION. SO I STEPPED ON BRAKE AND CHECKED THE DRIVE PANEL, THE LIGHT FOR 'D' IS ON. THEN I SWITCH TO 'P' AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS PUT TO 'D' AGAIN. HOWEVER, MY CAR STILL WENT BACKWARD AND MY REAR BUMP HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR WHICH PARK BEHIND MINE. THEN I GOT CONFIRM…

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844.7%
ODI 10725238 · 2,100 mi

DURING AND AFTER ACCELERATION AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A VERY STRONG SULPHUR SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO ENTER FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT MUST BE EXHAUSTED BY OPENING THE WINDOWS EVERY SINGLE TIME. THE FUMES CONTAIN CO2 AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO ALL WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALL PASSENGERS COMPLAIN OF A LIGHT HEADACHE AND NAUSEA.

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2008.2%
ODI 10864072 · 7,794 mi

VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION SUDDENLY: FIRST TIME HAPPENED WHEN I STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION WAITING THE TRAFFIC TO CLEAR AND WHEN I WANT THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE IT DID NOT SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT FIVE MINUETS LATER AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE AND I MANAGE TO REACH MY DESTINATION, NEXT DAY I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER BECAUSE THE SERVICE POWERTRAIN FAULT ILLUMINATES. FORD DEALER SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION AND NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART IS ON A BACK ORDER AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FO…

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1146.7%
ODI 11011958 · 20 mi

UPON PARKING OUR BRAND NEW EXPLORER IN OUR DRIVEWAY (IT HAS A 10 DEGREE SLANT), WE TURNED OFF THE KEYLESS/PUSH BUTTON IGNITION, BUT MY HUSBAND ACCIDENTALLY HAD IT IN DRIVE. OUR SMALL CHILDREN WERE UNCLIPPING THEIR SEATBELTS AND STARTING TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IGNITION OFF, IT ROLLED BACK VERY QUICKLY DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY TO OUR SMALL CHILDREN HAD THEY OPENED THEIR DOORS. I CALLED FORD.COM WHO TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED DEALER. THEY TOO…

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486.6%
ODI 11127949

MY 2016 EXPLORER HAS 74,000 MILES AND THE RPM NEEDLE IS STICKING. HAD IT EVALUATED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL OUT ON A 2/3 SHIFT AND A 4/5 SHIFT. FLUID LEVEL IS CORRECT, THIS IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE IN THE DIRECT CLUTCH. THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. REPLACEMENT IS ON BACK ORDER AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT A CASE #CAS15675568. HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE DISCUSSING AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 48 HRS. WHAT IS DIFFICULT ABOUT MAKING A DECISI…

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3110.4%
ODI 11487140

Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come on to know to assess the issue.

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47639.0%
ODI 11288974 · 1,896 mi

I PURCHASED A 2020 FORD EXPLORER AT SAMES FORD IN LAREDO, TX. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED 11 SEPT 2019. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON 18 SEPT 2019 IN INDIANA (MILEAGE 1896) WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO PARK FORD IN STERGIS, MICHIGAN. THE PROBLEM WAS THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER, WHICH I NOW KNOW IS ENDEMIC TO THIS MODEL. I WAS TOLD THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER HAD ALSO CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER WERE REPLACED AND I HAD TO DRIVE FROM NEW YORK TO MICHIGAN AT MY OWN EXPENSE…

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11727.3%
ODI 11414737 · 111 mi

I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER ST 2021 IN NEW YORK FROM CITY WORLD FORD ON BOSTON RD IN THE BRONX ON APRIL 22, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:37PM. I TOOK MY CAR HOME THE SAME SAME DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY (SECOND DAY) I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD AT 12:49 PM. THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND FELT LIKE IT WAS ON AWD MODE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS HEAVY AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN. I STARTED TO SMELL FIRE COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. O…

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5821.7%
ODI 11461576

Ford released a bulletin - 22S27- to all dealers to immediately stop demo/delivery for all new Explorers in stock as of 4/19/22. At issue is a possibility of a fractured bolt that causes the differential to separate and cause "severe vibration" rendering the vehicle disabled. No fix was mentioned other than a software update possibly by the end of June 22 (2d qtr). This is serious if dealers are told to stop delivery! I just got mine in the beginning of April. Ford needs to step up and address this to ALL owners and not just dealers. It appears…

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1210.9%
ODI 11513768

The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting. The engine revved up, struggled to rev up when accelerating, held gears, chugged, slipped, it felt extremely lazy, and hard shift. The RPMs were fluctuating like crazy. You slam on the accelerator the RPMs start going up then it starts fluctuating crazy.

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14.8%
ODI 11619992

Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bought it in Booneville does place and they sent me to ford place in Paris ark where they are ordering a part to see if it fix it or if I need a new transmission. Is this a lemon or what

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1514.9%
ODI 11629443

We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.

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37.9%
ODI 11737580

At approximately 1,700 miles, my brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power. Prior to the failure, the engine experienced severe misfires. Following manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) guidance regarding EcoBoost engine misfires, a step-colder spark plug heat range (NGK LTR7IX-11) was utilized to remedy pre-ignition. Ford Motor Company has denied warranty coverage for this catastrophic powertrain failure, falsely …

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Structure
2009.0%
ODI 10535838 · 1,800 mi

WATER COMING IN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEATBELT..IT THEN DRIPS ON THE SEAT ..HAD IT AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY..THEY DO NOT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX IT. *TR

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17910.7%
ODI 10891437

2014 FORD EXPLORER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUST ALONG FRONT EDGE OF VEHICLE HOOD. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE HOOD OR INCLUDE REQUESTS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION. *SMD IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED, IT WAS NOT RUST AS THE CONSUMER BELIEVED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPAIRED AND REPAINTED THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT HOOD, BUT THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE STATED IT WOULD NOT HELP AS THE NEW HOOD WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IN OTHER WORDS, THE SAME REPAIR WOULD LIKELY OC…

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26014.5%
ODI 10809612 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-65 MPH. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 20 HOLES THAT NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VENTILATION CABIN NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MA…

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37415.2%
ODI 11425190

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

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37522.2%
ODI 11149985 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR FRACTURED AND FELL OFF INTO TRAFFIC. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE 'LIFTGATE AJAR' MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A NEARBY FUEL STATION AND ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY APPLYING MASKING TAPE TO RE-ATTACH THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO THE DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WIRES WERE EXPOSED IN THE PROCESS. SUPREME FORD OF SLIDELL (400 EAST HOWZE BEACH ROAD, SLIDELL, LOUISIANA 70461, [phone removed]) W…

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17724.2%
ODI 11429419 · 35,872 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the passenger’s side window frame detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 35,872

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10434.9%
ODI 11421113

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Vin tool showed no open recall.

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30.2%
ODI 11608742 · 66,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the interior panoramic sunshade cover detached from the interior roof headliner and fell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the sunshade cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 66,000.

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40.9%
ODI 11604001 · 52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and trim taped down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not prepared. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failur…

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10.4%
ODI 11749368 · 50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof sunshade detached from the inner roof and sagged downward, creating a visibility hazard. The contact stated that the rearview mirror view was obstructed due to the failure. The contact stated that the failure was caused by faulty clips securing the sunshade. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and a local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

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21.8%
ODI 11594860 · 4,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheel well inner liner fell onto the tire. The wheel well liner was rubbing on the tire. The tires were rubbing with ice, mud, and snow in the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the bracket and bolts for the wheel well liner were missing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no repair coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The f…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.0%
ODI 11677512 · 15,000 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal windy sound coming from the driver's side-view mirror. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where it was determined that the turbulence was caused by the mirror. The contact was informed that the molding was different from the passenger's side-view mirror molding. The dealer determined that driver's side-view mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance wa…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
22510.1%
ODI 10472937 · 350 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON (DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S ON FRESH AIR INTAKE OR RECIRCULATING), THERE IS A DEFINITE ODOR OF GASOLINE EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAN BE DUPLICATED AT ANY SPEED, FROM A DEAD STOP OR ACCELERATING DURING A PASSING MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND TWO TECHNICAL BULLETINS WERE ADDRESSED (ONE FOR A VIBRATION SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND THE OTHER FOR THE EXHAUST ODOR IN THE CABIN). UPON COMPLETION OF THE FACTORY…

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19611.7%
ODI 10533188 · 1,100 mi

I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER 2014 ON JULY 1ST 2013. ON AUGUST 1ST, 2013, MY CAR DID NOT MOVE FORWARD WHILE I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT TO 'D' (DRIVE) IN A PARKING LOT. INSTEAD, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS WHILE I STEPPED ON GAS. I WAS VERY CONFUSED, AND THOUGHT IT WAS MY ILLUSION. SO I STEPPED ON BRAKE AND CHECKED THE DRIVE PANEL, THE LIGHT FOR 'D' IS ON. THEN I SWITCH TO 'P' AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS PUT TO 'D' AGAIN. HOWEVER, MY CAR STILL WENT BACKWARD AND MY REAR BUMP HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR WHICH PARK BEHIND MINE. THEN I GOT CONFIRM…

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22612.6%
ODI 10671421 · 30 mi

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2015 FORD EXPLORER. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGAN SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES. CONCERNED THAT THIS WASN'T "NEW CAR BREAK-IN", I PURCHASED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR WITH MEMORY. OVER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF DRIVING THE DETECTOR REGISTERED 97 PPM AT PEAK. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR

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38115.5%
ODI 10838549 · 4,000 mi

RADIATOR COOLING FAN SQUEALS LOUDLY WHEN CAR IS IDLE OR DRIVING SLOWLY. CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE SHOP TO REPLACE THE FAN ONCE. NEW FAN BEGAN SQUEALING AGAIN WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING AFTER REPAIR. CAR ONLY HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF FAULTY COOLING FAN BEARINGS. AFRAID FAN WILL STOP WORKING AND CAUSE FIRE OR OVERHEATING.

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23714.0%
ODI 10916675 · 604 mi

AFTER A STOP, THE CAR WAS AT STATIONARY, WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON, GAVE ME ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE". TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING, WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR, IT HAS 606 MI ON IT.

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9513.0%
ODI 11088714 · 10 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING, THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FILLS THE CAR. WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS ALL YOU CAN SMELL IS EXHAUST. IT'S BEEN THIS WAY FROM DAY ONE. FORD TRIED TO FIX IT UNDER RECALL BUT IT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. YOU CAN STILL SMELL IT JUST THE SAME. NO DIFFERENCE AFTER THEIR ATTEMPT TO FIX IT.

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196.4%
ODI 11193405 · 4,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

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1159.4%
ODI 11298598 · 2,100 mi

MY BRAND NEW 2020 FORD EXPLORER PLATINUM TOP OF LINE MODEL (VIN [XXX]) BROKE DOWN ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2019 AFTER A COMPLETE ENGINE SEIZURE WITH LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND LEFT US STRANDED WITH MY FAMILY FOR HOURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DOING 80 MILES PER HOUR THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AND POTENTIALLY FATAL. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE AND I AM BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE BUT FORD CANNOT PROVIDE A DATE WHEN THE ENGINE WILL BE AVAILA…

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4811.2%
ODI 11447286

A police officer complained of a strong odor of exhaust coming through the hvac vents. Officer complained of a light dizziness feeling. Suv was grounded from service. Complaint was verified. Upon opening of the hood a odor of exhaust gas was smelled on the right side of the motor. No visible leaks could be heard or seen. Suv was driven to our local Ford dealer for repair.

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3011.2%
ODI 11471465

On four occasions over the past 30 days the vehicle has simply lost power while driving. No acceleration and the vehicle coasts to a stop and will not restart. On a few occasions it restarted after some time. Just shutdown while driving down the road. The third time it happened we took to the dealer and they claimed to fix a fuel pump module. It happened again a few days later. Took it back to the dealer and they claimed it was just low on gas even though it’s happened four times and there was gas in the tank. Took it home from the de…

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109.1%
ODI 11513768

The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting. The engine revved up, struggled to rev up when accelerating, held gears, chugged, slipped, it felt extremely lazy, and hard shift. The RPMs were fluctuating like crazy. You slam on the accelerator the RPMs start going up then it starts fluctuating crazy.

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14.8%
ODI 11711981

• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled over and the seat stopped what it was doing front and back. • yes , been checked by dealership (4) times in service department. •yes, every code on the dash has appeared and lasted a total 20 minutes and car went into limp mode. Couldn’t turn car on or off. First happ…

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76.9%
ODI 11645436

While driving on an interstate with my children, my automatic braking system decided their was something in front of my car when there wasn't and slammed on the brakes. There was a semi truck behind us and it almost hit us. Took it to the dealer and all they did was shut the feature off for automatic braking. The interior screens have been reprogrammed twice to fix glitches. the rear hatch has been reprogrammed. The windows continue to randomly roll up and down on their own. My engine decided to not start for an hr before randomly turning on fo…

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615.8%
ODI 11733462

While driving my new Ford explorer, with 638 miles on it, on the highway I heard a loud pop, and lost power steering. I was barely able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder to get off the highway. If I would have been on an interstate or a busier highway it could have been very dangerous. I believe that this has put me in danger having to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway and sit there while waiting for a tow truck. The Vehicle was towed to the dealership where we bought it. the service manager told us that the engine had blow…

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
10.0%
ODI 11620249 · 102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while shifting into the park position, the "change to parking mode" warning message was displayed. The vehicle failed to detect that the vehicle was in the park gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised to call the manufacturer. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

30.1%
ODI 11460064 · 103,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shudder when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that to control the shudder she slowed the vehicle to the point that the motion stopped and then slowly accelerated back to highway speeds. The contact stated that the shuddering occurred any time the contact attempted to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was dia…

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30.2%
ODI 11449707 · 61,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while idle with the vehicle in drive or reverse, the vehicle would shudder. The contact stated that there was a lack of full motive power upon acceleration; occasionally, while moving from a stop, the vehicle would shudder while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic informed him that the failure might be due to the torque converter overheating, causing damage to the torque converter. Additionally, there was possible internal d…

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20.3%
ODI 11654141

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

100.8%
ODI 11452145

2020 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATIONS AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER BREACHED IT'S CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY FAILING TO PROPERLY AND TIMELY REPAIR THE VEHICLE.

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20.5%
ODI 11457587

Approximately 1.5 months ago, my ford explorer started having issues with shifting frm drive to reverse or reverse to drive, stopped to reverse and stop to drive. I had my oil changed and there were 2 updates to the transmission that were done. The problem persists. When going through a car wash in which you put the car in neutral and ride through as it washes, I placed the car in neutral and almost hit the vehicle in front of me due to it taking 3-4 seconds to shift from drive to neutral.

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10.4%
ODI 11575750 · 10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the reverse mode did not function as needed. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted to reverse mode, the vehicle rolled either forward or backwards and then hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Tires:Tread/Belt
10.0%
ODI 11279916

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS WASHING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE SHREDDING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD WORSEN OVER TIME BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 11279916 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.1%
ODI 11014656 · 16,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50/R20 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF CHUNKS OF TIRE MISSING FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A CAUSE FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

Look up ODI 11014656 at NHTSA ↗

50.3%
ODI 11104082 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES EXPERIENCED PEELING AND TREAD CHIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION FORD, 1400 INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON TX), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11104082 at NHTSA ↗

30.4%
ODI 11367079 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5MNC1AH3917. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO CUPPING OF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HUNTLEY FORD LOCATED AT 13900 AUTO MALL DR, HUNTLY, IL 60142 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERE…

Look up ODI 11367079 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
22410.0%
ODI 10473133 · 250 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOWER DOOR SEALS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SLIP RESISTANT SAFETY TREAD. THE PASSENGER SLIPPED AND FELL WHEN ENTERING THE DOOR AS HER FOOT WAS PLACED ON THE DOOR SEAL. THE PASSENGER SLIGHTLY BUMPED HER HEAD AND SUSTAINED AN ABRASION TO THE LEG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE DOOR SEAL WAS A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250.

Look up ODI 10473133 at NHTSA ↗

925.5%
ODI 10563009 · 10 mi

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR CUP HOLDER BUT FOUR OF HIS FINGERS BECAME STUCK INSIDE OF THE PLASTIC HOLDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO PRY THE HOLDER OPEN IN ORDER TO RELEASE HIS FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10563009 at NHTSA ↗

1327.4%
ODI 10706528 · 900 mi

I AM GOING INTO THE 5TH MONTH OF LEASING MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE. CURRENTLY THE ODOMETER READS 2,100 MILES AND THEY WERE NOT ENJOYABLE MILES. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS 2015 EXPLORER HAS THE WORST DESIGN ON THE INSIDE THAT I'VE EVER SEEN. THE OUTWARD VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR THE FRONT AND REAR OF THIS VEHICLE IS SEVERELY COMPROMISED BY THE HUGE C PILLARS WHICH CREATE BLIND SPOTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THIS MODEL HAS BLIS, I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN 2 COLLISIONS BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE MY RIGHT SIDE…

Look up ODI 10706528 at NHTSA ↗

1998.1%
ODI 10861521 · 250 mi

THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE FUNCTIONED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY OPERATOR INPUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. ALSO ONE INSTANCE OF LIFTGATE CLOSING ON HEAD. FORD CLAIMS THEY ARE AWARE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND IS WORKING ON A FIX.??? IF THE OPERATOR WERE NOT AWARE THIS OCCURRED AND A CHILD OR PET WERE IN THE 3RD ROW, THIS COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPAIR ORDER WITH FORD'S RESPONSE. ALL INSTANCES SO FAR WERE VEHICLE IN PARK WITH OPERATOR NEAR THE REAR END OR BEHIND OF THE VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10861521 at NHTSA ↗

26015.4%
ODI 10924538 · 415 mi

VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.

Look up ODI 10924538 at NHTSA ↗

10013.7%
ODI 11078974

CRACK ON WINDSHIELD BY BODY AT TOP, NO SCRATCH ABOVE ON PAINT, STRATCH STARTED SMALL AND IS GROWING

Look up ODI 11078974 at NHTSA ↗

4314.4%
ODI 11257685 · 15 mi

REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.

Look up ODI 11257685 at NHTSA ↗

322.6%
ODI 11326423 · 1,400 mi

DRIVER DOOR AND WINDOW VIBRATING WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. *TR

Look up ODI 11326423 at NHTSA ↗

174.0%
ODI 11443304

On October 25, 2021; my wife and I were driving across country when we experienced a blow-out at 75 MPH in New Mexico (about 80 miles west of Amarillo. The blow-out was caused by body cladding, which came off the right rear door of our 2021 Ford Explorer - apparently attributable to 19+ MPH desert cross winds at highway speeds of 75 MPH. The trim lodged in the right rear wheel well; slicing the tire and cutting a gash from the aluminum rim. We had to get to California for a scheduled closing on our new home and were therefore unable to stay in …

Look up ODI 11443304 at NHTSA ↗

72.6%
ODI 11473328

While at a gas station I opened the hood to check the oil, and the hood folded backwards far enough to contact, and destroy the windshield. My wife was cleaning the windshield at the time, and narrowly avoided having her hand/forearm severely injured by the hood. This is not supposed to happen. Whatever mechanism that is meant to prevent an incident like this was either defective, or non existent.

Look up ODI 11473328 at NHTSA ↗

76.4%
ODI 11580499

For a week before 3/19/24, the driver door made increasing crunching noises when opened and closed. On 3/20/24 the driver door would not open and was subsequently left at Dean Sellers Ford for diagnosis and repair. The dealer relayed that there was a repair advisory on this issue which related to closed investigation / action PE23-013. On 3/21/24, the repair was completed and paid even though Ford Motor has previously agreed to announce a recall by March 2024. As on 4/2/24, no recall notification has been announced or received.

Look up ODI 11580499 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.0%
ODI 11673960

My 2025 Ford Explorer has a wind noise that Ford has admitted to having an issue with. My case number is CXH04811376. In the upper corner of both the drivers and passenger side front window there is a loud wind noise that begins at speeds of 40 mph and more. A Customer Experience Specialist admitted there is a problem but they will not fix it until there is a recall.

Look up ODI 11673960 at NHTSA ↗

25.3%
ODI 11763243

Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road.

Look up ODI 11763243 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission13,100–68,312 mi40,000 mi257
ODI 10079344 · 17,000 mi

WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT SURGED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10079344 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091172 · 10,000 mi

ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION IN "REVERSE" IT HESITATES, SLIPS THEN SURGES. LOUD BANGING/CLUNKING NOISES HEARD, SOUNDS LIKE UNIVERSAL JOINT. DEALER STATES PARTS ON ORDER. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO FORD, DEALER BLAMES IT ON A DEFECTIVE SERVO, SYNCHRO OR SOLINOID. AWAITING NATIONWIDE BACK ORDERED PARTS FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURE, WHAT MAKES ME THINK THAT THIS SAME PART WON'T AGAIN FAIL. WHAT IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE TRANSMISSION WHICH STILL IS ENCOUNTERING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I AWAIT THE REPAIR PARTS?…

Look up ODI 10091172 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10093818 · 3,000 mi

WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE- STEP ON GAS - DOES NOT ENGAGE THEN SUDDENLY A CLUNK AND TAKES OFF VERY FAST IN REVERSE- WORRIED ABOUT HITTING SOMEONE- DEALER HAS REFLASHED & THEN REPLACED SOLENOID IN TRANSMISSION PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *NM

Look up ODI 10093818 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body53,000–98,000 mi72,000 mi177
ODI 10186143 · 33,000 mi

REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED.*AK

Look up ODI 10186143 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10226585 · 58,000 mi

MY GAS GAUGE ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED ME MANY TIMES. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD ME TO ADD SOME FUEL ADDITIVE TO MY GAS TANK & THIS WOULD CURE THE PROBLEM. WELL IT HAS NOT & MY WARRANTY IS OUT!!! I'M VERY CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY IF SHE RUNS OUT OF GAS, SO WE HAVE TO KEEP A WRITTEN LOG AS TO THE MILEAGE BEFORE FILL-UP'S. I'M TOLD THE SENSOR IS BAD & WOULD COST CLOSE TO $1,000.00 TO REPAIR. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD & THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR SINCE THE WARRANTY IS OUT. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED TO FORD ABOUT A BACK HATCH PA…

Look up ODI 10226585 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232448 · 32,000 mi

JUST NOTICED AFTER 32,000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 AND ONE-HALF YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THAT PAINT ON FRONT EDGE OF HOOD OF 2004 FORD EXPLORER IS BLISTERED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND BEGINNING TO CHIP. *TR

Look up ODI 10232448 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train67,250–128,941 mi91,117 mi90
ODI 10121993 · 2,800 mi

FLASHING LIGHTS ON PANEL. ACCIDENT IN WHICH CAR SKIDDED. DEALER SAID DEFECT IN REAR AXLE OF2004 FORD EXPLORER.

Look up ODI 10121993 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10126422 · 12,000 mi

TRANSMISSION GOING INTO REVERSE HAD STARTED TO BE DELAYED AND ABRUPT STARTING AROUND APRIL OF 2005 AT APPR. 12,000 MILES. IT SEEMED TO NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY AND WOULD LURCH INTO GEAR UNEXPECTEDLY. WE RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD IN MAY 2005 STATING THAT WE HAD NOT YET BEEN IN FOR OUR RECALL. NO NOTICE HAD COME BEFORE THAT ONE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER AND TOOK IN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE 3 DAYS LATER. THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE AND IF ANYTHING THINGS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I NEED TO TAKE MY CHILD 75 MILES ONE WAY FREQUENTLY FOR DO…

Look up ODI 10126422 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10138287 · 12,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER IN DEALERSHIP SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR SLIPPING IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING IN LOW SPEEDS AROUND CORNERS, STILL NOT FIXED! DEALERSHIP HAS ALSO ATTEMPTED TO FIX SEVERE DELAYED JERKING AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE ON 3 OCCASIONS. HAD VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP FOR 35,000 SERVICE, DEALERSHIP TOOK IT UPON THEMSELVES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX REAR END AGAIN AND REPLACE BEARINGS IN THE HUB WITH OUT MY PERMISSION! GOING TO ARBITRATION WITH THE BBB AUTOLINE TO REQUEST FORD REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS VERY EVIDENT THESE PROBLEMS HAVE EXIST…

Look up ODI 10138287 at NHTSA ↗

Structure50,000–86,000 mi70,000 mi65
ODI 10059066 · 47 mi

OTHE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED ON 2/16/2004, ON 2/18/2004 THE DRIVERS SIDE RUNNING BOARD BROKE WHEN I STEPPED ONTO IT WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE I STEPPED UP ONTO THE RUNNING BOARD AND IT CRACKED AT THE SEAM CAUSING ME TO FALL BACK INTO THE DRIVING LANE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE RUNNING BOARD ON 2/24/2004. ON 2/26/2004, THE PASSENGER SIDE RUNNING BOARD CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE, THIS WAS ONLY THE SECOND TIME SOMEONE ENTERED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I AM WAITING FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE THIS ONE. SHOULD TH…

Look up ODI 10059066 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10074887 · 1,010 mi

PAINT IS COMING OFF DRIVERS RUNNING BOARD. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ONLY 3 WEEKS. *AK

Look up ODI 10074887 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10143430 · 23,601 mi

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY FORD EXPLORER 4DOOR SPORT TRAC HAS STALLED, BECAUSE MY TEENAGE CHILDREN HAVE ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED/KICKED THE INERTIA CONTROL DEVICE FOR FUEL SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING/DRIVING. THIS DEVICE HAS ITS OWN PUSH START BUTTON TO RESTART FUEL OPERATIONS ONCE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I WAS ON THE BELTWAY 495 DOING 65 MPH THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY PULL OFF AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON 11-18-2005 THE DEALER FAILED TO COVER THIS DEVICE SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING…

Look up ODI 10143430 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility56,654–108,250 mi81,000 mi50
ODI 10231042 · 91,000 mi

I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND UNDER MY DASH AND DID NOT HAVE HEAT. I ASKED FORD DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSIS PROBLEM AND WAS QUOTED $1400 TO REPAIR HEATER PLENIUM AND POSSIBLE BLEND DOOR REPAIR( DIAGNOSIS ALSO COST $90). DID NOT HAVE PROBLEM FIXED FOR THAT AMOUNT BUT WAS CONCERNED AS I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND HEAT IS NECESSARY TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD. LATER, I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM ( FORD EXPLORER CLICKING SOUND AND NO HEAT) AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE MANY ARTICLES ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ENGINEERING PROBLEM SINCE 1995. THE DIAG…

Look up ODI 10231042 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10233974 · 60,000 mi

WHEN DECK GLASS WAS RAISED THE LEFT HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL. I CAUGHT THE GLASS PREVENTING IT FROM SHATTERING ON THE PAVEMENT. THE WEIGHT OF THE DECK GLASS THEN CAUSED THE RIGHT HINGE TO BREAK. HAD TO REPLACE HINGES THROUGH A AUTO BODY SHOP. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES! MY QUICK REACTION IN CATCHING THE GLASS PREVENTED ANY INJURIES. HAD MY CHILDREN BEEN WITH ME IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT SITUATION. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL FORD EXPLORERS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME THING HAPP…

Look up ODI 10233974 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10242212 · 35,000 mi

BACK PLASTIC PANEL JUST BELOW THE BACK WINDOW? THERE IS CRACK FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THERE IS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL FROM THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD AND MY DEALERSHIP WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT AND YET I HAVE SPOKE WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2002, 2003 AND WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I JUST PURCHASED THE EXPLORER FROM GIBBSON FORD, DICKSON CITY, PA LAST OCTOBER. IT ONLY HAS 35, 000 MILES AND I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY SAID IT IS NOT COVERED. IF YOU READ WWW.BLUEOVAL.COM THERE ARE OTH…

Look up ODI 10242212 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments50,250–109,700 mi80,000 mi50
ODI 10138160 · 17,978 mi

DT: WHILE DRIVING ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 THE ABS FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ABS, MAINTENANCE, AND FOUR WHEEL LIGHTS CAME ON AND BLINKED WHEN HE LOST THE BRAKES. A DIAGNOSIS TEST WAS PERFORMED, AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE REAR WHICH WAS CALLED ASY-T. THE FUEL GAUGE BROKE. IT SHOWED THE FUEL TANK LEVEL WAS HIGHER THAN WHAT IT REALLY WAS. THE DRIVER'S REAR WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACE…

Look up ODI 10138160 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144852 · 59,842 mi

1. OPENED THE BACK HATCH GLASS 2. THE LEFT HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING. I PUSHED THE GLASS BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE GLASS CLOSED AND LATCHED. MY LEFT SHOULDER HAS BEEN HURTING SINCE THE INCIDENT. *JB 3. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HINGE BRACKET. THEY REPLACED BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES.

Look up ODI 10144852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10146906 · 61,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 REGARDING HATCHBACK HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE HINGES SHEARED OFF AND THE HATCH ON THE LIFTGATE FELL OFF WHEN OPENING. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT FORDS REPLACEMENT HINGES HAVE NOT BEEN MODIFIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR…

Look up ODI 10146906 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control46,000–119,000 mi80,255 mi49
ODI 10078357 · 11,000 mi

LOUD POP FROM REAR-END. ABS LIGHT,WRENCH,AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. FOUND TO BE A BAD SPEED SENSOR AND DEFECTIVE REAR-END. SUV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS AND NO REAR-END IN SIGHT. *AK

Look up ODI 10078357 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10094433 · 4,000 mi

WHEN SHIFTING GEARS FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE A HEAVY KNOCKING NOISE IS PRODUCED. *AK THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD HANG UP IN DRIVE AND THE SELECTOR DID NOT RETURN. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY JUMP OUT OF DRIVE. THE SHIFT SOLENOID WAS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *SC

Look up ODI 10094433 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10100390 · 36,800 mi

WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE HADN'T BEEN FIRMLY PRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE SHOT INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO TEMPORARILY CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY. DEALER CANNOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED A COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPGRADE. *JB

Look up ODI 10100390 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate48,000–82,202 mi66,282 mi44
ODI 10099155 · 7,000 mi

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WOULD SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN IT WILL SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO AS OF TODAY, WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT. *JB THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH ON IT'S OWN WHILE HITTING THE RESUME BUTTON IN CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR OF THE BRAKING AND TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES, THROTTLE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, CRUISE…

Look up ODI 10099155 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10188586 · 45,000 mi

THE AREA ON THE BACK HATCH UNDERNEATH THE GLASS CRACKED IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I CAME OUT OF MY HOUSE AFTER A COLD MORNING AND THAT'S WHAT I FOUND. *TR

Look up ODI 10188586 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10188786 · 62,426 mi

CRACK IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Look up ODI 10188786 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 2143 reports

2022: 143 complaints · 2023: 86 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
202242107143
2023245686
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
202226700
202311000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionStructure:BodyPower TrainStructureVisibilityStructure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And AttachmentsVehicle Speed ControlStructure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—
4
ODI 10246262

I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT HASN'T RETURNED THE FAVOR. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT FORD SAYS THAT THEY ALL DO IT AND WON'T FIX IT. MY TAILGATE CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD SYMBOL, ONCE AGAIN WON'T FIX IT. MY PAINT ON MY HOOD IS PEELING OFF. I ONLY HAVE 50,000 EASY MILES ON IT BUT LOOKING AT IT AND DRIVING IT YOU WOULD THINK THAT IT HAD 150,000 ON IT. I WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN! *TR

Look up ODI 10246262 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10291050 · 52,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING, IT DEACTIVATED ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RE-SET THE ERROR CODE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, AND MOSTLY ON THE INTERSTATE. ALSO WHEN HE WOULD TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS, THE AUTOMATIC WARNING SYSTEM WOULD MAKE AN ALARM NOISE AND BLINK UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CUT OFF. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO LOSE FLUID, WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HEARD A ROARING NOISE NEAR THE TIRE AREA. HE WAS TOLD BY TH…

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ODI 10345723 · 60,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION CLUNKING AND SHIFTING ROUGHLY, TAKING LONG TIME TO ENGAGE CAUSE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK, DOES NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO WHINES SO LOUD FOLKS IN BACK SEAT CAN'T HEAR FRONT SEAT PEOPLE TALKING. APPEARS EACH TIME DRIVEN. WAS THAT WAY WHEN PURCHASED NEW AND DEALER FIXED IT, NOW ONCE AGAIN SAME ISSUE. *TR

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1
ODI 10278558 · 54,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH 54K MILES HAS SLIP IN TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND WILL SLIP WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY. IT CATCHES AND WILL PRODUCE A LOUD BUMP. IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO CATCH WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE. *TR

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4
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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ODI 10259314 · 89,000 mi

I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD EXPLORER. 1. CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW PANEL, FORD WON'T FIX. 2. TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HAD TO REPLACE AT MY COST. *TR

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ODI 10269884 · 70,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST IS THAT THE BACK GATE CRACKED FROM THE WINDOW. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THAT MY TRUCK IS MAKING A LOUD THUMP IN REVERSE, AND AFTER I PUT IT IN DRIVE AFTER BEING IN REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM THE ENGINE SLIPPING. *TR

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3
ODI 10241780

I HAVE HAD MANY, MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. PROBABLY THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE IS THE RECURRING FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS LAST TIME THAT THIS OCCURRED I WAS ON INTERSTATE-85, IN MORNING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPM'S ARE FLYING TO THE RED DANGER AREA AND I HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER AND AM LOSING SPEED. THERE IS AN 18-WHEELER ON MY REAR AND I CAN'T PICK UP SPEED! LUCKILY, I WAS APPROACHING AN EXIT AND MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND ONTO A LESS TRAVELED ROAD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME …

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ODI 10258831 · 65,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE BABIED IT FOR QUITE AWHILE BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAD PLENTY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH IT THAT HAD COST US A LOT OF MONEY AND WE REALLY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO GET THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE STILL OWE A LOT ON IT. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, I SPOKE TO MY MECHANIC AND LOOKED ON THE INTERNET FOR A SOLUTION. IF YOU GOOGLE "2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION", YOU WILL SEE A HUGE LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD HAS THE NERVE TO ASK FOR A BAILOUT WITH MY MONEY, BUT THEY WON…

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ODI 10407125 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE TO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE SOLENOID IN THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL GRINDING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR END BEARING, THREE REAR AXLES, THE PINION BAR AND SEALS AND A SHAFT KIT WAS INSTALLED. THE DEALER ALSO A…

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1
ODI 10348110 · 160,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHE OPENED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW LOCATED ON THE LIFT GATE. THE WINDOW WAS OPEN FOR A FEW MOMENTS UNTIL ONE OF THE TWO HINGES BROKE RESULTING IN THE WINDOW HANGING BY ONE HINGE. UPON EXAMINING THE BROKEN HINGE SHE NOTICED THAT THE SCREW HOLDING THE HINGE IN PLACE ALSO BROKE IN HALF. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WOULD LUNGE FORWARD BEFORE MOVING IN REVERSE. WHEN SHIFTING F…

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1
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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1
ODI 10099155 · 7,000 mi

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WOULD SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN IT WILL SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO AS OF TODAY, WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT. *JB THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH ON IT'S OWN WHILE HITTING THE RESUME BUTTON IN CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR OF THE BRAKING AND TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES, THROTTLE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, CRUISE…

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Structure:Body
4
ODI 10246262

I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT HASN'T RETURNED THE FAVOR. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT FORD SAYS THAT THEY ALL DO IT AND WON'T FIX IT. MY TAILGATE CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD SYMBOL, ONCE AGAIN WON'T FIX IT. MY PAINT ON MY HOOD IS PEELING OFF. I ONLY HAVE 50,000 EASY MILES ON IT BUT LOOKING AT IT AND DRIVING IT YOU WOULD THINK THAT IT HAD 150,000 ON IT. I WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN! *TR

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ODI 10291050 · 52,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING, IT DEACTIVATED ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RE-SET THE ERROR CODE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, AND MOSTLY ON THE INTERSTATE. ALSO WHEN HE WOULD TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS, THE AUTOMATIC WARNING SYSTEM WOULD MAKE AN ALARM NOISE AND BLINK UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CUT OFF. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO LOSE FLUID, WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HEARD A ROARING NOISE NEAR THE TIRE AREA. HE WAS TOLD BY TH…

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ODI 10345723 · 60,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION CLUNKING AND SHIFTING ROUGHLY, TAKING LONG TIME TO ENGAGE CAUSE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK, DOES NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO WHINES SO LOUD FOLKS IN BACK SEAT CAN'T HEAR FRONT SEAT PEOPLE TALKING. APPEARS EACH TIME DRIVEN. WAS THAT WAY WHEN PURCHASED NEW AND DEALER FIXED IT, NOW ONCE AGAIN SAME ISSUE. *TR

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—
3
ODI 10259316 · 56,000 mi

BACK REAR HATCH CRACKED. JUST LIKE THE 100'S OF OTHERS I FOUND ON MY INTERNET SEARCH OF THE PROBLEM. OUR TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT OUR OWN COST. *TR

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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ODI 10865592 · 145,000 mi

PAINT PEELING ROOF HOOD DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TWICE BEARINGS WEAR OUT REPAIRED TWICE BACK OF TAILGATE PANEL CRACKED REPLACED 3 TIMES

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5
ODI 10255593 · 58,723 mi

TAILGATE, PLASTIC WHICH RUN AROUND "FORD" THE WIDTH OF THE GATE CRACKED. COLD WEATHER THE CRACK GETS LARGE, HOT WEATHER IT CLOSES UP. IT CRACKED ON ITS OWN. *TR

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ODI 10258403 · 76,000 mi

ON MY ROOF I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT IS PEELING JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOF RACK. THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND PEELING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDE WHICH INDICATED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *TR

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ODI 10265161 · 76,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE BACK PLASTIC DOOR BEEN SPLIT IN HALF, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS, WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON A RECALL AND IT WILL BE ON OUR OWN EXPENSES. *TR

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12
ODI 10259708 · 42,106 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH DOOR. THERE IS A CRACK DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER OF THE HATCH WHERE THE LOCK IS LOCATED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR WINDOW OPENS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POTHOLES, THE WINDOW OPENS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,…

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ODI 10278525 · 76,000 mi

THE PANEL BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I DID NOT DRIVE IT THAT DAY, SO I KNOW I WAS NOT HIT, OR THE DOOR WAS NOT SLAMMED. *TR

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ODI 10295240 · 56,000 mi

CRACKS APPEARED BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY FORD EXPLORER. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR

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00
2
ODI 10284711 · 87,000 mi

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. *TR

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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Power Train
1
ODI 10278558 · 54,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH 54K MILES HAS SLIP IN TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND WILL SLIP WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY. IT CATCHES AND WILL PRODUCE A LOUD BUMP. IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO CATCH WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10278558 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10259316 · 56,000 mi

BACK REAR HATCH CRACKED. JUST LIKE THE 100'S OF OTHERS I FOUND ON MY INTERNET SEARCH OF THE PROBLEM. OUR TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT OUR OWN COST. *TR

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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ODI 10865592 · 145,000 mi

PAINT PEELING ROOF HOOD DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TWICE BEARINGS WEAR OUT REPAIRED TWICE BACK OF TAILGATE PANEL CRACKED REPLACED 3 TIMES

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—
3
ODI 10296361 · 50,000 mi

THE BACK HATCH HAS A CRACK UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW IN THE MIDDLE AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. JUST APPEARED....AS I'VE NOTICED SEVERAL FORD 2004 EXPLORERS IN THIS AREA HAVE THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. RECALL IS VERY MUCH NECESSARY. AS WELL AS THE CAR JOLTING INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE....I STILL OWE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THIS LOAN AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS....FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON BOTH...THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME JAPANESE WORKERS SINCE THEIR CARS SEEM NOT TO HAVE THESE TYPES OF ISSUES.....I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEB OF 2008 AND HAD THE TRANSMIS…

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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ODI 10627965 · 17,000 mi

EXACT DATES ARE VARIOUS , VEHICLE HAS 39000 MILES ON IT PRESENTLY , HAVE MULTIPLE VEHICLES , DRIVE OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER ... CHANGED BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE , EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT WORKING , HAD FIXED , HAD TO HAVE EKG REPLACED AND SOME EXHAUST SENSOR , TIRES WORE OUT AT 29000 , EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED , BOTH BALL JOINTS REPLACED , PINION GEAR GASKET LEAKING FROM REAR END , BOTH CV JOINTS LEAKING , APPEARS RIGHT CV JOINT NEEDS REPLACING , GETS 14 MPG ( 4.0 LITER ) PAINT PEELING FROM ROOF FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW , RUSTING AROUND FUEL TANK DOOR ,…

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00
5
ODI 10471821 · 90,000 mi

CANNOT ACCELERATE, FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING HARD. SCARES ME TO BE IN TRAFFIC WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN BACKSEAT. PUT INTO REVERSE IT JOLTS INTO GEAR AFTER A FEW SECONDS. MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. SOMETIMES THERE IS ALMOST NO ACCELERATION MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AROUND TOWN. *TR

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ODI 10473661

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKED IT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN SO IT WENT INTO HIGH RPMS THEN THE TRANSMISSION GRABBED AND SHOT THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND I LOST CONTROL AND WE SPUN IN CIRCLES OFF THE FREEWAY. HAD IT NOT OF RAINED ALL DAY THE SUV WOULD HAVE FLIPPED. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID AND IT MUST BE REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP OR GARAGE ONLY AND I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR AND I SEE THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THESE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE …

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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3
ODI 10437426 · 130,000 mi

TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING JUST FINE TILL ONE DAY IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AND THEN IT WAS SHIFTING HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD. REAR WINDOW HINGES BROKE. REAR TAIL GATE CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE BY FORD SYMBOL. ALSO JUST THE OTHER DAY MY PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING NO SIGNS NOTHING OF ANYTHING WRONG. I'M GOING TO START BUYING CHEVY THIS IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. NO WONDER AMERICA IS NOT DOING GOOD OUR CAR COMPANY'S CAN'T MAKE GOOD PRODUCTS ANYMORE. *KB

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ODI 10495240

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY R…

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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Structure
4
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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ODI 10259314 · 89,000 mi

I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD EXPLORER. 1. CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW PANEL, FORD WON'T FIX. 2. TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE, HAD TO REPLACE AT MY COST. *TR

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ODI 10269884 · 70,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST IS THAT THE BACK GATE CRACKED FROM THE WINDOW. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THAT MY TRUCK IS MAKING A LOUD THUMP IN REVERSE, AND AFTER I PUT IT IN DRIVE AFTER BEING IN REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM THE ENGINE SLIPPING. *TR

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5
ODI 10255593 · 58,723 mi

TAILGATE, PLASTIC WHICH RUN AROUND "FORD" THE WIDTH OF THE GATE CRACKED. COLD WEATHER THE CRACK GETS LARGE, HOT WEATHER IT CLOSES UP. IT CRACKED ON ITS OWN. *TR

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ODI 10258403 · 76,000 mi

ON MY ROOF I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT IS PEELING JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOF RACK. THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND PEELING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDE WHICH INDICATED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS. *TR

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ODI 10265161 · 76,000 mi

2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE BACK PLASTIC DOOR BEEN SPLIT IN HALF, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS, WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON A RECALL AND IT WILL BE ON OUR OWN EXPENSES. *TR

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3
ODI 10296361 · 50,000 mi

THE BACK HATCH HAS A CRACK UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW IN THE MIDDLE AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. JUST APPEARED....AS I'VE NOTICED SEVERAL FORD 2004 EXPLORERS IN THIS AREA HAVE THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. RECALL IS VERY MUCH NECESSARY. AS WELL AS THE CAR JOLTING INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE....I STILL OWE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THIS LOAN AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS....FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON BOTH...THEY NEED TO HIRE SOME JAPANESE WORKERS SINCE THEIR CARS SEEM NOT TO HAVE THESE TYPES OF ISSUES.....I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEB OF 2008 AND HAD THE TRANSMIS…

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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ODI 10627965 · 17,000 mi

EXACT DATES ARE VARIOUS , VEHICLE HAS 39000 MILES ON IT PRESENTLY , HAVE MULTIPLE VEHICLES , DRIVE OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER ... CHANGED BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE , EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT WORKING , HAD FIXED , HAD TO HAVE EKG REPLACED AND SOME EXHAUST SENSOR , TIRES WORE OUT AT 29000 , EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED , BOTH BALL JOINTS REPLACED , PINION GEAR GASKET LEAKING FROM REAR END , BOTH CV JOINTS LEAKING , APPEARS RIGHT CV JOINT NEEDS REPLACING , GETS 14 MPG ( 4.0 LITER ) PAINT PEELING FROM ROOF FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW , RUSTING AROUND FUEL TANK DOOR ,…

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—
7
ODI 10250329 · 66,783 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME SUPPORTING THE SIDE/REAR GLASS WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E104000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,783.

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ODI 10286798 · 86,000 mi

FORD DESIGNED A PLASTIC PIECE OF MOLDING THAT IS GLUED TO THE BACK GLASS OF EVERY EXPLORER. THIS HAS CRACKED ON EVERY EXPLORER I HAVE SEEN. IT HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE BY FORD, BUT IT HAS BROKE AGAIN. I ASSUME THAT IF IT HAS BROKE EVERY TWO YEARS SO FAR, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BREAK. FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

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ODI 10346422 · 90,700 mi

HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER I BOUGHT NEW. IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 95250 MILES. AFTER WASHING CAR 2-5-10, A MILD DAY HERE IN CT THOUGH WINTERTIME, I NOTICED TRIM PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW SHOWED VERTICAL CRACK MOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER CRACK HAD MIGRATED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO BOTTOM OF PANEL. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLINE 2-17-10 ASKING IF THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AS HAD READ OTHERS HAD IT HAPPEN TO THEM AS WELL ON VARIOUS AUTOMOBILE WEBSITES LIKE EDMUNDS. UNDERSTOOD BEFORE WRITING IT WAS NOT A RECALL AT THAT TIME. …

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0
2
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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0
Visibility
3
ODI 10241780

I HAVE HAD MANY, MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. PROBABLY THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE IS THE RECURRING FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS LAST TIME THAT THIS OCCURRED I WAS ON INTERSTATE-85, IN MORNING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPM'S ARE FLYING TO THE RED DANGER AREA AND I HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER AND AM LOSING SPEED. THERE IS AN 18-WHEELER ON MY REAR AND I CAN'T PICK UP SPEED! LUCKILY, I WAS APPROACHING AN EXIT AND MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND ONTO A LESS TRAVELED ROAD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME …

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ODI 10258831 · 65,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE BABIED IT FOR QUITE AWHILE BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAD PLENTY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH IT THAT HAD COST US A LOT OF MONEY AND WE REALLY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO GET THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE STILL OWE A LOT ON IT. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, I SPOKE TO MY MECHANIC AND LOOKED ON THE INTERNET FOR A SOLUTION. IF YOU GOOGLE "2004 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION", YOU WILL SEE A HUGE LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD HAS THE NERVE TO ASK FOR A BAILOUT WITH MY MONEY, BUT THEY WON…

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ODI 10407125 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE TO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE SOLENOID IN THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL GRINDING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR END BEARING, THREE REAR AXLES, THE PINION BAR AND SEALS AND A SHAFT KIT WAS INSTALLED. THE DEALER ALSO A…

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12
ODI 10259708 · 42,106 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH DOOR. THERE IS A CRACK DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER OF THE HATCH WHERE THE LOCK IS LOCATED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR WINDOW OPENS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POTHOLES, THE WINDOW OPENS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,…

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ODI 10278525 · 76,000 mi

THE PANEL BELOW MY REAR WINDOW HAS CRACKED ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I DID NOT DRIVE IT THAT DAY, SO I KNOW I WAS NOT HIT, OR THE DOOR WAS NOT SLAMMED. *TR

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ODI 10295240 · 56,000 mi

CRACKS APPEARED BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY FORD EXPLORER. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR

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0
7
ODI 10250329 · 66,783 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME SUPPORTING THE SIDE/REAR GLASS WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E104000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,783.

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ODI 10286798 · 86,000 mi

FORD DESIGNED A PLASTIC PIECE OF MOLDING THAT IS GLUED TO THE BACK GLASS OF EVERY EXPLORER. THIS HAS CRACKED ON EVERY EXPLORER I HAVE SEEN. IT HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE BY FORD, BUT IT HAS BROKE AGAIN. I ASSUME THAT IF IT HAS BROKE EVERY TWO YEARS SO FAR, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BREAK. FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10286798 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10346422 · 90,700 mi

HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER I BOUGHT NEW. IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 95250 MILES. AFTER WASHING CAR 2-5-10, A MILD DAY HERE IN CT THOUGH WINTERTIME, I NOTICED TRIM PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW SHOWED VERTICAL CRACK MOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER CRACK HAD MIGRATED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO BOTTOM OF PANEL. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLINE 2-17-10 ASKING IF THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AS HAD READ OTHERS HAD IT HAPPEN TO THEM AS WELL ON VARIOUS AUTOMOBILE WEBSITES LIKE EDMUNDS. UNDERSTOOD BEFORE WRITING IT WAS NOT A RECALL AT THAT TIME. …

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3
ODI 10347583 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 EXPLORER AND I LIFTED THE GLASS HATCH TODAY AND IT BROKE AND BEGAN TO FALL ON MY HEAD, LUCKILY I REACTED AND GRABBED IT BEFORE IT KNOCKED ME OUT. I HAD TO GET HELP BECAUSE IT WAS TO HEAVY FOR ME BECAUSE I HAVE A BAD BACK, HAD SURGERY AND WAS AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO RE DAMAGE. I HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND COME UP THERE WHILE WE HELD IT BECAUSE STRUTS WOULD NOT FOLD IT IN. TOOK IT TO FORD AND AM BEING CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE TO DIAGNOSIS IT I AM NOT SURE THAT IS NEEDED, AND PARTS ARE GOING TO BE $155, AND I WAS TOLD THAT T…

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ODI 10363817 · 117,000 mi

BACK GLASS HATCH FELL OFF IN MY HANDS COULD HAVE REALLY HURT SOMEONE. *TR

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ODI 10442784

WHILE AT WORK MY REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. AT FIRST SITE I THOUGHT IT WAS VANDALISM BUT NOTHING (CAR CHARGERS/CD'S/ ROAD SIDE KIT ETC) WAS TAKEN. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING, THINGS JUST DIDN'T ADD UP NOR WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE SITE OF MY DESTRUCTIVE REAR WINDOW AND UPLIFTING OF THE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE SHATTERED GLASS (WHICH WAS MOSTLY ON THE GROUND AS OPPOSED TO BEING INSIDE MY VEHICLE.) *TR

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Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments
1
ODI 10348110 · 160,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHE OPENED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW LOCATED ON THE LIFT GATE. THE WINDOW WAS OPEN FOR A FEW MOMENTS UNTIL ONE OF THE TWO HINGES BROKE RESULTING IN THE WINDOW HANGING BY ONE HINGE. UPON EXAMINING THE BROKEN HINGE SHE NOTICED THAT THE SCREW HOLDING THE HINGE IN PLACE ALSO BROKE IN HALF. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WOULD LUNGE FORWARD BEFORE MOVING IN REVERSE. WHEN SHIFTING F…

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1
ODI 10429365 · 137,000 mi

THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DURING USE OF THE LIFT GLASS. THE PIN BROKE RIGHT THROUGH THE HINGE ON BOTH SIDES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS OPEN. LEFT SIDE JUST FELL, AND THEN RIGHT ABOUT 1 MINUTE LATER, I JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE SOME 2X4'S IN THE BACK WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY DANGEROUS DEFECT. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSE FOR A RECALL ON THE '02 & '03 EXPLORER AND SEEMS TO BE WIDE SPREAD ON THE '04, YET NO…

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Vehicle Speed Control
1
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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0
5
ODI 10471821 · 90,000 mi

CANNOT ACCELERATE, FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING HARD. SCARES ME TO BE IN TRAFFIC WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN BACKSEAT. PUT INTO REVERSE IT JOLTS INTO GEAR AFTER A FEW SECONDS. MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. SOMETIMES THERE IS ALMOST NO ACCELERATION MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AROUND TOWN. *TR

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ODI 10473661

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKED IT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN SO IT WENT INTO HIGH RPMS THEN THE TRANSMISSION GRABBED AND SHOT THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND I LOST CONTROL AND WE SPUN IN CIRCLES OFF THE FREEWAY. HAD IT NOT OF RAINED ALL DAY THE SUV WOULD HAVE FLIPPED. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID AND IT MUST BE REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP OR GARAGE ONLY AND I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR AND I SEE THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THESE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE …

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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2
ODI 10243102 · 47,000 mi

OF THE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE WORST IS THE TRANSMISSION (40,000 MILES ). SAME OLD STORY. STARTED WITH CLUNKING AND HESITATION AND SURGING WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND NOW IS 'CLUNKING' INTO GEARS 2 AND 3 DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS A VERTICAL CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD SYMBOL THAT JUST MYSTERIOUSLY OCCURRED EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T EVEN USE THE WINDOW. THE TRUCK STALLS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS APPLIED BELOW 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY WIFE AND I…

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ODI 10476778 · 106,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS O…

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00—0
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
1
ODI 10099155 · 7,000 mi

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WOULD SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN IT WILL SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO AS OF TODAY, WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT. *JB THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH ON IT'S OWN WHILE HITTING THE RESUME BUTTON IN CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR OF THE BRAKING AND TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES, THROTTLE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, CRUISE…

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2
ODI 10284711 · 87,000 mi

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. *TR

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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3
ODI 10437426 · 130,000 mi

TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING JUST FINE TILL ONE DAY IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AND THEN IT WAS SHIFTING HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD. REAR WINDOW HINGES BROKE. REAR TAIL GATE CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE BY FORD SYMBOL. ALSO JUST THE OTHER DAY MY PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING NO SIGNS NOTHING OF ANYTHING WRONG. I'M GOING TO START BUYING CHEVY THIS IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. NO WONDER AMERICA IS NOT DOING GOOD OUR CAR COMPANY'S CAN'T MAKE GOOD PRODUCTS ANYMORE. *KB

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ODI 10495240

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY R…

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ODI 10599079 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND FRAME WERE RUSTED. AND THE REAR HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMERS STATED THE TRANSMISSION JERKS INTO GEAR. UPDATED 02/25/2015 *JS

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0
3
ODI 10347583 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE A 2004 EXPLORER AND I LIFTED THE GLASS HATCH TODAY AND IT BROKE AND BEGAN TO FALL ON MY HEAD, LUCKILY I REACTED AND GRABBED IT BEFORE IT KNOCKED ME OUT. I HAD TO GET HELP BECAUSE IT WAS TO HEAVY FOR ME BECAUSE I HAVE A BAD BACK, HAD SURGERY AND WAS AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO RE DAMAGE. I HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND COME UP THERE WHILE WE HELD IT BECAUSE STRUTS WOULD NOT FOLD IT IN. TOOK IT TO FORD AND AM BEING CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE TO DIAGNOSIS IT I AM NOT SURE THAT IS NEEDED, AND PARTS ARE GOING TO BE $155, AND I WAS TOLD THAT T…

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ODI 10363817 · 117,000 mi

BACK GLASS HATCH FELL OFF IN MY HANDS COULD HAVE REALLY HURT SOMEONE. *TR

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ODI 10442784

WHILE AT WORK MY REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. AT FIRST SITE I THOUGHT IT WAS VANDALISM BUT NOTHING (CAR CHARGERS/CD'S/ ROAD SIDE KIT ETC) WAS TAKEN. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING, THINGS JUST DIDN'T ADD UP NOR WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE SITE OF MY DESTRUCTIVE REAR WINDOW AND UPLIFTING OF THE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE SHATTERED GLASS (WHICH WAS MOSTLY ON THE GROUND AS OPPOSED TO BEING INSIDE MY VEHICLE.) *TR

Look up ODI 10442784 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10429365 · 137,000 mi

THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DURING USE OF THE LIFT GLASS. THE PIN BROKE RIGHT THROUGH THE HINGE ON BOTH SIDES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS OPEN. LEFT SIDE JUST FELL, AND THEN RIGHT ABOUT 1 MINUTE LATER, I JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE SOME 2X4'S IN THE BACK WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY DANGEROUS DEFECT. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSE FOR A RECALL ON THE '02 & '03 EXPLORER AND SEEMS TO BE WIDE SPREAD ON THE '04, YET NO…

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0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

8 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

125 mentions · 9.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (97 usable records).

ODI 10095253 · 8,600 mi

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WHEN PLACING VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT JERKED, AND SOMETIMES IT RACED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT PART OF THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

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ODI 10096432

WHEN REVERSING, LOUD BANGING/CLUNKING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE BACK. THE CAR JERKS BACK HARSHLY.*AK

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ODI 10098385 · 15,000 mi

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE, THEN SLAMS INTO REVERSE WITH A SUDDEN JERK. HAVE TO KEEP BRAKE TO THE FLOOR WAITING FOR IT TO ENGAGE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM HURTING ANYONE. UPON WAITING FOR PART THAT IS ON BACK ORDER, THE VEHICLE NOW MISSES GEARS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SOMETIMES SLAMS INTO THE NEXT GEAR EVEN IF IT IS DOWN SHIFTING. PART WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HEAR LAST WEEK AND NOW THEY ARE TELLING US THAT IT MAY BE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH BEFORE IT GETS HERE! WE HAVE CHILDREN AND ARE VERY WORRIED ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THIS IS N…

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

87 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,163 mi (78 usable records).

ODI 10056376 · 5,251 mi

THIS IS INTERMITTENT STALLS, POOR THROTTLE, NO START. *JB

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ODI 10087118 · 140 mi

VEHICLE STALLED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILLS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

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ODI 10090128 · 3,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE LOST POWER. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

33 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 56,000 mi (31 usable records).

ODI 10078357 · 11,000 mi

LOUD POP FROM REAR-END. ABS LIGHT,WRENCH,AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. FOUND TO BE A BAD SPEED SENSOR AND DEFECTIVE REAR-END. SUV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS AND NO REAR-END IN SIGHT. *AK

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ODI 10098238

1- IN REVERSE VEHICLE PAUSES- THEN PROCEEDS TO SURGE BACKWARD. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP- THEY FIXED IT- ADV BAD TRANSMISSION SENSOR. 2- VEHICLE WOULD GO FROM 65- TO - 40 AS IF I WAS HITTING THE BRAKE. TOOK TO DEALER - THEY ADVERTISING GENERAL CODE READ FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. 3- NOW IT HAS ACTUALLY BEGAN TO DIE INSTEAD OF JUST STALLING AND HESITATING. NOW THEY ADVISE ITS THE THROTTLE SENSOR. IN ALL 3 CASES - THE LITTLE WRENCH COMES ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS A 2004 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND ONLY HAS 16,450 MILES ON IT....... WHAT WILL GO WR…

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ODI 10100176 · 1,095 mi

CAR HAS A HARD TIME ENGAGING INTO GEAR, WHEN BACKING UP IT FEELS LIKE I'VE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE JUST JUMPS IN REVERS.I HAVE ALMOST RAN OVER SOMEONE BECAUSE OF A DELAY IN ENGAGING INTO REVERSE. IN DRIVE IT DOES THE SAME THING. I WORRY THAT I AM GOING TO HIT A CAR THAT MIGHT BE PARKED IN FRONT OF ME OR EVEN A PERSON. NOT ONLY THAT I WORRY THAT IF I DID HIT ANOTHER CAR I WOULDN'T KNOW THAT I DID IT. THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING. IT HAS LEFT US ALMOST STRANDED TWICE. THE CARS BATTERY HAS DIED FOR NO REASON, EVEN AFTER DRIVING A COU…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

24 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,000 mi (21 usable records).

ODI 10067475

PROBLEMS WITH THE STARTER AND WHEELS NOT RETURNING TO CENTER POSITION AFTER MAKING A TURN. (NAR) *PH *CB THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE WRONG TYPE OF SWAY BAR HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE FACTORY. THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER AFTER TURNING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PHYSICALLY BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CENTER, OR IT WOULD CONTINUE RUNNING OF THE ROAD. *SC *JB

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ODI 10073134 · 13,000 mi

POWER STEERING FAILS WHEN DRIVING AT ALL/VARIOUS SPEEDS. FAILURE IS FELT DURING/ATTEMPTED TURNING OF THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION WHILE DRIVING. STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT AND SUDDENLY POWER STEERING KICKS IN AND BECOMES UNSAFE AS GREAT PRESSURE IS BEING APPLIED TO STEERING WHEEL TO OVERCOME POWER STEERING FAILURE. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NO KNOWN FAILURES AND CANNOT FIND PROBLEM WITH MY STEERING SYSTEM. AS A SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEER, I SUSPECT DEFECT IN SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURE HAS YET TO ADMIT. REQUEST ASSISTANCE TO FORCE MANUFACTURE/DEALERS…

Look up ODI 10073134 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10104008 · 500 mi

A PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WILL SHUTTER, THEN DIE. THIS RESULTS IN THE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES MAKING THIS PROBLEM A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD FOR ALL MOTORIST AND PASSENGERS. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BUT DECLINES TO ADMIT THIS INCIDENT. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE JERKING OF THE HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10008268. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE FEB 2004, ONE WEEK AFTER THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED. THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED IT UNTIL I HAD THE HARSH TRANSMISS…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

17 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,500 mi (16 usable records).

ODI 10102805 · 17,578 mi

PURCHASED USED 2004 EXPLORER W/ 17K MILES ON IT. VIN# [XXX] WIFE TOOK POSSESSION OF VEHICLE FRIDAY EVENING READY TO DRIVE AWAY WHEN SHE PLACED VEHICLE IN REVERES AND IT BANGED HARD AS IT JERKED INTO REVERSE AND CHIRPED THE TIRES. DROVE IT HOME NOTICED THE SHIFTING FROM 2D TO 3RD WAS HARD AND APPEARED TO WANT TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WHEN IT WENT INTO OVERDRIVE THE RPMS REDUCED BUT NO NOTICEABLE SIGNS THAT ONE COULD TELL IT HAD SHIFTED INTO OD.TOOK IT TO DEALER ON 10TH OF DEC 2004 FOR UPHOLSTERY ISSUES AND THE SHIFTING ISSUES. GOING INTO REV…

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ODI 10115253 · 20,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN, MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND DOWN, AND THE BRAKES FAILED, NOT ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO STOP. DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE JUMPED TIMING. *AK

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ODI 10153584 · 1,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

7 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,025 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10056376 · 5,251 mi

THIS IS INTERMITTENT STALLS, POOR THROTTLE, NO START. *JB

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ODI 10130306 · 1,389 mi

WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN DECEMBER OF 2004 AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPT. 8 TIMES IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN IN 4 TIMES FOR "HARD CRANKS BUT NO START", 4 TIMES FOR ROUGH IDLING, 1 TIME FOR AN RPM PROBLEM (AND IN NEXT WEEK FOR A DIFFERENT ONE- IT STAYS AROUND 3 RPM AFTER ACCELERATING- I HAVE TO LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL FOR IT TO SHIFT DOWN), AND IT HAS BEEN IN FOR MISC. ISSUES (WHISTLING NOISE AT FRONT WINDOW, RATTLING CONSOLE, ETC.). EACH TIME IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR THE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, THEY "UPGRA…

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ODI 10149801 · 37,050 mi

5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR NEW IN 8/04 IT WOULD NOT START(1/05) ;WAS ABLE TO RESET FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH AND START CAR. DEALER (MUZI FORD, NEEDHAM, MASS.)EXAMINED CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. IN 2/05 CAR WOULD NOT START,COULD NOT RESET FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH; DEALER REPLACED IT. IN 4/05 SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND DEALER REPLACED SWITCH , STATING IT WAS 'BURNED OUT'.IN 2/06 IDENTICAL PROBLEM OCCURRED AND BOTH SWITCH AND COMPUTER WERE REPLACED BY DEALER. FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AT THIS POINT. THE CAR IS A 2004 F…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 112,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10287251 · 112,000 mi

DRIVING MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE BLOW IT REAR DRIVERS SIDE SPARK PLUG. THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED PLUGS WERE STILL INSTALLED. THE THREADS IN THE CYLINDER HEADS WERE STRIPED. THE REPAIR WAS THE INSTALLATION OF A HELI-COIL IN TO THE CYLINDER HEAD AT A COST OF $600. *TR

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11518469

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.

Look up ODI 11518469 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b