{"id":512563,"date":"2023-06-16T23:57:18","date_gmt":"2023-06-17T03:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fs1inc.com\/blog\/2004-ford-explorer-problems-reliability\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T22:28:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T02:28:02","slug":"2004-ford-explorer-problems-reliability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fs1inc.com\/blog\/2004-ford-explorer-problems-reliability\/","title":{"rendered":"2004 Ford Explorer Problems &#038; Reliability"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[258,39],"tags":[50,725,28],"class_list":["post-512563","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-car","category-ford","tag-50","tag-explorer","tag-ford"],"acf":{"sku":"","year":"","make":"","model":"","post_title":"","featured_image":null,"introduction":"","what_is_pcm_programming":"","signs_your_year_make_model_needs_pcm_programming":"","product_title":"","product_view_link":"","how_pcm_programming_works_for_year_make_model":"","engine_size":"","engine_size_1_url":"","engine_size_2":"","engine_size_2_url":"","description":"When it comes to choosing a reliable vehicle, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs1inc.com\/blog\/2004-ford-explorer-pcm-replacement-guide\/\">2004 Ford Explorer<\/a> often finds its way into the conversation, especially among those who appreciate the rugged appeal of an SUV. As a 30-year-old navigating the complexities of adulthood, you might be considering this model for its blend of practicality and performance. However, like any vehicle, the 2004 Ford Explorer has its share of quirks and issues that potential buyers should be aware of. In this blog post, we'll delve into the common problems associated with this model year, providing you with a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision.\n\nThe 2004 Ford Explorer, part of the third generation of Explorers, was designed to offer a comfortable ride with ample space for both passengers and cargo. While it boasts a strong reputation for its off-road capabilities and towing capacity, it's important to weigh these benefits against some of the reliability concerns that have surfaced over the years. From transmission issues to electrical glitches, we'll explore the most frequently reported problems and discuss how they might impact your ownership experience. Whether you're considering purchasing a used Explorer or simply curious about its performance history, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the road ahead confidently.","body_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","body_analysis":"<p>No major Body Components problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","brake_system_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","brake_system_analysis":"<p>No major Brake System problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","heating_&_cooling_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","heating_&_cooling_analysis":"<p>No major Heating & Cooling problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","drivetrain_reported_problems":"<ul><li>Rear Window Wiper May Not Fully Contact Rear Window<\/li><\/ul>","drivetrain_reported_analysis":"<p>The 2004 Ford Explorer has a known issue where the rear window wiper may not fully contact the rear window, which can be a bit annoying, especially in bad weather. While this problem doesn't affect the overall performance of the vehicle, it can be a hassle for those who rely on the rear wiper for clear visibility. Overall, the Explorer is generally reliable, but this is one of those quirks that owners might want to keep in mind.<\/p>","interior_electronics_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","interior_electronics_analysis":"<p>No major Interior Electronics problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","cooling_system_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","cooling_system_analysis":"<p>No major Cooling System problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","ignition_&_wiring_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","ignition_&_wiring_analysis":"<p>No major Ignition & Wiring problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","engine_repairs_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","engine_repairs_analysis":"<p>No major Engine Repairs problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","exhaust_system_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","exhaust_system_analysis":"<p>No major Exhaust System problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","fuel_&_emissions_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","fuel_&_emissions_analysis":"<p>No major Fuel & Emissions problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","onboard_electronics_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","onboard_electronics_analysis":"<p>No major Onboard & Powertrain Control Electronics problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","strange_sounds_&_leaks_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","strange_sounds_&_leaks_analysis":"<p>No major Strange Sounds & Leaks problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","exterior_finish_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","exterior_finish_analysis":"<p>No major Exterior Finish problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","suspension_&_steering_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","suspension_&_steering_analysis":"<p>No major Suspension & Steering problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","transmission_repairs_reported_problems":"<p>N\/A<\/p>","transmission_repairs_analysis":"<p>No major Transmission Repairs problems have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer.<\/p>","conclusion":"","image":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2004 Ford Explorer Problems &amp; 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