2004 Ford Explorer Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 0%of 1,304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 172,472miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2004 Ford Explorer, 0% of the 1,304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 172,472 miles.
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.
“I am having electronica issues with my 2004 Ford Explorer, that control lighting and speed of my vehicle. Also the left signal arm that controls high beams, and lighting snapped off while I was on the freeway on august 5th, 2018. The electrical problem started in june 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11118597, filed 2018-08, 203,011 miles“When driving my 2004 Ford Explorer started making a grinding and humming noise on the left front of driver side tire area. Abs and 4x4 high lights came on instrument panel. Truck felt like it was going into 4x4 mode on its own and braking felt like ABS system failed. Took it to a Ford dealership and I was told that both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced at a cost of $1053. Since this truck uses sensors and traction control the sensor on the left driver side had gone out causing this feature no longer to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10886241, filed 2016-07, 172,472 miles“My SUV shuts off, at full speed!!! I've been in contact with Ford's corporate office, dealerships and other mechanics..... It is an issue that tens of thousands of Ford Explorer owners have had. There are thousands of complaints online! It is so common that mechanics know what you're talking about, before you finish a description of the problem. It's alsoi common for individuals to replace motors and continue to have their vehicles shut off on them, at full speed!!!. I am afraid for my child's safety, as well as my own.”
NHTSA complaint #10745411, filed 2015-07, 90,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 14 | 1% |
| 2013 | 45 | 2% |
| 2012 | 19 | 2% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 3 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Explorer
460 complaintsBody and structure
426 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
112 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 complaintsEngine cooling
71 complaintsElectrical system
55 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsSteering
41 complaintsWheels
41 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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