Vehicle Data Hub

2004 Ford Explorer steering problems

42 complaints about steering have been filed for the 2004 Ford Explorer, which is 3% of all its NHTSA complaints.

At a glance

Complaints
42 3% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
82,000 miles 32 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
2 and 1
Injuries and deaths
1 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When steering problems show up

Steering complaints by mileage, 2004 Ford Explorer Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 82,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 4 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 4 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 4 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 1 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 8 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 3 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 3 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 2 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 1 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 2 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 82,000 miles
Based on 32 complaints that include mileage. 38% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles4
20k to 40k miles4
40k to 60k miles4
60k to 80k miles1
80k to 100k miles8
100k to 120k miles3
120k to 140k miles3
140k to 160k miles2
160k to 180k miles1
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles2

What the data shows

Of the 32 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 82,000 miles, and 38% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury.

What owners wrote

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. While driving 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle lost power steering and braking, which resulted in a crash. All the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A police report was filed. There was one injury that required medical attention. The contact was treated for second degree burns.

Reported at 100,000 miles, October 2016 CrashInjury

No accident or injury has occurred. The transmission shifter binds when shifting into park. The interlock solenoid pin has worn a grove in the cam in which it contacts. When shifting from any gear to park, if you release the brake pedal at the right time the vehicle will not go fully into park.

Reported at 94,271 miles, March 2009

Other problems reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer

Steering problems in other years

Steering problems across all Ford models