2004 Ford Explorer Body Problems
- 208
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 208 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 7 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- Hatchback/Liftgate · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 71 |
| 30–60k mi | 50 |
| 100–150k mi | 31 |
| 1–30k mi | 12 |
| 150–400k mi | 12 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body · Structure
On my roof i noticed that the paint is peeling just to the outside of both sides of the roof rack. The paint is cracked and peeling uniformly on both side which indicated it is a defect in the painting process. *tr
ODI 10258403
Body
2004 ford explorer; rear panel below window cracked. *tr
ODI 10267170
Body
Noticed a number of cracked rear panels on late model ford explorers (2004-2006)- this problem is widespread on the ford explorer- ford has failed to acknowledge that this defect in workmanship exist- ford should recall these vehicles or offer a goodwill repair these ford explorer owners. *tr
ODI 10373660
Body
The plastic piece below the rear hatch glass has cracked between the window and the top of the tail gate. I have contacted ford with no response. I have see many explorers with the same problem. Some say the damage is cased by water getting behind the plastic and freezing, causing the plastic to crack. This could allow more water into the panel causing more problems. *tr
ODI 10257018
Body
There is a long crack in the back area below the back hatch window, it looks like water running down by the ford emblem but it is a crack. I have seen this same crack on other ford explorer. That why i belief it is a defect in the vehicle itself. *tr
ODI 10259154
Body
The panel below the rear window cracked for no apparent reason. I loaded my gym bag into the back and closed the hatch. When i came back 5 min later to wipe the dew off the window i noticed 2 vertical cracks on the panel. The cracks seem to be getting longer and i fear the window may fall out. *tr
ODI 10266125
Body
Cracked plastic panel below the rear window by the ford emblem. *tr
ODI 10258827
Body
Manufacturers defect: 2004 ford explorer; 6" plastic panel below rear window running across the car has cracked top to bottom because of cold weather. A very common problem but ford does not consider it a safety problem and therefore will not cover the total cost of replacing it. *tr
ODI 10258635
Body
The rear hatch panel on my ford 2004 explorer cracked for no apparent reason. When i went to the local dealer he said it is a common defect. When i asked how much it would cost to repair he quoted me $650.00 i have seen dozens of this model in my daily driving experience in az. Why hasn't ford made a replacement for all of us who have this problem. It irritates me that they say quality is number one but won't own up…
ODI 10330733
Body
My back gate to my 2004 ford explorer has cracked and i have read where this is a severe problem as my window could fall out. This is a very serious problem and by reading online there are hundreds of thousands of these that have done this. Which means there needs to be a recall. *tr
ODI 10299887
Body
We have a 2004 ford explorer that had a spontaneous crack occur on the back lift gate below the glass and through the ford emblem. We have seen many explorers on the road with this defect and were told that this is not going to be recalled and would be responsible for fixing. Although we considered; most people that have had this fixed; the crack happens again. This would cost 4-8 hundred dollars to fix and will…
ODI 10264106
Body
I noticed a crack on the rear panel of the tailgate of my 2004 ford explorer. It is in the middle, right next to the ford emblem. I took the vehicle to the ford dealership. The service manager explained that this was a common problem that people are bringing in to them. They said that there was no recall for it. They said my only option was to pay to get it repaired, which would cost about $450.00. My vehicle only…
ODI 10261573
Body
This morning present on the backside of my 2004 ford explorer back hatch is a crack in the metal beginning under the back window proceeding vertically down to bottom where it stopped above my back license plate. The crack is 8-10 inches in length. It was not present prior to this morning when i approached my car to go to work. Research on the internet reveals 100's of complaints with the exact description. Ford is…
ODI 10252005
Body
The hatch of our 2004 ford explorer cracked on its own and then 2 weeks later another crack appeared now the glass is starting to shift. I have seen multiple explorers with the same defect. The ford body shop told us that he has seen over 500 explorers within the last 3 months with the same problem. But they refuse to fix it. If it does not get fixed the window could fall out during driving and be a danger to others…
ODI 10259134
Body
The rear hatch door cracked on my 2004 explorer, next to the ford emblem, for no apparent reason. Concerned safety of glass now. Dealer says to bad that they might fix it for around $250.00 i still have a warranty but not for the body. *tr
ODI 10254632
Body
The back panel under the window on my 2004 ford explorer cracked by the emblem. I contacted ford on dec 1, 2008 and was told that nobody has filed a complaint. Since then i've noticed over 15 ford explorers with the same problem and numerous complaints on the internet, however ford denys there is a problem and has refused to provide me with assistance in getting this resolved. *tr
ODI 10258023
Body · Structure
2004 ford explorer with the back plastic door been split in half, it looks like this is happening to a lot of ford explorers, we have taken the truck to the dealer. The problem is not on a recall and it will be on our own expenses. *tr
ODI 10265161
Body
Long crack under rear window of tailgate,beside ford emblem, appeared overnight,no accidents, 39,00 miles, otherwise excellent condition. *tr
ODI 10250041
Body
I own a 2004 explorer and a few weeks ago i noticed a crack in the back hatchback. I went to the ford dealership to ask for a estimate and when i told the service attendant what the problem was, he stated that the cold weather contributed to the crack and he said that it has happened to at least 75% of the explorers. I asked is it the explorers only and he said "yes." my warranty has expired and therefore they do…
ODI 10252129
Body
The rear tailgate cracked from the bottom of the rear glass and propagated downward around the ford emblem and finally to the bottom of the liftgate panel. This has happened on a 2004 ford explorer limited, v8 with . *tr
ODI 10263065
Body
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. While cleaning the rear window of the vehicle, the contact noticed a crack between the window and the handle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they referred him to a local body shop. After arriving at the body shop, the mechanic stated that there were several ford explorers with this defect. The manufacturer stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The…
ODI 10251559
Body
Plastic applique on liftgate cracked while vehicle was parked and liftgate was not being used. This is the second time this has happened since we purchased the vehicle five years ago. The crack continued to spread until now the piece is in two separate pieces. The pieces are loose and could possibly come off while driving which could be a dangerous situation. Ford refuses to fix this even though it is clearly a…
ODI 10249845
Body
Walked outside one day and noticed a crack in the plastic panel below my rear window. I have seen many other explorers with the same problem. *tr
ODI 10263347
Body
2004 ford explorer xlt, upper rear hatch cracked was not hit or abused. *tr
ODI 10257043
Body · Structure
Tailgate, plastic which run around "ford" the width of the gate cracked. Cold weather the crack gets large, hot weather it closes up. It cracked on its own. *tr
ODI 10255593