One problem related to abs brake fail has been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2004 Explorer.
When driving my 2004 Ford Explorer started making a grinding and humming noise on the left front of driver side tire area. Abs and 4x4 high lights came on instrument panel. Truck felt like it was going into 4x4 mode on its own and braking felt like abs system failed. Took it to a Ford dealership and I was told that both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced at a cost of $1053. Since this truck uses sensors and traction control the sensor on the left driver side had gone out causing this feature no longer to work. It is a good thing this did not result in an accident since the vehicle was going into 4x4 mode on it's own and the brakes abs no longer functioned. Just a quick search online will result in many found issues regarding this that Ford has not done a recall on yet. What is it going to take to get Ford to stand behind the safety of trucks they sell?.