RoadVitals

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
86
Latest Jun 5, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND THE FRONT AND REAR MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT END MOTOR MOUNT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE PINION, BARONS, AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. MA 10/23/15 *CN

NHTSA ID 10745048 · filed Jul 30, 2015

I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10627092 · filed Aug 21, 2014
All 14 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in the face and eyes and knocked me sideways toward the passenger seat. I was completely stunned and had piercing pain throughout my head and neck. I was able to pull into a parking spot and call police dispatch, and get the car towed. The car will be inspected tomorrow by the insurance company, but because there was no reason for the airbags to deploy, this could be a major problem! Imagine if I was driving on the freeway or in another situation and the airbags just deployed for no reason with no warning. Please take immediate action to get these unsafe airbags off the road. The car will be inspected by the insurance company in the morning and the service provider in the following days. If you would like those reports, I will be happy to send them to you.

NHTSA ID 11592762 · filed Jun 5, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

NHTSA ID 11187003 · filed Mar 15, 2019
All 13 reports naming airbags

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BEGAN TO NOTICE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. FORD ADVISED FLUID CHANGE. FLUID CHANGE DID NOT HELP. PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, NOW OCCURS DAILY. MECHANIC SAYS HE CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES SHOW UP WHEN TEST IS RUN. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT. PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENT DUE TO NO OR LITTLE ACCELERATION UNEXPECTEDLY. TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IS ADVISED AT A COST OF $3500 FOR FORD REBUILT WITH 3 YEAR/36 MONTH WARRANTY. *LN

NHTSA ID 10379570 · filed Jan 29, 2011

2004 FORD EXPLORER, SPORT TRAC XLT. ONLY HAVE 37,871 MILES ON THIS TRUCK AND ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN 2ED GEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS FOR REVERSE TO ENGAGE. FORD DEALER CHARGED ME 159.00 DOLLARS TO CHANGE TRANS FLUIDS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE FLUID WAS DARK AND SMELLS LIKE METAL. I CALL THEM BACK UP TELLING THEM IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I TALKED TO ANOTHER SERVICE PERSON AND HE STATED THAT IF THERE WAS A METAL SMELL THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG. AND WILL COST 75.00 TO CHECK IT OUT . THANK YOU FORD FOR A WASTED FLUID CHANGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10272901 · filed Jun 4, 2009
All 10 reports naming transmission

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BODY OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT HAS RIVETS ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF THAT HOLD WATER. INSTEAD OF BEING A FLAT SURFACE WHERE RAIN CAN NATURALLY FALL OFF THE TOP OF THE ROOF IT SITS IN THESE RIVETS AND ACCUMULATES RUST. THIS LEADS TO A LOT MORE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 11299314 · filed Jan 14, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND THE FRONT AND REAR MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT END MOTOR MOUNT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE PINION, BARONS, AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. MA 10/23/15 *CN

NHTSA ID 10745048 · filed Jul 30, 2015
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,300.

NHTSA ID 10622311 · filed Aug 14, 2014

CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS DEFECTIVE, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. HOW CAN THE SAME SWITCH FAIL AND BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. IT IS SOMETHING DEEPER IN THE SYSTEM, HOWEVER CHANGING THE SWITCH OUT ALLEVIATES THE PROBLEM FOR A WHILE. NOW THAT THE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT WILL BECOME A MAJOR HEADACHE. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213714 · filed Jan 4, 2008
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE CONTACT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 10618811 · filed Aug 4, 2014

2004 FORD SPORT TRAC XLT GAS EFI 4.0 HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10390200 · filed Mar 15, 2011
All 8 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11132434 · filed Oct 1, 2018

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10627088 · filed Aug 21, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10627092 · filed Aug 21, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH MASTERCRAFT COURSER A/T 2 TIRES (SIZE: LT265/75R16). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. THE FRONT AXLE AND TIE ROD FRACTURED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08T005000 (TIRES:SIDEWALL) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 110,000. ...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF

NHTSA ID 10461651 · filed Jun 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEATBELT MECHANISM FOR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE IS INOPERABLE. IT DOESN'T LOCK AFTER YOU PUT YOUR SEATBELT ON. THE MECHANISM YOU PUT THE SEATBELT BUCKLE IN IS GOOD BUT AFTER THAT THE LOCK MECHANISM FOR THE BELT TO RETRACT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING OR PARKED.

NHTSA ID 11267608 · filed Oct 10, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AND LOCK IN POSITION. THE CONTACT CALLED SANDERS FORD (LOCATED AT 1006 W CORBRELT AVE, SWANSBORO, NC 28584, 910-326-1801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ID 11267598 · filed Oct 10, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HAVE HAD 2 OF THESE 2004 FORD SPORT TRAC TRUCKS. ONE WHICH WAS FLIPPED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE AND TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT DOING 25MPH DOWN A BACK ROAD WHITH A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION, NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME WAS MY SEAT BELT FROM WORSE INJURES. MY CURRENT TRUCK WHICH HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I STILL HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR OVER 5000 WORTH OF WORK DONE, RECENTLY WITH OVER A QUARTER TANK OF GAS TURNING LEFT WILL CUT OUT AND DIE COMPLETELY IN TRAFFIC WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO BE HIT A COUPLE TIMES WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. ALSO MY TRANSMISSIONS WENT OUT AND LOST GEARS AT LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK MY CURRENT TRUCK TO RICHARDS TRANSMISSION WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE FORD SPORT TRACK TRANSMISSION NORMALLY DOESN'T LAST PAST 50,000 MILES THAT FORD DID NOT MACHINE THE TRANSMISSION CORRECTLY WHICH IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE FORD SPORT TRAC. BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP MY O/D WOULD KICK ON AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING OUT OF FIRST GEAR BUT ONLY WHILE THE O/D WAS ON. I COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN OFF UNLESS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I'VE HAD MY COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIX AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS ABOUT 3000 MILES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOST SECOND GEAR. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD FIX THIS, I ENJOY MY TRUCK BUT COULD HAVE BEEN CRITICALLY INJURED A FEW TIMES DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING THAT FORD SHOULD FIX.

NHTSA ID 10984446 · filed May 9, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE CONTACT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 10618811 · filed Aug 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN SERVICING FRONT BRAKE PADS, CALIPER PISTON CRUMBLED WHEN OPENING CALIPER. NORMALLY, SUCH PISTONS ARE METAL. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY MANUFACTURED WITH SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS. IF THIS HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, AN ACCIDENT MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10236911 · filed Aug 4, 2008

DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE ROLLED THROUGH A STOP LIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ONCE AND WITHOUT WARNING. IT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AFTER THE INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVED IT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CALLER WAS INJURED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10137337 · filed Sep 22, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HAVE HAD 2 OF THESE 2004 FORD SPORT TRAC TRUCKS. ONE WHICH WAS FLIPPED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE AND TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT DOING 25MPH DOWN A BACK ROAD WHITH A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION, NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME WAS MY SEAT BELT FROM WORSE INJURES. MY CURRENT TRUCK WHICH HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I STILL HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR OVER 5000 WORTH OF WORK DONE, RECENTLY WITH OVER A QUARTER TANK OF GAS TURNING LEFT WILL CUT OUT AND DIE COMPLETELY IN TRAFFIC WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO BE HIT A COUPLE TIMES WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. ALSO MY TRANSMISSIONS WENT OUT AND LOST GEARS AT LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK MY CURRENT TRUCK TO RICHARDS TRANSMISSION WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE FORD SPORT TRACK TRANSMISSION NORMALLY DOESN'T LAST PAST 50,000 MILES THAT FORD DID NOT MACHINE THE TRANSMISSION CORRECTLY WHICH IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE FORD SPORT TRAC. BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP MY O/D WOULD KICK ON AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING OUT OF FIRST GEAR BUT ONLY WHILE THE O/D WAS ON. I COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN OFF UNLESS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I'VE HAD MY COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIX AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS ABOUT 3000 MILES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOST SECOND GEAR. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD FIX THIS, I ENJOY MY TRUCK BUT COULD HAVE BEEN CRITICALLY INJURED A FEW TIMES DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING THAT FORD SHOULD FIX.

NHTSA ID 10984446 · filed May 9, 2017

GRINDING FEEL FROM THE REAR END RESULTED IN A REPLACED AND UPDATED COMPLETE REAR END FROM FORD. STILL HAVE VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN FIRST GEAR. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL AND I HAVE TO GET USE TO IT. ALSO HAVE NOTICABLE THUMPING FROM TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT AREA WHEN BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MPH. DEALER HAS VERIFIED NOISE AND IS CONSIDERING A NEW DRIVE SHAFT. CAR IS NEW AND HAS LESS THAN 3000 MILES.

NHTSA ID 10090748 · filed Sep 10, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

NHTSA ID 11187003 · filed Mar 15, 2019

I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10627092 · filed Aug 21, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

NHTSA ID 11187003 · filed Mar 15, 2019

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. THE RECIRCULATION BALL AND THE RACK AND PINION FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER CAME AROUND A CORNER AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 5 MONTHS PRIOR, AND HE BELIEVED THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY FIXED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR DID NOT DEPLOY IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE POLICE CONCLUDED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND UPON ROUNDING THE CORNER, HE LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK THE BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN. THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUS REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE SUCH AS AN INOPERABLE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND THE REAR VENTS DID NOT BLOW OUT AIR. UPDATED 10/3/06 *JB UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167719 · filed Sep 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. THE RECIRCULATION BALL AND THE RACK AND PINION FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER CAME AROUND A CORNER AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 5 MONTHS PRIOR, AND HE BELIEVED THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY FIXED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR DID NOT DEPLOY IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE POLICE CONCLUDED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND UPON ROUNDING THE CORNER, HE LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK THE BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN. THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUS REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE SUCH AS AN INOPERABLE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND THE REAR VENTS DID NOT BLOW OUT AIR. UPDATED 10/3/06 *JB UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167719 · filed Sep 8, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 10166319 · filed Aug 23, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DURING NORMAL USE, USUALLY WHEN IN MOTION BUT FREQUENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY FLOPS BACKWARDS TO THE RECLINE POSITION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE TRUCK WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONE TIME BUT THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO KEEP THE TRUCK; THAT DIDNT WORK FOR ME BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION AND I ALWAYS HAVE TO GO TO WORK, THEN AND NOW. I SAW A RECALL ON THE 2010 FOR THIS AND FIGURED I WOULD LET YOU KNOW IT WAS FOR A LOT LONGER THAN THAT. IT MIGHT HELP EXPLAIN SOME DEAD PEOPLE IN SPORT TRACS. I CERTAINLY HAD SOME ANXIOUS MOMENTS AT TIMES IN THE 15 YEARS WITH MY TRUCK..IVE TRIED TO FIX IT SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO REAL SUCCESS, A NEW SEAT IS EXPENSIVE, USED SEATS ARE GOING TO DO THE SAME THING BUT SINCE MY SEAT HAS ALSO COLLAPSED I GUESS I NEED TO REPLACE IT.

NHTSA ID 11267173 · filed Oct 8, 2019

INTERIOR TONNEAU COVER RELEASE, MECHANICAL INTERIOR RELEASE DOSE NOT WORK CREATING A DEATH TRAP FOR ANY ONE WHO SHOULD FIND THEM SELF TRAPPED INSIDE ,YOUNG OR OLD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10223484 · filed Apr 6, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. THE RECIRCULATION BALL AND THE RACK AND PINION FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER CAME AROUND A CORNER AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 5 MONTHS PRIOR, AND HE BELIEVED THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY FIXED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR DID NOT DEPLOY IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE POLICE CONCLUDED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND UPON ROUNDING THE CORNER, HE LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK THE BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN. THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUS REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE SUCH AS AN INOPERABLE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND THE REAR VENTS DID NOT BLOW OUT AIR. UPDATED 10/3/06 *JB UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167719 · filed Sep 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED DURING PRECIPITATION AND THE VEHICLE IS THEN STARTED UP AND DRIVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES COMPLETELY OBSCURED WITH FOG, EVEN WHEN THE WINDSHIELD DEFOG SYSTEM IS SELECTED TO HIGH BLOW. AFTER A MINUTE OR TWO OF OPERATION THE WINDSHIELD IS CLEARED BY THE DEFOG SYSTEM. NEWBERG FORD SAYS ALL EXPLORER SPORT TRACS DO THIS & THEY CAN'T FIX IT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10145874 · filed Dec 21, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .