2004 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 460about this part
- Share
- 35%of 1,304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 460 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Explorer, 35% of the 1,304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 17 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Well we just bought this Explorer and just as I have read from others on this website our Explorer is doing similar things. Such as shifting in reverse takes 3-7 seconds to take hold, going up the mountains the SUV had major kickbacks and jerks. I have not taken to dealership as of now. Will make an apt. And put results later.”
NHTSA complaint #11057243, filed 2017-12, 197,000 miles“Had my used 2004 Ford Explorer for a week and I noticed the transmission jerking when it shift into the last gear. Sometimes when I put it in reverse, I have to wait for a full minute for it to finally reverse. Sometimes it jerks hard when I put it in reverse or drive. I'm sure the dealership knew about all this but never revealed it. Of course when you buy as is, your screwed.”
NHTSA complaint #10694706, filed 2015-03, 139,939 miles“We was drive the street doing 30 MPH until we came until a stop light . When the light turn green the transmission started to act like in didn't wont to go into gear . When only had the car for a year in only put almost less then 9 to 8 thousand mile on it. When the car full service every time... Don't know what to do any more.”
NHTSA complaint #10507399, filed 2013-04, 128,765 miles“Just bought a 2004 Explorer eddie bauer edition with 105,000 miles on it as soon as I got home the transmission started to slip. It lunges hard when put into reverse. This is a well known problem with Ford. They refuse to do a recall. I'm sure someone will have to die before its dealt with. I pray it's not you or yours.”
NHTSA complaint #10543989, filed 2013-09, 105,000 miles“Transmission is slipping, not fully gone yet, only a matter of time before it completely goes. I do not have the $2500.00 to replace the transmission. Every person I have talked to say this is a common problem with the Ford explorers. I have taken into the garage over 10 times. Ford should be forced to recall these transmissions and Ford should have to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10466556, filed 2012-07, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10028736May 1, 2009Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle…
- 10019947Jan 1, 2006Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10014100Jan 1, 2006Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10012952Jun 7, 2005Driveline 1st order vibration/boom/drone.
- 10013306May 27, 2005Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid…
- 10014668May 1, 2005Axle seal leaks.
- 10017898Apr 1, 2005Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10017892Apr 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014659Mar 1, 2005Axle whine howl. This includes 1997-05 ford vehicles.
- 10012938Feb 7, 20055r55s transmission fluid leaks from converter housing area. Diagnostic trouble code p1783 on vehicles built prior to 12/12/2004.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Explorer
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 complaintsSuspension
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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