MotorDeets

2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 0 recalls, 86 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
86owner complaints
14mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.

Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.

Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension14
Transmission & drivetrain13
Airbags13
Body & structure9
Speed control / throttle8
Electrical7
Engine & cooling7
Tires6

What owners describe

The 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 86 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 Explorer Sport Trac model years for complaints (1.6× the average Explorer Sport Trac year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 43,767 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (78 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (66 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Gasoline or E85
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Gasoline or E85

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual

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FAQ

Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (14), transmission & drivetrain (13), airbags (13).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Explorer Sport Trac years

1997199820002001200220032004200520062007200820092010