FaultScore

2004 Ford Explorer window and wiper problems

114 of the 1,647 complaints about the 2004 Ford Explorer are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 70,000 miles.

B

114

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

7

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Visibility 59 51.8%
Glass, Side/Rear 18 15.8%
Visibility/Wiper 12 10.5%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 9 7.9%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 5 4.4%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 3 2.6%
Fan/Motor 2 1.8%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 2 1.8%
Windshield Wiper/Washer 1 0.9%
Windshield 1 0.9%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Ford Explorer year

1991 33 2.0%
1992 48 2.9%
1993 56 3.3%
1994 75 4.5%
1995 22 1.3%
1996 49 2.9%
1997 97 5.8%
1998 117 7.0%
1999 225 13.4%
2000 48 2.9%
2001 19 1.1%
2002 141 8.4%
2003 62 3.7%
2004 114 6.8%
2005 26 1.6%
2006 16 1.0%
2011 23 1.4%
2012 24 1.4%
2013 63 3.8%
2014 53 3.2%
2015 45 2.7%
2016 68 4.1%
2017 75 4.5%
2018 27 1.6%
2020 68 4.1%
2021 40 2.4%
2022 28 1.7%
2025 12 0.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 61,000 miles Chesterfield, SC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I HAVE CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY LIFT GATE . EACH TIME I USE THE HANDLE TO LIFT THE CRACKS BECOME WORSE. THERE ARE SEVERAL POSTS ONLINE ASKING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERY ONE I SEE IN A PARKING LOT OR ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD REPORTS THAT IT AFFECTS 1997-2007 EXPLORERS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD AND THEY REFERRED ME TO YOUR ORGANIZATION. SOME OF THESE CRACKS I HAVE SEEN REACH TO THE BACK WINDOW WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #11174477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 172,000 miles Mckinney, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD ALMOST TO MY PARENTS HOUSE WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSIVE SOUND. I LOOK IN MY MIRROR TO DISCOVER THAT MY REAR WINDSHIELD HAD EXPLODED. AT FIRST I THOUGHT A ROCK HAD HIT IT BUT WHEN I GOT OUT I DISCOVERED THAT THE HYDRAULIC ARMS HAD EXPANDED AND PUSHED OUT THE SIDES OF THE HATCH, WHICH RESULTED IN THE SHATTERING OF THE WINDSHIELD. MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR BUT FORTUNATELY THE GLASS ONLY EXPLODED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR AND NOT INTO THEIR SEATS.

NHTSA complaint #10809892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Haymarket, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

SUN VISOR BRACKET CRACKED AND DISINTEGRATED LEAVING SUN VISOR BLOCKING MY VIEW. HAD TO PULL OVER AND DISCONNECT THE WIRE AND REMOVE VISOR. 2ND INCIDENT, PRESSED BUTTON TO OPEN REAR GLASS AND THE HINGES SNAPPED EJECTING THE HEAVY GLASS PANEL AT ME. HAD A CHILD BEEN OPENING IT, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. AS IT WAS, I CAUGHT THE GLASS PANEL.

NHTSA complaint #10758636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Ketchum, ID

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

WHILE CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW GLASS HATCH THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE BROKE ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT ON THAT SIDE. THE REAR GLASS HATCH WINDOW IS HEAVY AND COULD HAVE EASILY BROKEN THE HINGE SIDE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. A PREVIOUS FORD RECALL ON THE VERY SAME COMPONENT COVERED VEHICLES UP TO 2003. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING TO THIS 2004 VEHICLE. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP OWNERS OUT. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE HINGE LET GO, THERE WOULD BE A VERY HIGH PROBABILITY OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A VERY HIGH PROBABILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #10682231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles NEW Port Richey, FL

VISIBILITY

SUN VISORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. HORIZONTAL PLASTIC PANEL WITH THE FORD LOGO HAS CRACKED AND BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. CURRENT ONE ON VEHICLE IS CRACKED. SENT AN E-MAIL TO FORD AND WAS TOLD BASICALLY "TOO BAD--OUT OF WARRANTY ". FORMOCO HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM ON BOTH THE FORD AND MERCURY BUT HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. AND OF COURSE THIS " DAMAGE " WILL LOWER THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE WHEN I SELL/TRADE IT FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A FORD.

NHTSA complaint #10679888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Haddonfield, NJ

VISIBILITY

THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALER, THIS APPARENTLY IS SOMETHING THAT IS KNOWN TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #10667900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,900 miles Duryea, PA

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

LEAVING WORK AT END OF DAY, PULLED OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND REAR GLASS SHATTERED. THE EDGES OF THE BACK HATCH PULLED AWAY FROM THE TRUCK AND CURLED UP CAUSING THE GLASS TO BLOW INTO THE TRUCK. A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC OF THE HATCH (WHICH I HAVE SEEN ON MANY OF THIS YEAR MODEL) HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND I HAVE EMAILED FORD MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR FEAR OF WATER GETTING IN BEHIND THE PANEL. MY BELIEF IS THAT WATER DID GET BEHIND THE PANEL AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE PLASTIC PANEL TO PULL AWAY AND BLOW IN THE GLASS. LUCKILY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT SITTING IN THE 2ND OR 3RD ROW SEATING OR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED AND RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT FROM THAT FLYING GLASS.

NHTSA complaint #10667027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

EVERY SINCE WE'VE FINANCED THIS LOUSY SUV 08/2012 WE'VE HAD A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE REAR AND STILL CANT FIGURED OUT WHAT THAT IS,BUT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING AND SHIFTING HARD,WE HAVE REPLACE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND ABS SENSOR JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO AND THE BEARING IS BAD AGAIN AND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAS A BAD BALL JOINT AND THE VISIBILITY THRU WINDSHIELD IS HORRIBLE,ALWAYS HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING, CNA ONLY SEE A FEW INCHES AHEAD!!! THIS CAR NEEDS SERIOUS RECALLS THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING IN LESS THEN A YR!!! AND WE BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH ONLY 68,506 MILES!! WE ALREADY SPEND OVER A GRAND FOR A FUEL PUMP!!! THIS CAR SUCKS!!! PLZ HELP WE STILL OWE THOUSANDS AND EVERYTIME WE BLINK AN EYE IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF WHEEL PROBLEMS!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10627161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,500 miles Spanaway, WA

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER OPENING THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE WINDOW, THE TWO PLASTIC HINGES ATTACHED TO THE WINDOW FRACTURED CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,500.

NHTSA complaint #10618786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,800 miles Union Grove, WI 1 injured

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

UPON OPENING THE REAR GLASS HATCH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HINGE BROKE WHEN FULLY OPEN AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN, HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. THE PANEL BELOW ON THIS SAME WINDOW TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD LOGO PLATE HAD ALSO CRACKED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO.

NHTSA complaint #10608317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles Woodbridge, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE REAR WINDOW LATCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE FACING THE VEHICLE BROKE OFF AND NEARLY CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE TO ALSO BREAK. I AM UNCERTAIN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE HYDRAULIC LIFT FOR THE WINDOW FAILED OR THE LATCH JUST BROKE.

NHTSA complaint #10608114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,500 miles Royse City, TX

VISIBILITY

WHILE OPENING THE SMALLER WINDOW IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, THE WINDOW STARTED TO FALL. LUCKILY THERE WERE TWO PEOPLE TO CATCH IT. I NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE WAS BROKEN. WE USUALLY TAKE OUR INFANT AROUND TO THE BACK OF THE CAR WHILE WE LOAD THINGS. FORTUNATELY, WE HAD ALREADY BUCKLED HER IN. HAD THE GLASS FALLEN OR WE NOT PAID ATTENTION , IT COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED HER OR US.

NHTSA complaint #10605470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Shermansdale, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

IN WINTER THE BLEND FOR ACTUATOR WENT OUT IN EXPLORER AND LEFT ME WITH NO GREAT SO WHEN I DRIVE I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TRY AND WIPE FROST OFF OF THE INSIDE OF WINDSHIELD IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE TO DRIVE VEHICLE IN WINTER AND ALWAYS WIPING WINDOWS ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN ROAD AT NIGHT AND AS SOON AS YOU PASS A CAR THE CARS HEADLIGHTS MESS WITH FROST ON WINDOW AND IT IS BLINDING NOT TO MENTION WHEN IT RAINS AND THE WINDOWS STEAM UP AND YOU CAN'T SEE THEN EITHER.

NHTSA complaint #10605448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Coatesville, PA

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS UNEXPECTEDLY SHATTERED WITHOUT ACCESSING THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. ...UPDATED 04-10-14 *BF UPDATED 04/22/14

NHTSA complaint #10574390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles Delano, MN 1 injured

VISIBILITY/WIPER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE, THE HYDRAULIC ARM FAILED AND THE GLASS OF THE LIFT GATE STRUCK A PASSENGER IN THE HEAD. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED A LACERATION TO THE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #10565205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles LOS Angeles, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SUN VISORS BECAME FRACTURED, MAKING THE VISORS UNUSABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE DEFECT HE WAS UNABLE TO REPOSITION THE VISORS IN ORDER TO BLOCK THE SUN WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10562429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Joliet, IL 1 injured

VISIBILITY

MY 13 YR OLD WAS LOADING GROCERIES WHILE THE WINDOW WAS POPPED UP IT FELL W/O WARNING SEVERELY HURTING HER HEAD RT BRACKET ON UPPER WINDOW BROKE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

NHTSA complaint #10554301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,000 miles Broadview Heights, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I OPENED THE LIFT GATE WINDOW TO LOAD GROCERIES WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW SUDDENLY LET GO UP NEAR THE HINGE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW TO DROP AND THEN THE LEFT HINGE BROKE, CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW TO DROP. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT SO IT DIDN'T BREAK AND EVENTUALLY RELEASE THE SUPPORT STRUTS SO I COULD GET IT INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FASTENER NEAR THE HINGE WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE WINDOW THE WEIGHT WAS FINALLY TOO MUCH FOR IT SO IT SNAPPED, RELEASING THE WINDOW ON THAT SIDE. FORTUNATELY THIS FASTENER FAILED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON A FREEWAY OR THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW MAY HAVE COME OFF AND POSED A DANGER TO THE CARS BEHIND. FORD HAS ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2002 AND 2003 MODELS WHICH USED THE SAME HINGE ASSEMBLY, DON'T KNOW WHY 2004 WAS NOT INCLUDED.

NHTSA complaint #10515884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,700 miles Fort Worth, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

ON MAY 31ST OF 2013 AT APPROX. 4PM, AFTER REMOVING SOME ITEMS FROM THE BACK OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER VIA THE WINDOW HATCH, I PROCEEDED TO SHUT THE WINDOW AND I HEARD A SNAP FOLLOWED BY THE RIGHT SIDE (AS I AM FACING THE VEHICLE)OF THE WINDOW FALL. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND BEGAN TO TRY AND LINE THE WINDOW BACK UP AND CLOSE IT BY SECURING IT TO THE LOCKING MECHANISM AT THE BASE. NOTICING ME STRUGGLE WITH THE WINDOW A GENTLEMAN CAME OVER AND BEGAN TRYING TO HELP ME, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE WINDOW WOULD NOT BUDGE DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE (AS I AM FACING THE VEHICLE) SHOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT BEING FROZE. WE COULD NOT GET THE SHOCK TO RETRACT WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM CLOSING. WHILE I CONTINUED TO HOLD THE WINDOW UP THE GENTLEMAN WENT TO GET HIS TOOLS TO REMOVE THE SHOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT. WITH THE SHOCK/ SUPPORT/ STRUT REMOVED WE COULD THEN ALIGN THE WINDOW AND CLOSE IT BY LOCKING IT INTO THE LOCKING MECHANISM AT THE BASE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT DUE TO THE SOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE FREEZING UP, IT PREVENTED THE WINDOW HATCH FROM CLOSING PROPERLY WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE TO SNAP UNDER THE PRESSURE. I HAVE NOT OPENED THE REAR WINDOW HATCH SINCE AND WILL BE CONTACTING FORD AS TO WHAT THEIR COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE FOR SUCH A FAILURE. ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

NHTSA complaint #10515393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,000 miles Altadena, CA

VISIBILITY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN VISOR BECAME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

NHTSA complaint #10510534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Michigan City, IN

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE WINDOWS WERE ABLE TO BE OPENED WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 05/29/13

NHTSA complaint #10507533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,658 miles Massillon, OH

VISIBILITY

THE REAR WINDOW HINGE PIN (PASSENGER SIDE) HAS CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF OF THE REAR TAIL GATE. I NOTICED THE BROKEN HINGE BEFORE USING THE LIFT GATE WHICH HAS PREVENTED IT FROM FALLING OFF THUS FAR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10489450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,614 miles North Olmsted, OH

VISIBILITY

AFTER A DAY OF SHOPPING I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKED MY SUV. I WENT TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WHEN THE LEFT SIDE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AND LANDED ON TOP OF ME. FORTUNATELY THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW WAS ABLE TO STAY INTACT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO RUN TO MY AID TO LIFT THE DOOR UP. I AM FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT AND MY THREE YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING BY MY SIDE. I HAVE READ THAT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE FORD CORPORATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY CONTINUE NOT TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE AT HAND; WHILE LEAVING VEHICLE OWNERS HELPLESS WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURS. I READ THAT THIS WAS A GOOD AVENUE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE SINCE FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND WONDER IF MY HUSBAND WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN SHOUTING DISTANCE WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPEN TO MY SON, UNBORN CHILD AND MYSELF!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10483942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Chico, CA

VISIBILITY

REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE (LEFT SIDE) BROKE AND RELEASED THE GLASS WHILE DRIVING. WINDOW FELL TO ONE SIDE. I HAD TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY STOP. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PROP WINDOW TO A SAFE POSITION AND LOCK DOWN. IT MUST REMAIN LOCKED DOWN UNTIL I CAN FIX IT.

NHTSA complaint #10483459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Muskego, WI 1 injured

VISIBILITY

THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FELL ON MY WIFE. THE HINGES ARE MADE OF A WHITE TYPE OF METAL THAT HAS CORRODED AND SHEARED OFF. THE PINS INSIDE APPARENTLY BROKE AND IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE FALLING OFF, IT JUST CAME OFF. THE WINDOW HIT MY WIFE IN THE ARM AND LEG. WE WERE LUCKY IT WASN'T ONE OF OUR KIDS CLOSING THE GATE AT THE TIME OR THAT THEY WEREN'T INSIDE WHEN IT HAPPENED OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF POST OF INJURIES INCURRED FROM THIS. FORD RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME PART AND YET THE 2004 WAS NEVER INCLUDED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. A PART OVER TIME SHOULDN'T BREAK OFF AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10482036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Terre Haute, IN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 YEARS AGO THE PLASTIC NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM CRACKED RIGHT OF THE EMBLEM ON MY BACK HATCH. I LOOKED INTO IT AND THERE WAS 10'S OF THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I HAD AT AN AVERAGE COST OF ONLY $800. THEN TONIGHT MY WIFE GOT SOME CHAIRS OUT OF THE REAR HATCH THEN WHEN CLOSING IT THE REAR GLASS FALLS OUT OF THE EXPLORER BECAUSE " THE ALUMINUM REAR HATCH HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE BROKE" WHICH HAS AN AVERAGE COST OF $300. MIND YOU THE LITTLE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW HINGE ON IS ONLY THE SIZE OF AN ERASER HEAD, BOTH OF THE REAR HATCH DEFECTS ARE NOT UNDER ANY RECALL YET MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED AND OR POSTED VIA THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN TO FAMILIES AS IT SHOULD BE TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY " WHICH SEEMS NOT TO CARE " AND ALSO TO THE NHTSA AS IT COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS WAS TO HAVE HAPPENED TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGH WAY AT 70 MPH.

NHTSA complaint #10477978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Naples, FL

VISIBILITY

WHEN CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE THAT HOLDS THE GLASS COMPLETELY LET GO OF THE GLASS. FORTUNATLEY MY HUSBAND WAS THE ONE CLOSING IT AND WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT BROKE THE OTHER HINGE AND PULLED THE GLASS OFF COMPLETELY. THE RIGHT HINGE WAS ALSO BENT, AS THE WINDOW WILL NOW NOT SIT LEVEL TO BE PUT BACK INTO PLACE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THERE IS A LARGE HAZARD OF TH WINDOW FALLING. WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER HAD BEEN STANDING UNDERNEATH AS USUAL, OR HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND IT BROKE AND SEN "EXPLODING" GLASS PIECES EVERYWHERE. I SEE THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPEAD ISSUE WHEN LOOKING THROUGH COMPLAINTS. ALSO, THE TAILGATE IN MY EXPLORER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK THAT SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE HAD. ONE DAY IT WAS FINE, THEN IT WAS CRACKED. COULD THESE ISSUES BE SOMEHOW RELEATED? OR IS THE ENTIRE HATCH JUST FULL OF FLAWS.

NHTSA complaint #10477164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 208,000 miles Ashland, MS

VISIBILITY

THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VISOR THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE ON THE CEILING HAS BROKEN OFF. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD THE VISOR FALLS DOWN AND BLOCKS YOUR VIEW TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN FRONT OF YOU. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. I DON'T WANT TO HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM ASKING FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED. THANKS

NHTSA complaint #10475175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sandy Hook, CT

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

I HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER BLEND DOOR REPLACED ON MY FORD EXPLORER. THE COST WAS OVER $1000.00. THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REMOVED. I KNOW THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED BY FORD ON THIS PROBLEM,MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. THIS IS AN ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS NOT ONLY COSTLY TO REPAIR,BUT IN MY OPINION CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT CONTROL THE HEATER FUNCTION. THIS CAN LEAD TO A POOR OR NON VISIBILITY SITUATION AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ONLINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM.PLEASE CONTACT FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE. THE BLEND DOOR IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THE BLOWERS AIR PRESSURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #10474243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,800 miles Denver, CO

VISIBILITY

THE HINGES THAT HOLD ON THE REAR WINDOW ARE STARTING TO BREAK. THE 02 AND 03 MODEL EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS BUT FORD REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE 2004 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THIS APPEARS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE AFFECTING A LARGE NUMBERS OF EXPLORERS. I HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE BUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE GLASS COME LOOSE AND INJURE THEM. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10464236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2004 Ford Explorer problems

← Full 2004 Ford Explorer report