Problems with 2004 Ford Explorer POWER TRAIN

When at a stop the automatic transmission fails to engage until engine rpms are too high for safe initial forward or rearward movement. according to the ford dealership in my city this problem is due to a defective solinoid body inside the transmission.there was one attempt to repair the problem by the local ford dealership in 2005 when the car had 11127 miles. at that time the automatic transmission solenoid valve was replaced, but the problem still persisted. that dealership went out of business about a year later. just lately the new dealership thought that the original transmission might have to be replaced in order to return the car to a safe and normal driving condition. the cost was estimated at $3500. this problem with the 2004 ford explorer has been reported by hundreds of other owners to the us dot nhtsa , but nothing has come of these complaints. the ford motor co. also refuses to do any repairs under warranty and/or due to a factory recall, etc. the problem described refers to a very dangerous condition in which the drivers of 2004 ford explorers do not know exactly when or at what rmp level their car will suddenly and rapidly accelerate from a stop.

In addition to hard shifting in the transmission, the rear differential "chatters" loudly when turning at low speed. the vehicle feels extremely loose and sloppy at 14,000 miles. *ak

When reversing, loud banging clunking noise is heard from the back. the car jerks back harshly after long delay in going back into drive. *ak

When placing my 2004 ford explorer in reverse, it hesitates then engages in gear with a noticeable jump and "clanging" noise. purchased vehicle new in 8/2004. *nm

The transmission started having problems after just a couple of months. the first time i was told they had to add an additive to the transmission. it has been in 2 more times for this and this friday i just got it back from transmission repair only to go out and find tranny fluid all over my garage (70 miles after they fixed it again) i also had the starter go out in it and now they still cant find what is causing it...(likely story). *nm

After shifting in reverse gear vehicle lurches forward. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Delay/harsh clunk when shifting to reverse. *nm

2004 ford explorer, purchased new. every since i have owned the car it has had a transmission problem and will not gear down when turning or slowing down from a normal rate of speed. then takes apx 20-25 seconds to catch back up when accelerator pressed..has caused me to almost be hit several times.. because it won't go when it does catch up there is a hard bump in the car and loud sound..very aggravating and scary. has been back to the dealership and told its a (sp) solenoid problem and had been fixed, but it hasn't have been disgusted and been driving it this way because i don't have $2000 for repairs. *tr

I purchashed my 2004 ford explorer on january 11, 2005. after the first week i had to take it back to the service department of the dealership, on saturday, january 22, 2005. i informed them that the transmission is lagging when automatically shifting and that sometimes there is a loud clunk during the automatic shifting and especially when putting the car in reverse. also the tire pressure warning light has been coming on; so they checked that and said that they replaced the sensors. that light is still staying on. as for the transmission, i was informed that there is a manufacturer defect and that they were going to order the parts to fix it. as of january 31, 2005, the parts still have not come in. in the meantime i am having to continue to drive this vehicle and the problem seems to be getting worse. i do quite a bit of driving on the highway to get back and forth to work and i am very concerned about the transmission as well as the tire pressure. *ak

Car transmission was not responding correctly. after several trips to the dealer to have it checked out, the replaced the solenoid pack several weeks later warning light came on with a battery symbol and said hi temp low oil. engine died when going to park and then again at stop light the next day. dealer could not replicate problem. two weeks later, engine again died with a wrench symbol and said engine failsafe mode. dealer has had it a week and cannot replicate problem. did find a problem with and replaced abs in computer system. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, he could feel a slip in the gears. he also stated that when shifting into reverse, there was a violent shift in the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that he needed to replace the transmission. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 10,000. updated 12/14/2011 *cn updated 02/23/11

We bought this vehicle new in december of 2004 and it has been in the service dept. 8 times in the past 7 months for warranty repairs. it has been in 4 times for "hard cranks but no start", 4 times for rough idling, 1 time for an rpm problem (and in next week for a different one- it stays around 3 rpm after accelerating- i have to let off of the gas pedal for it to shift down), and it has been in for misc. issues (whistling noise at front window, rattling console, etc.). each time it has been brought in for the mechanical problems, they "upgrade the pcm". i have contacted the dealership and i have contacted ford directly numerous times for a repurchase because of my daughter's medical condition. it requires that she has reliable and safe transportation available at all times. the dealership knew about her needs when we bought this suv. however, i keep getting shuttled back and forth between the dealership, (schimmer ford, illinois) and ford motor company. as a long time purchaser of ford vehicles, i am really disappointed in the treatment that i am receiving.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the transmission in the vehicle is constantly slipping. the vehicle hesitated after numerous attempts to adjust to the correct gear. due to the failure it takes longer than it should to increase speed. the dealer made an adjustment to the transmission; however, the vehicle was not fully repaired. the failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 96,000. updated 05/15/09 *bf updated 05/18/09.*jb

Intermittently the vehicle will surge backwords when placed in reverse. at times when placing the car in reverse the vehicle will delay going in reverse and surge backwards uncontrollably. the dealer claims it needs new transmission parts. 5 week back order because of so many complaints about this. why isn't there a recall. this is a major safety problem. manufacturer also claims it is related to transmission oil.*ak

The transmission on my 04 explorer is failing. ford issued a recall to add an addative to the transmission which did not correct the problem. then the selaniod was replaced and the problems seemed to go away. now 500 miles later the problem is happening again. no help from the ford dealer.

Bought new 2004 explorer xlt january 1st 2005, upon driving the vehicle home i noticed a hesitation in the changing of the gears at low speeds, and it also seems to slip when making turns at low speeds. i took in to ford dealership right away and they said throttle body was sticking and replaced it. also they updated the computer chip and said everything was fine. no change to the vehicle, i took to another ford dealership they could not replicate the problem so they said. they sent me on my way with no relief in sight, they did suggest that i have the transmission fluid recall and i did, it did not change anything. this is a safety issue no matter what ford says, if i need acceleration in traffic and my vehicle does not perform and hesitates or spits and sputters, i and my family are in serious danger and that is not acceptable to me and my fellow consumers. i will not be purchasing another ford product again. if ford has admitted they have this transmission problem, but will not recall and cannot fix this problem, how can they be allowed to let the consumer take the hit?? *jb

See ford motor co tsb 04b22 or nhtsa item number 10013306, ford explorer 2004. subject vehicle's transmission, to a lesser degree, had started to exhibit the characteristics described therein prior to receipt of the 04b22 program notice. random violent transmission operation. causes vehicle to lurch when accelerator is depressed after placing transmission in gear with vehicle stationary, occurs most often in reverse , before or after vehicle starts to move, most often before vehicle has started moving. i consider this a safety issue and shortening service life of drive line components. five times to dealership in attempt to have problem corrected under warranty, dealership fine; manufacturer's reps. verbally advised me that transmission operation is "normal", i requested they put it in writing, they refused. it is my understanding, verbally, they will not do anymore to correct the problem. the vehicle is under warranty. ford retained all original parts removed from transmission (warranty work). after filing this complaint and i receive case number i will forward to odi copies of all documents from my files on this issue. please note that the failure mileage(7500) listed elsewhere herein is only an estimate of the mileage at which this random malfunction ocurred; it started subtly and increased in magnitude over a period of time.

2004 ford explorer - transmission delays engagement of reverse and drive. ford dealership replaced solenoid. problem returned within 9 months. the vehicle is out of warranty now and the ford dealership diagnosed a $975 repair including the replacement of the solenoid. *jb

There was a delay and jerk when vehicle was put in reverse. the gear popped, causing the vehicle to hit a tree while in reverse. consumer will contact manufacturer.*ak

The transmission of my 2004 ford explorer does not always respond when shifting into reverse. this problem is also occuring occasionally when shifting into forward or drive. the problem going into reverse has been happening for a while and quite often but yes it is intermittent. when shifting into reverse, the transmission initially does nothing and when you press the accelerator the vehicle lurches or the drive train bangs, depending on how much the accelerator is pressed. i went to the dealer and they say that it has to happen in their presence. this is not always convienent and could take several visits for them to agree that i am experiencing the problem. they also stated that they are not sure that the present approach to rectifying the issue is the correct or final one. i asked for a service bulletin regarding my vehicle and their policy on repairing this and they refused. i feel i am entitled to any and all service bulletins concerning this vehicle. since this is a problem that can occur creating a unexpected amount of motion or movement of the vehicle when the vehicle lurches there should be a greater effeort to be proactive in addressing consumer inquiries not trying to avoid any expense on their part in fixing the issue.*ak

2004 ford explorer-delayed then harsh shift of transmission into reverse, was in shop to replace solenoid and bad transmission fluid installed at the factory"-problem persists-car was purchased nov 2004 and has only approx 4500 miles. problem is ongoing so there is not just one incident date. *ak

As i put the transmission into reverse, when backing out of my garage, there is a hesitation in the shift into reverse between 4 and 8 seconds, then the transmission goes into reverse with a bang. this just started happening to me, lately, on a number of occaisions. the explorer was bought in july of 2004 and as of this date has 9,500 miles on it, and the latest incident was 12-15-04.

A problem in the transmission causes the engine to shut off when coming to a stop. the engine will shutter, then die. this results in the loss of the power steering and brakes making this problem a severe safety hazard for all motorist and passengers. ford has been notified but declines to admit this incident. it has to do with the jerking of the harsh reverse engagement nhtsa item number 10008268. i have had this problem since feb 2004, one week after the truck was purchased. they could not find what caused it until i had the harsh transmission engagement problem. after it was repaired the problem stopped. on dec 14, 2004 the engine shutoff started again. on dec 16, 2004 the harsh engagement started again. this truck was purchased new and all services have been done. *jb

2004 ford explorer clunks when putting into reverse. this problem has been reported before and i think ford is considering a program. i have taken my explorer to the dealer, and they said they couldn't replicate the condition. it does it all the time, and i think they are avoiding repairs. the carhas only 9,000 miles and is under warranty. transmission has wrong fluid and faulty shift solenoid per ford's own press releases.*ak

Transmission has been slipping gears since purchased new in 2004. it hesitates considerably to engage into reverse. when engaged in drive it's initially nonresponsive to light acceleration then surges forward. after taking to a certified ford dealership for solenoid work, it continues to misengage into multiple gears. this is not my first ford explorer and is radically different from the transmission performance of any suv i've driven. my concern is that after this problem is fixed, residual damage done to the transmission will be still present, which may not become apparent until after the vehicle is beyond warranty.

Automatic transmission takes anywhere from 3-10 seconds to engage when put into reverse. as this problem gets worse i've noticed that the shift points while driving seem out of form and more harse than normal. my dealer ordered a new selonoid (which cost $360) and will replace when it becomes available - currently on backorder (obviously this is a problem).*ak

There is a delay in the gear when vehicle is put in drive or reverse. vehicle tends to jerk when the gear pops. manufacturer will be contacted by consumer. *ak

Vehicle traveled at various speeds the transmission failed and as a result vehicle was unable to move and made an idling noise. vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs for fourth time this year.*ak *nm

Transmission was sticking when the car was put in reverse. after a few seconds of acelleration there is a bang and the car jolts back rapidly. i am still afraid to parallel park. i also noticed some sticking/hesitation from park to drive. i took it in for service on 12/07/04 and the solenoids were replaced along with some other work on the trans. the dealership told me that the parts were on hand because they know about the problem. if that was the case why no recall letter? there are only about 6500 miles (rounding up) on my vehicle and when i purchased it in june of 2004 it was brand new. i am deeply concerned that the problem will return or that some of the others that i've read about will develop. how many complaints/repairs before a recall is issued? *ak

Purchased used 2004 explorer w/ 17k miles on it. vin# [xxx] wife took possession of vehicle friday evening ready to drive away when she placed vehicle in reveres and it banged hard as it jerked into reverse and chirped the tires. drove it home noticed the shifting from 2d to 3rd was hard and appeared to want to accelerate on its own and when it went into overdrive the rpms reduced but no noticeable signs that one could tell it had shifted into od.took it to dealer on 10th of dec 2004 for upholstery issues and the shifting issues. going into reverse has a 2-5 sec. delay and then shifts abruptly, this can and may very be a safety hazard and someone will be injured in due time. only by god's grace did we happen to have the foot on brake pedal each time vehicle was placed in reverse; otherwise the jerk and jumping into reverse would have hit a person or another vehicle in a parking lot. i am presently waiting a final solution form ford. i will not be satisfied with the common reply that this is normal. that is unacceptable when others are placed in danger unawares! *jb updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Since new, i have intermittent hard start issues with the vehicle. on about 7 occasions, the dealer was notified and they simply told me since it started that there was nothing they could do since there wasn't a light on the dash did not come on. therefore there would not be any codes. finally at 10,345 miles, the car broke down. they replaced the throttle position sensor. the kept getting about 4 or 5 codes and they were unable to clear them. replaced the ecm and reprogrammed. i still have the intermittent hard start issue which is intermittent. the ecm has been updated 3 times. i also have an issue with the tire pressure indicator light flashing for about 20 seconds after start up, they claim, unable to duplicate. i also had a exhaust gasket replaced as there was an annoying noise that would go on and on while the vehicle was left running while in park. lastly - transmission issues. the vehicle has poor shift quality. it likes to hang up and hesitate in 3d gear, you will be running 55-60 and go to pass another vehicle and doesn't want to shift until it hits 80-85mph and by then you are at 6 on the tachometer.they have replaced the solenoid body and the hydraulic pump and the car still is not fixed. it also likes to hesitate when accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. it is currently in the shop as we speak. i purchased the vehicle new in november of 2003 and the current mileage is 12,850. *ak

Vehicle is having trouble engaging from the park position to reverse smoothly. consumer hears a popping noise, and feels the vehicle jumps when the gears are changed. manufacturer has been contacted.*ak

2004 ford explorer having transmission problems. does not shift properly from park to reverse or drive to reverse. has a hesitation before it goes into gear. they should be recalled. there could be injuries because when it hesitates one is pushing on the gas pedal and all of a sudden it goes into gear. *jb

Complete failure of the gauge pod, radio, interior lights, power windows at 2,300 miles. no speedometer, odometer, tach, fuel gauge, temp, oil, battery, radio (nothing in the dashboard functions except the airbag light). *ak ford dealer in allentown pa was very rude and went out of their way to not work in a timely manner and keep us in the dark. drove vehicle to texas (with no gauges) to dealership where purchased. at the shop right now. transmission also hesitates excessively between shifts.

While making a turn, the vehicle shut off, and had to be towed to the dealer. the pcm software was replaced. the consumer experienced the same problem again. the consumer contacted the manufacturer. there was no response.*ak

Automatic transmission slips and hesitates between gears especially at light throttle. ransmission does not engage reverse until throttle is applied. problem is getting worse.*ak

When gears are put in reverse, the transmission hesitates for 3-5 seconds then a loud clunk is heard and the vehicles moves. just purchasesd the explorer from dealer today with 20,750 miles on it and nothing was disclosed about these problems. i'll take back tommorrow and hope they will fix the problem. lemon????*ak

2004 ford explorer transmission problems. will not shift into reverse from neutral, car bucks when finally shifts into gear (reverse and forward). car has stalled upon steering into a u-turn in the middle of an intersection. this is definitely a safety hazard. i fear for the safety of my family.*ak

2004 ford explorer,which was purchased in november 2003 hesitates when shifting into reverse, when it does shift there is a jolt and bang as it engages into reverse. suv has been serviced on 3 occasions, the initial service performed apprximately 1 month after the purchase. each time i was told that it was a computer problem & that the computer needed to be re-programmed. in short, the vehicle continues to exhibit the jolt/bang when shifting to reverse. the vehicle is scheduled to go to the dealership (island ford) on staten island new york on monday november 22, 2004, at which time, i am told that the solenoid will be replaced. my greatest concern is that when this problem is finally solved, whether any residual damage was done to the transmission or differential, which may not become apparent until after the vehicle is beyond warranty. this problem has existed for nearly a year.*ak

When down shifting to reverse gear vehicle jerked forward. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

When shifting to reverse gear the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak *nm

My 2004 ford explorer xlt 4x4 experienced delayed/harsh engagement when shifting into reverse. it would have a delay of up to 5 seconds and then would engage and make a terrible clanging noise. on several occasions it would squeal tires and then jerk backwards. this put me in danger of being in a wreck because when i would shift into reverse i would expect it to actually shift, but it did not. i took it to a ford dealership and the pcc solenoid was replaced and transmission fluid replaced. *jb

Vehicle does not engage in reverse, it makes a loud sound, and then it accelerates to the point of trying to gain control of the vehicle.*ak

2004 ford explorer -the transmission has failed to engage correctly multiple times. i have asked the dealer about this issue and the response was that the explorer "has a hard transmission". in order to get the transmission to engage correctly i have to either put the cur back in park/ nuetral and attempt to reengage or give it gas. this usually results in a lurch of the car going either backwards or forwards.this situation has the potential for a serious accident.*ak

Appx. 2 weeks ago i was driving my vehicle at about 45 mph and i heard this loud noise someplace around the passenger front underside of the vehicle. since, my brand new 2004 ford explorer xlt is having transmission problems. when putting into reverse, it does not go into gear until you put your foot on the gas and then it jerks very hard and the tires skip on the pavement. the vehicle also does this when putting into drive, and when driving will not go into gear unless you take your foot off of the gas pedal and then re-apply the gas. we leased this car brand new late july 2004 and have just reached the 4 month mark yesterday. the dealership denied any service problems or recalls for this but on your website i found at least 2 similar problems. the dealerships will not provide a rental car which i find absurd! this is a brand new car and obviously a problem with these cars. we have one vehicle and have to car pool throughout the day for the both of us to be able to work our jobs. the dealerships indicated that the car would have to sit for at least three to four business days before they can even look at it! if i were to take the car in, we would have absolutely no transportation to work as we just moved to a new state and city august of this year and know nobody. *jb

Car has a hard time engaging into gear, when backing up it feels like i've hit another vehicle. the vehicle just jumps in revers.i have almost ran over someone because of a delay in engaging into reverse. in drive it does the same thing. i worry that i am going to hit a car that might be parked in front of me or even a person. not only that i worry that if i did hit another car i wouldn't know that i did it. the car has had problems starting. it has left us almost stranded twice. the cars battery has died for no reason, even after driving a couple of hours prior to trying to restart it. the front and rear window motors have gone out, the rear windows were stuck open in a rain storm with my two children in the back seat. the vehicle has lost power driving down the interstate and a warning light came on in the dash, the vehicle had only 5,000 miles on the odometer. the keyless entry quite working, wich also kept our key chain lockers from working. the car would not turn over, it would just make a click, when it would turn over, it sounded like gears were grinding. the vehicle went in for to be serviced for the first time a month after we bought the vehicle, dec. 5, 2003 and has gone in atleast once every two months since. the car has been in for servicing a total of 3 months out of the year that we have owned it. we have requested since it has been for the same problem 8 times and it has not been fixed that the dealership lemon the vehicle. but nothing has been done about it. the dealership doesn't know what the problem is and they have told us that they cannot fix it.we still have the same problem now. it can potentially hurt someone. *ak

I just read an article regarding ford's admission that there are problems with the transmissions in the 2004 explorer. i have had my explorer for less than 6 months and have had it in the shop 3 times for transmission issues. first time, and last time i was told there was no problem. any way to ensure that i receive a letter from ford regarding the repair plan they are going to put in place. *jb

When shifting from drive to reverse, hesitation up 5 seconds then bangs into reverse. dealer said it was normal because of computer lag. still doing it and taking it back to dealer again. this is an on going problem.

2004 ford explorer shifting/transmission selanoid shifting problem causing a safety defect with the vehicle. i have sopken with two different service advisor at the dealership who have indicated that this is a very common complaint and have written many of these issues. first incident 11/02/2004, second incident 11/2/2004. another person in my office has had the same problem. attorneys have web site requesting people to come forward with 2004 ford explorer transmission or shifting problem this is a serious safety concern.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired after it had been serviced for a recall on the transmission. she placed the vehicle in reverse and five seconds later it jerked backwards. the contact experienced the same failure numerous times. the vehicle was returned to the dealer for inspection. the current mileage was 48,500 and failure mileage was 15,000.