2004 FORD EXPLORER Visibility Problems

WHILE CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW GLASS HATCH THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE BROKE ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT ON THAT SIDE. THE REAR GLASS HATCH WINDOW IS HEAVY AND COULD HAVE EASILY BROKEN THE HINGE SIDE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. A PREVIOUS FORD RECALL ON THE VERY SAME COMPONENT COVERED VEHICLES UP TO 2003. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING TO THIS 2004 VEHICLE. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP OWNERS OUT. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE HINGE LET GO, THERE WOULD BE A VERY HIGH PROBABILITY OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A VERY HIGH PROBABILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

SUN VISORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. HORIZONTAL PLASTIC PANEL WITH THE FORD LOGO HAS CRACKED AND BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. CURRENT ONE ON VEHICLE IS CRACKED. SENT AN E-MAIL TO FORD AND WAS TOLD BASICALLY "TOO BAD--OUT OF WARRANTY ". FORMOCO HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM ON BOTH THE FORD AND MERCURY BUT HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. AND OF COURSE THIS " DAMAGE " WILL LOWER THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE WHEN I SELL/TRADE IT FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A FORD. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALER, THIS APPARENTLY IS SOMETHING THAT IS KNOWN TO HAPPEN. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

LEAVING WORK AT END OF DAY, PULLED OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND REAR GLASS SHATTERED. THE EDGES OF THE BACK HATCH PULLED AWAY FROM THE TRUCK AND CURLED UP CAUSING THE GLASS TO BLOW INTO THE TRUCK. A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC OF THE HATCH (WHICH I HAVE SEEN ON MANY OF THIS YEAR MODEL) HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND I HAVE EMAILED FORD MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR FEAR OF WATER GETTING IN BEHIND THE PANEL. MY BELIEF IS THAT WATER DID GET BEHIND THE PANEL AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE PLASTIC PANEL TO PULL AWAY AND BLOW IN THE GLASS. LUCKILY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT SITTING IN THE 2ND OR 3RD ROW SEATING OR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED AND RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT FROM THAT FLYING GLASS. *TR

Mileage: 105,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER OPENING THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE WINDOW, THE TWO PLASTIC HINGES ATTACHED TO THE WINDOW FRACTURED CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,500.

Mileage: 141,500

UPON OPENING THE REAR GLASS HATCH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HINGE BROKE WHEN FULLY OPEN AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN, HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. THE PANEL BELOW ON THIS SAME WINDOW TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD LOGO PLATE HAD ALSO CRACKED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. *TR

Mileage: 108,800

WHILE OPENING THE SMALLER WINDOW IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, THE WINDOW STARTED TO FALL. LUCKILY THERE WERE TWO PEOPLE TO CATCH IT. I NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE WAS BROKEN. WE USUALLY TAKE OUR INFANT AROUND TO THE BACK OF THE CAR WHILE WE LOAD THINGS. FORTUNATELY, WE HAD ALREADY BUCKLED HER IN. HAD THE GLASS FALLEN OR WE NOT PAID ATTENTION , IT COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED HER OR US. *TR

Mileage: 125,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS UNEXPECTEDLY SHATTERED WITHOUT ACCESSING THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. ...UPDATED 04-10-14 *BF UPDATED 04/22/14

Mileage: 69,000

MY 13 YR OLD WAS LOADING GROCERIES WHILE THE WINDOW WAS POPPED UP IT FELL W/O WARNING SEVERELY HURTING HER HEAD RT BRACKET ON UPPER WINDOW BROKE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN VISOR BECAME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE WINDOWS WERE ABLE TO BE OPENED WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 05/29/13 *BF

THE REAR WINDOW HINGE PIN (PASSENGER SIDE) HAS CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF OF THE REAR TAIL GATE. I NOTICED THE BROKEN HINGE BEFORE USING THE LIFT GATE WHICH HAS PREVENTED IT FROM FALLING OFF THUS FAR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 83,658

AFTER A DAY OF SHOPPING I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKED MY SUV. I WENT TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WHEN THE LEFT SIDE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED ON TOP OF ME. FORTUNATELY THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW WAS ABLE TO STAY INTACT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RUN TO MY AID TO LIFT THE DOOR UP. I AM FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT AND MY THREE YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BY MY SIDE. I HAVE READ THAT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE FORD CORPORATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY CONTINUE NOT TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE AT HAND; WHILE LEAVING VEHICLE OWNERS HELPLESS WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURS. I READ THAT THIS WAS A GOOD AVENUE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE SINCE FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND WONDER IF MY HUSBAND WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN SHOUTING DISTANCE WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPEN TO MY SON, UNBORN CHILD AND MYSELF!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 77,614

REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE (LEFT SIDE) BROKE AND RELEASED THE GLASS WHILE DRIVING. WINDOW FELL TO ONE SIDE. I HAD TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY STOP. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PROP WINDOW TO A SAFE POSITION AND LOCK DOWN. IT MUST REMAIN LOCKED DOWN UNTIL I CAN FIX IT. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FELL ON MY WIFE. THE HINGES ARE MADE OF A WHITE TYPE OF METAL THAT HAS CORRODED AND SHEARED OFF. THE PINS INSIDE APPARENTLY BROKE AND IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE FALLING OFF, IT JUST CAME OFF. THE WINDOW HIT MY WIFE IN THE ARM AND LEG. WE WERE LUCKY IT WASN'T ONE OF OUR KIDS CLOSING THE GATE AT THE TIME OR THAT THEY WEREN'T INSIDE WHEN IT HAPPENED OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF POST OF INJURIES INCURRED FROM THIS. FORD RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME PART AND YET THE 2004 WAS NEVER INCLUDED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. A PART OVER TIME SHOULDN'T BREAK OFF AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

WHEN CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS COMPLETELY LET GO OF THE GLASS. FORTUNATLEY MY HUSBAND WAS THE ONE CLOSING IT AND WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT BROKE THE OTHER HINGE AND PULLED THE GLASS OFF COMPLETELY. THE RIGHT HINGE WAS ALSO BENT, AS THE WINDOW WILL NOW NOT SIT LEVEL TO BE PUT BACK INTO PLACE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THERE IS A LARGE HAZARD OF TH WINDOW FALLING. WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN STANDING UNDERNEATH AS USUAL, OR HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND IT BROKE AND SEN "EXPLODING" GLASS PIECES EVERYWHERE. I SEE THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPEAD ISSUE WHEN LOOKING THROUGH COMPLAINTS. ALSO, THE TAILGATE IN MY EXPLORER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK THAT SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE HAD. ONE DAY IT WAS FINE, THEN IT WAS CRACKED. COULD THESE ISSUES BE SOMEHOW RELEATED? OR IS THE ENTIRE HATCH JUST FULL OF FLAWS. *TR

THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VISOR THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE ON THE CEILING HAS BROKEN OFF. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD THE VISOR FALLS DOWN AND BLOCKS YOUR VIEW TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN FRONT OF YOU. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. I DON'T WANT TO HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM ASKING FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED. THANKS *TR

Mileage: 208,000

I HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER BLEND DOOR REPLACED ON MY FORD EXPLORER. THE COST WAS OVER $1000.00. THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REMOVED. I KNOW THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED BY FORD ON THIS PROBLEM,MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. THIS IS AN ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS NOT ONLY COSTLY TO REPAIR,BUT IN MY OPINION CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT CONTROL THE HEATER FUNCTION. THIS CAN LEAD TO A POOR OR NON VISIBILITY SITUATION AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ONLINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM.PLEASE CONTACT FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE. THE BLEND DOOR IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THE BLOWERS AIR PRESSURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *TR

THE HINGES THAT HOLD ON THE REAR WINDOW ARE STARTING TO BREAK. THE 02 AND 03 MODEL EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS BUT FORD REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THIS APPEARS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE AFFECTING A LARGE NUMBERS OF EXPLORERS. I HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE BUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE GLASS COME LOOSE AND INJURE THEM. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 61,800

ON 19 APR 2012 WHILE OPENING THE BACK HATCH WINDOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE OF THE WINDOW FAILED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE WAS BENT AND THE HYDRULIC LIFTS POPPED OPEN THE WINDOW RATHER RAPIDLY WHICH COULD HAVE SEVERELY INJURED ME IF IT HIT ME. I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOW MYSELF SO I COULD DRIVE AGAIN. A BYSTANDER HELPED ME OUT TO CLOSE IT. AFTER READING OTHER REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS ONLINE, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT FOR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

WHILE LOADING GROCERIES, I NOTICED THE HINGES TO MY REAR WINDOW WERE CRACKED. I QUIT USING THE WINDOW IN FEAR OF IT BREAKING. THE COST TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC HINGE IS COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS! I ALSO HAD A FRIEND CALL TODAY AND HIS HINGE BROKE, THANKFULLY THE GLASS DID NOT BREAK. FORD KNOWS THE HINGES ARE DEFECTIVE. WHY WOULD A MAJOR COMPANY LIKE FORD OVERLOOK THIS PROBLEM AND TAKE A CHANCE OF MANY LAW SUITS DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE OVER 1600 COMPLAINTS RECORDED. HOW MANY MORE IS NEEDED FOR A RECALL? FORD NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I HESITATED BUYING THIS FORD BECAUSE MY FIRST FORD CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. THIRTY YEARS LATER I STILL THINK OF ALL THE BAD STORIES AND NOW, I WANT MY CHEVY BACK. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

REAR WINDOW HINGE FRACTURED CAUSING GLASS TO FALL OFF OF REAR DOOR. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2002-2003 FORD RECALL #04S20. REF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 2004 EXPLORER IN THEIR RECALL BUT THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER 2004 EXPLORER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE HINGE SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2004 MODEL YEAR. I FEEL THAT THE PROBLEM EXTENDED INTO THE 2004 MODELS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF THE 2002-2003 MODELS. *JS

Mileage: 124,000

THE HINGES THAT HOLD ON THE REAR WINDOW ARE FAILING AND I CANNOT OPEN THE REAR WINDOW BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL FALL OFF. OTHER YEAR EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS VERY REASON AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE 2004 MODEL WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PARTS ARE THE SAME AS THEY WERE IN OTHER YEARS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HEAT NO LONGER FLOWED THROUGH THE VENTS AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT, HER VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE BLEND DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 36,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 36,000

A YEAR AGO MY REAR LEFT WINDOW HINGE BROKE. COST TO REPAIR $50 FOR PART. NOW THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HINGE BROKE COST NOW HAS INCREASED TO $80 FOR REPAIR. REAR PANEL CRACKED WHEN HEAT WAVE OCCURRED. FORD SAYS NO RECALLS FOR EACH ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE ON THIS MODEL OF FORD. FORD HOLDS NO RECALL FOR BOTH ISSUES. *KB

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

THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW HINGE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL ON TOP OF ME AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD AND KNOCK ME DOWN TO THE GROUND. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. ALSO, REAR WINDOW APPEARS LOOSE. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2004/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/SUPPORTS_FOR_SUN_VISORS_CRACKED.SHTML THE SUN VISOR CLIP HAS BROKEN AND I AM UNABLE TO USE THE VISOR, IT JUST DANGLES. IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ONE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO USE THE VISOR FOR SUN PROTECTION. I FEEL FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL BECAUSE SO THIS IS HAPPENING IN TOO MANY VEHICLES SO THERE HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

THE HINGE ON THE GLASS HATCH BROKE AS I OPENED THE HATCH. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE HATCH HINGE PRIOR TO THIS. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICED THE PLASTIC HINGE FOR THE BACK TAILGATE GLASS WAS BREAKING OFF. AFTER VISITING SEVERAL FORD USED CAR LOTS, I SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH THE BROKEN HINGE AND REALIZED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS, BUT THEY ARE STANDING BY THEIR PRODUCT. I RECIEVED AN ESTIMATE OF $360 TO REPAIR THE HINGES, BUT BEING A SINGLE PARENT OF FOUR THERE IS NO WAY I COULD AFFORD TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE. I HOPE THAT FORD WILL STEP UP AND RECALL THIS ISSUE BUT NO LUCK YET. *TT

Mileage: 92,000

THE BRACKETS HOLDING BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS BROKE IN 2008, JUST FOUR MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE (MAY 2008). WE HAD THEM REPLACED ON 09/19/2008. THE NEW SUN VISORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ARE AGAIN CRACKING AS OF 09/02/2011, WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AGAIN ALMOST FALLING OFF. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD SET OF VISORS ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2008. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE UNDER WARRANTY. MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORER/RANGER OWNER'S ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 18,499

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 ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN OVER TORQUE BY THE MANUFACTURER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR JOINTS WERE FAILING SPORADICALLY AND CAUSING THE VISORS TO OBSTRUCT THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE SUN VISORS WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR CAME OFF OF THE MOUNT CAUSING IT TO OBSTRUCT THE DRIVERS VISIBILITY. HE ALSO STATED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC MOUNT STARTED DISINTEGRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO MADE ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VISOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE 115,000. UPDATED 08/19/11

Mileage: 115,000

PIN ON REAR HATCH WINDOW BROKE,WHICH CAN CAUSE WINDOW TO FALL OUT. *TR

Mileage: 194,198

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW ON THE HATCH SHATTERED. THE CONTACT LOOKED AT THE HATCH AND FOUND A CRACK ON THE METAL PIECE OF THE HATCH DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID IT WAS A DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THE REAR WINDOW WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 1/28/11. THE CAR WAS A CERTIFIED / WARRANTED VEHICLE. I WAS ASSURED BY THE TOYOTA SALESMAN THAT ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHICH THE CAR HAS INCLUDE: MISMATCHED TIRES, INOPERABLE SUNROOF, LEAK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL SEAL & NOISE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD THESE PROBLEMS NEEDED REPAIR. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RETURNED NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, EMAILS & WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THEM, I WAS TOLD ALL THESE REPAIRS HAD BEEN FIXED & LATER FOUND OUT THAT NOTHING WAS DONE. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS, RADIO AND WINDOWS STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURES PERSISTED FOR A DURATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1-5 MINUTES. DURING THE FAILURES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING ALSO DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURES DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

THE SUN VISOR ON THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER HAS A WEAK BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE VISOR. IF THE BRACKET FAILS, THAT CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 99,500

THE TAIL GATE ON THE 2004 EXPLORER SHOULD BE RECALLED,IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE AND LOTS OF PEOPLE WILL DIE WHEN THE BACK WINDOWS JUST START FALLING OUT. EVERY EXPLORER I SEE IT LIKE THIS! BUILT FORD TOUGH..LOL.....I GUESS IT'S OK FOR A FEW HUNDRED TO DIE UNTIL FORD MAYBE RECALL IT, IT'S THERE RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD TILL THIS GETS FIXED. THINK OF ALL THE LAWSUITS IN THE MAKING FORD..BAD BUSINESS!!! FIX MY FOUND ON ROAD...BEFORE YOU GET SUED...MY BACK WINDOW WILL FALL OUT SOON AND GUESS WHO`S GETTING SUED. FIX YOUR JUNK FORD YOU LIED TO ME QUALITY IS JOB 1000 MAKING MONEY AND LYING IS JOB 1..YOUR SICKLING BOYCOTT FORD I ALREADY HAVE 3000 PLUS WITH THIS PROBLEM JUST WAIT FORD YOU'LL GET YOURS... *TR

Mileage: 82,000

I KNEW THE BACK REAR PANEL HAD A CRACK GOING DOWN IT, BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT BECAUSE MOST EXPLORES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WASN'T UNTIL I WAS DRIVING DOWN A VERY DARK ROAD AT 6 AM AND BOOM! THE BACK GLASS JUST POPPED. I THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN SHOT OUT. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND HE THOUGHT THE SAME THING. BUT THE ONLY THING WE FOUND WAS BETWEEN THE HYDRAULICS ON THE WINDOW ITSELF, THE CRACK IN THE PANEL AND TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IT IMPLODED. MY INSURANCE IN KY PAID FOR IT, BUT IT TOOK TWO WINDOWS AND IT STILL ISN'T RIGHT. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

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

Mileage: 117,000

DEFROSTER HEAT CONTROL FAILED, COULDN'T SEE THROUGH WINDSHIELD. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89000. UPDATED 01/03/11

Mileage: 89,000

1. PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED NOV 2009; CRACK IS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF FORD EMBLEM AND IS THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL. FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE; WE DID NOT REPAIR IT. 2. THIS MORNING TAILGATE GLASS BLEW OUT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS NEAR IT WHEN IT HAPPENED AS GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE. CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR OVER 24 HRS. *TR

Mileage: 110,375

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE REPAIR FACILITIES WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR WINDOW PANEL WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,990. UPDATED 12/01/10. *LJ UPDATED 12/07/10

Mileage: 28,000

DEFECTIVE REAR WINDOW HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER. I RARELY USE THE WINDOW HATCH AND TODAY I AM SORRY I DID. WHILE OPENING THE REAR WINDOW IT FELL ON TO MY HEAD. THE BRACKETS ON THE WINDOW BROKE. I AM WAITING FOR MY MECH. TO HELP ME REMOVE THE WINDOW SO I CAN BRING IT INTO TO GET REPAIRED. I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND IT HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING. SO WHY NOT THE 2004, IT IS THE SAME HINGE. *TR

Mileage: 51,283

SUN VISOR ANCHOR BASED OF 2004 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED AND FELL OUT, CAUSING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL ON FACE, AND MAKING VISOR FALL IN FRONT OF LINE OF SIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY . USING SUN VISOR IS NOW NOT POSSIBLE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

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 THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WINDOW IF IT BREAKS! PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE THEY SAID THEY WILL ORDER. I HAVE NO CAR, NO WARRANTY, AND A SORE BACK FROM ANOTHER PROBLEM FORD IS AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THANK GOD IT DID NOT HIT MY 11 YEAR OLD IN THE HEAD OR NECK THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS EVEN DEADLY. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

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. GOT A POLITE RESPONSE 2-18-10 THAT THOUGH SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE, I SHOULD BRING IT TO THE DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. I NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS BAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT SUCH A TRIP. HOWEVER, I AM NOTICING THAT THE WINDOW HOW SEEMS TO RATTLE WHEN CLOSING IF ONLY THE WINDOW PORTION IS OPENED RATHER THAN THE ENTIRE REAR DOOR. I REALLY WANT TO BELIEVE THAT THE WINDOW IS NOT IN JEOPARDY OF SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS OF THIS VINTAGE HAVE IN FACT REGISTERED COMPLAINTS WITH NHTSA AS I AM DOING TONIGHT. WILL FORD BE ASKED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO OWNER'S VEHICLES FOR THIS DEFECT? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR FEEDBACK. *TR

Mileage: 90,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE VISORS AT HER EXPENSE. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR WAS NEVER REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,607.

Mileage: 96,607

DEFECTIVE CLIP/HINGE IN SUNVISOR ASSEMBLY OF 2004 FORD EXPLORERS, BREAKS AND CRACKS WITH NORMAL USE DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THAT ONCE IT BREAKS TO A CERTAIN POINT THE SUNVISOR WILL HANG IN DRIVERS VIEW AND IMPEDE VISION. A LARGE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING. SOME OF THEIR COMMENTS CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2004/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/SUPPORTS_FOR_SUN_VISORS_CRACKED.SHTML TO BEGIN YOUR INVESTIGATION. LUCKILY OURS CAME APART WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED, BUT SOMEONE USING THE VISOR TO INCREASE VISIBILITY MAY NOT BE SO FORTUNATE. *TR

Mileage: 88,200

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE WINDOW ON HATCHBACK, THE WINDOW HINGES BROKE. *TR

Mileage: 67,670

REAR WINDOW HINGES ON 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIBER GLASS FITTING UNDER THE WINDOW NEXT TO THE TAILGATE BEGAN CRACKING AND WAS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE OWNER HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000.

Mileage: 57,000

PLASTIC PIN SECURING BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR BREAKS, FREEZING BLEND DOOR IN POSITION.(COOL) UNABLE TO GET HEAT FROM VEHICLE HVAC SYSTEM. CAN NOT DEFROST/DEFOG WINDOWS IN COLD/WET WEATHER. VISIBILITY IS LIMITED DURING COLD/WET WEATHER. THE REDUCED VISIBILITY CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF OF PAVEMENT IN A RURAL AREA NEAR MY HOME BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE THE LANE MARKERS. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS IS A RECURRING, COMMON PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR CO. IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAS NOT TAKEN STEPS TO RESOLVE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 58,616

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP . THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53000.

Mileage: 53,000

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

Mileage: 56,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE GLASS FOR THE REAR LIFT GATE HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN IT. THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ALSO INOPERATIVE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $500.00 TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADDED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. HE HAS PICTURES OF MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME MODEL TYPE, INCLUDING HIS VEHICLE, WITH IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 55,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE GLASS FOR THE REAR LIFT GATE HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN IT. THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ALSO INOPERATIVE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $500.00 TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADDED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. HE HAS PICTURES OF MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME MODEL TYPE, INCLUDING HIS VEHICLE, WITH IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 55,000

BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR PIN IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. HEAT / DEFROST WILL NOT WORK. IN THE WINTERTIME THIS MAKES DRIVING EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. *TR

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

Mileage: 86,000

WHEN OPENING THE REAR HATCH OF MY 2004 EXPLORER THE HINGES FAILED. THE GLASS DOOR FELL AWAY FROM THE HINGES AND WAS BEING HELD ONLY BY THE HYDRAULIC ARMS. WHEN I TRIED TO MOVE THE GLASS WHICH I WAS HOLDING IN MY HANDS IT SHATTERED. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS BUT NOT ON THE 2004S. OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE,WHILE I GRABBED SUN VISOR TO TURN TO SIDE IT FELL OFF AND I WENT OFF ROAD BUT GOT SAFELY BACK ON. NO INJURIES TO ME OR WIFE. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST RAN INTO ANOTHER CAR. CHEAP PLASTIC PART ONLY DEALER HAS FOR $116.43 WITHOUT INSTALLATION. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

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

Mileage: 76,000

VISOR HINGE BROKE - PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

DRIVER WINDOW STOPPED ROLLING DOWN. *TR

AUG 2008 I WAS CLOSING MY REAR WINDOW ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER THAT RECIRCULATES AIR HAS FAILED. AS A RESULT, FUMES AND ANTI-FREEZE CONSUME THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERS FROM NUMEROUS HEADACHES AND SLEEPINESS. SHE CONSULTED WITH A MEDICAL PHYSICIAN AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE AMOUNT OF FUMES BEING CONGESTED POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FLAPPER FOR THE BLOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $300. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 3/24/09 *CN UPDATED 03/27/09.*JB

Mileage: 56,000

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 42,106.

Mileage: 42,106

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'T STAND BEHIND THEIR LOUSY PRODUCT!!! THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $2500 TO FIX AND I THINK SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FROM THE START, THEY SHOULD HAVE TO CORRECT IT BEFORE WE START HANDING THEM MONEY. THIS IS MORE THAN UNFAIR! FURTHER, THE PLASTIC PARTS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE CHEAP AND BREAK EASILY. ONE OF MY VISORS IS SUSPENDED FROM THE SUNROOF BY A PHONE EARPHONE CORD BECAUSE THE PLASTIC HINGE BROKE AND IT DANGLES IN YOUR WAY WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. PLEASE HELP!*TR

Mileage: 65,000

2004 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE A TON OF PROBLEMS, BUT ONE OF THE WORST IS THAT THE SUN VISOR HINGES BREAK CAUSING THE VISOR TO DANGLE BY IT'S ELECTRICAL CORD THAT POWERS THE VANITY MIRROR ON IT. EVERY MORNING I HAVE A 7 MILE DRIVE HEADED SOUTH ON A MAIN THOROUGHFARE AND I CAN'T SEE TO CHANGE LANES BECAUSE I HAVE LOST THE USE OF MY SUN VISOR BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHEAP GARBAGE THEY PRODUCED IN 2004! THE DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS BAD ENOUGH, BUT TO HAVE A VISOR DANGLING IN YOUR FACE WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE! AND THEY ARE ASKING US FOR MONEY FOR A BAILOUT?! AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, THEY SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT GETTING BAILED OUT OF JAIL FOR STEALING FROM PEOPLE AND THEN ENDANGERING THEIR LIVES! PLEASE HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CHEAP GARBAGE THEY SOLD TO PEOPLE FOR $30.000 PLUS IN 2004. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE A WRECK BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE? ARE WE TO CONSIDER A SUN VISOR A LUXURY ITEM NOW? PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU LISA HAYES *TR

Mileage: 70,000

THE VISORS ON 2004 FORD EXPLORERS ARE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC THAT ARE A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THE VISORS UP CRACKS, THE VISORS WILL FALL INTO THE VISION OF THE DRIVER. THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO TAKE THE VISOR DOWN AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO OBSTRUCT VISION UNTIL IT IS TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. BOTH VISORS ON OUR VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND A SIMPLE WEB SEARCH SHOWS THAT MANY OTHER HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 47,000

THE BLEND DOOR BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT WON'T CLOSE. THIS PREVENTS PROPER DEFROSTING, HEATING AND COOLING REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER. IN THE WINTER FREEZING AIR BLOWS THROUGH, CHILLING ALL PASSENGERS. IN THE SUMMER, ALL THE HEAT FROM THE ROADS COMES THROUGH. OUR FORD DEALER SAYS THEY CAN FIX IT FOR OVER $1000!! THERE ARE TOO MANY OF THESE DEFECTS ON THE ROAD AND FORD KNEW OF THE DEFECT AT LEAST 2 YEARS BEFORE MY SUV WAS EVEN MADE. *TR

Mileage: 31,000

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.

Mileage: 66,783

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 OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. GIBBONS AND FORD WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, YET IT REALLY IS A DEFECT. THEY ARE NOT EVEN USING IT ON THE NEWER VEHICLES. THE FORD CALL CENTER AND ON LINE PEOPLE TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS THE DEALERS RESPONSIBILITY, YET GIBBONS TELLS ME THAT FORD TELLS THEM WHAT TO DO. I AM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE. ANY HELP *TR

Mileage: 35,000

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 THAT I HAVE ENDURED THIS SCENARIO. ONCE AGAIN THE SOLENOID IS GONE, WITH REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $1255.00. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED AT 32,567 MILES, AND I NOW HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN AT 76,725 MILES. I HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH PACK REPLACED AT 24,940 MILES AS WELL AS THE RING GEAR, PINION, AND ALL BEARINGS REPLACED AT 24,940 MILES. AT 35,558 MILES THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 64,335 I HAD TO HAVE THE PATS TRANSPONDER(SECURITY SYSTEM) REPLACED. IN SHORT I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED THREE TIMES THE FRONT END REBUILT , THE BACK END REDONE. I HONESTLY CAN SAY I DO NOT FEEL VERY SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE TO USE THIS TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN. THESE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE THE NORM FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, AS I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD IS NOT MADE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE MY HEATING AND AIR REPLACED. THIS OCCURRED IN THE WINTER OF 2007 AND WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS I COULD NOT DEFROST MY WINDOWS. *TR

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 HAPPENING. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

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 DIAGNOSIS WAS COSTLY AND PROBABLY COULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY A FIRST YEAR TECHNICIAN FOR LESS THAN WHAT I PAID AS I LATER FOUND OUT, THE BLEND DOOR ISSUE IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. I THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT FORD COULD OR WOULD DO FOR ME AND THIS ISSUE. IN MY OPINION AND MANY OTHERS I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH, HAVING A BLEND DOOR FAILURE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL NEED TO DEAL WITH IT BEFORE FALL AS I CAN NOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD WITH COLD AIR. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

THE LEFT SIDE POWER WIDOW MOTORS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. FORD MOTOR CO. SAYS IT IS NORMAL. I DISAGREE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED IN THREE YEARS. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HINGES ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. HINGE PINS ARE CORRODED AND JUST SHEARED RIGHT OFF. LOOKS LIKE THE HINGES BECOME LOOSE AND GO SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HATCH IS OPENED THE PINS BREAK. APPEARS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MY MODEL YEAR. FROM THE REVIEW OF THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE FORD HAS SOLVED THE HINGE PROBLEMS. THE EARLIER RECALL WAS # 04V442000. CAN THE RECALL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE 2004 (AND MAYBE LATER YEARS)? *TR

Mileage: 88,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW, NEAR THE REAR TRUNK DOOR, THE FIBERGLASS WINDOW WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS SOMETHING THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECALL AND REPAIR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,800.

Mileage: 52,800

THE OPERATOR OF THE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE OPENED THE REAR WINDOW TO OBTAIN MATERIALS IN THE BACK OF THE SUV. ONCE THE REAR WINDOW WAS LIFTED OPEN. THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL DOWN AND STRIKING THE OPERATOR IN THE HEAD AND NECK. THE PART WILL BE REPLACED (HINGE AND BOLT). THE FAILED PARTS WILL BE KEPT. *TR

Mileage: 87,432

MY 2004 BACK REAR WINDOW PANEL CRACKED- DEFECTIVE PANEL FROM FORD, APPROX EVERY FORD EXPLORER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL AS A MFG DEFECT YOU CAN FIND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS ON ALL FORD EXPLORERS 2002 TO 2005. *TR

Mileage: 68,985

I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE HANDLE ON THE DOOR THAT ALLOWS THE DEFROST TO OPERATE WAS BROKE OFF. NOT SURE WHY THIS WOULD EVER OCCUR. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST CLOSE TO 1,000.00 TO FIX. IT IS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD WHEREAS WINDOW WILL NOT DEFROST IN BAD WEATHER. I WAS WONDERING IF THIS WAS A DEFECT, AND OTHERS HAD THIS PROBLEM? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS QUALITY CHECKED WITH A 115 POINT INSPECTION; HOWEVER, SHE WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS MISALIGNED. THE SUNROOF WAS REPLACED WITH TAPE. SHE DOESN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAGS. THE WINDOWS HAVE CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE PROPER SPEED IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED CAN RANGE FROM 20 TO 50MPH. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MARCH 20, 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

Mileage: 20,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS QUALITY CHECKED WITH A 115 POINT INSPECTION; HOWEVER, SHE WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS MISALIGNED. THE SUNROOF WAS REPLACED WITH TAPE. SHE DOESN'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAGS. THE WINDOWS HAVE CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE PROPER SPEED IN THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED CAN RANGE FROM 20 TO 50MPH. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MARCH 20, 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

Mileage: 20,000

THE HEATERS BLENDING DOOR IS BROKEN SO THE AIR FLOW WILL NOT BE REDIRECTED. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE DASHBOARD SETTING AND I AM UNABLE TO REDIRECT AIR FLOW TO THE DEFROSTER. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED $1500 TO REPLACE THE HEATER BECAUSE THE BROKEN PART IS MOLDED ONTO THE HEATING ELEMENT AND THEY NEED TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD. I SEARCHED FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AND FORDS VEHICLES HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF BLENDING DOOR PROBLEMS. NOT BEING ABLE TO REDIRECT THE AIR FLOW IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 77,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE USING THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW, THE GLASS HINGE FAILED AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO FALL FROM THE WINDOW FRAME. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I010000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR). THE WINDOW HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,500 UPDATED 01/02/08. UPDATED 01/02/08.*LJ

Mileage: 33,500

CRACK IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW NEXT TO FORD EMBLEM. BOTH REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. *TR

Mileage: 54,500

THE HINGES ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ON MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER BROKE CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO FALL OUT OF THE WINDOW FRAME. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM ON THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS BUT WERE NOT "AWARE" OF ANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE 2004 MODEL. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH LIFT NEAR THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE WINDOW BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,400. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLICKERED ON AND OFF UNTIL THE HATCH WAS PUSHED AND THEN THE LIGHT WOULD STOP FLICKERING. *AK

Mileage: 56,400

AUTOMATIC WINDOWS - REAR WINDOWS - MOTOR WENT OUT - REPLACED ONCE - DOING IT AGAIN, HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK IN. REAR AIR SYSTEM DOES NOT BLOW OUT HEAT. AGAIN, NEEDING TO TAKE IT IN AGAIN. HAD I NOT GOTTEN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE I WOULD BE WITHOUT REAR HEAT. *JB

Mileage: 58,000

2004 EXPLORER HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AND WINDOWS. *TS THREE MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THEE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN. THE REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLAM INTO GEAR. THE ROTORS VIBRATED IN THE REAR. CONSUMER HEARD A HOWLING NOISE AT 40-55 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RING AND PINION. NM

Mileage: 26,998

DRIVER'S SIDE AUTO WINDOW FAILS TO OPERATE. HAD IT REPAIRED ONCE AND FAILED AGAIN WITHIN A WEEK. TAKING IT IN FOR 2ND REPAIR. *JB

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 REPLACED. THE COVER OVER THE HATCHBACK HANDLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, HAD TO REPLACE THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THERE HAS BEEN A REPAIR DONE TO THE FOUR BY FOUR UNIT. THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 17,978

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, MAKING THE VISIBILITY IN THE RAIN DIFFICULT. DEALER WILL REPAIR VEHICLE FOR $437.00. *AK *TC

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.

Mileage: 2,300

CAR WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WITH REAR WINDOW TOWARDS GARAGE DOOR. THE BACK WINDOW OF THE CAR ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE ACTUAL DOOR EXPLODED OFF. THE PIECE OF THE DOOR FLEW UP INTO THE AIR AND CAME CRASHING BACK DOWN ONTO THE CAR. THEIR WAS GLASS EVERYWHERE. HAD ANYONE BEEN FACING THE CAR IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SOME SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. OR HAD THE CAR BEEN IN MOTION ANYONE INSIDE THE CAR COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR ANYONE DRIVING BEHIND COULD HAVE BEEN HURT.*AK

WHILE PRESSING THE REMOTE KEY TO OPEN THE SUN ROOF IT WOULD NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER HAS TO PLAY WITH THE REMOTE KEY IN ORDER TO CLOSE IT PROPERLY. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DEETRMINED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK

AIR CONDITIONER AND DEFROSTER ARE MOLDY, CAUSING ILLNESS. *AK

Mileage: 1,000