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2004 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area
Chart based on 132 repairs.
Chart based on 113 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2004 Ford Explorer
Engine not specified
| Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States Oct 2013 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Aug 2014 82900 mi US $900 |
The front wheel bearings were replaced, but the vibration persists. The technician was unable to successfully find the problem. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Alabama, United States Dec 2010 - Jul 2013 | |||
| Dec 2011 89000 mi |
The right rear main axle seal on the Ford explorer xls is leaking oil. Not yet fixed. | ||
| Jul 2012 92000 mi US $25 |
From previous rear axel leak, I changed the rear axel oil with w-mart 85-140 synthetic, added 4 ounces tranny stop leak and the LS additive. Rear end has stopped leaking and is much quieter. 92,000 miles | ||
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 | |||
| Dec 2014 192000 mi |
Loud rhythmic whirring sound coming from the rear end of the truck. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Nebraska, United States Dec 2013 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Dec 2014 147000 mi US $1500 |
These 5R55S transmissions are junk. It keeps grinding lots of shavings into the pan and the o/d comes on flashing on & off. Then it doesn't want to stay in o/d. It's a sealed trans w/ no dipstick. Wish I could find a rplcmnt unit that came w a dipstick. | ||
| Jan 2015 147000 mi US $800 |
5R55S sealed-up transmissions are a bunch of junk! | ||
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada May 2009 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Jun 2009 64480 mi C $230 |
Air conditioning was recharged. | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD
| Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States - Dec 2007 | |||
| Dec 2007 30000 mi |
I had a problem with the limited slip differential package. The vehicle was still under warranty so it cost me nothing. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States Mar 2014 - Mar 2014 | |||
| Mar 2014 106000 mi US $30 |
EGR value was bad and had to be replaced | ||
| Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States Jun 2016 - May 2018 | |||
| Aug 2016 112000 mi US $300 |
Leak in cooling system | ||
| Oct 2016 115300 mi US $450 |
Replaced both rear wheel bearings | ||
| Apr 2017 120000 mi US $500 |
Diverter flaps broken. Removed broken diverters and replaced then. | ||
| Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States Apr 2014 - Apr 2014 | |||
| Apr 2014 219000 mi US $40000 |
The transmission went out. The car will not shift in reverse or go out of first gear. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Jalisco, Mexico Oct 2015 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jan 2017 48560 mi |
Replaced driveshaft and U-joint. Someone had tried to make an inexpensive repair in the past by installing a stainless steel clamp with built in screw for tightening around the u-joint boot. | ||
| Jul 2017 49600 mi |
Drive shaft vibration at 100 k/h (60 MPH)---though not as bad as before replacement. Apparently this is a problem with this model Ford. Live with it and trade for another vehicle. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Arizona, United States Mar 2014 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Jan 2015 118000 mi US $2200 |
Oil filter adapter gasket leaking. Manifold hose leak, and actuator door broken. | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States Nov 2008 - Jun 2016 | |||
| Jan 2008 14000 mi |
ABS sensor | ||
| Aug 2014 109300 mi US $800 |
Defroster vent | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States Jan 2013 - Mar 2018 | |||
| Jun 2013 184000 mi US $40 |
Recharge | ||
| Dec 2014 184000 mi US $1500 |
Changed CV joint Repaired transmission | ||
| Apr 2015 184200 mi US $600 |
Charged ac There was also a new front end tie rod and ball joint installed. | ||
| Apr 2016 189300 mi US $175 |
New oil filter housing | ||
| Apr 2017 198000 mi US $50 |
Replaced blend door actuator | ||
| May 2017 198000 mi US $60 |
Replace blend actuator | ||
| Ford Explorer in California, United States Sep 2012 - Mar 2014 | |||
| Aug 2012 94600 mi US $3040 |
A belt in the transmission broke, which required a complete rebuild. | ||
| Mar 2014 105000 mi US $1600 |
Starter failed, and the flywheel had to be replaced as well. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada - May 2009 | |||
| May 2009 88040 mi C $718 |
Short in wire harness leading to fuel pump. Harness cost $28 CDN. Remaining cost, diagnoses and labour. | ||
| Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States Apr 2011 - Jun 2018 | |||
| May 2011 35000 mi |
Pump seal on the transmission replaced under dealer warranty. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Oct 2017 149000 mi US $90 |
Replaced left rear CV Axle | ||
| Jan 2018 161 mi US $35 |
Replaced two failed idler pullies | ||
| Jun 2018 176000 mi US $10 |
Oil filter housing gasket | ||
| Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States May 2016 - Jun 2021 | |||
| Jun 2018 124000 mi US $185 |
Replace 2 fan belt idler pulleys | ||
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States Sep 2008 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Mar 2014 93000 mi US $500 |
Front sway bar links Cat back exhaust | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD
| Ford Explorer in Georgia, United States Jan 2013 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Aug 2013 77300 mi US $100 |
Alternator died. Replaced. | ||
| Oct 2013 78200 mi US $270 |
Dirty Solenoids Remove clutch pieces from resevoir Replace Fluid | ||
| Feb 2014 85100 mi US $150 |
Thermostat housing cracked. Replace housing. | ||
| May 2014 88000 mi |
Battery died | ||
| Oct 2014 93000 mi US $20 |
Fuel Pump Relay had to be replaced. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Oklahoma, United States May 2014 - Sep 2015 | |||
| Dec 2014 151000 mi US $287 |
Front drivers side wheel bearing went out. Seems to be a common failure. Also discovered the ball joints are bad. Will get them replaced next month. | ||
| Feb 2015 153600 mi US $458 |
Passenger side wheel bearing | ||
| Aug 2015 161100 mi US $100 |
Alternator went bad | ||
| Sep 2015 164000 mi US $160 |
Overheating. Replaced water pump and thermostat. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Alabama, United States Dec 2010 - Jan 2011 | |||
| Jan 2011 104000 mi US $400 |
replaced right rear wheel bearing | ||
| Ford Explorer in Florida, United States Aug 2010 - Sep 2016 | |||
| Sep 2011 70000 mi US $200 |
THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAKED | ||
| Feb 2013 76300 mi |
radio volume broke | ||
| Jul 2014 82000 mi US $230 |
tie ends for sway bars | ||
| Oct 2014 82200 mi US $750 |
upper and lower ball joints | ||
| Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Sep 2010 95000 mi US $5300 |
The car was shaking at idle. | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Ford Explorer in Iowa, United States Oct 2008 - Jun 2014 | |||
| May 2011 108000 mi |
All 4 wheel bearings were replaced along with back brake pads | ||
| Ford Explorer in Washington, United States Nov 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Jun 2011 64000 mi |
First, backup sensors stopped working. Then engine idle was very rough, diagnosed as failure of manifold gaskets, common for this year of truck. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Connecticut, United States Jun 2009 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Apr 2009 71000 mi US $800 |
Replaced rear axle (limited slip) for the second time under warranty. ALso replaced radio subwoofer, and front wheel bearing. | ||
| Jul 2009 80000 mi US $4300 |
Replaced transmission. I had reported hard shifting and other transmission problemds to Ford since the vehicle was new but they did not fix it. After the factory extended warranty (75K miles) ran out, the transmission failed entirely. | ||
| Aug 2010 106300 mi US $200 |
The rear limited-slip differential started chattering again on slight turns. It has done this repeatedly since delivery. The temporary "fix" is to replace the rear lube with new 140W synthetic lube and add the special XL3 friction modifier. | ||
| Nov 2010 108000 mi US $50 |
Replaced bad tire pressure warning sensor inside the tire/wheel assy. They have a long life (5 yr) battery, but that wasn't the problem. Road Salt had corroded the metal cap that screws on to the metal stem to add air to the tire. Junk. Replaced bad tire pressure warning sensor inside the tire/wheel assy. They have a long life (5 yr) battery, but that wasn't the problem. Road Salt had corroded the metal cap that screws on to the metal stem to add air to the tire. Junk. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States Sep 2013 - Mar 2014 | |||
| Nov 2013 127000 mi US $1200 |
Replaced the The ball joints. | ||
| Feb 2014 128000 mi US $400 |
The backup warning system was not working. wiring and speaker replaced. | ||
| Ford Explorer in West Virginia, United States Dec 2009 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Jan 2010 61400 mi US $200 |
replaced intake manifold twice under warranty with $100 per visit | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Ecuador Jan 2014 - Jul 2015 | |||
| Aug 2014 80600 mi US $324 |
Fuel sensor wasn't working, it had to be changed. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States Dec 2015 - Jul 2020 | |||
| May 2017 136000 mi US $79 |
replaced blower motor | ||
| Feb 2018 144000 mi US $80 |
Drivers side front window motor Replaced window regulator and motor assembly | ||
| Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States Jan 2016 - Feb 2016 | |||
| Feb 2016 133000 mi US $200 |
Had to replace starter | ||
| Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States Dec 2015 - Jan 2017 | |||
| Jan 2017 195000 mi US $1500 |
Computer died and needed to be replaced. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Quebec, Canada Jun 2013 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Jun 2014 172980 mi C $100 |
Leake from the rear axel oil seal i have change the oil seal | ||
| Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States Nov 2010 - Jul 2019 | |||
| Sep 2011 97000 mi US $178 |
Bad bearings Heater Blend motor broken, had to disassemble dash to access it | ||
| Apr 2013 119700 mi US $105 |
Front axle seal and rear bearing rear hatch hinges replaced | ||
| Apr 2014 136300 mi US $600 |
bearing with sensor built in replaced | ||
| May 2015 156000 mi US $1050 |
Differential carrier bearing failed. Replaced all bearings and seals in differential | ||
| Oct 2015 158800 mi US $68 |
Thermostat housing was leaking and ultimately was replaced | ||
| Oct 2017 187000 mi |
Spring came loose in parking brake, causing squeak in brakes, removed it | ||
| Dec 2017 191000 mi US $7 |
Tail light burnt out. just two screws, maybe five minutes. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States Jan 2010 - May 2011 | |||
| Oct 2010 138000 mi US $1500 |
Replace upper and lower ball joints. During same visit I had brakes replaced, all 4 and an alignment. Front left bearing replaced. The rear wheel bearings are making noise but not recommended to replace them until they get worse. Replaced left front wheel bearing. Also got new Fireston Destination Tires and new brakes. Car now makes a road whirring sound from 35 mph to 45 mph. Had differentials and transfer case drained and refilled including friction modifier. | ||
| Dec 2010 138000 mi US $845 |
Replaced alternator and emergency brake shoes. | ||
| Feb 2011 138000 mi US $2300 |
Replace rear differential | ||
| Ford Explorer in California, United States Jun 2013 - Sep 2014 | |||
| Sep 2014 140000 mi US $180 |
Radiator leaked and had to replace. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Kentucky, United States Sep 2009 - May 2018 | |||
| May 2010 80000 mi US $180 |
Front Pinion Seal Replaced (Leaking). Also had Rear differential oil replaced (Maintenance) | ||
| Oct 2010 85500 mi US $700 |
Rear wheel bearings howling - New bearings installed, TSB. Rear Differential Seals Leaking - New Seals installed, TSB. | ||
| Jun 2011 92000 mi US $20 |
"creaking" sound when going over speed bumps. Replaced front sway bar bushings with aftermarket ones that could be lubricated via grease gun | ||
| Jul 2012 107000 mi US $250 |
Rt wheel bearing found loose during brake pad replacement Found upper ball joint boot cracked on RT side. Replaced Ball Joint | ||
| Jan 2013 91700 mi US $150 |
Car would not turn over when attempting to start | ||
| Jun 2013 114000 mi US $60 |
Rough idle and hesitation. Replaced ignition wires | ||
| Oct 2013 115000 mi US $50 |
Replaced left upper ball joint | ||
| Dec 2013 120000 mi US $115 |
Replaced serpentine belt, idler pulley and belt tensioner. | ||
| Feb 2014 122900 mi US $250 |
Left front wheel bearing making noise. Replaced wheel bearing assembly. Left upper ball joint boot split. Replaced left upper control arm (with ball joint) Clicking noise from underneath dash when temp control moved out of Cold position. Replaced blend door actuator | ||
| Jul 2014 131200 mi |
Noise coming from left front brake when backing up and applying the brakes. Found caliper mounting bolts loose. | ||
| Aug 2014 133000 mi US $50 |
Power steering pump leaking. Replaced Power steering pump with aftermarket refurbished unit. | ||
| Oct 2014 135800 mi US $200 |
Replaced upper control arm and lower ball joint and had four wheel alignment | ||
| Aug 2015 151400 mi US $200 |
RT front brake caliper siezed. Replaced both calipers, disks and pads | ||
| Sep 2016 174000 mi US $200 |
Battery light and ABS light on. Alternator died and drained battery. Based on age of battery (4 Yrs) elected to replace battery as well as replaced alternator | ||
| Aug 2017 192000 mi US $350 |
Exhaust resonator had a hole making noises when engine was run. Due to vehicle age complete exhaust system replaced aft of catalytic converter | ||
| Nov 2017 196000 mi US $200 |
Check engine light with P2106 and P2135. Reset and issue came back with stalling and other codes related to Throttle Body Actuator and Throttle position sensor. Replaced Throttle Body with aftermarket part. P2106 and P2135 codes came back. Replaced Throttle Position Sensor with Motorcraft part. Issue resolved. | ||
| Dec 2017 196000 mi US $35 |
Headlight burned out. Replaced both bulbs with Silverstar Ultra Halogen bulbs (9006) | ||
| May 2018 200000 mi US $95 |
P0401 code. EGR insufficient flow. Replaced EGR valve | ||
| Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States Mar 2011 - Sep 2016 | |||
| Oct 2013 58300 mi US $200 |
abs warning light on abs sensor bad.... | ||
| Sep 2014 65000 mi US $15 |
A/C recharge previously taken to another garage who did not repair it. replace blend door replaced plugs replaced upper radiator hose...it was swelled in two places. | ||
| Jan 2015 61500 mi US $25 |
Front differential seal leaking. Added grease will replace when warmer In line Heater valve not opening fully. Some heat but not much. Replace heater valve, flush out heater core, top off anti freeze. | ||
| Sep 2016 83000 mi |
Air conditioner required repair. Total around $1,500 for this and brakes. | ||
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States Jan 2014 - Feb 2015 | |||
| Mar 2014 109000 mi US $20 |
front pinion seal was found leaking, removed and replaced seal and refilled with oil | ||
| Aug 2014 121000 mi US $100 |
freeplay in right rear trailing arm removed and replaced | ||
| Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States Mar 2013 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Apr 2013 86500 mi |
Emission system was causing rough transmission shifting. system cleaned and trouble went away. | ||
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States Jul 2012 - Sep 2012 | |||
| Aug 2012 80000 mi US $110 |
Rear U-Joint replacement. Only lessened shudder / chatter from rear end. Shop said probably also needed a new differential, though outright failure could be years away. | ||
| Sep 2012 80000 mi |
Shudder / chatter from rear. Needed a new exhaust system (or at least some new pipes/clamps). | ||
| Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States Dec 2008 - Dec 2010 | |||
| Oct 2010 131000 mi US $1000 |
Gear (or sprocket?) at the head of the drive shaft was severely damaged requiring immediate replacement. | ||
| Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States May 2012 - Apr 2018 | |||
| Jun 2014 80000 mi US $100 |
Oxygen sensor at the back of the catalytic converter had to be replaced | ||
| Oct 2014 83700 mi US $514 |
Replaced alternator and battery | ||
| Jun 2015 89000 mi US $900 |
Worn rear wheel bearings have been causing roaring noise for about 1 year. Shop assured me there was no rush to get this done. Decided it was time to fix. New wheel bearings and one new axle because heat generated seized hub to axle. | ||
| Jan 2017 88700 mi US $290 |
Replace serpentine belt and pulley tensioner kit | ||
| Jun 2017 98000 mi US $1300 |
Replaced thermostat body to correct coolant leak Front Struts Replaced due to wear | ||
| Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States Jun 2011 - Jun 2012 | |||
| Nov 2011 98900 mi US $3200 |
Transmission completely inoperable. Sway bar connecting links broken, repaired by owner | ||
2004 Ford Explorer 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Ford Explorer in Florida, United States Feb 2012 - Oct 2013 | |||
| Oct 2012 82000 mi US $870 |
Brake repair, specifics not known. | ||
| Jul 2013 93700 mi US $1255 |
Replace front wheel bearings and ball joints | ||
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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.
