NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer 4WD; the most frequently affected component is exterior lighting. Owners filed 1,408 complaints, most often about air bags. Among the 12 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #6 for number of recalls.
Exterior lighting — HeadlightsCampaign 09E025000 · 11 May 2009
Problem: Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Visibility — Glass, side/rearCampaign 07E104000 · 11 Dec 2007
Problem: Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "glazing materials."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Remedy: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
Exterior lightingCampaign 06E049000 · 24 May 2006
Problem: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Exterior lightingCampaign 06E026000 · 23 Mar 2006
Problem: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
What owners complain about
Share of the 33 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Air bags6 · 18%
Structure5 · 15%
Power train4 · 12%
Engine4 · 12%
Unknown or other4 · 12%
Fuel/propulsion system4 · 12%
Steering3 · 9%
Vehicle speed control3 · 9%
When complaints were filed
20171
201810
201910
20201
20216
20221
20232
20242
From owner complaints
Well we just bought this explorer and just as i have read from others on this website our explorer is doing similar things. Such as shifting in reverse takes 3-7 seconds to take hold, going up the mountains the suv had major kickbacks and jerks. I have not taken to dealership as of now. Will make an apt. And put…
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. While driving and attempting to shift gears, the contact's son pulled too hard and fractured the gear shifter. The contact stated that the gear shifter was currently too loose and would not shift into any gear. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. The contact stated that the wheel studs detached on multiple tires while driving. The failure recurred three times on multiple wheels on different occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken once to an independent mechanic where the studs were replaced; however,…
On two incidents this week when steering wheel is cut to maximum left or right in tight parking lot and narrow road while making tight turns at legal speeds the engine (V8 4.6L) stalls. Brought to non-Ford mechanic for inspection(NYS ANNUAL) and passes but mechanic looked for a power steering pressure sending sensor…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.