Ford Explorer 2004
The 2004 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder. It gets 15 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 4 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.
Specs
| Cylinders | 6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic · 5 speeds |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 5,230 × 1,880 × 1,780 mm (205.9 × 74.0 × 70.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm (126.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,973 kg (4,350 lb) |
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
Dimensions and weight: median of the 3 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.
For sale in United States
Other Ford Explorer for sale in United States
Safety
Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.
Fuel economy (MPG)
🇺🇸 Local dataBy version
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.6 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.6 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.
Recalls
Consequence · Remedy
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Common problems
40 reports🇺🇸 Local dataReported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.
All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in the face and eyes and knocked me sidew…
on [XXX] brought to local shop on power steering leak. Week before, Paid $50 for inspection. on [XXX] appointment was line and replaced. But tech said get pass brake line was rotted and was bad leak of brake fluid. On [XXX] my wife's Explorer was reinspected and rear driver side brake copper line also reported rotted …
I need a new gas tank for my vehicle and Ford stopped making the gas tank for my vehicle. That is a very big safety issue. I called Ford and they were helping to find one from junkyard's I don't want one from a junkyard that I have to repair. I asked for Ford to make a gas tank or pay for them to have mine fixed right…
Smoke for a good 5 mins under the hood oil leeking
Back windows fell off track and windows fell down, cannot roll them up. AC and Heater broke and won't work at all. Fuel system is too lean. Transmission is going out Timing Chain and tensioners making loud knocking noise. Burning oil.
The contact's son owned a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving in the rain at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned as he rounded a corner. The vehicle slid into a ditch and hit a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's …
On two incidents this week when steering wheel is cut to maximum left or right in tight parking lot and narrow road while making tight turns at legal speeds the engine (V8 4.6L) stalls. Brought to non-Ford mechanic for inspection(NYS ANNUAL) and passes but mechanic looked for a power steering pressure sending sensor o…
on 5/6/21 at Ramp Ford 4869 Nesconset Hwy.,Pt. Jeff.Sts.,NY at 10:00am dealer sevice Mgr. met with NYSDMV Auto Facilities Inspector on a claim against Mavis Discount Tire,556 Route 25A, Mt Sinai,NY case 1Pi-01937 on a right rear wheel. Ramp removed R/R wheel to inspect with state inspector, appears like axle nut on r/…
MICHELIN CROSSTERRAIN TIRES SUFFERING TREAD SEPARATION. THREE OUT OF FOUR SO FAR. HAD I NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS PROBLEM IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY..
TIRES! TIRES! TIRES! AGAIN! A SECOND TIRE HAS SUFFERED TREAD SEPARATION AND FAILED COMPLETELY. WHY CAN'T I GET ANYONE TO TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY?
ENGINE DIES WHEN DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL OPERATING AND HEADING DOWN SLIGHT HILL AT SPEED OF AROUND 35 MPH. CRUISE IS DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN DRIVING SPEED GOING DOWN THE HILL (UP OR DOWN HILL FOR THAT MATTER). THE TACHOMETER INDICATES A SLOWING OF ENGINE RPM. AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE SLOWING OF RPM DOES NOT FALL TOO …
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST WEEK I NOTICED A SLIGHT 'BUMPING' FEEL LIKE AN UNBALANCED TIRE, SO I TOOK A LOOK WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY BUT FOUND NOTHING. THE NEXT DAY ON MY WAY TO WORK THE "BUMPING' WAS MUCH WORSE SO I STOPPED TO CHECK AND FOUND A LARGE BULGE ON THE TREAD OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. AFTER SLOWLY RE…
Questions
- What engine does the 2004 Ford Explorer have?
- The 2004 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Ford Explorer?
- It gets 15 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
- Does the 2004 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- 4 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-05-11).
- What are the common problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer?
- 40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Air Bags.
Other years
Other models by Ford
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