5.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
96,050 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace serpentine belt and tensioner (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #3

Jan 152011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,178 miles

Whines nonstop from when turning the car on all throughout driving.

- Nick S., Detroit, MI, US

problem #2

Jan 302011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,947 miles

I have had this whooping noise in my explorer for a couple of years, it's really annoying. The first time this happened I looked around for the police (sounds just like there sirens). The noise comes and goes, there's no particular pattern. The whooping noise some times seams to be lasting longer and getting louder.

If any one has had this problems fixed I would really appreciate the info.

My husband said it sounds like it may be a leak in a vacuum line.

- rbe3359, Wellford, SC, US

problem #1

Sep 032010

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I own a 2004 Ford Explorer and today the problem is... Louding squealing noise coming from under the hood. Took to my borther a certified automechanice and her replaced the serpentine belt and the tensioner ($67 for both parts) and I drove home just fine. The very next morning headed out and the steering got stiff, the battery light quickly flashed and then I noticed smoke coming from the hood. When I got out to inspect there was coolant dripping onto the ground. Fortunately I was just 3 blocks from my home and able to safely drive back home. My husband briefly inspected and noticed rubber shavings from apparently the belt rubbing against something. He then noticed the belt was coming off the bottom pulley which he believes is the crankshaft.

I am in the process of waiting now for my brother to return Tuesday to resinspect and diagnose this problem. Until then my truck sits... I have also wrote Ford about my exstensive problems since just one year after I purchased the vehicle. I urge all others to take just a moment to write Ford and make a complaint. It can't make matters worse to write and it may even encourage them to take action.

- bobbiein, Indianapolis, IN, US