Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
0526201/01/200510018937Mil on with dtc p0191 with or without various drivability symptoms and/or additional dtcs. *tt01/25/2006
056104/01/200510017905Wrench lamp on and no diagnostic trouble code (dtc) stored. *tt12/07/2005
0421906/07/20050591510013371Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and electronic throttle control (etc) lamps on with both diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 and p2135. *tt04/15/2005
1838101/01/200510013319Open fuse f2.20 (5 amp) and/or f2.1 (30 amp) which may result in loss of function of several systems including power seats, adjustable pedals and power door locks. *tt04/14/2005
0417409/06/200410013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series. *tt04/08/2005
0419711/15/200404221110010717Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) p0172 and/or p0175. *tt12/07/2004
0414201/01/200410009324No crank with diagnostic trouble code b1601 and/or b1213. pats security access issues with 4.0l engine. *tt09/23/2004
1742212/01/200310008292Multiple electrical concerns - fuse 2.17 open. *mj07/26/2004
047112/31/20040426210008201Warning indicators-parking aid-reverse sensing system (rss) and forward sensing system (fss)-false activation of warning tone-service tips. *mj update. *tt07/23/2004
1756102/01/200410008125Delayed crank with no start, diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) u0300/p0606/p2105/p2107, malfunction indicator module (mil) and wrench light on. *mj07/22/2004
1755802/01/200410008123Intermittent air bag warning lamp on, memory seat, and/or adjustable pedal concerns. *mj07/22/2004
1767003/01/200410007426Malfunction indicator (dtc) lamp on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106. *tt06/22/2004
1759203/01/200410007389An intermittent no start and/or malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) p1233, p1234, p1235, p1236, p1237 or p1238. *tt06/17/2004
1747901/01/200410007323Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with ignition coil related diagnostic trouble codes (p035x). *tt06/10/2004
1731110/01/200310004952Malfunction indicator lamp on and/or electronic throttle control lamp (etc) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106. *tt01/21/2004
1728510/01/200310004929Malfunction indicator lamp/etc lamp lit with p0606 and one or several p21xx-series diagnostic trouble codes at low time in service. *tt01/20/2004
1716509/01/200310004058Intermittent diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on. *tt11/17/2003
0318109/15/200310004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt11/14/2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
TSB-12-8-108/01/201210048099Ford/lincoln/mercury: may have sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling rpm fluctuation and hard starts or battery disconnect or dead battery after keep alive memory (kam) clear. models 2003-05 thunderbird12/12/2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
1817109/01/200410011342No crank/no start condition when vehicle temperature is below freezing (32f/0c). *tt01/18/2005

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
05/22/2012131000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving 2 mph in reverse when the back up sensor failed and the contact crashed into another vehicle. the crash caused no injuries and the police were contacted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection of the failure or repairs. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and the current mileage was 131,000.
05/22/2012131000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving 2 mph in reverse when the back up sensor failed and the contact crashed into another vehicle. the crash caused no injuries and the police were contacted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection of the failure or repairs. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and the current mileage was 131,000. kmj
05/22/2012131000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving 2 mph in the reverse position when the back up sensor failed and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. the crash caused no injuries and the police were contacted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage were 131,000. rds
03/09/2012900000
 After starting vehicle and moving shift lever from park to reverse - rotating shift handle mount broke off- required towing and $1800 repair cost. have seen similar instances on consumer complaint boards - ford fails to recognize as being a safety manufacturing defect.
06/23/200719000
 Cruise control is intermittent, sometimes accelerates unexpectedly especially when pushing the button to turn it off. so far have been able to stop car, but it is a scary situation.also, rear warning indicator works only occasionally. could run over or into someone if depending on it.
09/20/2011132000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer xlt. the contact stated that the front windshield wipers, interior lights and all four windows failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that her vin was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 00v072000. (electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers). the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that she could file a claim and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 132,000.
09/20/2011132000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer xlt. the contact stated that the front windshield wipers, interior lights and all four windows failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that her vin was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 00v072000. (electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers). the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that she could file a claim and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 132,000. kmj
08/12/201142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving 50 mph when the engine shut down 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. vf
08/12/201142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving 50 mph when the engine shut down and the vehicle came to a complete stop. the instrumental panel gauges were illuminated during the failure. the vehicle restarted imediatly, and was taken the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted, however the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage 42,933. rds.
05/22/2007
 Hello, i have a 2004 ford explorer truck with a crack on the back of the hatch door. i don't know where this crack came from. i contacted the ford company about this issue but since my vehicle is no longer under warranty they aren't willing to help. i first notice the crack about a year ago. when i contacted ford to find out if this was a recall they said no. recently i have been noticing that a lot of the ford explorer trucks i see all have a crack on the same portion of the truck. i spoke to another individual with a ford explorer and she doesn't know where the crack on the back of her truck came from either. we think this maybe a recall issue. i just started writing down the license plate numbers of the various explorer trucks i see with the same or similar crack on the back hatch. although i only have six tag numbers right now, i know that their are many more trucks with this problem. i seen more trucks but at the time i wasn't documenting the license plate numbers. there was also a recall on the hatch window in 2003 for the ford explorer truck. in 2007, i had the same issue as the 2003 recall on my 2004 vehicle but was told i had to pay to get it fixed myself because there wasn't a recall reported for 2004. although it was a year later. it is obvious that the issue wasn't resolved because i had the same problem. there is also a break light switch problem. this issue has your break lights randomly coming on although the vehicle is turned off. which drains the battery and causes you to have to get the break switch fixed and a new battery. please help me. i had no luck with the ford motor company in resolving these issues.
12/14/201098000
 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 to 5 minutes. during the failures the power door locks and dashboard lighting also do not function. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 97,000 and the current mileage was 98,000. sm.
02/15/200745000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while driving approximately 5 mph the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians replaced the fuel pump, throttle body, and several sensors in the vehicle. the contact experienced the failure again. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technicians stated they would run tests on the vehicle to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the failure occurs intermittently in cold temperature usually under twenty degrees. the approximate failure mileage was 45,000. ds
12/17/2009
 I have a 2004 ford explorer which while driving last year i was told that my hub assembly on my driver's side was bad and that i needed to replace it. i replaced it with a hub assembly from advance auto parts in jan 2010. i just had to replace this part again in dec 2010. i lost breaks. i also have a horrible jerking when i am backing up from a tight spot and the wheels are turned sharply. my door ajar light and all interior lights do not go off when the door is opened or the vehicle is cranked unless i turn the interior light switch to the off position and back to the on when the doors open position. i have had the electrical issue reviewed twice in the past. i have had the the jerking looked at with no reason given more than once. i had my vehicle inspected on nov 30th and nothing was mentioned about the terrible condition the hub assembly was in nor the bearings that a moble mechanic showed me were terribly worn. i am replacing them soon. it seems to me that ford must know about all of these problems and it should be something that they are willing to help the consumer in fixing since most ford buyers are diehard ford owners like myself.
06/06/201065000
 2004 ford explorer another bad transmission ! 3000.00 rebuild over drive light flashing , interior lights stay on , windows don't go down, door open lights on dash are on .. seems to be alot of these complaints i been reading on the internet ! ford had to have some fault in all these complaints ????
05/25/201088820
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. upon having the vehicle serviced for routine maintenance at an authorized dealer the contact was informed the blend door motor failed. the vehicle was serviced for the failure. the failure and current mileages were 88,820. sm.
03/20/201060000
 I own a 2004 ford explorer. previous models (2002) were recalled for the abs light and speed control issue (09s09). i have the same problem on the 2004 explorer. the problem is intermittend, it is ok for a while then the problem shows up again. could this be a fire problem?
01/31/200852000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. when he activated the cruise control while driving, it deactivated itself without warning. he had to restart the vehicle to re-set the error code. the failure occurred intermittently, and mostly on the interstate. also when he would turn on the turn signals, the automatic warning system would make an alarm noise and blink until the turn signal would cut off. the automatic transmission appeared to lose fluid, when he shifted into reverse. he heard a roaring noise near the tire area. he was told by the dealer that the hubs needed to be replaced. lastly, the aesthetic piece on the lower half of the hatch-back had cracked and separated from the vehicle. he took the vehicle back to the dealership and was advised that there was an electrical failure. no repairs were made. the manufacturer referred him to nhtsa. the current mileage was approximately 68,000. the failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
04/20/2009400001
 2004 ford explorer xls, 41,000 miles on multiple occasions my car has shut off, loosing power for the brakes and steering. it usually happens when decelerating at a stoplight, or even decelerating off the highway onto an exit ramp. it has occurred at least four of five times and i've been very lucky each time to be able to pull over, put my car in neutral, and restart it. the car has no trouble starting back up. i've researched on the internet about this problem and have found that my experience is not unique. this is a very dangerous situation and the 2004 ford explorer can be very unsafe if there is some sort of failure. please help me. *tr
08/25/200876000206/01/2004
 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
11/02/200845000
 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.
09/21/200701
 Approximately in september 2007, my lighter went out and i took it to the dealer, carl gregory on box road in columbus, ga. they charged me $35.00 for a fuse and now it won't work again this year. the fuses are fine but the lighter just isn't working. i need the lighter to charge my phone. is this still covered under warranty. my vehicle is a 2004 ford explorer with only 73600 miles. *tr
04/01/20071
 I have 2 issues that i would like addressed. 1. i believe that i have an electrical short or something because my radio keeps going out on the drivers side. this has been happening for about a year or so now. not sure how to go about correcting the issue because i don't know if it is covered under warranty or not. 2. my hatchback has a crack in it and i am wondering if it is on recall to be replaced since i see alot of the same crack on other explorers. *tr
10/22/20041
 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
01/08/200856000401/04/2004
 I have a 2004 ford explorer with 57,000 that started stalling while driving about 3 month ago. it shuts off like someone turned the key. the occurrence is very random and there is never anything common between occurrences except it typically happens when i am braking. it's as if it's running out of gas. it took about 10 minutes each time before it would restart. all 4 times, even though it died like the key was turned off, it acted like it was out of gas when i was trying to restart it and then all of the sudden it would start like normal. since then the following has been done: fuel filter replaced, maf sensor cleaned and the iac valve inspected. the service shop where it is taken says there is never an error code in the system when i bring it in. the vehicle is currently unsafe to drive with this condition. *tr
01/12/200897750306/05/2005
 Purchased a 2004 ford explorer in june 2005. in 2006 had to replace the o2 sensor. in may 2007, had to replace the same o2 sensor. now in january 2008, was driving and truck just stopped on a hill with traffic coming up, large diesel truck, almost causing an really bad accident. had vehicle checked and the exact same 02 sensor is out for the 3rd time and was told this was not normal and that there is a large number of 2004 vehicles with the same problem. was told this by 2 different dealerships in two different states. contacted ford and was pretty blown off and stated that because of the mileage on the vehicle, there was nothing that could be done because i had an outside warranty and not a ford warranty. they didn't even contact the dealerships after claiming to have done a investigation. was told i just had to pay again. now what if this happens again and i'm not so lucky that a big diesel truck can whip into the other lane to avoid hitting me. *tr
11/07/200754325209/25/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while driving approximately 45 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle's speed decreased dramatically. all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and then the engine stalled. two minutes later, the vehicle restarted automatically. three weeks later, the failure recurred. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle has not been repaired. current and failure mileages were 54,325. updated 03-05-08 *bf
01/01/200512000111/22/2003
 We have experienced multiple problems with the electrical systems of our 2004 ford explorer along with other miscellaneous problems. the electrical problems have not been corrected to date. in november 2006, the rear window of the liftgate broke off the hinge. we were told there were no recalls for this problem and had to pay for this repair out of our pocket. today, january 16, 2007 the frame of the rear liftgate cracked in the middle. *nnm
10/02/200635504/30/2004
 Without warning, my 2004 ford explorer turns off while i am driving. the lights on the dash flash (check charging system on message center) then i lose the power steering when the engine cuts off. each time i have been able to pull over safely and start the vehicle again. it has happened 5 times in the last 5 months. the dealership checked for codes after the fact but there were none (possibly because the battery gauge spiked during the incident). then the dealership replaced the alternator, only for this to happen again 2 times after that. yesterday the dealership installed a dvr recording device. clearly, this is very dangerous. *jb
07/03/2006170000
 2004 explorer has stalled two 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 and they say they can't duplicate. see several of same complaints on your site. very dangerous. has happened numerous times don't know what to put for incident date. *jb
05/31/200650000102/01/2005
 Transmission slamming into reverse / drive, took to dealership, solenoid pack replaced 6 months ago, started having same problems and now this time also, rpms shoot up to 7 when accelerating. took back to dealer, said they had to replace the solenoid pack again. won't honor warranty after the $800.00 problem was just fixed! also, have serious suspension problems! front sway bar bushings, rear shocks (leaking), replace front lower ball joints. *nm
07/13/2005871009/22/2004
 Within three days of buying the vehicle, i encountered problems with remote, sometimes it would work and other times, it wouldn't. driver's rear window , sometimes it would work and other times, it wouldn't. i took it back to dealer three times for same things. rear end makes a very loud whining noise. it has been to dealer's three times also for fixing. dealer states that there is nothing they can do and all of them are doing it. vehicle, while in gear, would jump/jerk. dealer replaced solenoid, it still does it sometimes.
01/13/20042
 When driving on cruise control and decreasing speed to around 25 mph using the cruise control features, the vehicle will stall while in drive, locking up the steering wheel and making it difficult to control the vehicle. remedies used were placing the vehicle in park after coasting to a stop and applying the brakes and turning the ignition to the off position and restarting the vehicle. we are able to replicate this issue.*ak
12/20/200457703
 Vehicle has been in repair shop three times for not starting. the starter was replaced. then, second time, a computer chip was replaced. dealer has the vehicle after being towed, and the defect could not be found. *ak
11/23/20042300410/30/2004
 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.
11/01/20047000603/02/2004
 The consumer experienced a problem with the cruise control. the consumer would set the cruise control and then it will shut down by itself. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer who as of today, was unable to find a defect. *jb the failure resulted in a life threatening situation when the vehicle reached speeds in excess of 100 mph on it's own while hitting the resume button in cruise control. the vehicle had been in to the dealer for the repair of the braking and tire pressure gauges, throttle control, transmission slippage, cruise control, traction control default, general computer defaults and the rear trim piece at the liftgate opening was distorted. *sc
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
01/03/2006105/13/2005
 2004 ford explorer limited-owned suv for 38k been in shop repeatedly-from minor to major things. suv is a $ 34,000 turd. currently needing to go back to shop for multiple repairs. the day our warranty expires car is gone. *tr
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
06/03/200516000105/09/2004
 There have been several issues with my 2004 ford explorer. 1st) my transmission has been making a clunk or thud sound almost everytime. the dealership replaced the solenoid assembly. i still feel some of the same symptoms when reversing and slowing down. 2nd) my explorer now fails to start. i drove to pick up some friends. i drove a maximum of 40 miles that day before i went to his house. after 30 min i came outside and tried to start my vehicle but it would not even turn over. there is enough power, the battery has a green light, and the fuse is good. i used to be a loyal ford man but after these problems i am seriously thinking of trading this vehicle in for a different brown.
12/02/2004200611/18/2003
 Since new, i have intermittent hard start issues with the vehicle. on about 7 occasions, the dealer was notified and they simply told me since it started that there was nothing they could do since there wasn't a light on the dash did not come on. therefore there would not be any codes. finally at 10,345 miles, the car broke down. they replaced the throttle position sensor. the kept getting about 4 or 5 codes and they were unable to clear them. replaced the ecm and reprogrammed. i still have the intermittent hard start issue which is intermittent. the ecm has been updated 3 times. i also have an issue with the tire pressure indicator light flashing for about 20 seconds after start up, they claim, unable to duplicate. i also had a exhaust gasket replaced as there was an annoying noise that would go on and on while the vehicle was left running while in park. lastly - transmission issues. the vehicle has poor shift quality. it likes to hang up and hesitate in 3d gear, you will be running 55-60 and go to pass another vehicle and doesn't want to shift until it hits 80-85mph and by then you are at 6 on the tachometer.they have replaced the solenoid body and the hydraulic pump and the car still is not fixed. it also likes to hesitate when accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. it is currently in the shop as we speak. i purchased the vehicle new in november of 2003 and the current mileage is 12,850. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
02/06/200638000101/18/2005
 I have a 2004 ford explorer. last year at 38,000 miles, the key locked in the ignition and i have been unable to get it out. portsmouth ford n.h. says too bad: it is out of warranty and it will cost me $400 to get it out. today i have 56,000 miles on my explorer and the key is still in the ignition. it is a pain. i was hoping for a recall. have you heard of this problem?*jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
03/30/200646000101/18/2004
 Dt*:the contact stated that the battery on the vehicle ran out due to the driver leaving the lights on overnight. however, when the vehicle was given a jump-start, all the dashboard lights came on, but the motor did not start. the battery was replaced with a semi-used battery, and the vehicle still did not start. no mechanic was consulted.
12/20/200457703
 Vehicle has been in repair shop three times for not starting. the starter was replaced. then, second time, a computer chip was replaced. dealer has the vehicle after being towed, and the defect could not be found. *ak
01/09/2004201/06/2004
 Problems with the starter and wheels not returning to center position after making a turn. (nar) *ph *cb there was a possibility that the wrong type of sway bar had been installed on the vehicle at the factory. the power steering unit was the problem. the problem still existed. the steering wheel did not return to the center after turning, especially when turned to the right. the consumer would have to physically bring the vehicle back to the center, or it would continue running of the road. *sc *jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
07/08/200412381
 While driving at approximately 20 mph other vehicles were pointing at consumer's vehicle, indicating that the vehicle was on fire. smoke was coming from the hood, the base of the chassis, the vents, and from the tire hub. the hub caps melted. the fire also disinterested the brakes. vehicle had to be stopped by the use of the emergency brake. consumer took the vehicle to a ford dealership, who advised the consumer to take it to the dealership where it was purchased. this dealership provided no assistance. consumer refused to drive the vehicle to the other dealership because of the condition of the vehicle, which was currently under warranty. dealer stated that the cause of the fire was undetermined. *ak