2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 86 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,852miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 8% of the 86 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,852 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Instrument panel cluster gauges and odometer drop to zero at times while driving, and I don't know my speed and well as RPM's. Afraid the engine might slow down or stop creating a possible freeway accident. On line there are several complaint about this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11132434, filed 2018-10, 168,000 miles“My gas gauge needle started going beyond full then intermittently would be on e when I just filled it. Each time I would start the truck the gas gauge would show different needle readings. After a month or so it the gas needle quit moving or reading at all. I assumed it was in the fuel tank. I took it in to shop and after taking off the fuel tank there was no problem found. I had to replace the entire cluster panel. Cost almost $1000. There are quite a few comments on the gas gauge not working correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #10627088, filed 2014-08, 105,230 miles“This vehicle was purchased brand new in october 2004. Six months along the car shut down as I was driving and failed to turn over. Car was towed to the dealer where originally purchased and after four days car was returned to me. Had no problems for the next 6 months. In february 2006 on my way home from work one evening, the car stalled once again . Same situation . I had the car towed to another Ford dealer. Three days later got it back, they claimed the first time the car was not fixed correctly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10160843, filed 2006-06“The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the ignition switch was loose. The contact took the vehicle to be diagnosed and was advised by an independent mechanic that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,437.”
NHTSA complaint #10566033, filed 2014-02, 112,473 miles“Consumer went to dealership to purchase a vehicle approximately four months ago. When consumer was driving out of the lot vehicle caught on fire. He was told that this was due to the battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10103872, filed 2004-12Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 4 | 17% |
| 2007 | 14 | 14% |
| 2005 | 11 | 17% |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 11 | 14% |
| 2002 | 21 | 15% |
| 2001 | 14 | 8% |
| 1998 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology