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.
Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , BODY STRUCTURE , GAS PEDAL. *TR
Structure, Jan 26, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUCTURE UNDERNEATH THE TAILGATE CRACKED UNDER THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRACK WAS COSMETIC AND NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE; THEREFORE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE PIECES FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Steering, Power train, Jan 25, 2011
I OWN A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. THE FORD EXPLORER HAD APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES ON IT. I PULLED INTO MY SISTER'S DRIVEWAY WHICH IS A FLAT, GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. THE FORD EXPLORER IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK AND THEN EXITED THE FORD EXPLORER. AFTER EXITING THE FORD EXPLORER, IT STARTED MOVING BACKWARDS. THE OPEN DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THEN THE TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE RAN OVER MY LEG. MY SISTER RAN AND STOPPED THE CAR. THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 23, 2011
REFUELING PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WILL ACCEPT ONLY A VERY SMALL QUANTITY OF FUEL AT A TIME, CAUSING AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF ON FUEL NOZZLE TO ACTIVATE. IT TAKES 15-20 MINUTES TO FILL THE TANK.
Structure, Jan 10, 2011
CRACK IN PANEL BENEATH REAR WINDOW. KNOWN DEFECT IN EXPLORERS 02-05. SAFETY ISSUE TO OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD PANEL SECTION(S) COME OFF. POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO WATER, DIRT GETTING INTO ANY UNDERLYING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. *TR
Structure, Jan 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHILCE'S REAR HATCH PLASTIC MOLDING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER COLLISION CENTER FOR INSPECTION, AND THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A SAFETY RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Structure, Jan 2, 2011
AFTER COMING BACK FROM A VACATION TO THE AIRPORT TO GET MY CAR, I NOTICED THE TAILGATE OF MY BLUE 2005 EXPLORER XLT WAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH WITH A 8" LONG CRACK FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TAILGATE. AFTER A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH, IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT, WHICH THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. I EVEN HAVE A FORD FULL-EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT COVERS EVERYTHING AND THEY STILL REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING. THE REPAIR WILL BE $400-$500, WHICH I AM NOT GOING TO PAY FOR. IT'S A FORD DESIGN FLAW, THEY KNEW IT BACK IN 2002, YET CONTINUED TO PRODUCE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT FOR THREE OR MORE YEARS. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE TAILGATE PIECE IS BROKEN AND CAN COME FLYING OF THE VEHICLE AT ANYTIME. *TR
Structure, Jan 1, 2011
I NOTICED THE PLASTIC TRIM PANEL BELOW MY REAR HATCH GLASS CRACKED IN HALF AFTER GETTING MY TRUCK WASHED AT A TOUCHLESS CAR WASH!! I'VE NOTICED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS, SO IT DOESN'T SEEM THIS IS A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. *TR
Structure, Dec 22, 2010
2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS PAINT PEELING ALONG THE ROOF RACK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NOT COVERED BY FORD. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Dec 21, 2010
2005 FORD EXPLORER FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS BAD AT 87,000 MILES AND BALL JOINTS HAVE SLACK IN THEM. RIDICULOUS THAT A CAR THIS NICE HAS SUCH PROBLEMS. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING ON THE INTERNET, REAR END HAS A ROAR IN IT TOO, OF COURSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET THIS STUFF FIXED. FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE AUTO AND FIX ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A NEW VEHICLE WHICH HAS NEVER PULLED ANYTHING, ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK AND BACK 12 MILES A DAY AND TOP SPEED IS 45 MILES PER HOUR. LAST FORD I WILL EVER OWN. *TR
Structure, Dec 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK THAT EXTENDED FROM THE WINDOW TO THE LIFT GATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
Structure, Dec 14, 2010
CAME OUTSIDE AND NOTICED A CRACK IN MY REAR HATCH GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN. FORD DEALER SAYS THEY WILL NOT COVER IT, EVEN WITH A EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Structure, Dec 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED A FRACTURE WHERE THE EMBLEM AND THE WINDSHIELD CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,300.
Power train, Dec 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Structure, Nov 29, 2010
PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE REAR LIFT-GATE WINDOW WITH A LARGE CRACK ACROSS ITS ENTIRE HEIGHT JUST TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD DEALERSHIP INDICATED IT WAS JUST POOR ENGINEERING AND THEY WILL NOT COVER OR ASSIST WITH THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, NOR WAS THERE ANY PLAN TO MAKE AVAILABLE A METAL VERSION OR PROPERLY ENGINEERED REPLACEMENT PANEL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND I HAD A FACTORY SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT OF MY ENGINE. IT WAS THE THIRD ONE BACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE REAR AXLE SEAL STARTED LEAKING AND HE COULD SMELL THE FLUIDS. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE BECAME WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,732 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Power train, Nov 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT RINGS ON THE AXLE FRACTURED AND LOCKED UP THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE LEFT FRONT AXLE RING. THE FRONT RIGHT RING HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Structure, Nov 5, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2005 FORD EXPLORER IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR, AFTER HAVING IT FOR 3 MONTHS THE REAR LIFT GATE GOT A CRACK IN IT RIGHT NEXT TO THE FORD SYMBOL. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT ON RECALL NOR IS IT UNDER WARRANTY, I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AS THIS WAS A USED VEHICLE, MY PARENTS OWN A 2003 EXPLORER AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, MY NEIGHBOR OWNS A 2004 AND ALSO THE SAME THING HAPPENED, I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL, WITH THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR EXPLORERS RANGING FROM 2002-2005, IF THIS CRACK CONTINUES TO SPREAD MY GLASS WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OUT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 31, 2010
THIS INCIDENT REFERS TO A 2005 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER VIN # [XXX]. AFTER MAKING AN INVESTMENT TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE, ONE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF HIMSELF OR FAMILY BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME, THEN GOING TO THE FORD DEALER FOR A PART AND BEING TOLD IT COST 1300.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN THE CHEAP WHITE METAL THAT HELD IT TOGETHER JUST SHEARED OFF. DOES A DEATH NEED TO OCCUR TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Parking brake, Oct 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AT 57500 MILES MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED UP ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PEDALS. AS IT IS I STILL NEED REPAIR DONE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND WERE UNSAFE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Structure, Oct 26, 2010
REAR TAILGATE WINDOW PORTION WITH FORD LOGO CRACKED VERTICALLY. I AM ASSUMING THAT THIS IS FROM REGULAR USE SINCE NOTHING HIT THE CAR. I ONLY USE THE UPPER PORTION OR THE TAILGATE AS IF YOU USE THE LARGER PORTION OF THE TAILGATE, ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR FALLS OUT. I WOULD THINK THAT THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE THE REAR WINDOW TO BE LESS THAN SECURE. *TR
Visibility, Oct 25, 2010
SUN VISORS BROKE OFF. NOT BEING ABLE TO BLOCK SUN MAKING DRIVING VERY DANGEROUS DURING SUNNY DAYS. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Oct 23, 2010
FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE TO NOW 95K MILES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF OUR 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORTS TRAC. THEY HAVE REPLACE A NUMBER OF PART AND CONTINUE TO TELL US THAT ITS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE TO HAVE VIBRATION. I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL TIME FOR THEM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK WITH THEM REFUSING. THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. AS 100% DISABLED PTSD VETERAN I HAVE HIT MY LIMIT WITH THEM. THIS IS A PIECE OF CRAP AND I PAY ALMOST 600 A MONTH AND HAVE TO FIX IT ALL THE TIME. *TR
Structure, Oct 22, 2010
HATCH PANEL BETWEEN WINDOW AND LATCH SPLIT (CRACKED) WHEN I CLOSED WINDOW AFTER PUTTING IN GROCERIES. CAR HAS 60,000 MILES, CALLED DEALER IN JULY TO SEE IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I KNOW OF 7 OTHER 2005 FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE EXACT SAME CRACK, HAPPENED THE EXACT SAME WAY. TOLD ME NO BUT SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT. DIDN'T OFFER TO TAKE CARE OF. *TR