general problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer

30 problems related to wheel have 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.

1 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2021

On 5/6/21 at ramp Ford 4869 nesconset hwy. ,pt. Jeff. Sts. ,NY at 10:00am dealer sevice mgr. Met with nysdmv auto facilities inspector on a claim against mavis discount tire,556 route 25a, mt sinai,NY case 1pi-01937 on a right rear wheel. Ramp removed r/r wheel to inspect with state inspector, appears like axle nut on r/r has not been removed r/0361772. On 7/12/21 mt. Sina tire r/0 7828-18 when fixing a tire flat, found r/r one broken stud,one addition lug nut missing from r/r wheel. Immediately ramo service manager denied his tech improperly reassembled r/r wheel nuts on all five wheel assembly studs. With three studs the Ford vehicle was in inimanent highway danger. Such lost of 40% of wheel nuts may have caused lost of life. Mt. Sinai tire replaced fourth missing nut, fixed flat and scheduled fifth wheel assembly stud. Ramp 's general manager was imformed of poor and dangerios service and stated he was not a mechanic! reimbursement for 5/6/21 were denied by dealer! dealers . Denies any warantees of labor since customer signed their disclaimer. All repairs are provided by the dealer facility1520504 as is without any warranty of guarantee! this disclaimer was only signed by non-owner after inspector left dealer. Inspector has pictures and stated he did not see the reassembly of r/r brakes, calebre, wheel nuts after inspection was completed. This was a dangerious omission of not properly torquing nut to Ford motor spec. Ford motor denies any warantee of repairs by ramp.

2 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2017

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the wheel studs detached on multiple tires while driving. The failure recurred three times on multiple wheels on different occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken once to an independent mechanic where the studs were replaced; however, the failure continued. The contact also stated that she replaced multiple studs herself. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

3 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2015

The right rear passenger wheel came off my 2004 Ford Explorer when I was driving westbound on interstate 70 near kingdom city, mo. All five (5) bolts and lug nuts securing the wheel/tire were broken off. My wife and I were traveling at 70 mph in the right hand lane of interstate when there was a sudden loud noise from the rear and the vehicle swerved violently to the right and then left. The vehicle spun and entered into the grass median in the middle of the interstate and the cable stopping system. The vehicle became entwined with the cable system causing it to flip on its side and come to rest. The left and right side air bags deployed, but the front air bags did not. My wife and I had difficulty releasing the seat belts since the vehicle was laying on its right side. I was finally able to release both seat belts and open the sun roof for both of us to exit the vehicle. The engine area was smoking, but did not catch fire. Luckily, my 2004 Ford Explorer did not completely roll over or that my vehicle nor my loose rear wheel and tire did not hit another vehicle that were near me on interstate 70 at the time of this accident. Upon examination of right rear wheel well, the right rear wheel and tire were completely missing and the five (5) lug bolts had all sheared. There appeared to quite a bit of fluid around the wheel well. It might have been brake fluid. We were able to find one of the lug nuts, which still had a part of the sheared bolt remaining inside. I would never have thought that all five lug bolts securing the wheel and tire could fracture and shear allowing the wheel and tire to become free of the vehicle axle. The missouri state highway patrol wrote up an accident report, #150733145. My wife and I were pretty shaken up by the accident. Her right side, arm and wrist and my head, neck and side hurt after the accident.

4 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2015

Bought my used 2004 Explorer a week prior and had to have the back wheel bearings replaced. Used dealership told me that they would help out and never followed thru.

5 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2014

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph there was a rattling sound that came from the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and discovered that 4 lug nuts were detached from the rear passenger tire and 2 of the rim spokes had cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Sw.

6 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

Car starts but will go forward when shifted in reverse. Turned the car off then back on, but when I would put the car back in reverse or drive, it stalled out. Had it towed and then it was fine after that. Now its about 6 months later, now my orange wrench light pops up and cruise control shuts off at 65mph. Then it jerks a couple times. Have had it checked and came back with 14 codes mainly for transmission.

7 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2014

I had just got on the freeway when the rear of my truck started shaking. I knew something was wrong so I exited the freeway at the following exit. I was driving on the side streets to get home at approximately 25 mph. I turned a corner and heard and felt the rear end of my truck fall. The rear passenger tire fell off as I was turning the corner. Upon further inspection all the lugs except one were sheared off. We had the truck towed to our mechanic's shop. The mechanic couldn't figure out what had caused this. We have also had to replace all the ball joints with the rear passenger ball joint being replaced twice now. Our mechanic was able to replace all the lugs and pull the rear corner panel back out but the incident ruined the rim which will have to be replaced. A week later I asked my son to check the lugs on the tire and 2 were loose again.

8 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2014

While driving home at 25 mph, I heard and felt a vibration from the front of the car. Since I was only a few hundred yards from my parking lot I continued directly into the parking lot (only minor turns were necessary). Upon entering the parking lot, I turned the car left to park in my spot. Immediately after turning the wheel left, the right front of the car collapsed. I got out of the car and noticed the right front wheel had fallen off and the entire hub (and car front end) actually landed inside the wheel (thus minimizing secondary damage). Upon closer inspection, I found 2 lug nuts still attached to the studs on the ground next to the wheel. Inspection of the hub showed that 4 of the 5 studs had sheared off flush with the hub (there was one stud remaining on the hub). Next day, I replaced the entire hub assembly and checked the torques on the other 3 wheels. I had to have a body shop replace the front fender (it was jammed up and back into the hood and passenger door). I still have the old hub assembly.

9 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2014

Daughter driving vehicle, right wheel bearing ceased, causing rear end of vehicle to fish tail, had to drive home on back road (not highway) as the vehicle would have flipped. Car was smoking so bad, could not be placed into garage as it would have burned down the house. Had to be towed, damaged from bearing to rear axel and emergency break/cables. If she were on the highway she would have been killed. There are multiple complaints about this problem, what will it take? anyone heard of any class actions to make Ford step up to bat and recall these unsafe vehicles?.

10 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2013

When driving to work I began to hear a noise in the front end part of the vehicle. After leaving work and driving less than 1 mile the noise got loud, so I pulled over and waited for a tow truck. Had the vehicle towed to a shop and fixed. 1 year and 1 week later it had to be replaced again.

11 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/30/2012

While driving north on us23 at brighton mi the right front wheel and tire separated from the vehicle because of the fracture of the 5 wheel lugs. According to the msp this is a common occurance because of metal fatigue caused by the improper use of impact and not torque wrenches when the vehicle is serviced. The problem is being ignored by the auto manufacturers, and I have found publications on this subject matter. There are likely millions of affected vehicles in service, and the wheel loss would produce results similar to the previous Ford/firestone tire problem.

12 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2012

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle shook. Upon inspection, the driver noticed that the rear passenger side lug nuts had loosened and the tire was only being held in place by one lug nut. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on the rear driver side tire but in this occasion the tire detached while driving 70 mph. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission, studs, log nuts, rotors, and tires needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 124,000 and the current mileage was 132,000.

13 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2012

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer limited. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, there was a vibration coming from the rear driver side wheel. The contact noticed that the wheel was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.

14 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2011

Was driving my vehicle on the highway and got off went to turn. The lug nuts sheard off, thought it was a flat tire. This has happened three times. There is no recall for this. I had my kids in the vehicle all three times. I would like to have this matter resolved.

15 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2011

Rear wheel studs sheer off causing wheel to come off while driving. Gave no warning, and was not visible due to wheel cap covering. Has happened twice in 2 months, two different wheels. Both rear. Had to replace all 5 studs, lugs, and rotor on first failure. Replaced studs, lugs, and wheel on second. Lugs are still intact with the studs. Studs show stress fracturing prior to breaking off. Have the studs/lugs from last break.

16 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2011

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, he heard a loud noise. After inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the bolt to the lug nuts were separated from the rear driver and passenger tires. The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist where the lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

17 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2010

Right rear tire keeps coming off. The lug nuts keep breaking off, this is the third time it happens. The rim was replaced, but still are breaking off.

18 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2010

On the highway, passing a tractor trailer and the right rear wheel bearings gave out. Wheel froze and caught on fire. Pulled over and fortunately others had stopped and assisted in putting fire out. Was terrifying - our children were sitting in the back! we then ended up stranded away from home as we were on a family trip.

19 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. While decelerating at approximately 5 mph, the front passenger side tire broke off of the vehicle resulting in a crash. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. The current and failure mileages were unknown. The VIN was not available.

20 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2010

2004 Ford Explorer factory installed chrome wheels this is the second set - I paid $1600 to replace first set have severe peeling, cracking and flaking around lug nuts including inside, outside and top of rims on wheels. Possible consequences cracking, peeling and flaking of wheel materials could result in failure of wheel and /or tire seal failure while driving. Ford service tech stated the all wheels must be replaced for safety reasons.

21 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2010

Left side front and rear wheel bearing needing replacement. The rear wheel bearing was so bad it was actually wobbling.

22 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2010

3 out of 4 wheel bearings have had to be replaced on2004 Ford Explorer between 71,000 and 82,000 miles. Drivers side front was replaced between 71,000 and 72,000 miles, drivers side rear replaced shortly after and now the passenger front needs replacing at 82,000 miles. Several posts on the internet with the same complaint for the same make/model/year of this vehicle. I was told by the Ford dealer that if I didn't fix them the tire could fall off at any time with out warning.

23 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2009

While driving, I took a left turn and felt a bumping in my right rear tire. I pulled over thinking it was a flat tire. In fact, the wheel bolts had been sheared off completely. When I had the car towed to a repair shop, they discovered that a total of 10 bolts/nuts needed to be replaced and 8 out of the other 10 bolts were loose or worn. I also needed to get a new wheel. This morning while driving to work, I took a left turn and the exact same thing happened, again with the right rear tire. The bolts were sheared off. I have not yet brought the vehicle in for repairs for the latest incident but I have no doubt there will be additional bolt damage on at least some of the other tires.

24 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2009

I took my car for a new set of tires at America's tire (discount tire). After changing the tire, one the technical noticed I have a "loose hub assembly" on my left rear wheel and he suggested that I should get that fixed immediately because it's a safety issue. There is a possibility the wheel may come off at freeway speed. I took my cars in to my mechanic the next day, and he jacked up my car. The mechanic put one of his hand at 12 and the other at 6 o'clock on the tire, and rocks it. The tire was wobbling back and forth when he did that, which suggested a bad wheel bearing, or possible bad hub assembly. At the end, it was determined that I had a bad wheel bearing, which was replaced for $400. Usually a hub assembly/wheel bearing should still be in good condition at 52,000 miles. I guess because it's a Ford. I have many problem with this vehicle, the rear right window sometimes doesn't work, the fuel tank system malfunction (changed it under warranty), the "service engine soon" light comes on every 5,000 miles. I'm not buying another Ford. I thought american cars' quality is now comparable to the japanese, unfortunately they're still lagging.

25 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2009

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer. I have had to replace both front bearings and now the rear bearings are bad and I was told that they need to be replaced. Apparently it is a safety issue and Ford is doing nothing about this. Do you have any suggestions as to what can be done before an accident occurs with my vehicle. I cannot afford the repair. What steps can be taken to have Ford recall the Explorers with this problem. It seems that there are many out there with the same issue.

26 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 06/08/2009

2004 Ford Explorer factory installed chrome wheels have severe peeling, cracking and flaking around lug nuts including inside, outside and top of rims on wheels. Possible consequences cracking, peeling and flaking of wheel materials could result in failure of wheel and /or tire seal failure while driving. Ford service tech stated the all wheels must be replaced for safety reasons.

27 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2009

Loud wheel noise. Increased / decreased with speed. Front and rear bearings had to be replaced at 50,000 miles. Ford has a TSB for the replacement. Lemon state lawyer stated they have had hundreds of calls for same problem, at same mileage.

28 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2008

I drive my car like a normal man would. I don't take it off road and don't abuse it in any way. I have already had wheel bearings replaced before now they are going out again. Ford Explorers seem to have this problem often and I am afraid taking this car on the road that the wheels are just going to come right off with me driving on the freeway because the bearings and hubs on these vehicles are improperly assembled and it is only a matter of time before mine go out again with me in it driving at a high rate of speed and being killed. I am not the only one with this problem!! Ford needs to do something quickly before someone is injured or killed.

29 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2008

I was driving to work when my 2004 Ford Explorer lost the rear passenger rim and tire. The car rattled and then there was a loud thud and sparks coming from that area. This has only occurred once but it stripped and broke some of the studs were the wheel attaches. I had the car towed where I had the tires replaced, brakes checked and fixed, alignment, and broken studs fixed and replaced.

30 Wheel problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2008

Rear right tire came off SUV as I was traveling with 3 children and wife in SUV at 60 mph in a 55 mph zone, as per the tow and mechanic person they stated we could have been killed due to SUV going from one side of the road to the other on coming traffic side, my son is having nightmares about this.


Other Wheel related problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer


Safety Ratings of Explorer Cars
Fuel Economy of Explorer Vehicles
Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations