2004 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

PROBLUMS WITH TIMING CHAIN THE GUIDES AND TENTIONER ALWAYS BRAKING OR THE TIMING CHAIN IT SELF BRAKING , IT IS ALL I HEAR ABOUT THE 4.0 MOTORS , I MY SELF THIS IS THE SECOND ONE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME

CAME HOME FROM WORK FRIDAY EVENING AND SAT. MORNING THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TOOK BATTERY IN AND TESTED, IT WAS DEAD. REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. ONLY CLICKED, RELAY AND STARTER WERE FINE. HAD TO TOW IT TO A MECHANIC WHO HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM HAS SHUT DOWN MY ENGINE FOR NO REASON. THE KEY NO LONGER CONNECTS TO THE SYSTEM. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE?? I HAVE SEEN ONLINE FORUMS AND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. NOW I HAVE TO TOW MY VEHICLE TO A DEALER 40 MILES AWAY AND PAY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE AND KEYS REPROGRAMMED. OVER $120!!! THIS ISSUE LEFT ME STRANDED WITH NO VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK. I THINK FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND TOW COSTS!!!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND DISCOVERED THAT HIS PARKED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND VARIOUS UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE TIMING BELT FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND STARTED BLOWING FUEL FUMES INTO THE DRIVER'S CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE CYLINDER AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. MA 08/06/15 UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN

I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER AND WHEN I HIT THE 84000 MILE MY CAR STARTED FALLING APART STARTING WITH THE HEATER A/C VENT ACTUATOR FIRST TIME IN LATE 2011 THEN AGAIN IN JAN 2015 THIS REPAIR HAS COST ME OVER $1200 THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY FORD REPAIR SHOP WHICH WAS $97 JUST TO LOOK AT IT THAT IT WAS FROM DIFFERENT COILS THAT WERE OVER $300 A PIECE WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACES A COUPLE OF TIME TO THE CADILLAC CONVERTER WHICH WAS OVER $3500 TO REPLACING THE BEARINGS A COUPLE HUNDRED MANY TIMES. I'M AT THE POINT WHERE I'M NOT SURE TO KEEP THIS CAR OR JUNK IT THESE REPAIRS ARE BREAKING ME! I SEE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.... THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF RECALL....!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

WHEN I SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A STOP, THE TRUCK CUTS OFF. EVEN WHILE IN MID TURN. *TR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE JUST STALLED . WE PULLED INTO A GAS STATION WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. I HAD IT TOWED HOME THAT DAY. LATER I FOUND OUT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD COME OFF. *TR

THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HARMONIC BALANCER CAME APART. THE INNER PORTION SEPARATED FROM THE REST. THIS ALLOWS. IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SERPENTINE BELT, AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IF I HAD NOT CAUGHT IT IN TIME. THIS WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND LOSS OF POWER BRAKES! THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 FORD 4.0 LITER V6. THIS COULD RESULT IN SOMEBODY LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING. I WAS REPLACING THE WATER PUMP ON MY VEHICLE WHEN I SAW THIS DEFECT. *TR

WHILE WAS DRIVING ON I-95 I GAVE THE CAR A BOOST OF SPEED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. I NOTICED MY BACK WINDOW BECOME "DIRTY" (COVERED IN COOLANT) AND WHILE THE CAR SEEMED OKAY I MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. WITHOUT A SHOULDER I HAD TO KEEP GOING ANOTHER COUPLE MILES; AFTER A COUPLE MILES I STARTED LOOSING SPEED GRADUALLY. WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE - I WAS FORTUNATE TO MAKE IT TO AN EXIT WHERE UPON IMMEDIATELY THE CAR DIED AS I SLOWED AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE PROBLEM WAS THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE COOLANT. SINCE I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OVER IT RESULTED A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DUE TO DESIGN OF THE ENGINE THIS REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE SEEN THIS THERMOSTAT COMPLAINT NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT IS TIME THAT FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLASTIC PARTS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE. THIS PART SHOULD BE ALUMINUM ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. PLEASE CONSIDER RECALL TO REPLACE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT HOUSING WITH METAL: FORD MUST USE METAL PARTS BECAUSE PLASTIC WARPS IN THE HEAT. THE AFFECTED PARTS ARE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND IT'S CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE. I HAVE GOOD MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGED REGULARLY, FLUIDS CHECKED AND MAINTAINED REGULARLY. I ALSO DRIVE VERY CONSERVATIVELY AND AM EASY ON MY DRIVING. FORD MUST FIX THIS! BETWEEN THIS ISSUE AND A BOLT IN MY STEERING COLUMN FALLING OUT (CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING) MY CONFIDENCE IN FORD IS DIMINISHED. *TR

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE INVESTIGATION OF FORD FOR "LIMP MODE". EVERY TIME THAT I USE MY CARS CRUSE CONTROL UNDER 50 MPH THE CAR GOES IN TO LIMP MODE. AFTER I PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR IT RUN NORMALY, *TR

AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLOWLY ACTING UP; IT VWAS DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO GEAR AND CLUNKS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS GETTING WORSE, AND FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH REPAIRS BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

FIRST ISSUE WAS WITH THE SOLENOIDS NOW THE ISSUE IS WITH 1-2 SHIFT RATIO. SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. *TR

I HAD JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TO TOW WITH. I WAS DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET AT ABOUT 45MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I REALIZED I THE VEHICLE HAD TURNED ITSELF OFF. NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES NOTHING. IT DID START RIGHT BACK UP AFTER GETTING OFF THE ROAD. LATER IN THE DAY RETURNING HOME IT DID THE SAME EXACT THING AT 50MPH WITH CRUISE ENGAGED. I TALKED WITH FORD SHOP AND THEY SAY IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NO KNOWN FIX. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS, DUE TO OTHER DAMAGE TO ONE OF THE COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD FAILED, BROKE THE V-BELT, WHICH IN TURN HIT AND DAMAGED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *JB

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HEARD A NOISE. WE TURNED AROUND AND THE LIFTGATE HAD FALLEN OFF ITS ON HINGES AND WAS HANGING LOOSE ON BOTH SIDES. WE HAD TO HOLD IT ON AND DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THAT DATE IN 2010. FORD NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 2004 MODEL AND ALL OF ITS DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE FILED AGAINST FORD CONCERNING THIS CAR. THE FIRST WAS A #2 VALVE FALLING IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW UP. NHTSA PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT FORD. SOMEONE HAS TO MAKE CAR MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE TO THE CONSUMER. EVERY TIME THAT NHTSA IS CONTACTED NOTHING IS DONE UNTIL MILLIONS ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED. *TR

BOUGHT THE CAR USED WITH ABOUT 85,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER ONE YEAR OF AVERAGE USE (NO TOWING OR OFF-ROADING) THE TRANSMISSION FAILED (ABOUT 97,000 MILES). HAD IT REBUILT AND NOW 2 YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS LATER IT IS FAILING AGAIN (AT 122,000 MILES). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE TRANSITIONED INTO SAFE MODE AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE PCM, THROTTLE, JACK SHAFT CHAIN, AND BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THEY RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTING VARIOUS TRIAL AND ERROR REMEDIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PCM AND THROTTLE AGAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,861.

ON 1/17/12 DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. IT WAS A STRONG SMELL. NOTICED A GLOW UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND PULLED INTO A EMPTY PARKING LOT. THE TRUCK WENT UP IN FLAMES. CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID PROVE WHAT HAPPENED. NOT SURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH NO PROBLEMS THAT I KNEW OF BEFORE THIS FIRE. NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, SLIPS BETWEEN GEARS, REPLACEMENT REQUIRED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 30-50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL GAUGES WERE ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY, AND WAS TAKEN THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 42,933. UPDATED 9/16/11 *CN UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE FOLLOWED BY BANGING NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED EXHAUST FUMES WERE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

2004 FORD SPORT TRAC XLT GAS EFI 4.0 HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. *TR

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

RATTLING NOISE AND SHAKING HAS BEEN COMING FROM ENGINE AREA FOR SOME TIME NOW. COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE UNTIL RECENTLY, AND WHEN LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ONLINE I FOUND IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THE HARMONIC BALANCER / CRANKSHAFT PULLEY GOES BAD. THE INNER RING BREAKS, CAUSING THE SENSOR TO EVENTUALLY WEAR DOWN AND ALSO NEED REPLACEMENT. THIS REPAIR ON AVERAGE COSTS PEOPLE MORE THAN $350. TO REPLACE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH SHE EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED FOR THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

2004 FORD EXPLORER: ENGINE SEIZED FOR NO APPARENT OR OBVIOUS REASON AT 53,000 MILES. NOT REPAIRABLE. ALSO, REAR PLASTIC PANEL BENEATH WINDOW CRACKED. JUST READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE HEARD A NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. HE WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE NUMBER THREE PISTON BROKE AND CEASED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,800.

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER UPHILL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN SHE FELT LIKE THE ENGINE IS LOOSING POWER. SHE STOPPED, EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR IN THE ENGINE AREA. THEN SOME PEOPLE STOPPED AND PULLED HER AWAY BECAUSE FROM THE POINT MY WIFE WAS STANDING SHE COULD NOT SEE THE ACTUAL FIRE. AS A RESULT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED DOWN COMPLETELY CREATING A BIG HOLE IN THE HOOD. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 120K MILES ON ODOMETER AND WE HAVE NOT MISSED ANY SERVICE MAINTENANCE POINTS. SHE SAID BESIDES THAT POWER LOSS THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,100. UPDATED 02/23/11*LJ UPDATED 05/04/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A FORD 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STALLS AT ANY SPEED. UPDATED 03/23/11

THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING INTO FIRST, SECOND AND REVERSE GEARS. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS ON 10/07 AT 15,690 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SOLENOID AND ASSURED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. AT 24,190 MILES THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED AND THE DEALERSHIP RECALIBRATED AND CHARGED $118. NOW AT 26,900 MILES THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED AND AGAIN THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID. OF COURSE AT MY EXPENSE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG AND FORD IS REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD AT LEAST GUARANTEE THE WORK THAT WAS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE EVERY TWO MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO PERFORM THE TEST AND REPAIR A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND HER INFORMATION ON HOW TO TRADE THE VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH INCLUDED ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS; HOWEVER, SHE HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,078.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, DIAGNOSED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ENGINES TIMING CHAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK REPORT 1644590504, BUT DIDN'T OFFER TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE THE MOTOR WASN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER . WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO GET THE BATTERY JUMPED IN ORDER TO DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, AFTER THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THERE WAS A WRENCH SYMBOL THAT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONING LINE TO FAIL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED ALL COMPONENTS AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE 'MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,350 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,470.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. FOLLOWING REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE REAR CASSETTE FRACTURING AND CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO FAIL AND DESTROY THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS EXPERIENCED TWO OVERHEATING INCIDENTS, THE SECOND RESULTED IN REPLACING THE ENGINE. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A STUCK THERMOSTAT AND THE SECOND BY A LEAKING HOSE BETWEEN THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND THE ENGINE. IN BOTH INCIDENTS WHEN THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING ACTIVATED, THE TEMPERATURE WAS BURIED IN THE HOT END OF THE GAUGE. IN BOTH INCIDENTS, I IMMEDIATELY DECELERATED AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD BUT IN THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY RUINED. AN ARTICLE IN THE APRIL 2010 ISSUE OF DESIGN NEWS (MADE BY MONKEYS, PG 10) ABOUT A SIMILAR INCIDENT WITH A MAZDA LED ME TO BELIEVE MINE WAS NOT AN ISOLATED OCCURRENCE BUT A RESULT OF INCREASED USE OF ALUMINUM AND BETTER COOLING SYSTEMS. IN THE MAZDA INCIDENT, THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND WAS SAVED FROM A SECOND REPLACEMENT ONLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS LOOKING AT THE GAUGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY PEGGED INTO THE HOT END. THE PROBLEM IS THERE IN NO WARNING OF LOW COOLANT UNTIL THE LEVEL DROPS BELOW THE WATER PUMP WHICH RESULTS IN A SUDDEN AND OFTEN CATASTROPHIC RISE IN ENGINE TEMPERATURE. THE EXPLORER IS THE MOST HEAVILY INSTRUMENTED AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED YET THE COOLING SYSTEM WARNING IS STUCK IN 60S WHEN CARS HAD CAST IRON BLOCKS, OVERHEATED GRADUALLY AND WERE FORGIVING OF OVERTEMPS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROADWAY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 136,000.

SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK . EXPLORER HAS ONLY 50K MILES. *TR

HARMONIC BALANCER WENT BAD MAY 2009, JUST UNDER 19,000 MILES ON MY 2004 ST! LEFT MY FAMILY AND I STRANDED ON I-95 IN PHILADELPHIA. FORD HAS SOLD A LOT OF REPLACEMENTS BUT WON'T ISSUE RECALL OR TSB. THE SERPENTINE JUMPED OFF THE BALANCER PULLEY AND LANDED ON THE RUBBER MOUNT OF THE BALANCER THEN ATE THROUGH THE SENSOR. JAN 21, 2010: STARTED UP THE ST, NO PROBLEM. DROVE ONE BLOCK, STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. MADE RIGHT TURN AND ACCELERATED, THEN THE ST DIED; 22,000 MILES. JUST BEFORE IT LOST ALL POWER IN THE ENGINE, I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A TURBINE QUICKLY DECELERATING. NOW I TURN THE KEY, HEAR THE STARTER CLICKING, AND NOTHING HAPPENS WITH THE ENGINE. TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS A RATTLE JUST BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. FORD SERVICE DEPT. REP CALLED ME LATE YESTERDAY AND SAID IT MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO POOR INSTALLATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER, POSSIBLY NOT TORQUED CORRECTLY; SOUNDED LIKE PASSING THE BUCK. HE NEEDED PERMISSION TO PULL THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE APART TO LOOK INSIDE, I GAVE HIM A GREEN LIGHT TO DO SO. HE JUST CALLED TODAY AND SAID THE "KEY WAY AND SPROCKET" ARE BAD. HE SAID THEY COME IN A KIT WITH A NEW TIMING CHAIN; PARTS AND LABOR AFTER A FRIENDLY DISCOUNT: $925. THE TRUCK IS ALREADY THERE AND APART, SO I GAVE THEM THE GO AHEAD TO FIX IT. NORMAL PRICE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT $1100. STRANGE, THEY HAVE A "REPAIR KIT" TO FIX THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, BUT FORD SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE! HARMONIC BALANCER GOES BAD, FIX IT WITH NEW AND IMPROVED ONE. THEN THIS HAPPENS, FIX IT WITH NEW AND IMPROVED PARTS FROM A "REPAIR KIT"! FORD SAYS THERE ARE NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE! *TR

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT FIRE. *TR

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE IT UNWARRANTLY STALLED. SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRASH. SHE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE.HOWEVER HE SPECULATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE,BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

STARTED HEARING A SQUEAL LIKE A SLIPPING FAN BELT, CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY SEPARATED FROM THE DAMPER, THE BELT CAME OFF THE PULLEY AND WAS RIDING ON THE DAMPER. IT IS NOW COSTING ME $500 TO HAVE THE PULLEY REPLACED, I HAVE NOTICED OTHERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, IT SEAMS THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THIS AT THEIR COST. IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITHOUT GETTING IT FIXED IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE CRANKSHAFT TIMING SENSOR CAUSING ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND MAYBE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD AND SOMETIMES STALL. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE THROTTLE SENSOR ASSEMBLY WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WERE ONLY FOUR PARTS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,200. UPDATED 0/01/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED, HOWEVER IT TOOK A TOTAL OF 7 WEEKS, DUE TO ISSUES WITH PARTS. ALSO THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT TIMES. UPDATED 09/09/09*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAITED A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE RESTARTING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION, BUT THERE WAS A LOW POWER RESPONSE DURING ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A VALVE SPRING FAILED. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $5,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,323. UPDATED 07/08/09 *BF UPDATED 07/08/09.*JB

MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0 WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP OR EXITING A FREEWAY. THE EXPLORER WILL START RIGHT UP AFTERWARDS. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO LOSE ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. RIGHT BEFORE THE STALL THE RPM'S SEEM TO DROP BELOW 400 AND THE POWER STEERING STARTS TO GO OUT. IT HAPPENS AT VARYING TIMES AND TEMPERATURES AND WITH PLENTY OF GAS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS OFF AND RESTARTS THE VEHICLE, IT RESUMES NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE, FUEL INJECTOR, AND RESET THE POWER MODULE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,600.

SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT OF ITS SOCKET, TEARING THE THREATS OFF, THIS SEAMS TO BE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF FORD'S ENGINE, I DO HAVE A MAINTAINENCE PROGRAM OFF CHECKING ALL OF THE STANDARD POINT ON MY EXPLORER, MY MECHANIC CHECKS LIQUIDS, OILS GREASE, FILTERS, TIRES, SPARKPLUGS ETC. I BELIEVE THAT AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINS AND A WELL DOCUMENTED MANUFACTURES DEFECT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUE, BECAUSE I INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND IT VERY POSSIBLE TO OCCUR AGAIN, THIS REPAIR COST ME 2,154.97 CANADIAN DOLLARS, AND IT COULD COST ME THE SAME IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKS AT ANY SPEED AND THEN STALLS. THE VEHICLE MUST BE PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO RESTART. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSTIC IS NOT PROVIDING A PROPER DTC ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE COMPUTER INDICATED WHAT PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT ALL REPAIRS WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 2/23/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE LOST POWER ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/25/09. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. IN 2007, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY FLASHED AND LOST POWER. THE DEALER REPLACED A HOSE, WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MONTHS. ON NOVEMBER 2, 2008, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

ON MY WAY TO THE AIRPORT FOR A BUSINESS TRIP, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE STOPPED. I HAD TO MANEUVER ONTO TRAFFIC AND STOP TO TRY TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT SUCCESS. I CALLED AAA AND THEY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME. WHEN I CAME BACK I SENT IT TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN SPROCKET RETAINER PIN BROKE, AND BECAUSE OF THAT ALL VALVES BENT, SO I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. FOR 72900 MILES AND KEEPING ALL MAINTENANCE IN ORDER I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND UNACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF QUALITY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ACTION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $410.79. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR PRESSURE HOSE THAT CONNECTS TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW HOSE WOULD COST AT LEAST $400. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,080. UPDATED 09/17/08. *LJ THE AIR CONDITIONERS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FAILED TWICE. ONE FORM THE HOSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE GOING TO THE RADIATOR. UPDATED 09/25/08. *JB

MY TRUCK BEGAN MAKING LOUD WHINNING NOISES JUNE 2007, THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT WHEN USING THE A/C AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, A/C DID NOT COOL OR GET A TIGHT SEAL FOR AIR FLOW, FRONT TIRE WEAR HAS ACCELERATED CAUSING SHAKY STEERING, POWER STEERING GOT WORSE, ALTHOUGH ALL FLUIDS WERE NEW AND BELTS LOOK WORN OUT AND WITH ALL THIS I ONLY HAD 52,120 MILES. I HAD WRECK IN 07 BECAUSE OF THE STEERING AND REPORTED IT TO MY INSURANCE FOR PAYMENT. WHEN ALL THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED TO PILE UP AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE DIDN'T SOLVE ANYTHING, I TOOK IT TO 3 MECHANICS AND ALL SAID AC COMPRESSOR OR POWER STEERING NEEDED REPLACING AND OTHER COMPONENTS LOOKED PREMATURELY WORN. FINALLY HAD AC COMPRESSOR REPAIRED ON 7/26/08 ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS THE CAUSE OF ALL MY PROBLEMS AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THE MECHANIC GAVE ME THE PARTS AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE A WEAK LEGO BLOCK. I HAVE ALL THE OLD PARTS IN MY TRUNK AND EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, IT STILL RUNS BAD, BUT THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER IS THE INITIATOR, DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING. *TR

TURNED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT - NO POWER. PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED. *TR

FAILURE OF AUXILIARY SUCTION LINE LEADING TO REAR AC IN VEHICLE. PAID FOR REPLACEMENT AT FORD DEALERSHIP. PART SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO FUNCTION FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD REFUSES TO ACCEPT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE PIPING AND REIMBURSE FOR REPAIR. *TR

I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER, PURCHASED IN AUGUST. THE TRUCK SAT FOR 16 MONTHS WHILE I WAS DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. WHILE DRIVING ON A 3 HOUR TRIP, I HEARD A METALLIC "CLATTER" NOISE FROM MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE "#2 WRIST PIN" HAD FAILED., REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. TOTAL COST WOULD BE $5500. THIS SEEMED EXCESSIVE FOR SUCH A YOUNG VEHICLE, CONSIDERING THAT IS WAS DRIVEN INFREQUENTLY FOR OVER A YEAR, AND MOST OF THE MILEAGE WAS HIGHWAY. MILEAGE AT FAILURE: 55,300. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AND BEGAN TO VIBRATE. SHE THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. SHE SMELLED A STRONG GAS ODOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT LOOKED IN HER REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED. SHE THEN NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED OUT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VALVE FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ENTIRE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HAD PROBLEMS PRIOR TO INCIDENT WITH SUN VISOR FALLING OFF, GEAR SHAFT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, ENGINE SLUGGISH, AND WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF. UPDATED 10/22/07 *TR

FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING DISSATISFACTION WITH LACK OF PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY AND QUALITY OF 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT**CC CONSUMER STATES HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH 2004 FORD EXPLORER SUCH AS VERY HARD SHIFTING GEARS FROM A PARKED POSITION, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON I95 HIGHWAY TWICE AND PEDALS BECAME INOPERABLE, VEHICLE ALSO SLAMS INTO GEAR AT HIGH SPEED AND WANTS TO REIMBURSED FOR THE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OF HIS 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK. *TR

WE HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER, ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN MAY 20'06 WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES . AT APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES IN AUGUST 2006 WE WERE TOLD THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THAT WAS ABOUT $500. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO WORK ON 3-19-07 AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. HE TOOK IT TO LUNCH, EVERYTHING WAS STILL FINE, AND WHEN HE CAME OUT, HE TRIED TO START THE VEHICLEM AND IT WOULD NOT START. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, NO NOISES, NOTHING OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY AT ALL. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, WHO RAN SOME TESTS, AND INITIALLY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT. THEY RAN MORE TESTS, AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CAMS ARE NOT WORKING. THEY TOLD US THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. $5,600.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH 46,000 MILES. FORD IS NOT OFFERING US ANY HELP. THEY REFUSE TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEY SAID IF WE HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IT WOULD BE COVERED. BUT THE POINT IS THAT IT HAS 46,000 MILES. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME BEFORE I EXPLODE! *AK

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING THE 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAK WITHN 30000 FAILURE MILEAGE INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND BEGAN TO HEAR A TAPPING FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VALVE SPRING WAS WORN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33000.*AKI

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY EXPLORER WOULD TURN OVER BUT REFUSE TO START. THE THIRD TIME IT TOOK 2 DAYS FOR IT TO FINALLY START. ON THE WAY TO THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER, THE SUV STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T PIN-POINT ANY PARTICULAR CAUSE BUT THEY DID HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT CALLED FOR UPDATING OF SOME SOFTWARE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

STARTED OF BEING AN ENGINE VIBRATION, 2 MONTH LATER CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE. JUST MADE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED IT BUT MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE PULLEY COMING OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WORRY ME. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS AND MADE CLUNKING NOISES. THE VEHICLE ALSO MADE HUMMING SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE WHILE ACCELERATED OVER 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.

AUTO GOES INTO FAIL SAFE MODE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES SINCE MAR. 10, 2006. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP ON MAR. 14, APRIL 22, APRIL 27, MAY 25, AND JUNE 12, ALL FOR THE SAME CONCERN. THE ENGINE BOGS DOWN TO 4 CYLINDERS AND LOSES POWER. THE FIRST 3 TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH THE LAST TWO TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY COMING OFF A FEEDER ROAD. I'M AM AFRAID I WILL END UP IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON JUNE 12, 2006 AND JUST PICKED IT UP YESTERDAY ON JULY 17,2006. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A MONTH. AS I WAS FEEDING INTO TRAFFIC YESTERDAY EVENING OF JULY 17, THE ENGINE AGAIN DOWNSHIFTED INTO FAIL SAFE MODE CAUSING ME TO BOG DOWN. I HAVE LOST ALL FAITH IN THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT WANT IT ANYMORE. I HAVE OWNED FORDS FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM BEFORE WITH A FORD. *NM

I HAVE TWO ISSUES WITH A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. FIRST ISSUE THE SYSTEM THAT NOTIFIES TIRE PRESSURE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS GO ON OR OFF WHEN THE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED OR NOT PROPERLY INFLATED. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX OR CHECK THE SENSORS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AREA THEY CAN NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM PASSENGERS AND ANOTHER TIRE COMPANY OF THE ISSUE HAPPENING. SECOND ISSUE. 2004 FORD EXPLORER STALLED WHILE TURNING BRAKING AND STEERING LOCKED UP. IDENTICAL REACTION AS TO THE PROBLEM STATED IN THE FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IN OTHER VEHICLES FROM FORD THAT IS BEING INVESTIGATED. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20MPH AND BELOW, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THIS OCCURRED PRIMARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.

2004 EXPLORER HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. RESTARTS FINE. SEEMS TO BE WITH CRUISE ON AND GOING DOWN HILL AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AND 40. HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE. HAVE CALLED FORD THEY SAY TAKE TO DEALERSHP. SEE SEVERAL OF SAME COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE. VERY DANGEROUS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PUT FOR INCIDENT DATE. *JB

DT: 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE ROLLED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER FOR IT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO, COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. *AK

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE WILL STALL. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TOLD THIS WOULD FIX IT, BUT IT DID NOT. ALL BUT ONCE THE CAR HAS STARTED BACK UP IMMEDIATLY.

THE CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF, COULDN'T STEER, AND COULDN'T PULL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE ABOUT A MINUTE DOWN THE ROAD, WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, BUT FELT LIKE THEY WERE STILL WORKING.*AK *SB *NM

2004 FORD EXPLORER ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THERE IS DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR BOTH OF THESES MALFUNCTIONS PRESENT A DANGER AND A HAZARD AND ARE VERY SERIOUS DEFECTS. *BF *NM

'04 EXPLORER ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING, CAR JERKS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, FALSE FUEL READING TOOK TRUCK BACK TO DEALERSHIP, THEY DO NOT THINK ANY THING IS WRONG WITH THE TRUCK, THIS HAS HAPPEN FOUR TIMES. *JB

CAR TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RESPONDING CORRECTLY. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, THE REPLACED THE SOLENOID PACK SEVERAL WEEKS LATER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH A BATTERY SYMBOL AND SAID HI TEMP LOW OIL. ENGINE DIED WHEN GOING TO PARK AND THEN AGAIN AT STOP LIGHT THE NEXT DAY. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS LATER, ENGINE AGAIN DIED WITH A WRENCH SYMBOL AND SAID ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. DEALER HAS HAD IT A WEEK AND CANNOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. DID FIND A PROBLEM WITH AND REPLACED ABS IN COMPUTER SYSTEM. *NM

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND THE ENGINE STALLED. *NM THE ENGINE RAN ROUGHLY AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE REPAIR THE CONSUMER NOTICED A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. AIR COMING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WAS THE REASON FOR THE NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE WINSHIELD WAS REMOVED AND RESEALED. *TC *JB

I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT AT DARCARS TOYOTA IN SILVER SPRING MD. IT HAD ONLY 28,000 MILES. THE PLASTIC VALVE COVER WAS FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK WHERE ONE POURS THE OIL IN. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK AROUND THIS AREA. APPLE FORD IN COLUMBIA, MD. SAID THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY FORD WARRANTY. I THOUGHT FORD'S WARRANTY COVERS TO 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. THIS VALVE COVER WAS OVER $400.00. WHY SHOULDN'T THIS BE COVERED. I SIGNED A PAPER THAT STATES THAT THE FORD WARRANTY SHOULD STILL BE IN EFFECT TO 36,000 MILES. I DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHEN THIS CRACK OCCURRED, BUT I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD WARRANTY. *JB

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE LOST POWER. *AK

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

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE FUSE BLEW. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

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