Page 4 of 10 · complaints 151–200 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 →

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 201365,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE PANEL AROUND THE REAR GLASS OF THE LIFTGATE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 21, 201388,500 milesNJ

"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME UP, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY DIFFERENCE IN PERFORMANCE. I TOOK TO ADVANCED AUTO AND THEY SAID THE "GAS TANK SENSOR FAILED". I CHECKED WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WOULD BE MAJOR JOB AND COULD TAKE MORE THAN 6 HOURS LABOR THE ESTIMATE WAS OVER $1000. BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE, BUT THE "CHECK ENGINE " IS ON CONSTANTLY AND IT GOES OFF WHEN THE TANK IS ALMOST EMPTY. WHEN I PUT GAS, IT COME BACK ON AGAIN AND STAYS ON. GAS TANK NEEDLE DROPS TO EMPTY SUDDENLY AND IT GOES UP AGAIN. I CHECKED WITH MIDAS AUTO REPAIR AND THEY CHECKED AND SAID THE SAME PROBLEM OF GAS SENSOR FAILURE. IT IS ANNOYING TO SEE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON, BUT THE CAR SEEMS TO RUN FINE. ANY CHEAPER WAY TO GET THIS FIXED? I DON'T HAVE ANY MECHANICAL SKILLS, OTHER THAN CHANGING THE AIR-FILER. I THINK FORD SHOULD FIX THIS FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed May 14, 201393,691 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGERS' POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,691. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 2013AL

TRAVELING ON 459 NORTH, AROUND THE GRANTS MILL ROAD EXIT, I ENCOUNTERED THE POORLY PAVED ROAD/POT HOLES AND MY STEREO/CD SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKS. THIS PROBLEM HAD NEVER OCCURRED UNTIL DRIVING ON THE POORLY MAINTAINED ROADS IN THIS STATE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN REGARDS TO HANDLING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 1, 201353,090 milesNJ

GEARSHIFT LEVER CAN BE MOVED FROM PARK WITHOUT STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. IT CAN BE MOVED INTO ANY POSITION, EVEN WHEN KEY IS REMOVED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 1, 201341,000 milesNJ

WHEN SPEED CONTROL IS SET, AND COAST BUTTON IS PRESSED FOR MORE THEN A FEW SECONDS, ENGINE WILL STALL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 22, 201383,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 20, 201383,202 milesNY

2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT REAR PLASTIC TAILGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AROUND FORD OVAL EMBLEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 201374,976 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE FRACTURE UNDER THE REAR EXTERIOR LIFTGATE WINDOW PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,976. *TR.....UPDATED 05/09/13 *BF UPDATED 06/10/2013 *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 11, 201381,300 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,300.

Power Train
Filed Mar 6, 2013145,000 milesFL

DRIVING ALONG AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO SLOW WAY DOWN, IN TRAFFIC. TRIED TO GIVE IT MORE GAS, BUT REALIZED THAT IT SEEMED TO BE OUT OF GEAR AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CLUNKED REALLY HARD INTO GEAR AND SPED UP. VERY DANGEROUS IN FLORIDA INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC!!! *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 2, 2013100,000 milesMD

BELOW REAR WINDOW, TOP HATCH CRACK OUT OF NO WHERE. REASON FOR FILING COMPLAINT IS I JUST SAW ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER THAT HAD THE SAME CRACK. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 28, 201398,000 milesHI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE CRACK UNDER THE REAR EXTERIOR LIFTGATE WINDOW PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WINDOW PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE WINDOW GLASS FROM DISENGAGING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. KMJ. RETURNED BY USPS ON 4/2/2013. 2ND ATTEMPT ON 4/9/2013 FAILED. *KB

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2013OH

THE PAINT IN THE VALLEYS ON THE ROOF HAS ALL FLAKED OFF AND IS RUSTING. PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO AND FIRST NOTICED IT LAST YEAR. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2013167,000 milesNJ

THE PANEL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW CRACKED THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE PANEL. APPROXIMATELY 8 INCH CRACK. I HAVE SINCE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND A MERCURY SUV WITH THE SAME CRACK. OBVIOUSLY FORD HAS A PROBLEM WHICH THEY ARE NOT MAKING GOOD ON. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 11, 2013CA

FILLED UP THE GAS TANK THE DAY BEFORE AND NOW THE GAS METER ON THE DASHBOARD READS EMPTY. I KNOW THERE'S GAS ON THE CAR. NOW THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHTS APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE IT SINCE I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IT REALLY HAS. THE INFO BUTTON TELLS ME HOW MANY MILES I HAVE TO THE GALLON BUT HOW SURE IS THAT INFORMATION IS IF THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" IS ON. I REACHED ONLINE TO FIND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. COME TO FIND THE REPAIR IS PRICEY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!!! NO ONE IS SAFE WHILE DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT SHOWS FALSE INFORMATION ON THE DASHBOARD. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 2013TX

MY 2005 FORD HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER 3 DIFFERENT TIMESFOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. FIRST TIME 2006 SECOND 2010 THIS 2013. I'M TOLD THE SOLENOID PAC THE OD BANDS ARE TO BLAME ALL THREE TIMES.I'M GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS CAR AND FORD MOTOR COMPANIES INABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM OR TO ATLEAST EXCEPT SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS.WITH THIS LAST FAILURE THEY HAVE GIVEN ME TO OPTIONS REBUILD AGAIN OR PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. WHY WOULD I WANT TO REPLACE A CRAPPY TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW CRAPPY TRANSMISSION. IS THEIR ANY HELP WITH THIS? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 26, 2013100,102 milesOH

LIFTGATE PLASTIC BODY PANEL CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM/LOGO. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 25, 2013120,000 milesFL

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 BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jan 23, 201366,704 milesGA

2005 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF BALL JOINTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER A SCHEDULED TIRE ROTATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN THEM BEING REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY COMPROMISED.

Power Train
Filed Dec 23, 2012126,000 milesFL

TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO GO OUT AND AN INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED FOR ALL 2005 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AFTER 120,000 MILES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 17, 2012104,000 milesNJ

LIFTGATE PLASTIC BODY PANEL CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM LEFT OF THE FORD LOGO INSERT. *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Dec 6, 2012150,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE ARM AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING HARNESS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THE PART NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST HER ANY FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 3, 201270,000 milesTN

THE PANEL UNDER THE BACK LIFT WINDOW NEXT TO THE EMBLEM IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS JUST LIKE EVERY ONE ELSE'S HAVE DONE I WISH THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT THAT MAY NOT HAPPEN ALL THE CARS I HAVE OWNED SINCE I GOT MY LICENSE HAVE BEEN FORD MY FIRST CAR WAS A 1955 2 DOOR I STILL HAVE IT I GUESS THE WARRANTY IS NO GOOD ON IT EITHER. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 201294,000 milesPA

LARGE CRACK THROUGH THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW. *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 13, 201258,944 milesME

THE ENGINE HAD BEEN BEHAVING STRANGE. THERE WAS A "TINKING" SOUND, LIKE WHEN YOU HIT METAL AGAINST METAL, AND THE ENGINE WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHEN UNDER SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE NEXT MORNING IT TRIED TO TURN OVER BUT COULDN'T START. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THE SPROCKET JACK SHAFT BROKE, CONTROLS CAM BROKE, THERE WERE BENT VALVES, LIFTERS WERE HIT WITH THE JACK SHAFT AND CAMS WERE HIT TOO. THE ENGINE HYDRO-LOCKED, RUINING THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. I CALLED THE NATIONAL FORD COMPLAINT CENTER. FORD SAID IT WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PUTTING IN A NEW MOTOR. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 12, 201281,649 milesAZ

WENT TO LOAD STUFF INTO THE BACK AND NOTICED A SPIDER CRACK ON THE PLASTIC PANEL RIGHT BELOW THE REAR GLASS PANEL. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT GOT THERE BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE REPORTED BY ALMOST ALL 05 EXPLORER OWNERS AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UNDER FORD'S LIABILITY SINCE IT IS SUCH A COMMON ISSUE AND NOT JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF VEHICLES OCCURRING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 7, 2012170,045 milesIN

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. I NOTICED A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE PANEL TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN. THIS HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR/MODEL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 5, 201265,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE TAILGATE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SPLIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A TECHNICIAN OR MECHANIC. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,292.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 30, 2012131,460 milesCO

NOTHING THAT I AM AWARE OF HAPPENED. I WAS WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVE WAY AND NOTICED A LONG CRACK BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE. AS THE WEEKS WENT ON IT KEPT CRACKING AND NOW IT IS ALMOST CRACKED ALL THE WAY. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 3, 201272,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW SPLIT AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW, WHICH EXTENDED TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THE DAMAGE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW COULD EXPLODE WHEN SHE DROVE THROUGH A CAR WASH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HEAT COULD BE A FACTOR IN THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LATCH FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE TIRE SENSOR GAUGE REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE TIRE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CHECK THE AIR PRESSURE OF THE TIRES ON A CONTINUAL BASIS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 17, 2012OH

WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE KEPT THE MAINTENANCE ON IT. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS TURNED TO THE WARM/HOT (RED) POSITION OR THE A/C UNIT IS TURNED ON, WE NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE OVER THE YEARS. WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS, THE THUMPING SOUND HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY STRONGER (AS IF SOMEONE WAS PHYSICALLY PUNCHING THROUGH MY DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT), CAUSING MY HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM TO BE INOPERABLE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED TO REPAIR THE HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHOULD NOT BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER TO FIX. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED ONLINE ALONG WITH COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FORD OWNERS THAT WE KNOW. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 15, 201280,000 milesTX

PARKED AND WENT INTO GROCERY STORE. CAME OUT GOING TO WHERE I HAD PARKED. AS I WALKED UP TO THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE I NOTICED A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WAS AT THE WRONG VEHICLE BECAUSE I KNEW MY 2005 EXPLORER WAS NOT CRACKED. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION,I REALIZED THIS WAS MY VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER EXPLORER AROUND TOWN WITH A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE SAME SPOT. SEEMS TO ME THIS JUST MIGHT BE A DESIGN PROBLEM. BELIEVE FORD MOTOR SHOULD REPAIR AT NO COST. *TR *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 2012115,000 milesFL

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A SMALL LOT AT WORK. WHEN GOING OUT TO LOAD SOME ITEMS IN THE CARGO AREA, A FRIEND NOTED THE VERTICAL CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE. IT IS TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM AND I HAVE SINCE SEEN NUMEROUS IDENTICAL CRACKS ON OTHER VEHICLES. THERE WAS NO COLLISION THAT CAUSE THIS, THERE ARE NO SCRATCHES OR DENTS. IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 15, 201253,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Wheels
Filed Jul 16, 201278,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE HEARD A NOISE WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED NEXT TO HER AND TOLD HER THAT HER REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED THAT SHE ONLY HAD THREE OF THE FOUR LUG NUTS ON THE RIM. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 14, 2012MD

THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR. IT WILL RANDOMLY DROP FROM THE TRUE FUEL LEVEL TO ZERO FUEL. AFTER SOME VARIABLE TIME PERIOD IT WILL AGAIN GO FROM ZERO FUEL TO THAT ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT CONFUSES THE DRIVER AS TO HOW MUCH FUEL THERE IS IN THE FUEL TANK AND MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO STOP THE CAR IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR SEVEN YEARS AND IT HAS PERSISTED ALL THESE YEARS. I CHECKED THE WEB AND OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jun 26, 201255,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BROKEN LUG NUT AND STUD ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE LUG NUT AND STUD, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE LUG NUT AND STUD CONTINUED TO BRAKE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE WHEEL COULD BE DEFECTED AND CAUSED THE LUG NUT AND STUD TO FAIL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 19, 201283,000 milesNC

VEHICLE STARTED SKIPPING AND LUNGING AS IT CHANGED GEARS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER AND SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COSTS UP TO 3,000. FORD DID ALL SERVICE ON VEHICLE AT ALL THE RIGHT TIMES. NO RECALL CAN NOT BELIEVE IT. FINALLY TOOK TO TRANSMEDIC HAD REPLACED FOR $2300. CAN'T SOMEONE GET FORD TO DO ANYTHING. *JS

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 201299,000 milesNM

COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 99K MILES AND COST TO COMPLETELY REBUILD IS $2400. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO FORD RECOMMENDATIONS. TRANSMISSION REPAIR INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS USED IN FORD EXPLORERS DURING THESE YEARS. FORD SHOULD PERFORM A RECALL AS THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS GIVEN THE LACK OF WARNING BEFORE FAILURE OCCURS. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 27, 201249,000 milesIN

LARGE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON TNE TAILGATE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FORD SIGN IN THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACKS CONTINUE TO GET LARGER AND I AM CONCERNED THAT A PIECE OF THE PANEL COULD COME LOOSE AND CAUSE A FOLLOWING MOTORIST TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I AM AWARE THAT FORD HAS RECEIVED THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 18, 201268,874 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER, EQUIPPED WITH GOODRICH TOURING T/A TIRES. THE TIRE SIZE WAS P235/75/R16 AND THE DOT NUMBER WAS AP70L2113710. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME AND CONSISTENT TREAD WEAR ON THE TIRES. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WOULD HYDROPLANE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO DO TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,575 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,874. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/21/12 *BF UPDATED 06/01/12

Power Train
Filed Apr 14, 2012111,000 milesMA

TRANSMISSION FAILURE - DRIVING HOME AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. NO DRIVE, NO REVERSE, DOES NOT GO. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND HAVE HAD ALL OF THE RECOMMENDED SERVICES PERFORMED BY MY LOCAL AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER. AFTER IT FAILED, I SEARCHED THE WEB FOR COMPLAINTS, I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS BEFORE BUYING IT. NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THE FACT THAT FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR THIS VERY COMMON FAILURE!! I WILL WARN ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS OF ANY FORD PRODUCTS. *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Apr 10, 201287,000 milesWI

WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY IN A PARKED POSITION, THE UPPER TAILGATE PANEL, DIRECTLY TO THE RIGHT AND RUNNING RIGHT NEXT TO THE OVAL FORD EMBLEM, A 1/4" WIDE CRACK THAT RUNS VERTICALLY ON THE BACK PANEL APPEARED. THIS UPPER PANEL OF THE TAILGATE ALSO OPENS UP JUST THE WINDOW PART OF THE TAILGATE. THE TAILGATE ON THIS EXPLORER CAN OPEN UP TWO WAYS. ONE WAY BEING THE ENTIRE TAILGATE IS LIFTED SO THAT IT IS OPEN LIKE FOR A DOG TO JUMP IN AND IS THEN LEVEL WITH THE INTERIOR BACK PART (WITH THE SEATS DOWN), AND IT ALSO OPENS UP WITH JUST THE WINDOW PART WHICH IS WHERE THE CRACK IS. THIS CRACK IS SO WIDE THAT IT ALLOWS MOISTURE, SNOW, WATER, RAIN, SALT, ETC. TO SEEP INTO THE COMPONENTS WHICH HOUSE THE ELECTRICAL AND TAIL LIGHT, STOP LAMPS AND TURN SIGNALS. IT ALSO COMPROMISES THE BODY STRUCTURE AND SAFETY FEATURES. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING AS I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND/OR PARTS OR COMPONENTS AND BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE. AT THE TIME OF THIS OCCURRENCE, MY BACK TAILGATE WAS FACING WEST WITH THE SUN SHINING ON IT. COULD IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPONENTS SHRINKING AND EXPANDING? I HAVE PICTURES OF THIS ISSUE THAT I CAN E-MAIL TO YOU. UPDATED 9/13/12 *CN UPDATED 09/20/12

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 201280,000 milesTX

CRACK AT BACK GLASS RUNNING DOWN THE CAR LEFT OF FORD EMBLEM. GLASS COULD FALL OUT. *JS

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 29, 2012NE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH CHILD SAFE LOCKS AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE LACK OF HAVING THE SAFETY FEATURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 6, 201276,000 milesNC

NOTICED CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM OF REAR BODY PANEL APPLIQUE ALONG SIDE OF FORD EMBLEM. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 21, 2012140,000 milesMS

AFTER FILLING UP MY TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY, AND THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO THE SYSTEM THAT TELLS ME HOW MANY MILES TO EMPTY ONLY SHOWS DASHED INSTEAD OF AN ACTUAL NUMBER. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND PRICEY PROBLEM. THE DAY AFTER I FILLED UP, IT JUMPED TO HALF A TANK AND THEN BACK TO EMPTY. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK 3 MONTHS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 17, 201273,000 milesMI

THE FUEL GAUGE QUITS WORKING WHEN I FILL THE TANK. IT STARTS WORKING SOMETIMES AFTER A FEW DAYS. THE INFO CENTER THINKS I'M OUT OF GAS AND SENDS A WARNING. VERY ANNOYING. *TR

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jan 31, 2012109,000 milesIA

BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE TRANSMISSION LURCHING. MY WIFE WAS PARKING HER CAR AND WHEN SHE SHIFTED IN REVERSE TO BACK INTO HER PARKING SPOT, IT LUNGED BACKWARDS AND RAMMED THE EXHAUST INTO BUMPER, LITERALLY CRUMPLING THE EXHAUST, INTO A CONCRETE BARRICADE, WITH NO WARNING. THIS WAS AT 75000 MILES IN MARCH OF 2009. ANYTIME SHE PUT IT IN GEAR IT WOULD JUST JUMP, LIKE SOMETHING WOULD MAKE IT HESITATE, AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN FULL POWER ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY. BROUGHT TO FORD DEALER AND INSTEAD OF REPLACING THEY HAD REBUILT IT. THE CASE FOR THE TRANSMISSION WAS CRACKED, THE FIRST SIGN IT NEEDED A NEW ONE. FAST FORWARD JANUARY 20TH 2012. NOW THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON ME, AND WITH NO WARNING WITH CARS COMING FROM BEHIND ME, IT NOW HAS 40000 ON THE REBUILD SO NOW THE CAR HAS 109000+ MILES ON IT. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALUMINUM FILINGS INSIDE OF IT FROM THE PARTS INSIDE COMING LOOSE AND SHREDDING THE CASE ON THE INSIDE. FOR WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF IT AND IT SHOULD STILL HAVE A WARRANTY. IT IS A DANGEROUS CAR, IF SHE WOULD HAVE DROVE TO WORK AND IT LOST POWER ON A BUSIER INTERSTATE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A MAJOR WRECK. I CAN'T REPLACE A LOVED ONE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I AM GETTING RID OF IT SO THAT MY WIFE AND KIDS ARE SAFE. *TT

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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.

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