2005 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 497 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 3 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

430 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Ford Explorer problems

146 of the 497 complaints (29%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body · body and frame103
002
Power Train · transmission40
200
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission37
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system35
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration24
420
Structure · body and frame23
000
Electrical System22
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system16
000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame15
000
Wheels12
100

2005 Ford Explorer body and frame problems

29% of all complaints

146 of the 497 complaints are about the body and frame.

Share of the 146 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
78,883 mi
median of 132 reports
Peak year of filing
2011
28 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the top panel of the rear liftgate. The contact was concerned that the rear liftgate would fracture if she opened the liftgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 1, 2022 at 120,000 miles
“2005 FORD explorer. Frame is rotting along the welds. Not up and down. Length wise running with the frame. Obviously a factory weld issue and a big issue at that as the issue could have the frame fail and entire hub/axle/wheel assembly rip right off the vehicle. This is also a very common issue with FORD's in general from 02-2005. As you already know I'm sure.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 9, 2018 at 84,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 22 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'052006: 22 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2007: 23 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'072008: 33 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2009: 46 complaints, 8 about the body and frame'092010: 66 complaints, 23 about the body and frame2011: 80 complaints, 28 about the body and frame'112012: 35 complaints, 16 about the body and frame2013: 40 complaints, 21 about the body and frame'132014: 42 complaints, 22 about the body and frame2015: 34 complaints, 13 about the body and frame'152016: 16 complaints, 4 about the body and frame2017: 14 complaints, 4 about the body and frame'172018: 12 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2019: 3 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'192020: 3 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2021: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'212022: 2 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frameRecall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E049000 (headlights)Recall 07E104000 (visibility)NHTSA investigation EA09013NHTSA investigation PE09020
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2005 Explorer peaked in 2011, with 80 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 29% of the complaints. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

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 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2005 Explorer.

Vehicle Rollaway AllegationsEngineering analysis EA09013Closed
Opened Aug 18, 2009Closed Feb 12, 2013transmission

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure …

VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONSPreliminary evaluation PE09020Closed
Opened Apr 21, 2009Closed Aug 19, 2009steering

In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), FORD stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by FORD of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake …

Technical service bulletins

54 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 16engine 11electrical system 9body and frame 4fuel system 3suspension 2visibility 2equipment 1
04B22Service campaignMay 27, 2005transmission

IMPROPERLY FORMULATED TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENTS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B22. 5R55S/E & 5R44E TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDITIVE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *TT

TSB 19-2026Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 7, 2019body and frame

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

0485Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005body and frame

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED. SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TT

042616Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 31, 2004body and frame

WELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT

04251Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 27, 2004body and frame

ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2024179,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle independently jerked forward. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2023130,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound and shaking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the timing chain was fractured, and a plastic piece had detached. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.

Power Train
Filed Nov 9, 202293,434 milesNM

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle jerked backwards while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 93,434.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Sep 1, 2022120,000 milesMT

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the top panel of the rear liftgate. The contact was concerned that the rear liftgate would fracture if she opened the liftgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 23, 2021VA

I sitting on a incline put it in reverse and started backing up and the transmission just let loose and started rolling forward it's done this several times and sometimes it want back up at all even on level ground had it checked it was full of fluid but done a fluid and filter changed. And it still doesn't back up at times or when backing it stops backing and will go forward drifting

Engine
Filed May 10, 202199,000 milesOH

2005 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION ISSUES. VERY COMMON ON THIS MODEL, BASED ON CUSTOMER/CAR OWNERS COMPLAINTS. REVERSE IS AFFECTED. COULD NOT REVERSE QUICKLY, ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING CAR. VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHILDREN!!!!

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Sep 28, 2020165,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT FOUR OF FIVE WHEELS STUDS HAD SHEARED OFF. THE WHEEL STUDS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 2020120,000 milesID

SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ALL THE ELECTRICAL TURNS OFF LIKE THE KEY IS TURNED OFF. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AS THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. IT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR SLOWED QUICKLY. I AM CONCERNED AS THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. EITHER FORD SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE OR PULL THIS CAR OUT OF SERVICE BEFORE SOMEBODY IS KILLED.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2020250,406 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE THEN ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT AND CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE CLOSE TO HOME SO THEY PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, WHICH WAS LOW. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE OIL SENSOR NOT PROPERLY INFORMING THE CONTACT WHEN THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER CAPITAL CITY FORD LOCATED AT 8623 E. WASHINGTON ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46219) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,406. INVALID VIN.

Seats
Filed Aug 27, 2019AZ

METAL SEAT FRAME BAR COMING THROUGH OUTSIDE OF DRIVERS SEAT.. I AM 5' 3" TALL, 125 LBS...NOT FROM OVER WEIGHT DRIVER.. VERY PROMINENT METAL BAR MAKES SEAT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT ON. LUMBAR SUPPORT DIDNT LAST 5 YEARS...SEAT DANGEROUS TO ANYONE SITTING ON IT.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 24, 2019120,313 milesIL

REAR WHEEL WELL SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT. THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 2019108,673 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AT 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A BACKYARD, DROVE OVER A CURB, DROVE THROUGH A NEIGHBOR'S BACKYARD, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BLACK EYES AND A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CRASH WAS NOT IN RELATION TO ANY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,673.

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2018100,000 milesNY

I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF/

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2018130,100 milesVA

1) ABS, BRAKE, AND WRENCH FAILURE LIGHTS FLASHED ON FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS AND TURNED OFF WHEN DECELERATING WITH CRUISE CONTROL FROM 55 MPH TO 45 MPH ZONES AT COURLAND, VA. VEHICLE MANUAL PROVIDES NO GUIDANCE ON THIS FAILURE MODE; ONLY 'WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON AND CONTINUE FLASHING, REDUCE SPEED AND TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST SERVICE PROVIDER' AND 'WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON AND STAY ON, STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST SERVICE PROVIDER.' 2) APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES LATER, DRIVER BEGAN APPLYING BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW FROM 60 MPH TO 35 MPH SCHOOL ZONE SPEED ABOUT 50 TO 60 M BEFORE SCHOOL ZONE WARNING SIGN AT CAPRON ELEMENTARY, VA, ON STATE HIGHWAY 58. 3) DRIVER CHECKED SPEED UPON ENTERING SCHOOL ZONE AND FOUND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STILL ON AND VEHICLE STILL TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. DEPRESSED BRAKE APPROXIMATELY 1/3 TOTAL BRAKING RANGE (4 CM), WHICH SHOULD HAVE LOCKED THE BRAKES AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP. NO EFFECT. CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT REMAINED ON AND VEHICLE CONTINUED AT 60 MPH. 4) AT THIS POINT, DRIVER REALIZED THAT HE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, PANICKED, AND DECIDED HE HAD TO STOP OR CRASH THE VEHICLE. DRIVER JAMMED THE BRAKE PETAL AS HARD AS HE COULD AND HELD. IT TOOK PROBABLY 3 SECONDS FOR THE REAR BRAKES TO FINALLY GO UP A LOGISTIC GROWTH RESISTANCE CURVE, GRAB, AND STOP THE VEHICLE. NO BRAKING BY FRONT WHEELS. ABS DID NOT WORK. CONTRIBUTING PHYSICAL DEFECTS: WORN-OUT FRONT BRAKES, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WAS KEPT UNDER RIGOR

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2018NJ

NEED TO RECALL THE GASKET HEADS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. LITTLE HOLES MELTED ON THE HEAD. OVERHEATING VEHICLE AND SMOKING OUT ANTIFREEZE WHILE DRIVING. WHY IT'S THIS MATERIAL PLASTIC?

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2018NC

SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE THE LIGHT STAYS ON IN THE MESSAGE BOARD AND A MESSAGE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM ALSO STAYS ON AND IT STALLS WHILE IM IN MOTION ON THE HWY AND STREETS AND TAKES AWHILE TO MOVE FOWARD AGAIN. I

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 6, 2018100,000 milesIL

ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THAT SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IT WOULD REV AND HESITATE AND WHEN IT DOES IT TO MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DISPLAY AND ALSO THE O/D LIGHT BLINKS AND MY TRUCK WILL ACT FUNNY UNTIL I SHUT IT OFF. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC IT IS GIVING THEM SEVERAL DIFFERENT ERROR CODES AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO TRY ALL 6 CODES TO FIGURE IT OUT. SINCE IT IS A CLOSED TRANSMISSION CASE THAT HAS NO DRAIN PLUG AND NO DIP STICK TO CHECK THE FLUID THEY REALLY DON'T WANT TO MESS WITH IT AND COST ME A TON OF MONEY TO FIGURE IT OUT. I HAVE 106,000 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY AND HOPE YOU GIVE ME A MORE PINPOINT RESOLUTION SO I CAN DECIDE IF I SHOULD GET IT REPAIRED AND WHAT MORE SPECIFICALLY THEY CAN TRY.

Power Train
Filed May 3, 201880,000 milesNC

FROM PARK, DELAY FROM 1 TO 7 SECONDS FOR ENGAGEMENT FOR REVERSE (AUTOMATIC TRANS), WORSE IN WARM WEATHER. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS YOU MAY PRESS ON GAS THINKING YOU'RE IN REVERSE, AND THEN ACCELERATE!! HEARD 1ST HAND FROM FORD DEALER THIS IS WELL KNOWN, AND SOMETIMES SEVERE. SOMETHING WITH SOLENOID PACK? HAPPENS OFTEN!

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 26, 2018IL

ABS LIGHT AND ADVANCE TRACKING LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT AND CAR WITH TRACKING LIGHT ALL COMES ON AND THE BRAKING JERK WHEN STOPPING. ALSO LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON EVEN AFTER OIL CHANGE

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 9, 201884,000 milesME

2005 FORD EXPLORER. FRAME IS ROTTING ALONG THE WELDS. NOT UP AND DOWN. LENGTH WISE RUNNING WITH THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY WELD ISSUE AND A BIG ISSUE AT THAT AS THE ISSUE COULD HAVE THE FRAME FAIL AND ENTIRE HUB/AXLE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY RIP RIGHT OFF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ALSO A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD'S IN GENERAL FROM 02-2005. AS YOU ALREADY KNOW I'M SURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND TAKEN CARE OF AND THE FRAME ISSUE HAS MADE AN OTHERWISE GREAT RUNNING LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE WORTHLESS. NOT TO MENTION HAD THE ISSUE NOT BEEN FOUND VERY DANGEROUS! PLEASE GET THESE DEATH TRAPS OFF THE ROAD!! HAVE PICTURES BUT THE FILES ARE TO LARGE TO SEND. THANKS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 4, 2018NJ

TAKATA RECALL. FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP IN THE TANK 2 TIMES STILL DID NOT WORK. CHECKED FOR GROUND CONNECTIONS ALL SEEMED WELL. THE FUEL GAUGE STILL DOES NOT WORK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 27, 2018166,000 milesWA

WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE 2005 FORD EXPLORER IS GOING DOWN HILL OR WHEN PRESSING COAST BUTTON, THE 2005 FORD EXPLORER STALL, ENGINE CUTS OUT. STEERING AND BRAKING BECOMES DIFFICULT.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 23, 2018256,450 milesAZ

I WAS BACKING UP FROM MY DRIVEWAY AND MY CAR ACCELERATED WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE AND IT PEELED OUT AND HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES REALLY HARD.SOMETIMES THE ENGINE SHAKES WHEN GOING FORWARD FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN IT GOES AWAY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 30, 2018120,000 milesNM

DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70 MPH, SUNROOF WAS TILTED IN VENT POSITION WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. GLASS REIGNED DOWN ON ME. I THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD SMASHED THROUGH, BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. LOOKS LIKE IT ACTUALLY BLEW OUTWARD IN THE CENTER. IT'S POSSIBLE SOMETHING HIT IT, BUT I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. IT JUST WAS A LOUD "EXPLOSION" AND THAT WAS IT.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 201787,000 milesMI

MY EXPLORER TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED WORKING GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM KEPT GOING IN AND OUT. CHECKED WITH A FORD DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE WAS OVER 10,000 COMPLAINTS MADE. I AM IN THE MILITARY HAVE 14 COMBAT TOURS, AND COME HOME TO HAVE MY LIFE PUT IN DANGER AGAIN ON SOMETHING THAT YOU ALL KNOW ABOUT. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STEP IN?

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 3, 2017WA

WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL, WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATE GOING DOWN HILL THE ENGINE STALLS ALL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINES DIES. THIS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME WHEN I OR WIFE ARE DRIVE WITH OUR FAMILY

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 23, 2017CA

BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. REAR TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. IT IS NOT THE FUSE BECAUSE THE REAR BACK UP LIGHTS WORK AND THE HIGH CENTER BRAKE LIGHT WORKS AND THE REAR LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. JUST WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES AND TURN SIGNALS (REAR) DO NOT WORK. RESEARCHING ONLINE, LOTS OFF PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH BEING THE CULPRIT.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2017162,000 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT NIGHT MY VEHICLES DASHBOARD BEGAN TO ACT ERRATIC. THEN THE BATTERY GAUGE RAPIDLY DROPPED INTO THE RED ZONE. WITHIN ABOUT 3 MILES I LOST MY INTERIOR POWER, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, AND SIGNALS INCLUDING MY HAZARD LIGHTS. WHEN LIMPING OFF THE INTERSTATE MY TRUCK HAD LOST ENOUGH POWER TO WHERE IT DIED OUT. ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ALTERNATOR FRIED OUT CAUSING A SURGE THAT WIPED OUT THE PCM AND UTILITY CLUSTER ALL WITHOUT WARNING.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 2017157,000 milesCO

THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL CRACKED ON THE BACK OF OUR FORD EXPLORER AND WHEN WE WENT TO SHUT THE LIFT GATE THE WHOLE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED. FORD WON'T REPLACE IT BECAUSE THEY SAY ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND OUR YEAR OF OUR FORD WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL OF THESE PANELS BEING CRACKED. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE CRACKS THAT THE BACK WINDOW CAN SHATTER WHEN CLOSING THE LIFT GATE.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 30, 2017157,000 milesCO

WE HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL WAS CRACKED RIGHT BY THE FORD SYMBOL. WHEN WE WENT TO OPEN THE BACK LIFT GATE AND THE PANEL WHERE IT WAS CRACKED BROKE IN HALF AND SHATTERED THE WHOLE BACK WINDOW AND INJURED US. FORD WANTS TO CHARGE ME $140.00 TO JUST LOOK AT IT. COME ON FORD DO WHAT'S RIGHT! BEWARE IF YOU HAVE A CRACKED PANEL ON YOUR FORD! IT CAN BREAK IN HALF AND THE GLASS CAN SHATTER.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2017FL

MY GAUGES GO HAYWIRE THE NEEDLES SHAKE WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN CAR IS OFF NO KEY IN IGNITION. THE LIGHTS FLASH AS WELL. CAR WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC AT A STOP, THE RPM WON'T GO ABOVE 2 EVEN WHEN HWY GOING 60 MPH. MECHANIC SAID IT'S ELECTRICAL, THE DEALER TOOK OUT TOP COUNSEL AS A WORK AROUND FOR THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE CLAIMING IT WAS NOT A RECALL.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 201768,000 milesAZ

WE'VE REPLACED THE FUEL SENSOR IN OUR 2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT TWICE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. WE HAD 68,000 MILES WHEN WE FIRST REPLACED THE FUEL SENSOR. IT IS A COSTLY FIX. NOW, AUGUST 2017, THE FUEL SENSOR IS NOT WORKING AND OUR SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WE NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS WE HAVE IN THE TANK. THE GAS GOES UP AND DOWN AND IS NOT RELIABLE. THE COMPUTER NEVER STATES THE CORRECT NUMBER OF MILES TILL EMPLY. I'LL BE DRIVING ALONG AND THE GAUGE GOES DOWN TO EMPTY AND THE COMPUTER STATES -------.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 23, 201747,000 milesNY

FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY AFTER FILLING THE TANK UP AND STARTING IT. THE FUEL GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. IT IS UNSAFE NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK BECAUSE YOU COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AT 70+MPH AND CAUSE A CRASH. SEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE BROUGHT ME TO HUNDREDS OF 2002-05 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. FORD MOTORS SHOULD PUT OUT A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 9, 2017112,000 milesWI

I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND UPON OPENING MY REAR TAILGATE, THE SCREWS ON THE TWO HINGES BROKE FROM THE GLASS. TTHE ONLY THING HOLDING IT HALFWAY UP IS THE HYDRAULIC POWER LIFTERS. GLAD I WAS PARKED AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY

Unknown or Other
Filed May 9, 2017160,000 milesUT

WE WERE LEAVING OUR SON'S GAME AND WE OPENED THE LIFTGATE TO PUT THINGS AWAY AND WHEN WE SHUT IT THE WINDOW EXPLODED. GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE INCLUDING ON THE THIRD ROW WHERE MY DAUGHTERS ARE GETTING INTO THEIR SEATS. WE TRIED TO FIX IT AND AS THEY WERE PUTTING THE HINGES ON THE NEW WINDOW EXPLODED ALLOVER MY HUSBANDS HEAD.

Power Train
Filed Apr 17, 2017155,000 milesVA

TRANSMISSION JUST FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. NO FORWARD OR REVERSE GEARS. THE OCCURRENCE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY HIGH AND WELL DOCUMENTED. THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE BECAUSE OF POOR ENGINEERING. MY FAMILY WAS LUCK TO NOT GET REAR ENDED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN INJURY OR WORSE.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 27, 2017138,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FRACTURE IN THE REAR HATCH ABOVE THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER AND ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. THE FAILURE ALLOWED MOISTURE TO ENTER THE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRACTURE WOULD CAUSE THE REAR WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES OR WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 15, 2017135,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE, THE REVERSE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 30, 2016CA

THROTTLES BODY ASSY. STALL OR SURGE WHILE ENTER IN TRAFFIC MAKE VERY DANGER

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 5, 2016133,000 milesIL

WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. IT APPEARS THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HINGE HAD ROTATED OUT OF POSITION AND FRACTURED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BREAK. THE HYDRAULIC ARMS EXTENDED SINCE THE WINDOW WAS NO LONGER THERE TO HOLD THEM BACK, WHICH CAUSED THE LIFT GATE FRAME TO BEND, PLASTIC TO CRACK, AND ELECTRICAL WIRES TO BE EXPOSED.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 27, 201650,000 milesNE

REAR LIFTGATE CRACK

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 14, 201675,000 milesFL

CRACKED APPLIQUE ON REAR LIFT GATE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 6, 201698,000 milesMI

BOTH REAR HATCH GLASS HINGES BROKE. WINDOW FELL OUT WHEN I TRIED OPENING THE HATCH. THANK GOD I WAS THERE TO CATCH IT. BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE HINGES.

Power Train
Filed Nov 4, 2016142,000 milesNJ

THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER BROKE AT THE BASE, INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THE BROKEN PART SEEMS TO BE A CAST METAL PART, THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER ROTATES TO CHANGE GEARS. THE FRACTURE SURFACE APPEARS ROUGH -- IT IS NOT CLEAN. FORTUNATELY THE CAR IS STUCK IN PARK, NOT ANOTHER GEAR, AND IN A SAFE PLACE (PARKING GARAGE). SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN IN ANY OTHER GEAR I WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR IN THAT GEAR, IF I HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO A SAFE PLACE. OTHERWISE IT WOULD JUST HAVE TO SIT WHEREVER IT WAS LEFT, NO MATTER HOW INCONVENIENT TO OTHER DRIVERS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATE THIS IS NOT A DOCUMENTED ISSUE, THEREFORE NO RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE, WITH PICTURES OF THE SAME EXACT BREAK POINT THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED. ALSO, THERE ARE AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS EXACT PART, FURTHER HINTING THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 2, 2016110,000 milesTX

VEHICLE ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING, GENERALLY AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED GREATER THAN 40MPH, WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE JUST TURNS OFF. THE ONLY WAY OF KNOWING IS ONCE THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO INCREASE SPEED AND THEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF. THIS IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAD TO BY A NEW CAR. EXPLORER JUST SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS HAPPEN RANDOMLY WITH NO NOTICE AND GENERALLY WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH

Power Train
Filed Nov 2, 201693,434 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,434. *TT UPDATED 7/2/18*JB *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 20, 201645,000 milesPA

WHEN TRYING TO FILL THE GAS TANK IT IS SLOW AND WILL NOT FILL PROPERLY. HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLVE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2016116,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 9, 201615,000 milesTN

THERE ARE TWO CRACKS ON THE BACK TOP LIFT GATE WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO GET TO THE ELECTRIC LOCKS AND IT OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN WET. THE WHEELS BEARINGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS. THE PASSENGER FRONT BELT TIGHTENS AND WILL NOT LOOSEN.

Power Train
Filed May 31, 201669,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND JERKED VIOLENTLY AT ANY RATE OF SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 497, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026441400Routine
20251072000Routine
2024211010Routine
20231131520Routine
20222712410Above average
20214522660Above average
20201,24933100Above average
2019300600Above average
2018734770Above average
20171,70414110Above average
20162,46515140Above average
20151,814910Above average
20141,684762Fatalities reported
20132,23712111Fatalities reported
2012830760Above average
20111,198840Above average
2010115200Routine
200933100Routine
2008148330Routine
2007208352Fatalities reported
2006630470Above average
2005 — this page497361Fatalities reported
20041,3044150High concern
20031,1317102Fatalities reported
20023,29510575Fatalities reported
200137512216Fatalities reported
200095215644Fatalities reported
19991,34815444Fatalities reported
19981,9591410216Fatalities reported
19971,731125334Fatalities reported
19961,450113751Fatalities reported
199584312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

2005 Ford Explorer: questions buyers ask

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer a good car?

It is not among the Explorer years to avoid. Owners filed 497 complaints, against about 939 for a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (29%).

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Explorer?

The body and frame: 146 of the 497 complaints (29%) are about it. The typical report comes at 78,883 miles.

How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 11, 2007. The largest, 06E026000, covered 61,944 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2005 Ford Explorer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 78,883 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Ford Explorer?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA09013 ("Vehicle Rollaway Allegations"), was opened Aug 18, 2009 and closed Feb 12, 2013.

Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer filed 54 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (16), the engine (11) and the electrical system (9). They include a service campaign, 04B22, filed May 27, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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: Dec 11, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.