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, Jun 7, 2006
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS COMPLETELY DIED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BOTH INSTANCES HAPPENED AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE GOES DEAD, AS IF THE KEY HAS BEEN TURNED FROM "RUN" TO THE NEXT POSITION BACK. THERE ARE NO SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER, ALL GAUGES GO DEAD AND ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, SO I KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS ELECTRICAL POWER. SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO TURN OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE 13TH OF MAY AND AGAIN ON THE 2ND OF JUNE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARRY SMITH FORD, IN FT WALTON BEACH FL FOR SERVICE, AND ON BOTH OCCASIONS I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAULT AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF A FAULT IN THE VEHICLE SYSTEM. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THEIR ANSWER. THEY HAVE REPLACED NO PARTS ON MY VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED THAT I SIMPLY KEEP DRIVING IT, UNTIL I CAN GET IT TO DIE, THEN CALL THEM ON THE PHONE. *NM
Power train, May 29, 2006
SEVERE VIBRATION IN REAR END OF VEHICLE BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH TIRE REBALANCING AND ROTATION DID NOT IMPROVE SITUATION AT ALL SEEMS WORSE AFTER APPROX. 20 MINUTES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. NOT SURE IF ITS A TIRE OR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM BUT IT 'FEELS' LIKE IT IS ABOUT ONCE PER REV. OF THE AXLE. VEHICLE HAS ORIGINAL FORD RSC AND GOODRICH 17" TIRES. *NM
Air bags, May 13, 2006
WHILE DRIVING, BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION OR ROLL OVER. FORD HAS REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY, DUE TO SCRATCHES ON THE UNDERSIDE-CAR FRAME, NEAR BOX. HAVE PLACED CLAIM WITH INSURANCE COMPANY. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO SPECIFIC SPEED ALL THE WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN, THE DRIVER SEAT MOVED FORWARD AND BACKWARD, THE RADIO CAME ON AND WENT OFF, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER CAME ON AND WENT OFF. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE BRAKES VIBRATED AND A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE; HOWEVER THE REPAIRS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 2, 2006
GAS GUAGE FAILURE.ON THE WAY HOME FROM BUYING THE SUV,THE GAS HAND WOULD NOT WORK.RETURNED CAR TO DEALER.THE DEALER FURNISHED ME A NEW CAR UNTIL THE CAR WAS FIXED. TWO WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED.WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND THE MECHANIC HAD A BULLETION THAT FORD HAD ISSUED SAYING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS GUAGE BECAUSE SULFUR IN THE GAS WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS USING CHEVRON ADDITIVE IN THE GAS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.THE MECHANIC SAID THE VEHICLE HAD 13000 MILES ON IT THE FRIST TIME THE GAS HAND QUIT WORKING. THE CAR HAD 17000 MILES WHEN THE HAND QUIT WORKING FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW GUAGE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL ONLY HELP FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AND YOU WERE OUT OF GAS IT COULD BE SERIOUS. *NM
Power train, Apr 25, 2006
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS OUT OF MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES NOW. I HAVE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I FIRST BEGIN TO DRIVE, MY TRANSMISSION HAS A DELAY WHEN IT SHIFTS AND YOU CAN PRESS DOWN THE GAS PEDAL AND IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT GOES INTO WHAT MY DAD CALLS A PASSING GEAR BEFORE IT GOES. AND THIS IS USUALLY DIRECTLY AFTER SLOWING DOWN OR FROM A DEAD STOP. I ALSO HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN MY FRONT END WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE HAS AUTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND IT HAS ENGAGED FOR NO APPARENT REASON ON A DRY DAY AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. AT TIMES WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO GEAR A FEW SECONDS LATER IT POPS DOWN INTO GEAR LIKE IT WASN'T FULLY IN GEAR. IT HAS BEEN TIPPY WHEN TURNING OR TAKING CURVES AND YOU HAVE TO STEER HARD TO MAKE TIGHT TURNS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPROGRAMMED MY 4X4 MODULE AND MY ABS MODULE BUT THE PROBLEM IS NEVER FIXED. WHEN I TAKE IT TO THEM THEY SAY THAT THEY DON'T HEAR OR FEEL ANY PROBLEMS SO THEY CANNOT FIX WHAT THEY DON'T FEEL IS WRONG. I'VE CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ONLY BE TOLD THAT IF I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM IT CANNOT BE FIXED. I WANT TO BE RID OF THE THING IT IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS ONLY I OWE TOO MUCH TO TRADE IT IN. I ONLY HAVE 7000 MILES ON IT I SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE MANY PROBLEMS OUT OF IT. AND I HATE THAT THEY ARE NEVER FIXED WHEN I HAVE CHILDREN RIDING IT MY VEHICLE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I REGRET THE PURCHASE OF THIS CAR AND WOULD GET RID OF IT IN A HEARTBEAT IF I COULD. *JB
Power train, Mar 29, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK WHILE RUNNING AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED. AS THE CONTACT WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ENGAGED INTO REVERSE, AND CAUGHT THE CONTACT IN THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO DRAG THE CONTACT INTO A 4 LANE HIGHWAY THEN RAN OVER THE CONTACT AND PINNED THE CONTACT'S LEG. THE CONTACT WAS RAN OVER BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE AND TRAPPED. A BYSTANDER WATCHED THE ACCIDENT TAKE PLACE AND TO RELEASE THE CONTACT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE BYSTANDER WAS REQUIRED TO DRIVE BACK OVER THE LEG TO SAVE THE LIFE OF THE CONTACT. MAJOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO THE LEG AND SIDE. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT AND PROVIDED A WRITTEN REPORT. THE VEHICLE HAS REMAINED PARKED AND HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE SPEED SET AT 70 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATES ITSELF WITH NO INTERACTION FROM THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED 3 TIMES WHILE IN USE. IN FEBRUARY 2006, AFTER SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED IT TOOK 3 TO 5 MINUTES TO TURN IT BACK ON. DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM. IN MARCH 2006, IT DEACTIVATED ONCE. *AK
Power train, Feb 24, 2006
I BROUGHT THIS CAR ON JANUARY 23, 2006. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MY FIRST PAYMENT WOULD BE ON MARCH 22,2006. HOWEVER I RECEIVED A PAYMENT REQUEST TWO WEEKS AFTER I BROUGHT THE EXPLORER. THE SALESPERSON COMPLETELY LIED TO ME. HE DIDN'T EXPLAIN ANYTHING I WANTED HIM TO. AND FOR WORSE THE EXPLORER TRANSMISSION DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN I PUT THE EXPLORER IN REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION MAKE A TERRIBLE SOUND. I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. I WANT TO CANCEL THE PURCHASED OF THIS CAR IT IS JUST GIVING ME PROBLEMS. *NM
Steering, Feb 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLUID WAS DISCOVERED ON THE DRIVEWAY FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO MONITOR THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2006
SPEED CONTROL ON 2005 FORD EXPLORED WILL ACCELERATE WHEN COAST BUTTON PUSHED. CAN BE TURNED ON BY PRESSING OFF BUTTON. OPERATES OK FOR SOME OF THE TIME AND IS UNPREDICTABLE WHEN WILL MALFUNCTION. OCCASIONALLY ONLY TAP BRAKE WILL TURN OFF SPEED CONTROL. OFF BUTTON DOES NOT WORK. WILL ACCELERATE AFTER SPEED CONTROL OFF SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY SPEED CONTROL. *JB
Air bags, Feb 8, 2006, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON FL STATE ROAD 85 AT THE OKALOSSA REGIONAL AIRPORT ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2006 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 P.M. WHILE TRAVELING NORTH ON HIGHWAY 85 ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE STOP SIGN EXITING THE AIRPORT TO TRAVEL SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 85. MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH AND T-BONED A 2003 FORD MINIVAN. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2006
I HAVE LESS THAN 19000 MILES AND HAD TO INSTALL 2 AIR FILTERS BECAUSE OF BLACK PARTICLES COLLECTING ON THE AIR FILTER. THE LAST OCCURRENCE WAS 5000 FROM LAST OIL FILTER AND AIR FILTER BEING REPLACED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 21, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2004, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY GAS GAUGE WAS READING E AND MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON. THIS HAPPENED MAY 13, 2005. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. SINCE I HAD FILLED THE TANK THE DAY BEFORE THEY WANTED ME TO DRIVE AROUND AND USE THE GAS UP. I REFUSED AND THE WOUND UP DRAINING MY TANK. WELL AFTER FILLING MY TANK UP ON JANUARY 20, 2006 AGAIN MY GAUGE IS READY ALMOST E AND THE DASH KEEPS TELLING ME I HAVE A LOW FUEL LEVEL. THIS TIME I WASN'T EVEN DRIVING IT HAPPENED AFTER RESTARTING MY CAR WHEN THEY FINISHED PUMPING MY GAS. BACK TO THE DEALER I GO AND AGAIN I AM TOLD THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT AND OR CHANGED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY DRAIN THE GAS AND SINCE THE TANK IS FULL I AM SUPPOSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL I USE MOST OF THE GAS. I AM TOLD THEY DO HAVE THE PART IN STOCK TO MAKE THE REPAIR. I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF HAVING TO DRIVE AROUND NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY FOUR TIMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS BEFORE THE STALLING OCCURRED. AFTER EACH INCIDENT THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, DROVE, AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP; HOWEVER , THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP PERSONNEL RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT TO EVALUATE IT, AND THE CONTACT DECLINED. *AK
Visibility, Jan 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN OR CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW THE GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW HOUSING TRACK. ON FIVE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE TRACK. HOWEVER. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 02/13/06. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO HOURS A IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, NO REPORTS HAVE BEEN FILED . THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Power train, Nov 17, 2005
ON SLIGHT INCLINE, VEHICLE WILL ROLL WHILE IN GEAR OR IT HESITATES TO ENGAGE IN GEAR WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SAME COMPLAINT MANY TIMES. FACTORY REP. SAYS NOTHING WRONG ALL MODELS DO THE SAME. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE, UNLESS EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD PERFORM THIS WAY. WHAT CAN I DO? *JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS A DELAYED THROTTLE RESPONSE OF 3-5 SECONDS BEFORE ONE FEELS ANY ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THIS AFTER HE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 8-05. HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY AGREED WITH HIM. THEY TEST DROVE ANOTHER 2005 FORD EXPLORER AND IT DID THE SAME THING. THE DEALER CALLED FORD, AND FORD SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS, AND THEY ALLOWED THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT BEFORE IT ACCELERATED. THEY WILL NOT ALLOW THE DEALERSHIP TO CHANGE THIS. IT HAPPENED WHETHER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON OR OFF. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED.*AK *NM
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 12, 2005
DT: 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES WITH NINE REPAIRS SINCE PURCHASE, APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO. THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY/WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE/THE PULLEY IN THE MOTOR, HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE COMPUTER CHIP HAD TO BE RESET. THE KEY WAS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION; THE DEALERSHIP COULD FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IGNITION. THERE WERE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THAT INFORMATION . THE CONTACT WAS ASKING FORD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK AT THIS TIME. A SERVICE ADVISOR WAS SUPPOSE TO SPEAK WITH THE CONTACT.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Sep 29, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. SAFETY COMPLAINT WAS THAT LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP FIXED. DEALER FIXED THE FUEL PUMP. NO CRASHES. NO POLICE REPORTS. NO FIRES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON ROAD WHEN LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO, BEFORE THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2005, crash
WHILE TURNING AROUND IN A LARGE DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEEDS, MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO RUN INTO A FENCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE (MINOR) ALSO RIPPING OFF THE RUNNING BOARD AFTER RUNNING OVER A LARGE LOG. THIS CAR HAS ALSO FAILED TO START AT TIMES AND ONCE THE ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM
Power train, Sep 19, 2005
2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT-3 WEEKS OLD NOW HAVE HAD TO: REPLACE REAR AXLE-HOWLING NOISE-STILL NOISE IN REAR AND HAVE TO TAKE BACK TOMORROW. HAVE HEARD OF SEVERAL PROBLEMS W/ REAR AXLES BEING REPORTED. WOULD NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. 3 WEEKS OLD AND WE ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS PURCHASE. SHOCKED THAT THEY SOLD THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THESE KINDS OF ISSUES W/ 2005 EXPLORERS IS PREDOMINATE. THEY ARE ALL UNDER WARRANTY SO NO RECALLS. 3 IN SHOP WHEN WE WERE THERE. BEEN WITHOUT OUR NEW VEHICLE 4 DAYS THUS FAR. NO RENTAL PROVIDED. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 13, 2005
BOTH THE REAR LIFT-GATE AND BACK DOOR HAS OPENED ON ME, WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND RESIDENTIAL ROADS, 6 TIMES ON MY 2005 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 6,500 MILES ON IT AND I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT ONE DAY I'LL BE TRANSPORTING SOMETHING AND THE BACK DOOR WILL FLY OPEN AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS HAVE FLOWN OUT THE BACK INTO TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO WHEN THIS OCCURS - IT'S VERY SPORADIC. THE MESSAGE CENTER DOES WARN ME THE LIFTGATE IS AJAR (TOO BAD I'M ALREADY DRIVING AND IT'S TOO LATE), AND THEN THE BACK HATCH OR BACK DOOR WILL OPEN UP. I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY A PROBLEM - THEREFORE ARE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED ALL THE FLUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORKING RIGHT NOW. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 09/13/2005, AND THEY TOLD HER THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 89,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP FLUSHED ALL THE FLUIDS, DONE OIL CHANGE, AND KEPT UP WITH ALL THE MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MARCH 2005. THE HEATER IN THE VEHICLE WENT UP AND DOWN, EVEN AT THE LOWEST SETTING THE HEATER GOT TOO HOT. *AK