2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Routine

Owners filed 66 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Ford Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid. Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,000 milesMedian miles at failure

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

11 of the 66 complaints (17%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System11
010
Structure › Body · body and frame10
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system8
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system4
000
Air Bags · airbags4
203
Tires3
000
Steering3
000
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags3
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
100
Power Train · transmission2
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Apr 17, 2026CO

The dash cluster don't work cant see your rpms,speed,the fuel gauge gos up and down can't see milage or trip meter if you hit the dash it will work but go out going down the road and I researched it and its a common issue and I cant aford a new dash cluster I got a speeding ticket yesterday because I couldn't see my speed and there was no one in front of me to go off of i was going 15 over

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2025OH

As I was driving to work one morning suddenly my headlights and all interior lights, such as the dashboard, suddenly went out without any warning and nothing electrical would work such as the radio and the windows and all the gauges in the dash dropped to zero or the needle fell all the way to the left. This has become an ongoing problem and I never know when it's going to go out or come back on for that matter and sometimes when it's acting crazy My speedometer will just jump all over the place. I believe this is a safety issue not only for myself but for other drivers on the road as my lights may suddenly go out as I am driving to work at 4:00 a.m. when it is dark. It is also a safety issue because when this happens I have no idea what speed I am driving or how much gas I have left or if my vehicle is starting to get hot. I have not taken the vehicle to the dealer or anywhere else for fear of it costing an arm and a leg to fix the problem, as every single Ford that I have ever owned seems to have had some type of electrical issue. I do have video of my gauges going crazy as I am driving on the highway; however looking ahead in this form it looks as if I can only submit photos and not a video.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 8, 2023CO

I got into an accident where I hit a semi head on and at 40 mph and the airbags never deployed. I got hurt and may seek a lawyer.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 30, 2020AZ

THE FAN BLADES HAD MANY BIG CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC BLADES,THE DRIVER DOOR THE BODY IS CRACKED BY TOP OF DOOR HING BACK DOOR IS THE SAME, THE PAINT IS PEALING AND STARTING TO RUST ON TOP.THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT CRACKED.

Steering
Filed Sep 30, 202049,000 milesOH

MY TRUCK'S STEERING COLUMN IS TIGHT. IT FEELS LIKE IT COULD LOCK UP OR BREAK OFF. THE KEY IS HARD TO TURN IN THE IGNITION; THE GEAR SHIFTER IS TIGHT TO SWITCH FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THIS IS OCCURRING WHEN I START THE TRUCK, THEN IT SEEMS TO BE FINE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW FORD HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE MECHANISMS TO ENABLE A SMOOTH START. MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 49,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. I WORRY THAT IT COULD LEAVE ME STRANDED OR THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK UP. HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE?

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 29, 2019162,000 milesCA

FORD INERTIA SWITCH. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND PROPULSION, CAUSING MY POWER STEERING TO GO OFF AS WELL AS ALL INSTRUMENTATION TO TURN OFF, WHILE MOVING AT 65 MPH. THE ONLY THING I COULD DO IS TURN MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON FIND AN EXIT AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION, AND ONE THAT VERY WELL COULD HAVE ENDED IN DEATH. THE ONLY ISSUE IS THAT IT OCCURS VERY SPORADIC AND IT'S VERY HARD TO TROUBLESHOOT OR RECREATE THE FAULT.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 2019155,000 milesGA

THE DRIVER SEAT BACK KEPT FALLING INTO THE BACK SEAT WHILE DRIVING, NOW THE SEAT BACK DOESN'T MOVE. THE PASSENGER IS DOING THE SAME JUST NOT AS BAD. THE HEATED SEATS COME ON WHENEVER THEY WANT, BUT THE HEATED DRIVER'S SEAT HAS STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. THE SEAT BELTS RANDOMLY LOCK AND BARELY RETRACT.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 21, 2018135,215 milesGA

THE FRONT, DRIVER'S SIDE, TIRE CAME APART AND CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE'S BODY AND POSSIBLY OTHER DAMAGES NOT SEEN. I NEED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER DAMAGES. THE TIRE IS A GOOD YEAR EAGLE RS-A. THE DOT # IS 4B08 DLWR 3701. TIRE SIZE P235/70R16. I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-75 WHEN THE TIRE CAME APART. IT WAS TERRIBLY SCARY. I DID NOT REALIZE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS FALLING APART. I PULLED ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND REALIZED THE TIRE HAD COME APART. THE RUBBER COMING OFF THE TIRE CAUSED QUITE A BIT OF BODY DAMAGE. THE VISIBLE DAMAGES INCLUDE DAMAGES TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD LIGHT, RUBBER RIPPED OUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BLINKER, MOLDING UNDER THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS RIPPED OUT, PAINT DAMAGE, TIRE WELL DAMAGE AND LOOSENING OF OTHER MOLDING ON DRIVER'S SIDE. A MECHANIC WILL HAVE TO INSPECT FOR UNSEEN DAMAGES.

Power Train
Filed Nov 25, 2018212,000 milesIA

I WAS DRIVING FRIDAY AFTERNOON AFTER WORK WAS OVER GOT HOME AN PARKED IT WENT TO LEAVE TO GO TO THE STORE AN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME WAS THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR I REPLACED IT AN IT DROVE PERFECTLY FINE I HAD IT SERVICED FOR OIL AN TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH AFTER THAT IT DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AN AS I DESCRIBED IN THE BEGINNING IT HAPPENED AGAIN SAME SYMPTOMS O/D FLASHING WOULDN'T GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE SO I REPLACED THE SENSOR AGAIN THIS TIME IT STILL DID NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AN THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT IT HAS 212000 ON IT AN FORD KNOWS THESE GO OUT AN THE TRANSMISSION SHOP I GO TO SAID THEY REPLACE 12 EVERY MOTH CAUSE THIS IS COMMON WITH FORD VEHICLES SO WHY DOE FORD NOT COVER THIS AN WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS ON THIS IN MY OPINION THIS IS A COMPLETE JOKE ON FORD NOW I HAVE TO SPEND 2400 ON REPLACING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WHICH I THINK FORD SHOULD BE REPLACING IT FOR FREE KNOWING [XXX] WELL THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS GO OUT IN THEM FORCING THE OWNER TO PAY THE PRICE FOR NEW ONE IT'S ABSOLUTELY ABSURD FORD NEEDS TO GET THERE HEAD OUT OF THERE ASS AN REPLACE THESE FOR FREE FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY PEOPLE ACTUALLY SPEND ON FIXING THERE CARS OIL CHANGES TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSHES AND TIRES THAT WE HAVE TO BUY EVERY YEAR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2018149,325 milesKY

MY 2005 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND WHEN IT DOES, MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPS WORKING. MY TACHOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, TEMP, AND FUEL GAUGES STOP WORKING. HERE LATELY, MY RADIO AND POWER WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND REPORTED TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING AND SHUTS OFF AS WELL. NOT REALLY SURE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH IT, BUT WHEN EVERYTHING STOPS WORKING, I SIT THERE AND HIT THE DASH TO GET THE LIGHTS AND WINDOWS TO START WORKING AGAIN. I USED TO BE ABLE TO HIT THE DASH WITH MY HAND AND GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO OFF AND THE GAUGES START WORKING. WHEN I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD STORE AND TALKED TO THEM IN SERVICE, THEY QUOTED ME LIKE $400 FOR A PART AND JUST AS MUCH FOR LABOR, LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY KNEW WHAT IT WAS TO FIX. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING, BUT WITH THE ODOMETER NOT REGISTERING MILES FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS CONSIDERED SALVAGE TITLE BECAUSE IT IS UNKNOWN MILES.

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 10, 2017125,000 milesTX

VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPLOYED.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 2016112,638 milesGA

CLUSTER GOING BAD AND CUTTING POWER TO ENTIRE VEHICLE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD , CITY ENVIROMENT

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 30, 2016125,456 milesAL

DISCOVERED UNDERNEATH THE BODY WHERE THE BODY AND FRAME MEET FOR THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS, THEY HAVE NEARLY DISINTEGRATED ON ALL FOUR BUSHINGS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THESE BUSHINGS WERE MADE OF SOME INFERIOR FOAM MATERIAL WHEREAS THE REAR BUSHINGS ARE RUBBER AND STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE REPAIR FOR THIS DEFECT WILL COST AROUND $600 TO $1,300 AND IF NOT DONE WILL RESULT IN THE CAB FALLING DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRAME THUS CREATING NUMEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS INCLUDING STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY FAILURE OF THE TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL SPORT TRACS MADE FROM 2001 TO 2005. THE INCLUDED PICS BEGIN WITH THE DRIVER SIDE (DRIVER SEAT) FRONT BUSHING, DRIVER SIDE (REAR SEAT) BUSHING, PASSENGER SIDE (FRONT SEAT) BUSHING, PASSENGER SIDE (REAR SEAT) BUSHING AND FINALLY THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND DRIVER SIDE REAR BUSHINGS (BOTH IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND MADE OF ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATERIAL) DISCLAIMER: THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO ANY SALT WATER (BEACH) ENVIRONMENT NOR WINTER WEATHER ENVIRONMENT (WHERE SALT WAS USED), OR MUD RIDING OF ANY TIME NOR HAS BEEN DRIVEN THROUGH FLOODED AREAS WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE CONDITION OF THE BUSHINGS. VEHICLE ODOMETER READING IS 125,496.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 201683,000 milesFL

PUT KIDS IN CAR SEATS. GOT IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND CLOSED DOOR AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. FORD IS ACTING LIKE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT'S EVER HAPPENED BUT I SEE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT ONLINE. NOTHING DONE, SO FAR. WAITING TO SEE IF IT IS COVERED ON INSURANCE. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BELIEVES VEHICLE IS TOTALED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PUT AIR BAGS BACK IN AND GUARANTEE SAFETY AFTERWARDS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 12, 201610,000 milesNM

PEELING PAINT ON MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. IT IS PEELING MOSTLY ON THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE TRUCK. I TALKED WITH SOMEONE ON THE FORD WEBSITE BUT THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I TALKED WITH A PAINT AND BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD PAINT JOB. THE ROOF ON MY VEHICLE IS NOW RUSTING AND THE BODY SHOP GUY SAID IT WILL COST OVER 2000$ TO GET IT REPAIRED. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN OKLAHOMA. WE ALSO BOUGHT A COVER FOR THE BACK WHICH HAD A FRAME AROUND THE BED OF THE PICKUP AND WAS HELD TOGETHER BY SOME PLASTIC CLIPS. THE CLIPS BROKE BEFORE IT WAS EVEN A YEAR OLD AND THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WE WOULD HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW COVER WHICH COST OVER 300$.

Electrical System
Filed May 5, 2016126,260 milesMD

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. CAUSED ALL MY LIGHTS (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) TO GO OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE DARK ON AN 8 LANE INTERSTATE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO ELECTRIC SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER). FORD SAYS IT IS ON BACK ORDER. NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!

Electrical System
Filed May 3, 2016162,787 milesIN

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CUTS OUT AND RESARTS THEN CUTS OUT AGAIN CAUSING NO SPEEDOMETER TACH FUEL GAUGE OIL PRESSURE TEMPERATURE AND VOLTAGE GAUGE TO STOP WORKING. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WON'T WORK RADIO OUT ODOMETER BLANK HAPPENS RANDOMLY IN ANY CONDITION IDLE DRIVING EVERY WHEN NOT IN THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN HEAR THE RELAY CLICKING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 12, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THERE WAS A FRONT PASSENGER RIDING OCCUPYING THE SEAT AND THE PASSENGER LEG TOUCHED THE FUEL RELAY SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 9, 2015175,000 milesSC

THIS VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY JUST CUTS OFF. WE HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT COSTLY REPAIRS AND THE TRUCK STILL DOES NOT RUN RIGHT, IT IS STILL CUTTING OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME ANYWHERE, EVEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND ALL THEY DID WAS OPEN A CASE FILE BUT TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2014 AND WAS TOLD THE ONLY THING WRONG WITH IT WAS THAT IT NEEDED THE ROTORS TURNED ON THE BRAKES WHICH WE HAVE DONE. THEN IT STARTED DOING THIS. WE HAVE HAD IT TOWED 6 TIMES IN ABOUT 2 MONTHS. 3 MECHANICS HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR THE TRUCK WITH NO LUCK. WE ARE TAPPED OUT TRYING TO FIX THIS TRUCK. I FEEL SURE THE GUY WHO SOLD IT TO US KNEW THE TRUCK WAS DOING THIS BUT OPTED NOT TO TELL US. ALSO I BLAME FORD FOR THE PROBLEMS WE ARE HAVING, EVEN THEIR TECHNICIAN DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 8, 2015160,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORT EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DURING A STORM, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MINOR PAIN IN VARIOUS AREAS OF HIS BODY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A WRECKING YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 23, 2015TX

THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT IT WONT GO UP ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 16, 2015108,000 milesOK

FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 FORD SPORTRAC DOES NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. NEEDLE STUCK AT 1/4 TANK AND SOMETIMES WILL MOVE, BUT CAN NOT BE TRUSTED. EVEN AFTER FILLING UP, IT WILL NOT SHOW FULL TANK. HAVE TO USE TRIP METER TO HAVE ANY IDEA WHEN TO RE-FUEL. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AND AFTER RESEARCHING ON INTERNET, WE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY FORD VIA RECALLS ON THEIR VEHICLES. IT COULD CERTAINLY BE A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 26, 201580,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AND IT STALLED OUT. IT KEPT HAPPENING AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK EVEN WHEN I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD FAR TOO MANY CLOSE CALLS FROM WRECKING OR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I WENT AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE SPRING IN THE FUEL RESET SWITCH. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP ONCE MORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO ON AGAIN. HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST YEAR. IT CLAIMS THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL CAP OR THE FUEL LINES. I'VE HAD A PRESSURE TEST DONE AND MY GAS CAP CHANGED AND IT STILL HASN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM. ALSO MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS STARTING TO GET STUCK AND MY FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER REGISTERING THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF GAS I HAVE. I HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK AND I JUST WANT THEM TO BE FIXED. THIS STUFF IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE LEGITIMATE ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 14, 201468,000 milesCA

WHEN I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL SOMETIMES JUST TURN OFF BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING. USUALLY I CAN HEAR A NOISE AND THE GAS PEDAL WILL QUICKLY MOVE UP. ONCE THAT HAPPENS THEN I CAN NO LONGER SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 201450,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE HAZARD LIGHTS BECAUSE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO MERGE OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 201450,000 milesFL

REAR PASSENGER DOOR CAN'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING ANY TYPE OF PASSENGER IN AN EMERGENCY. NOTHING IS LISTED IN OPERATIONS MANUAL. CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS PRESSED AT TIME SO CHILD COULD NOT OPEN DOOR. SINCE THEN TRIED TO UNLOCK CHILD SAFETY FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. THERE IS NO WAY TO DO THIS. INVOLVES CHILD SAFETY LOCK WHICH IS BROKEN INSIDE OF DOOR. TRIED TO GET FIXED RECENTLY, BUT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT DAMAGING DOOR. STILL CANNOT OPEN. HAVE HEARD OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. HAVE NOT SEEN OR HEARD ANY RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE BUT IT SHOULD BE A FORD ISSUE NOT THE CONSUMER. THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN THAT SEAT SHOULD AN EMERGENCY OCCUR AND THEY NEED TO GET OUT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2014144,000 milesPA

THE SPEEDOMETER GETS STUCK AT DIFFERENT SPEED AND THE RPM GAUGE DOES THE SAME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOU COULD BE DRIVING FASTER THAN YOU THINK. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. I CAN SOMETIME RESET USING THE TRIP COUNTER RESET BUTTON. THIS PROBLEM SEEM TO BE GETTING WORST. MY SPEEDOMETER SEEM TO BE GETTING STUCK MORE OFTEN NOW AND IT SEEM TO BE GETTING HARDER TO RESET. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 8, 2014OK

WHILE IN PARK, THE CAR DIED. PUSHED CAR INTO AUTO PARTS STORE PARKING LOT. ASSOCIATE HELPED BY RESETTING THE FUEL CUT OFF SWITCH LOCATED ON THE FIRE WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. SINCE THIS FIRST INCIDENT IT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS, THEN EVERY MONTH, AND NOW ALMOST WEEKLY.IT HAS OCCURRED WHILE IN TOWN AT LOW SPEEDS AND ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. CANNOT FIND A RECALL BUT KNOW OF OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD TO CHANGE OUT THIS SWITCH ON THEIR SPORT TRACS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 13, 2014150,000 milesTN

DRIVER SIDE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HAD BEEN BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT TO OPEN. ON THE LAST PULL TO GET IN, THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REMOVE THE DRIVER. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 24, 201315,000 milesDE

EVERY TIME GAS IS PUMPED INTO THE VEHICLE, EVEN WHEN TANK IS EMPTY, AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE GAS BACKS UP END SPEWS OUT OF THE GAS FILL TUBE. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUMP GAS SO THAT THE GAS DOESN'T EJECT BACK OUT OF THE FILL TUBE. I CAN ONLY ASSUME ITS A HUGE FIRE/SAFETY ISSUE AS IT NORMALLY AMOUNTS TO A HUGE PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE GROUND, ALL OVER MY PAINT, AND MOST OF THE TIME ON MY CLOTHES AND SHOES, ESPECIALLY ON A WINDY DAY. I ALSO KNOW IT'S NOT ONLY MY VEHICLE, AND THAT IT MUST BE A COMMON PROBLEM, BECAUSE ANY TIME I GET FULL SERVICE THE ATTENDANT IMMEDIATELY KNOWS TO TURN THE NUZZLE UPSIDE DOWN AND PUMP AS THIS SEEMS TO ALLEVIATE THE ISSUE BUT STILL DOESN'T ELIMINATE IT. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 11, 2013140,000 milesVA

THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT GETS SO HOT, I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, RADIATOR. THE CAR STILL GETS SO HOT. I WONDER WHY FORD DISCONTINUE THAT MODEL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 15, 201345,000 milesWA

FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW THE PAINT PEALING OFF THE BODY AFTER WASHING IT, FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER, I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES, AND THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING FIGHT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THEY WILL ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY THAT IT WAS A BAD PAINT JOB. AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BY THERE WARRANTY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 28, 2013100,000 milesNV

I STARTED SMELLING GAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A GAS CAN I WAS HAULING AROUND. WELL ONE DAY I PULLED MY CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY , AND NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE UNDER MY CAR. I GOT DOWN TOO SEE WHAT IT WAS. I SMELLED IT AND IT WAS GAS. I THEN DROPPED THE GAS TANK AND SEEN IT WAS LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL LINE. I THEN BOUGHT THE FUEL LINE THINKING THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. TOO MAKE ALONG STORY SHORT IT DIDN'T. IT WAS A REAL EASY TO REPLACE THE LINE. BUT NOW I HAVE TOO REPLACE THE TOP OF TANK TOO. MY POINT IS THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. THERE SHOULD NEVER BE A PART THAT SHOULD LEAK GAS ESPECIALLY WHERE IT MAKES A PUDDLE RIGHT UNDER THE GAS TANK. IMAGINE IF SOMEONE THREW A CIGARETTE UNDER MY CAR, BOOM. PEOPLE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DIE FOR THIS TO BE RECALLED. I'M NOT GOING TO FIX THIS, FORD SHOULD. BAD APPLICATION. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I PLANNING ON TAKING FORD TO COURT. *TR

Tires
Filed Jun 10, 20138,000 milesVA

I GOT NEW TIRES, THEY SHOW LOW ON AIR, I MEASURE AND NOTICE THAT THEY HAVE MORE AIR THAN THEY SUPPOSED TO HAVE. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE TIRE BRAND ARE FIRESTONE OWL P235/70R16. *TR

Tires
Filed Jun 10, 20138,000 milesVA

THE TIRE LOOKS FLAT, I NOTICE THE TECHNICIAN PUT MORE AIR THAN IT SUPPOSED TO HAVE, THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jun 5, 2013140,000 milesVA

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS WAS CRACK FOR NO REASON, JUST BECAUSE THE TEMPERATURE WAS 90S. WE HAVE OTHER CARS AND ALL ARE FINE. I BELIEVE IS THE METAL WHERE THE REAR MIRROR IS MOUNTED. BASED ON MY FORENSIC CLASS, CARS HAVE A LEAST 3 COATS OF PAINT, PRIMER, THE COLOR AND THE CLEAR COAT, THIS CAR ONLY HAS TWO COATS OF PAINT. *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 16, 2013118,000 milesNV

TIRE THREAD SEPARATION(S) , SEVERELY VIBRATED THE WHOLE VEHICLE AT ALL SPEED..SEVER TO VERY SEVERE VIBRATION AS SPEED IS GOING UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED LIMITS. AT LOW SPEEDS IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE HITTING A POT HOLE EVERY TIRE ROTATION. TIRE BRAND: YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER 235/65R17 DOT FBLS. INSTALLED IN A 2005 FORD SPORTRAC VIN [XXX] USED JUST OVER 14000 MILES....ALL TIRE PRESSURES, MAINTENANCE AND RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION HAS BEEN SERVICED ON THE SAID VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2013AL

THE FUEL GAUGE IN MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC STOPPED WORKING RECENTLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AS WELL. I WASN'T SURE HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE TRUCK SO I FILLED IT UP AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL DAYS, I NOTICED MY FUEL GAUGE WAS STILL SITTING ON "F" WHICH I KNOW WASN'T RIGHT, EVENTUALLY THE FUEL GAUGE CAME DOWN SOME AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND HAS STAYED ON SINCE. I HAVE ABOUT 67K ON IT NOW. I'VE REALLY ENJOYED THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED IT'S CHECKUPS. I'M TAKING IT TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT IT WILL COST TO FIX. I DON'T LIKE DRIVING AROUND AND NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE OR THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. I DON'T KNOW IF ITS ON BECAUSE THE GAUGE IS BROKE OR BECAUSE SOMETHING ELSE COULD BE GOING ON WITH THE ENGINE. EITHER WAY, I'M SURE IT'S GOING TO COST ALOT, WHAT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE DOESN'T. I'VE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON LINE AND AM SURPRISED NOTHING HAS BEEN MENTIONED ABOUT THIS BY FORD; BUT THEN AGAIN, WHY WOULD FORD WANT TO FIX SOMETHING THEMSELVES WHEN THEY CAN CHARGE THE CUSTOMER AN ARM AND A LEG INSTEAD!!!! *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 23, 201240,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE EXTERIOR ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 2, 201264,000 milesFL

THE FUEL GAUGE IN MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC STOPPED WORKING. IT READS BELOW EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN PROBLEM IN FORD EXPLORERS, MOUNTAINEERS AND RANGER HAVING A FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMPS IN THIS MODEL YEAR. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. NOT KNOWING WHEN OR WHERE A VEHICLE WILL RUN OUT OF GAS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND NOT KNOWING IF THE FUEL PUMP WILL FAIL IS ALSO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IT COULD BE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR IN A DESOLATE AREA. AFTER VIEWING SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS INTERNET SITES, FORD IS ALSO STILL SELLING THESE VEHICLES PRE-OWNED AND NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE SALE. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM EXCEPT TO CHARGE PEOPLE FOR THE REPAIR. *KB

Power Train
Filed Sep 23, 201136,000 milesOH

I PURCHASED MY SPORT TRAC IN 2005. IN 2011 I HAD APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A SEVERE VIBRATION WHICH CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD AND MADE STEERING DIFFICULT DOING ABOUT 60 MPH. I REPLACED THE TIRES BUT THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD SENT OUT A SERVICE MEMO STATING THIS PARTICULAR FORD MODEL HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVESHAFT AND A NEW ALUMINUM ONE WAS NECESSARY. I CONTACTED FORD BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. ON JUNE 15, I WENT TO CLASSIC FORD LINCOLN-MERCURY AND TOLD THEM I NEEDED AN UPDATED DRIVESHAFT. AFTER IT WAS INSTALLED THE VIBRATION CONTINUED AND I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY THEN INSTALLED THE RIGHT ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT. MY PROBLEM IS THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT AND THE VIBRATION IT CAUSED AND HAD WRITTEN A SERVICE MEMO ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT MY CAR HAD 36,000 MILES BUT THAT IS WHEN THE PROBLEM BECAME SERIOUS. I BELIEVE THAT FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCTS AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR THE PROBLEMS THEY CAUSED. I THINK FORD MOTOR SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT SINCE I WAS MADE AWARE THAT FORD REALIZED THE CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE WRONG ONE AND FAILED TO HAVE A RECALL . HOPEFULLY NO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS RESULTED FROM THIS FORD ENGINEERING ERROR.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 201131,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE PAINT IS BLISTERING AND PEELING FROM THE ROOF RUNNERS. I NOTICED THIS JUST RECENTLY WHEN I WASHED THE TRUCK AND WAS GETTING READY TO WAX IT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 24, 201198,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHETHER DRIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION OIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 201189,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 15, 201165,806 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE IT SPRAYED BACK OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO PEOPLE ATTEMPTED TO FUEL THE VEHICLE AND THEY BOTH EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ADD FUEL TO HER VEHICLE AND SHE WAS ALSO UNABLE TO DRIVE IT. THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,806.

Parking Brake
Filed Oct 26, 201057,500 milesWI

I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AT 57500 MILES MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED UP ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PEDALS. AS IT IS I STILL NEED REPAIR DONE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND WERE UNSAFE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 23, 20101 milesME

FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE TO NOW 95K MILES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF OUR 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORTS TRAC. THEY HAVE REPLACE A NUMBER OF PART AND CONTINUE TO TELL US THAT ITS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE TO HAVE VIBRATION. I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL TIME FOR THEM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK WITH THEM REFUSING. THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. AS 100% DISABLED PTSD VETERAN I HAVE HIT MY LIMIT WITH THEM. THIS IS A PIECE OF CRAP AND I PAY ALMOST 600 A MONTH AND HAVE TO FIX IT ALL THE TIME. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 201051,000 milesID

MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORTTRAC HAS PAINT ISSUES. THE PAINT ON THE HOOD HAS BUBBLED AND IS NOW FLAKING OFF. THE RUNNING BOARDS HAVE EXTENSIVE RUST SPOTS. I AM NOW WORRIED WHAT ELSE MIGHT GO WRONG. =-( *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Aug 20, 201057,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE FRONT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED FOLLOWED BY A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS BECAME INOPERABLE AFTER THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DETECTED A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE TO INDICATE THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASON AS TO WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000. UPDATED 11/16/10*BF UPDATED 11/26/10

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 22, 2009TX

2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC GLUE TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER AND PULLEY COMES APART AND PULLEY BREAKS LOOSE CAUSING THE MOTOR TO BECOME UNBALANCE AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 66, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201031120Routine
20096000Routine
200823110Routine
2007100120Routine
20065000Routine
2005 — this page66110Routine
200486210Routine
200378161Fatalities reported
2002144430Routine
2001167690Routine
20003100Routine
19985010Routine
19976010Routine

Compare every Explorer Sport Trac year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.