2004 Ford Explorer recalls and problems
No recalls and 1,304 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2004 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
on […] brought to local shop on power steering leak. Week before, Paid $50 for inspection. on […] appointment was line and replaced. But tech said get pass brake line was rotted and was bad leak of brake fluid. On […] my wife's Explorer was reinspected and rear driver side brake copper line also reported rotted after…
I need a new gas tank for my vehicle and Ford stopped making the gas tank for my vehicle. That is a very big safety issue. I called Ford and they were helping to find one from junkyard's I don't want one from a junkyard that I have to repair. I asked for Ford to make a gas tank or pay for them to have mine fixed right…
Smoke for a good 5 mins under the hood oil leeking
Back windows fell off track and windows fell down, cannot roll them up. AC and Heater broke and won't work at all. Fuel system is too lean. Transmission is going out Timing Chain and tensioners making loud knocking noise. Burning oil.
The contact's son owned a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving in the rain at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned as he rounded a corner. The vehicle slid into a ditch and hit a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's…
Explorer model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | 375 | 64 | 21 |
| 2002 | 4 | 3,295 | 144 | 57 |
| 2003 | 2 | 1,131 | 60 | 10 |
| 2004 | 0 | 1,304 | 58 | 15 |
| 2005 | 0 | 497 | 22 | 6 |
| 2006 | 1 | 630 | 13 | 7 |
| 2007 | 1 | 208 | 11 | 5 |
Across all years, the 2002 Explorer has the most complaints (3,295). All Ford Explorer years →
Questions
- Does the 2004 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Explorer?
- Owners have filed 1,304 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (460 complaints), followed by structure (426).
- How many 2004 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 58 of 1,304 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 83 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 28, 2024.