2005 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 568 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 27 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 20 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
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."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
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.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
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.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
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.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
568 reports, newest first.
Power train, Sep 23, 2011
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 21, 2011
PARKING BRAKE SHOES BROKEN. ADVISED DURING REGULAR SERVICE THAT SHOES WERE BROKEN DURING EARLIER SERVICE AND WAS ADVISED TO WAIT UNTIL REAR BRAKES REQUIRED SERVICE SINCE PARKING BRAKE IS RARELY USED. DURING SERVICE ON 9/21/2011 REQUEST REPAIR OF PARKING BRAKE IN WHICH THE SHOES WERE REPLACED AT COST OF $424.19. INQUIRED AS TO CAUSE SINCE PARKING BRAKE IS RARELY USED AND WAS TOLD THAT COULD BE THE REASON. OVERHEARD ANOTHER SERVICE REP STATE THAT, QUOTE, "EXPLORER'S ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THAT". CURRENTLY CONTACTING FORD NATIONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO INQUIRE ABOUT POSSIBLE PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT SINCE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WIDE SPREAD. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2011
REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINE IS VERY BAD/LOUD ! THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THIS IS A VERY BAD DEFECT. *TR
Structure, Sep 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GATE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE EMBLEM. THE CRACK HAD BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND IF IT WAS REPAIRED, IT WOULD PROBABLY CRACK AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,992.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2011
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR DIED. AAA TOWED THE CAR TO MY REPAIR SHOP. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TIMING CHAIN OR CHAINS (THERE ARE 5 AND THE ENGINE HAS TO COME OUT TO REPLACE THE REAR CHAIN) BROKE AND THE PISTONS HIT AND BENT THE VALVES. (ENGINE SHOT). I RELIGIOUSLY CHANGE THE OIL WITH SYNTHETIC EVERY 3-4000 MILES. THIS IS A DEFECT THAT FORD IS HIDING- THERE ARE COMPLAINTS GALORE ON THE INTERNET. I SPOKE TO [XXX] AT FORD CONSUMER IN MAHWAH, NJ AND GOT NOWHERE. PLEASE HELP, I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B). *TR
Structure, Sep 5, 2011
FRONT ALUMINUM HOOD BEGAN PAINT BLISTERING AT ABOUT 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. TOOK BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. TWO YEARS LATER, PAINT BLISTERS RETURN. TSB 6-25-15 ISSUED WITH PAINTING GUIDELINES BUT NO REPAIR AUTHORITY. AFTER SECOND OCCURRENCE, DEALER SAID NO REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE AND ADVISED US TO PAY TO REPLACE THE HOOD AND PAINT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A $45K CAR (LIMITED VERSION WITH ALL OPTIONS) *TR
Structure, Aug 31, 2011
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
Structure, Aug 18, 2011
NOTICED A CRACK RUNNING FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY REAR WINDOW DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE UPPER PORTION OF THE REAR LIFT GATE TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM ON MY 2005 EXPLORER. CRACK JUST APPEARED FOR NO REASON. DID NOT TAKE IT IN OR HAVE IT FIXED. FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO THIS FLAW SO I WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD SINCE THEY DON'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. I ONLY HAVE 41000 MILES ON IT AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. *KB
Structure, Aug 17, 2011
ON FRIDAY, 8/12/11, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 PM, I NOTED AN APPROXIMATELY 2" LONG CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH PANEL, LOCATED JUST ABOVE AND BESIDE THE FORD EMBLEM. AS OF THIS PAST MONDAY, 8/15/11, THIS CRACK HAS NOW EXTENDED ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE PANEL. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF BODY DAMAGE OR ACCIDENTS. THIS IS NOT AN AREA WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE WOULD HAVE HIT MINE. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THIS JUST APPEARED WITH NO REASON. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF FORD AND IS APPARENTLY BASED ON DEFECTIVE GLUE. I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD COMPANY AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
Structure, Aug 14, 2011
THE PAINT ON OUR 2005 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER IS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF AND HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 2008, BUT NOW IS GETTING WORSE. WHEN AT THE FORD DEALER WHILE GETTING THE COMPUTER CHANGED WICH IS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH FUEL EFFICIENCY, WE ASKED ABOUT THE PAINT AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE ISN'T ANY TYPE OF RECALL. WE ARE ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HAVING TO CHANGE TIRES EVERY 15000 MILES. THI TRUCK HAS MANY DEFECTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2011
GAS CAP LIGHT COMES ON TRIGGERING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *KB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2011
WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I SWITCHED ON MY TURN SIGNAL TO INDICATE A RIGHT TURN AND NOTICED THE NORMAL CLICK OF THE TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT OCCURRING. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SAW THE RIGHT TURN LIGHT WAS LIT BUT NOT FLASHING. THE REST OF THE TRIP I HAD TO CONTINUALLY TURN ON AND TURN OFF THE TURN SIGNAL TO LET OTHERS NOW MY INTENTIONS SINCE THE SIGNALS WOULD NO LONGER FLASH. FINALLY I RAPIDLY WORKED THE SWITCH UP AND DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE TURN SIGNALS TO OPERATE CORRECTLY AGAIN. ALSO ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE SIGNAL WOULD CLICK VERY FAST WHICH AND THE ACTUAL SIGNAL LIGHT WOULD NOT FLASH OR LIGHT BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY START WORKING AGAIN. I ASSUMED IT WAS A BURNED-OUT BULB BUT WHEN IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN I KNEW THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. I SAW A RECALL RECENTLY FOR THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ON RANGER PICKUPS AND EXCURSION SUVS IN THE AGE RANGE OF MY VEHICLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY EXPLORER.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2011
WHILE DRIVING, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR LURCHED AND MADE A NOISE. ABOUT 1 MINUTE AFTER THAT, A WARNING LIGHT THAT STATED "ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE" AND A LITTLE WRENCH SHOWED UP ON THE LEFT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I WAS DRIVING HOME, AND THE CAR STARTED TO SPEED UP WITHOUT MY INCREASING THE SPEED USING THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR CONTINUED TO LURCH OFF AND ON UNTIL I GOT HOME. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMED TO BE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY THAT HAD FAILED. UPON TAKING IT TO THE MECHANIC, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS WAS. THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE CAR'S SPEED KEPT INCREASING. THE REPAIR WAS $1026.00.
Power train, Jul 1, 2011
I HAVE 2005 FORD EXPLORER THAT I WAS DRIVING IN FREEWAY WITH SPEED OF 60MPH WITH 3 KIDS IN THE VEHICLE AND MY WIFE AND JUST TRANNY FAILED AND SPEED DROP ALMOST GET IN ACCIDENT NOW I AM WITHOUT THE CAR AND WITHOUT THE WORK I DID CHANGE MY TOYOTA TO THE AMERICAN VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO TO HELP ECONOMY OF USA AND NOW I HAVE NO IDEA THAT WHERE I GET $3000.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANNY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, FUEL BEGAN TO SPILL OUT FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE A CANNISTER WITHIN THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILAGE WAS 142,202.
Power train, Jun 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING THE GEAR SELECTOR THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2011
CRACKED PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW 2005 FORD EXPLORER. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2011
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 200 MILES FROM HOME AND CAR WAS DOING FINE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN I LOST MY GAS GAUGE AND THE MILES TO EMPTY READING "---". I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THEN ABOUT 8 MILES FROM MY 314 MILE DESTINATION IT WORKED AGAIN, IN WHICH IT READ HALF A TANK. THEN AFTER REFUELING, THE GAS GAUGE DID THE SAME THING. IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR A DAY NOW AND I TRY TO GO ABOUT 200 MILES AND THEN TOP IT OFF AGAIN. *TR
Power train, May 24, 2011
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.
Power train, May 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD SPORADICALLY MOVE INTO NEUTRAL FROM PARK OR DRIVE WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE PARTICULAR FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Structure, May 20, 2011
MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL. I HAVE SEEN THIS IN DOZENS OF VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR BODY STYLES, FOR REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME A QUOTE OF $472. *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2011
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, May 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK FUEL CAP LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL CAP BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE DEALER REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Structure, May 19, 2011
CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH PANEL CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE KNOWN BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY BUT NO RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2011
THE FORD EXPLORER FROM THE MID-2000S IS STARTING TO SHOW MULTIPLE DEFECTS. FORD CO. ADVISED OWNERS TO REPORT THESE PROBLEMS THROUGH THIS COMPLAINT FORM BECAUSE AS OF NOW THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO RECALL THE DEFECTS. THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW CRACKS VERTICALLY RIGHT NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM. SOME CARS HAVE MULTIPLE CRACKS. THE MAJORITY OF THIS TYPE OF FORD EXPLORER BODY TYPE ARE SHOWING THE CRACK. IT HAPPENS AROUND THE 5 YEAR MARK. I BELIEVE IT IS DUE TO FREEZE/THAW HAPPENING AT THE BACK WINDOW, WHICH THEN CRACKS THE BODY. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB AND OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO NOT EVEN BOTHER BECAUSE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT APPEARS ABRUPTLY AND IS DISCONCERTING TO SEE THIS SUDDENLY AND FOR NO PERSONAL REASON HAPPEN TO YOUR CAR DUE TO BAD DESIGN. NEWER EXPLORERS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED SO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. THE SECOND DEFECT WHICH IS HAPPENING NOW TO MANY EXPLORER OWNERS AT THE 5 YEAR MARK IS THE FAILURE OF THE HEATING SYSTEM. THE DAMPER FLAP STARTS CLICKING NON-STOP AND THERE IS NO HEAT. AGAIN THE REPAIR IS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS TO BE TAKEN OFF TO REPAIR. THESE DEFECTS ARE WIDELY DISCUSSED ON THE INTERNET AND THIS IS THE ONLY REAL FORMAL WAY TO DOCUMENT THEM. THE FORD EXPLORER HAS PROVEN TO BE A REAL LEMON, FULL OF DESIGN DEFECTS AND A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT.