Table 1 shows two common equipment related problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems | |
| Carrier/rack problems |
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. Body is now loose on the frame and has slight movement. These mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. Internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. Ford does not see this as a safety/recall issue and has directed owners of suspect vehicles to your department. This particular vehicle has never been in salt or snow . The cab shaking and rattling is causing movement that will undoubtedly effect the brake lines and steering column as they are attached to both the body and the chassis. Ford is now using another compound for the mounts apparently in response to complaints.
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.