Most common 2004 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer Sport complaints by model year
Best Explorer Sport years: 2005, 2004, 1997. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport:
Rear liftgate glass hatch failure
This investigation was opened on June 23, 2008, based on 34 complaints involving eight injuries in which the rear liftgate glass hatch on model year 2004 Ford explorers or Mercury mountaineers broke off and fell, usually while individuals were operating the glass hatch or loading or unloading items from the rear of the vehicle.Ford conducted recall 04v-442 in 2004 to address similar problems on model year 2002 and…
Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), Ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column.
What 2004 Ford Explorer Sport owners say
Body & structure
Noticed that the back panel of tailgate is cracked on Friday, February 22, 2008. The crack runs from underneath the rear windshield to the Ford emblem and the continues to the handle of the tailgate. The crack is open, and I have cut my finger on it when closing the tailgate. I'm trying to close it another way, but there's no other place to put your hand to close the tailgate because the crack comes down to the middle of the handle. I am afraid that the panel will fall completely off or the rear glass will dislodge and fall out. I am taking the vehicle to the dealership this week to determine how to get it fixed.
The rear lift gate on my Explorer cracked on the left side of the Ford emblem. The gate cracked during normal operation of the vehicle. I have a habit of looking over my vehicle. The crack was discovered when I inspected my vehicle before going into my home. On my next service visit I asked my Ford dealer if there had been a recall for this defect. I was told that Ford had not generated a recall for this defect. There May be thousands of explorers with this defect, I see them every day. I am very disappointed with the Ford company for not taking care of this defect. I have purchased my last Ford.
Transmission & drivetrain
2004 Ford Explorer. Transmission shifts roughly into reverse and third gear. Car was put into reverse in June, 2004 and did not move until a few seconds later, and then lunged backwards, hitting my wife and breaking her arm. Still shifts roughly to this day.
Started in 7/2007 had vibrations in drive train, Ford stated it was the drive shaft. Ford replaced the drive shaft with a high-performance balanced one. Vibration stopped. In 10/2007 the Explorer was slipping during acceleration, and slamming into gear. Overdrive light would be blinking on and off. This time they had said that they had to rebuild the transmission due to a bad oriface. Later I found out they only replaced the valve body at 24072 miles. I asked about the lag time between pressing the accelerator and actually moving and was told that this was the way the vehicle drives due to no cables for the throttle it was electronic and there might be a computer update at a later date. It hesitates upon acceleration just had to learn and accept it. …
2004 Ford Explorer Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Explorer Sport rates better than average: 76% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer Sport at the same age. It is one of the best Explorer Sport years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport?
The body & structure — 11 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and windows, wipers & sunroof (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer Sport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 1998 and 1999. See the full Ford Explorer Sport years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Explorer Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.