Page 3 of 10 · complaints 101–150 of 497

2005 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2005 record →

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 12, 201465,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 2014134,000 milesCT

ELECTRIC WINDOWS WON'T WORK. ALL FUSES ARE WORKING. SOME WIRES THAT GO FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ARE SEVERED AND MELTED. THE WIRES ARE IN A PROTECTIVE RUBBER BOOT THAT IS BETWEEN VEHICLE FRAME AND DOOR. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 2014134,000 milesCT

REAR WIDOW IS ALSO A HATCH. THE HATCH HAS A FRACTURE IN THE CENTER OF WHERE THE HATCH SECURES ITSELF TO THE FRAME. THE HATCH WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY AND NEEDS TO BE PHYSICALLY MANIPULATED AT AN ANGLE TO BE SECURED. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2014120,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 201456,000 milesVA

THE PLASTIC BRACKET THAT HOLDS UP THE OVERHEAD CONTROL CONSOLE BETWEEN THE DRIVE AND PASSENGER AND RIGHT NEXT TO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE FELL WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED WITH NO ONE IN THE CAR. THE CONSOLE DROPPED AND BLOCKED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. HAD I BEEN DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SHOCK AND CAUSED ME NOT TO USE MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I WENT TO REMOVE THE BRACKET TO GET A REPLACEMENT I FOUND IT WAS SUPER BRITTLE AND FALLING APART. IT BROKE INTO A FEW PIECES WHILE JUST HOLDING IT. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT STRUCTURALLY SOUND. IF THIS INTERIOR AND HIDDEN PLASTIC PART THAT WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY PASSENGER INTERACTION OR SUN EXPOSURE IS DISINTEGRATING WHAT ABOUT OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR. I SEE LOTS OF PLASTIC PARTS FAILURE COMPLAINTS FOR FORD EXPLORER. IS THE PLASTIC THEY USED DEFECTIVE OR ARE CAR PARTS LIKE THIS BRACKET IN FORD PRODUCTS SUPPOSED TO SELF DESTRUCT? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 20, 2014NY

I HAVE A 2005 EXPLORER XLT AND I ALSO HAVE A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW. WHICH HAS LED TO WATER SEEPING INTO MY BACK WIPER MOTOR CAUSING ME TO REPLACE IT FREQUENTLY. WHICH REPLACING THIS IS NOT CHEAP.THIS IS CERTAINLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED DUE TO THERE ARE MANY OF THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS. ALSO THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD ON MY BACK WINDOW CAME OFF/BROKE. WE WERE LEAVING FOR VACATION AND THE WHOLE WINDOW WAS IN MY HAND WHEN I WENT TO CLOSE IT. I AM A FORD LOVER THROUGH AND THROUGH AND WOULD JUST LIKE THESE PROBLEMS THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE HAVING CORRECTED . THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 9, 2014100,835 milesAZ

I AM ANOTHER VERY ANNOYED OWNER OF A 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORER WITH A CRACKED REAR PANEL. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, THIS AFFECTS NEARLY 100% OF ALL EXPLORERS OF THOSE MODEL YEARS AND IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 2, 201486,960 milesCA

I WENT OUT TO MY 2005 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER TO REMOVE ITEMS INSIDE BACK CARGO AREA AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC TAILGATE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW HAD VERTICALLY CRACKED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THROUGH THE WHOLE PIECE. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE TO SHOW CAUSE FOR THE SPONTANEOUS WIDE CRACK. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR. PARKED DAILY IN GARAGE AND NOT EVEN DRIVEN DAILY. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THE GLASS WINDOW PANEL MIGHT BE COMPROMISED AND COULD CAUSE DEADLY DAMAGE TO PASSENGERS IN MY CAR OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD BEHIND ME SHOULD IT COME LOOSE OR SHATTER, INCLUDING THE CHANCE THAT THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER COULD COME UNATTACHED AND ALSO FLY OFF INTO THE WINDOW OF A VEHICLE BEHIND ME. I HAVE JUST RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME SPONTANEOUS CRACKING AND HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jun 12, 201492,210 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CRACK DEVELOPED ACROSS THE FULL LENGTH OF THE HATCH BACK DOOR. THE GLASS OF THE HATCH BACK DOOR ALSO SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,210.

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 201469,000 milesNC

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AT 10:30 PM AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. HE WAS ABLE TO RE-START IT. THERE WERE NO MAINTENANCE LIGHTS ON. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY TEENAGE SON IN APRIL 2014 AND THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM. A MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NOW, AND MY SON IS LEAVING FOR COLLEGE IN AUGUST AND DRIVING HIS VEHICLE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 25, 201469,500 milesTN

OUR 2005 EXPLORER WITH V8 ENGINE HAS DEVELOPED A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED AND A HILL IS CRESTED (FOR EXAMPLE) AND THE ENGINE GOES TO IDLE IT DROPS BELOW STALL SPEED AND DIES WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER MUST MOVE SHIFTER INTO N AND RESTART, OBVIOUSLY CRITICALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NO PROBLEM WITH NORMAL DRIVING OR IDLING WITHOUT CRUISE ON. THIS PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT AND EASY TO REPRODUCE EVEN ON FLAT SURFACES WHEN CRUISE BACKS OFF THE THROTTLE TO SLOW DOWN. A/C CAN BE ON OR OFF. *TR

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed May 22, 201481,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER WITH MICHELIN T235- 70T16 16' LATITUDE TOUR TIRES . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE TIRE WALL BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 21, 2014120,300 milesOH

PAINT IS BUBBLING/FLAKING ALONG FRONT EDGE OF HOOD. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed May 16, 2014IL

BODY ISSUES: I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT. MY TAILGATE SOMEHOW DEVELOP A CRACK THAT GOES THROUGH WHERE THE FORD LOGO IS. NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE SUV TO CAUSE THE CRACK. IT JUST SOMEHOW HAPPENED ON IT'S OWN. I BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE OR AT LEAST THE MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THE VEHICLE. ELECTRICAL ISSUES: ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL. MY TURN SIGNALS (MOST TIMES) DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TO MANUALLY MOVE IT UP AND DOWN WHEN TURNING. WHEN IT DOES WORK, IT GOES REALLY FAST. MY REVERSE NOTIFICATION NO LONGER WORKS FOR SOME STRANGE REASON. ALSO, MY RADIO GOES LOUDER WHEN I TURN IT DOWN. I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF FOR A LITTLE WHILE, TURN IT BACK ON THEN TRY TO LOWER THE VOLUME. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed May 12, 201476,884 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30-55 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE 4X4 HIGH LIGHT AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,884 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,459.

Structure › Body
Filed May 1, 2014100,000 milesMI

HINGES ON THE REAR GLASS HATCH ARE BROKEN. EVENTUALLY WILL BRAKE OFF AND POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INJURY BECAUSE THAT SUPPORTS THE GLASS. MANY OTHER EXPLORERS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Apr 26, 2014102,000 milesOH

WITHOUT ANY IMPACT OR KNOWN CAUSE,THE LIFTGATE CRACKED FROM THE REAR WINDOW, ALONG THE FORD EMBLEM, TO THE BOTTOM. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 201480,000 milesCA

BECAUSE OF THE RECENT GM RECALL IGNITION ISSUE, I THOUGHT I SHOULD LET SOMEONE KNOW ABOUT THE SERIOUS SIMILAR ISSUE I HAD 3 TIMES BEFORE I TRADED MY CAR IN. THE CAR WOULD JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AND ALL 3 TIMES, I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE A PLACE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TWICE, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I TRADED THE 2005 FOR A 2011. I ALSO TOLD THE DEALER THAT I TRADED IT INTO ABOUT THE ENGINE JUST SHUTTING OFF FOR NO REASON AND TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY SOLD IT AGAIN. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 27, 201459,752 milesWA

2005 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REAR AXLE LEAKING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLES WERE REPLACED AT 59,752. A YEAR LATER AFTER LISTENING TO THE NOISE IN THE REAR END FOR QUITE SOME TIME, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. SIX MONTHS LATER, THEY WERE REPLACED AGAIN. ALSO, THE REAR PANEL BENEATH THE WINDOW WAS RUSTED AND THE THROTTLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AS IT IS CAUSING VEHICLE HESITATION.*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 17, 201480,200 milesNV

THE REAR HATCH HAS CRACKED NEXT TO THE EMBLEM. I'M CERTAIN THAT WATER GETS INSIDE WHEN WASHED OR IT RAINS. NOW THAT I'M PAYING ATTN MANY EXPLORERS HAVE ONE OR MORE CRACKS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 12, 201470,000 milesIL

AS I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, THE PANEL SUDDENLY STARTED BEEPING AND FLASHING LIGHTS AND MY CAR WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND THE INFORMATION CENTER INDICATED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION. NOW THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR UNTIL IT REACHES VERY HIGH RPM AND WHEN IT DOES SHIFT IT IS VERY HARD. I DRIVE THE CAR TO AND FROM WORK A TOTAL OF 6 MILES A DAY AND ALMOST NEVER ON THE HIGHWAY. IT IS ALMOST 10 YEARS OLD AND IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES. I'VE HEARD THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH FORD TRANSMISSIONS FOR OVER 10 YEARS BUT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. I HAVE BEEN BUYING FORD CARS SINCE 1995 BUT THIS WILL BE MY LAST. TOO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS THAT THEY REFUSE TO FIX. *TR

Structure
Filed Mar 8, 201461,000 milesFL

FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER - GARAGE KEPT, LOW MILES DUE TO WORKING FROM HOME. DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE BACK HATCH UPPER PANEL. WHEN REPORTED TO INSURANCE COMPANY (PROGRESSIVE) THE AGENT INDICATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND ALL FORD DEALERS ARE AWARE OF IT. I DISCOVERED OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS AROUND THE COUNTY WITH THE SAME CRACK. CRACK IS CAUSED BY LACK OF STABILIZATION BEHIND THE PANEL AND THE CRACK APPEARS DUE TO REGULAR CLOSING OF THE BACK HATCH. STARTS WITH A SINGLE CRACK (CAN LEAD TO MULTIPLE CRACKS). THE CRACK ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE BACK HATCH AREA CAUSING RUST AND DISABLING OR LIMITING THE BACK WINDOW WIPER. I WROTE A LETTER TO FORD AND EMAILED THEM REGARDING THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THEY TAKE CARE OF. COST TO REPAIR CAN RUN ANYWHERE FROM $275 TO $1,000, DEPENDING UPON THE SEVERITY. WE HAVE STARTED A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THOSE OF US AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND OUR NUMBER IS GROWING EVERY DAY. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE 2002 THRU 2006 FORD EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS. FORD HAS CHANGED THE MANUFACTURING FOR THE YEARS FOLLOWING. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 7, 201445,000 milesAL

THE PAINT BUBBLED AND PEELED ON THE ROOF OF MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. DEALER SAYS IT IS A PAINT DEFECT BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL. HAD MY ROOF REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE. NOW, ANYTIME IT RAINS, I AM GETTING WATER LEAKING FROM THE REAR AC UNIT CONTROLS AND MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CARPETING IS SOAKING WET. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 6, 2014130,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL NEAR THE HATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 24, 2014275,000 milesKY

I AM THE 1 AND ONLY OWNER OF 2005 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, AND THE REAR UPPER TAILGATE HAS A VERTICAL CRACK RIGHT NEXT TO THE FORD LOGO THAT SPANS FROM WINDOW TO BASE 2CM IN WIDTH. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 24, 2014AR

THERE'S AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE 2005 FORD EXPLORER, THE 7 X 55 PANEL, THE ONE WITH THE FORD LOGO IN IT. IT CRACKS. IT DID IT TWICE ON OURS, WE REPLACED IT ONCE COSTING US $500. OUR REPAIRMAN SAID HE'S SEEN THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON MANY FORD'. WE LOOKED INTO IT, AND NUMEROUS OTHER EXPERTS AGREE ON THE DEFECT. THE FIRST TIME WE TRIED TO BRING ATTENTION TO FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM, THEY BLEW US OFF, NOT EVEN HAVING THE COURTESY TO GET OUR LETTER TO THE PERSON IT WAS ADDRESSED. AS HUMAN NATURE, FORD TRIED TO MANIPULATE THE PROBLEM, AT THE END OF THE CONVERSATION ACTUALLY CONVINCING THEMSELVES AND TRYING TO CONVINCE ME THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WE LIKE TO KEEP ALL OUR STUFF NICE BUT CURRENTLY OUR VEHICLE DOESN?T LOOK NICE. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO THROW AWAY OUR MONEY ON A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. AGAIN, IT IS DEFECTIVE, ANYONE RELATED TO THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY AND BODYWORK, WITH ANY SENSE, CAN REALIZE THE PROBLEM. ON OUR FIRST ATTEMPT TO PROPOSE FORD?S RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM WE DIDN?T DRAW ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM. THIS TIME WE?RE READY TO GO AT IT IN FULL FORCE (ATTORNEY GENERAL, BBB, LOCAL & NATIONAL NEWS OUTLETS, AND THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION) IF FORD DOESN?T FIND A FAIR WAY TO COMPENSATE US. THE ISSUE BEING THE FIRST PANEL BEING DEFECTIVE AND CRACKED ALLOWING US TO DRIVE AROUND IN A JUNKY LOOKING VEHICLE; REPLACING THE PRODUCT FOR $500 WHICH STILL HAD THE ISSUE AND ONCE AGAIN WE?RE DRIVING AROUND WITH A JUNKY LOOKING VEHICLE; RESALE VALUE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGH

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 14, 2014NJ

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE FILLED THE FUEL TANK UP AND THE LET THE VEHICLE SIT OVER NIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING MORNING SHE WENT TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE FUEL TANK WAS VERY CLOSE TO EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. AP *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2014126,341 milesOH

CAR SUDDENLY QUIT AND THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE LIGHT CAME ON. COMPUTER SCAN SHOWED THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR/CONTROL WAS STUCK CLOSED, AND COULD CLEAR ANY CODES. VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL.. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO MY HOME. ENGINE WOULD NOT RUN AT MORE THAN AN IDLE WITH THE ACCELERATOR FULLY DEPRESSED, AND THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN THE RPM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 5, 201460,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 21, 2014165,000 milesWA

HAD FUELED (FULL) 2 HOURS BEFORE. GAS GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY. MILES TO EMPTY SHOWS DASHES. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 26, 201380,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE APPROACHED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TAIL SILL PLATE ON THE LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

EngineFire
Filed Nov 21, 2013103,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING PIECE HAD MELTED AND CAUSED THE LEAK. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 5, 201360,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE ON THE LIFT GATE UNDER THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 4, 201388,000 milesMI

CRACK UNDER REAR WINDOW ON REAR HATCH DOOR. *TR

Structure
Filed Nov 4, 201394,912 milesID

THERE IS A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STARTING UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW. LENGTH OF ABOUT 2 TO 3 INCHES. JUST SEEMED TO APPEAR. WAS NOT THERE ONE DAY THEN THERE THE NEXT. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 30, 2013121,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH ON AN INCLINE WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 21, 2013105,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE FENDER. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE RUST SO THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE WHAT CAUSED THE RUST BUT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE FENDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW METAL. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FENDER REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 20, 201370,000 milesFL

2005 FORD EXPLORER: I AM WORRYING ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF MY 2005 FORD EXPLORERS REAR END AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I WERE TO BE REAR ENDED. THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED: I SHUT THE TAILGATE AND THE AREA ABOVE AND BELOW THE EXPLORER EMBLEM CRACKED VERTICALLY. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR AND HERS CRACKED EXACTLY LIKE MINE A YEAR AGO. NOW I JUST SAW AN EXPLORER PARKED AT THE STORE AND IT WAS CRACKED TOO!!! *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Oct 9, 201380,032 milesMA

HTTP://WWW.TOPCLASSACTIONS.COM/LAWSUIT-SETTLEMENTS/LAWSUIT-NEWS/967-FORD-DEFECTIVE-CRACKED-TAILGATE-CLASS-ACTION. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 3, 201367,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 30, 2013MD

I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND THERE IS A CRACK IN THE BACK ON THE HATCH THIS IS NOT ONLY ON MY VEHICLE THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE FROM THE YEAR 2000 AND UP THAT HAVE THE SAME CRACK IN THE BACK THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED I CALL FORD ABOUT THIS AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO CONTACT THE NHSM I FEEL THAT I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND THERE ARE SO MANY FORD EXPLORERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME THING I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD FIX THIS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 26, 201394,400 milesMN

ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2013, I TOOK MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER TO THE FORD DEALER (FREEWAY FORD IN BLOOMINGTON, MN) BECAUSE I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. AT TIMES IT HESITATES TO GO INTO REVERSE AND THEN CLUNKS INTO THE GEAR. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS OF COURSE MY TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1,300 PLUS TAXES AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY EXPLORER IN THIS CONDITION, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE AT THIS POINT. I WENT ONLINE TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND FOUND 94 COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON THE 2005 FORD EXPLORERS. IN ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS SENT TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM - A WOMAN WROTE THAT SHE SENT A COMPLAINT LETTER TO THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THE ISSUES WITH THE 2005 FORD EXPLORES, THEY GET BACK TO HER TO TELL HER THAT THE FORD DEALER WILL PUT THE REPAIR UNDER SOME TYPE OF WARRANTY PROGRAM AND JUST CHARGE ME $100 BUCKS TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE FORD EXPLORERS MADE IN 2005, SO WHY HAVE THE VEHICLES NOT BEEN RECALLED AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST? [XXXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Wheels
Filed Sep 25, 2013128,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE LUG NUTS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE REAR TIRES WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BARELY AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE INCORRECT LUG NUTS WERE ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 201360,000 milesPA

OUR 2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONLY 60 THOUSAND MILES AND WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. OUR MECHANIC HAS TOLD US THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AT 60 THOUSAND MILES, AND ANOTHER MECHANIC TOLD US THAT FORD VEHICLES ARE STARTING TO BECOME KNOWN FOR THE BAD TRANSMISSIONS. AFTER READING SOME COMPLAINTS ONLINE, I HAVE DECIDED TO REPORT THIS, AS MANY FORD CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. FORD SHOULD CONSIDER A RECALL. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Sep 6, 201394,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE EVENTUALLY DIED WITHOUT BEING EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 29, 2013123,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH BACK PANEL DEVELOPED A FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 201375,000 milesCO

ON JULY 12, 2013, I TOOK MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED BECAUSE I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. AT TIMES IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO REVERSE AND WHEN I PUT IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE JERKS OR LUNGES INTO GEAR. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS OF COURSE MY TRANSMISSION. I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $3946.20 AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY EXPLORER IN THIS CONDITION, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE AT THIS POINT. I WENT ONLINE TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND FOUND 94 COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON THE 2005 FORD EXPLORERS. IN ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS SENT TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM - A WOMAN WROTE THAT SHE SENT A COMPLAINT LETTER TO THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THE ISSUES WITH THE 2005 FORD EXPLORES, THEY GET BACK TO HER TO TELL HER THAT THE FORD DEALER WILL PUT THE REPAIR UNDER SOME TYPE OF WARRANTY PROGRAM AND JUST CHARGE ME $100 BUCKS TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE FORD EXPLORERS MADE IN 2005, SO WHY HAVE THE VEHICLES NOT BEEN RECALLED AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS?? *TR

Wheels
Filed Jul 15, 201395,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND TURNING LEFT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LUGS NUTS HAD SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE LUG NUTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED WITH BOTH OF THE REAR TIRE LUG NUTS, WHICH STARTED TO SHEAR OFF AND CAUSED A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 21, 201375,000 milesOH

DRIVER SIDE HINGE DISCONNECTED,THE BOLT WAS MISSING. THE SHIFTING, UNBALANCE WEIGHT CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE HINGE TO CRACK. THE WINDOW FELL STRIKING THE BACK OF THE HEAD OF THE OWNER,UNLOCKING AND REACHING IN TO THE CARGO SPACE. A SMALL CHILD WAS WITH HER WHO COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED,. HAD THIS TOP OF THE LIFTGATE FALLEN OFF IN TRAFFIC IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY AND CAR DAMAGE. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT HAVE BEEN FILED AND RECALLS WERE IN EFFECT FOR OTHER MODEL YEARS. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jun 18, 2013TX

THE PART THAT HOLDS THE VISORS JUST FELL APART WITH THE WIRES HANGING AND THE VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BLOCKED MY VIEW AND THE VISOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FELL BLOCKING MY SIDE MIRROR SO THE BOTH CAUSED A PROBLEM FOR ME TO SEE. WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP PHILLPOT AND I WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT, SO THE GUY CUT THE WIRE NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK TO HAVE THEM DO THE SAME FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSE I CAN'T SEE MY OUTSIDE MIRROR ON THAT SIDE. THAT IS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM CAUSE I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. THEY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2005 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →