2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 86 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2019
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2018
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2017
“I noticed a crack in the liftgate bottom ABS panel to the right of the fors emblem in october 2015. On december 8, 2015 the vehicle was stationary then all of a sudden the back window glass in the liftgate blew-out. I understand there is a class-action lawsuit file in california regarding this safety defect. I feel it is unsafe, because I could be driving on an interstate and the glass has the potential to break-out without warning, causing operator distracton to drining which could result in an accident.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2015
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“Fuel gauge doesn't notice when you go from an empty tank to full. Still reading no change. Then slowly will climb to the proper amount of fuel within an hour. There is no way to accurately tell how much fuel is in the vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2014
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2014
“The doors don't open good and the door handles break. We have had fixed twice and the previous owner had fixed also! *tr”Owner report · Structure · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the ignition switch was loose. The contact took the vehicle to be diagnosed and was advised by an independent mechanic that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,437.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer Sport Trac by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
NHTSA has 86 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most complained-about area is power train (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,544 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.