How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer model year. Whether one car had the recall work done depends on that car, so check its VIN with NHTSA.

What is the WhipWorthy verdict on the 2004 Ford Explorer?

Maybe. 1.8 times the usual owner complaints. The verdict weighs this year against the other years of the Explorer, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are unverified and not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

1995: 950 owner complaints, Worthy

Our take: only with records and an inspection. Owners filed 1.8 times the complaints of a typical year of this model.

Year verdict

Maybe

1.8× a typical year

More owner complaints than usual. Buy only with records and an inspection.

Confidence: High

Based on 916 complaints in its first 8 years vs about 483 typical across 8 other model years.

Past 100,000 miles

Locked

How this year held up past 100,000 miles.

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How the dial was counted

Year verdict: Typical year: 483 complaints, the median of 8 nearby years. Each counted over its first 8 years from January 2003; this one had 916.

Same car, better year: 2003 or 2005 Explorer (both Worthy)

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Odometer check

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WhipWorthy sticker

2004 Ford Explorer

Complaints1,408From owners
Loading owner complaints
Recalls4On file
Loading recalls
NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.
Loading crash ratings
MPG15 to 16Combined, EPA
Loading fuel economy

Complaints are unverified owner reports, not adjusted for how many were sold.

Compare this car Every Explorer year

Car report

Park this car in My Garage and see its recalls at a glance.Car Hunt Pass or Pro

Value signals

We do not price cars.

These help you judge whether this one is worth its price.

Costly problem zones ahead at your miles come with a Car Hunt Pass or Pro. See plans
Fuel: $4,000 to $4,300 a year.The EPA’s estimate for 15,000 miles a year, 55% in town, at its fuel prices. Each version
Loading the EPA's yearly fuel cost
Have the VIN? Check it is this car, and see its open recalls at NHTSA.
VIN
On the dash at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door sticker.

What about the price? Check the asking price on two listing sites. Buying from a dealer? Run its offer through the offer X ray.

Education, not financial or mechanical advice. Have any used car checked by a mechanic you trust before you buy.

The full record

Tap to open

What owners complain about

1,408 complaints; the part named most is the transmission and drivetrain

Unverified reports, not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name several parts, so shares add up past 100%. Filed Jan 30, 2004 to Jun 5, 2024. 71% name a part that is usually costly to fix.

Owners reported 75 crashes, 16 fires and 105 injuries in these complaints.

Transmission and drivetrain477 · 34%Usually costly to fix
Body and frame446 · 32%Usually costly to fix
Engine122 · 9%Usually costly to fix

What one owner wrote about the transmission and drivetrain

My 2004 Ford Explorer has recently and quickly began shifting very badly. I always come to a complete stop and shift into neutral before shifting into reverse or drive because when shifting into reverse from p or d, it always takes a while, then clunks aggressively into place. While driving sometimes downshifting will also clunk into place. This issue has…

Filed Sep 26, 2019NHTSA complaint 112584641 of 18 owner quotes

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15 more parts, and 18 owner quotes

Every part owners name for the 2004 Ford Explorer, with their own words about what went wrong.

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SourceOwner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer. NHTSA, checked Nov 1, 2026.

Seller kit

Questions for the seller, test drive checks and price points

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Walk up to the seller ready

Questions to ask the seller of a 2004 Ford Explorer, built from this year's owner complaints and recalls. What to feel, hear and look at on the test drive, with boxes to tick at the car. Honest points to raise on price, from the records and never from guesses. Copy the questions to your phone in one tap.

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Write your offer

A ready to send offer for the seller, by text or email

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Send the seller a fair offer

Type the asking price and your own offer for the 2004 Ford Explorer, tick what you found, and get a polite message ready to text or email. Its reasons come from this year's owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, and never from made up repair prices.

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When problems show up

Transmission and drivetrain: the middle complaint around 50,000 miles

The bar holds the middle half of the complaints that gave a mileage; the dark mark is the middle one. 355 complaints of 1,408 gave one. Owners file when something fails, so this shows when problems were reported, not how long the cars last.

Transmission and drivetrainCostly20,000 to 75,000 mi
Half of these 147 complaints came between about 20,000 and 75,000 miles, the middle one around 50,000.

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Mileage for 7 more parts, 2 usually costly

The mileage band for every part owners name, and your car's miles laid across them.

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SourceMileage from owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer. NHTSA, checked Nov 1, 2026.

Will it outlast the loan?

The month of your loan each problem zone lands in

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5 problem zones to lay against your loan, 3 usually costly

See the month of your loan each one lands in, and what you would still owe then.

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Recalls

4 recalls on file

Not every car needs every fix. Run the VIN at NHTSA to see which are still open. Repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand; ask before any work.

Lights
May 11, 2009 · Recall 09E025000
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.
What can happen
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.
Windows, wipers and visibility
Dec 11, 2007 · Recall 07E104000
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."
What can happen
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
The fix
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.
Lights
May 24, 2006 · Recall 06E049000
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.
What can happen
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix
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.
Lights
Mar 23, 2006 · Recall 06E026000
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.
What can happen
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix
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.

SourceRecalls listed by NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Explorer. NHTSA, checked Nov 1, 2026.

Crash ratings

NHTSA did not answer

NHTSA's stars out of five, for each version it tested. Front crash stars only compare cars of about the same size and weight. The tests changed for 2011 models, so these stars do not line up with newer ones.

NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings for this car. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.

Fuel economy

15 to 16 mpg combined, across 8 versions

The EPA's estimates for each engine and transmission, and its own yearly fuel cost. Yours depends on how you drive and the shape the car is in. Figures for 2007 and older use the EPA's 2008 method, so they may be lower than the original sticker.

Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
Explorer 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
18 mpg
Combined
15 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,300
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
Explorer 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Regular gas
City
14 mpg
Highway
19 mpg
Combined
16 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,000
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
Explorer 2WD FFV · FFV · Rear wheel drive · Gasoline or E85
City
14 mpg
Highway
20 mpg
Combined
16 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,000
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
Explorer 4WD · 4 wheel or all wheel drive · Regular gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
18 mpg
Combined
15 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,300
This one on fueleconomy.gov

Show 4 more versions

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
Explorer 4WD · 4 wheel or all wheel drive · Regular gas
City
14 mpg
Highway
19 mpg
Combined
16 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,000
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
Explorer 4WD FFV · FFV · 4 wheel or all wheel drive · Gasoline or E85
City
14 mpg
Highway
19 mpg

SourceEPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov. EPA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

True cost to own

The loan, fuel, insurance and upkeep, a month and over 5 years

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What it really costs to own

What the 2004 Ford Explorer costs a month and over 5 years: the loan and its interest, fuel worked out from the EPA's figures for the version you pick, and your own insurance, registration and upkeep. A cost a mile, a link that reopens your numbers, and the breakdown copied to your phone in one tap.

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Every year of the Explorer

20 Worthy, 10 Maybe, 1 Pass, of 33 years on file, 1 with no answer

Owner complaints for each model year, this one outlined. Tap a year to open it. The newest 2 are not judged yet. Bars are totals, so older years stand taller; the verdict compares every year at the same age.

Best and worst years of the Explorer

NHTSA did not answer for 1 year, so the chart may be missing some.

SourceNHTSA owner complaints and recalls for the Explorer. NHTSA, checked Nov 1, 2026.

Before you buy this one

5 checks, with a close look at the transmission and drivetrain

Built from this year's numbers. Whatever the data says, the car in front of you is the one that counts.

Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm every recall was fixed.
This year has 4 recalls on file. Recall repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand. Ask the dealer to confirm before any work is done. Look up a VIN at NHTSA.
Ask the seller for the service records.
Look closely for any work on the transmission and drivetrain. It is the part owners complain about most for this year.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect it before you pay.
Ask them to look hard at the transmission and drivetrain. It is usually costly to fix.
Look at a vehicle history report.
It can show reported crashes, flood or salvage titles, and mileage that does not add up.
On the test drive, pay attention to the transmission and drivetrain.
Feel for slipping, hesitation, harsh or late shifts, and shudder at low speed.

Going to see it? Take the checklist52 checks with the bad signs to look for, saved on your phone.

Check this exact car

The verdict is about the model year. These checks are about the one in front of you. Most are free or a few dollars.

VIN for these checks

Copy it, then paste it into each check. Nothing is sent until you open one.

Official checks on this VIN

Open recallsFree
NHTSA
Safety recalls on this VIN that are not fixed yet, from the last 15 years.
A recall already fixed does not show.
Check recalls at NHTSAnhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
Theft and total lossFree
NICB VINCheck
Whether an insurer reported it stolen and not found, or wrote it off as a total loss.
Only insurer records. Five checks a day.
Open NICB VINChecknicb.org (opens in a new tab)
Title brandsA few dollars
NMVTIS, the federal title system
Salvage, flood, junk and rebuilt brands from any state, and the last miles on the title.
No repairs, service or recalls. Sold by approved sellers listed on the site.
See the approved sellersvehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Title statusVaries by state
The state motor vehicle office
Whether the title is branded in that state and, where the state offers it, whether a lender still has a lien.
It will not name the owner. Each state asks its own way, and some only by mail. Ask to see the seller’s title too.
Find your state’s officeusa.gov (opens in a new tab)

What a paid report adds

A history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck pulls in more of the car’s past than these checks can:

Crashes and damage reported by police, insurers or shops, even when it was fixed.
Service visits that shops reported, with the miles each time.
How many owners, for how long, and the states it was registered in.
Whether it was a rental, fleet or lease car, when that was reported.

It only knows what was reported to it. A clean report is not proof of a clean car. Ask the seller first: many dealers hand one over for free.

Red flags in a history

Salvage title
Usually an insurer called it a total loss. In most states it cannot be driven on the road until it is rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt title
A salvage car that was fixed and passed a state check. It can be fine, but it is worth less, can be harder to insure, and needs a careful inspection.
Flood damage
Water can ruin wiring and sensors months later. Be wary of a flood brand that vanished after a move to another state.
Lemon or maker buyback
The maker bought it back over a defect it could not fix. Ask what the defect was and how it was fixed.
Odometer rollback
A mileage reading lower than an earlier one, or a title marked not actual miles.
Many owners, fast
Three owners in two years can mean a problem each one passed along.
Gaps in the records
Years with no service or registration. Ask why: it may have sat, been off the road, or been rebuilt.

Title words and rules differ by state. Not legal advice.

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection
Have a mechanic you choose, not the seller, put it on a lift and look it over before you pay.
Insurance quote
Get a quote on this exact car before you sign. Ask your own insurer and one or two others.

Model year	Owner complaints	Verdict
1995	950	Worthy
1996	1640	Worthy
1997	1981	Maybe
1998	2248	Maybe
1999	1568	Worthy
2000	1133	Worthy
2001	765	Worthy
2002	3622	Pass
2003	1313	Worthy
2004	1408	Maybe
2005	568	Worthy
2006	635	Maybe
2007	208	Worthy
2008	148	Worthy
2009	33	Worthy
2010	115	Worthy
2011	1197	Maybe
2012	830	Worthy
2013	2237	Maybe
2014	1684	Worthy
2015	1814	Worthy
2016	2464	Maybe
2017	1713	Maybe
2018	733	Worthy
2019	300	Worthy
2020	1247	Maybe
2021	452	Worthy
2022	271	Worthy
2023	113	Worthy
2024	21	Worthy
2025	107	Maybe
2026	No answer	Not judged
2027	0	Not judged

The verdict on the 2004 Ford Explorer

Value signals

What owners complain about

Seller kit

Write your offer

When problems show up

Will it outlast the loan?

Recalls

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Windows, wipers and visibility

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Crash ratings

Fuel economy

Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

True cost to own

Every year of the Explorer

Before you buy this one

Check this exact car

Official checks on this VIN

What a paid report adds

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection

Insurance quote

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Windows, wipers and visibility

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L

Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L