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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2016
THROTTLES BODY ASSY. STALL OR SURGE WHILE ENTER IN TRAFFIC MAKE VERY DANGER
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2016
CLUSTER GOING BAD AND CUTTING POWER TO ENTIRE VEHICLE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD , CITY ENVIROMENT
Visibility/wiper, Dec 5, 2016
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. IT APPEARS THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HINGE HAD ROTATED OUT OF POSITION AND FRACTURED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BREAK. THE HYDRAULIC ARMS EXTENDED SINCE THE WINDOW WAS NO LONGER THERE TO HOLD THEM BACK, WHICH CAUSED THE LIFT GATE FRAME TO BEND, PLASTIC TO CRACK, AND ELECTRICAL WIRES TO BE EXPOSED.
Structure, Nov 27, 2016
REAR LIFTGATE CRACK
Structure, Nov 14, 2016
CRACKED APPLIQUE ON REAR LIFT GATE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2016
BOTH REAR HATCH GLASS HINGES BROKE. WINDOW FELL OUT WHEN I TRIED OPENING THE HATCH. THANK GOD I WAS THERE TO CATCH IT. BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE HINGES.
Power train, Nov 4, 2016
THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER BROKE AT THE BASE, INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THE BROKEN PART SEEMS TO BE A CAST METAL PART, THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER/LEVER ROTATES TO CHANGE GEARS. THE FRACTURE SURFACE APPEARS ROUGH -- IT IS NOT CLEAN. FORTUNATELY THE CAR IS STUCK IN PARK, NOT ANOTHER GEAR, AND IN A SAFE PLACE (PARKING GARAGE). SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN IN ANY OTHER GEAR I WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR IN THAT GEAR, IF I HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO A SAFE PLACE. OTHERWISE IT WOULD JUST HAVE TO SIT WHEREVER IT WAS LEFT, NO MATTER HOW INCONVENIENT TO OTHER DRIVERS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATE THIS IS NOT A DOCUMENTED ISSUE, THEREFORE NO RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE, WITH PICTURES OF THE SAME EXACT BREAK POINT THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED. ALSO, THERE ARE AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS EXACT PART, FURTHER HINTING THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.
Power train, Nov 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,434. *TT UPDATED 7/2/18*JB *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 2, 2016
VEHICLE ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING, GENERALLY AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED GREATER THAN 40MPH, WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE JUST TURNS OFF. THE ONLY WAY OF KNOWING IS ONCE THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO INCREASE SPEED AND THEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF. THIS IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAD TO BY A NEW CAR. EXPLORER JUST SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS HAPPEN RANDOMLY WITH NO NOTICE AND GENERALLY WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH
Suspension, Structure, Oct 30, 2016
DISCOVERED UNDERNEATH THE BODY WHERE THE BODY AND FRAME MEET FOR THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS, THEY HAVE NEARLY DISINTEGRATED ON ALL FOUR BUSHINGS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THESE BUSHINGS WERE MADE OF SOME INFERIOR FOAM MATERIAL WHEREAS THE REAR BUSHINGS ARE RUBBER AND STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE REPAIR FOR THIS DEFECT WILL COST AROUND $600 TO $1,300 AND IF NOT DONE WILL RESULT IN THE CAB FALLING DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRAME THUS CREATING NUMEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS INCLUDING STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY FAILURE OF THE TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL SPORT TRACS MADE FROM 2001 TO 2005. THE INCLUDED PICS BEGIN WITH THE DRIVER SIDE (DRIVER SEAT) FRONT BUSHING, DRIVER SIDE (REAR SEAT) BUSHING, PASSENGER SIDE (FRONT SEAT) BUSHING, PASSENGER SIDE (REAR SEAT) BUSHING AND FINALLY THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND DRIVER SIDE REAR BUSHINGS (BOTH IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND MADE OF ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATERIAL) DISCLAIMER: THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO ANY SALT WATER (BEACH) ENVIRONMENT NOR WINTER WEATHER ENVIRONMENT (WHERE SALT WAS USED), OR MUD RIDING OF ANY TIME NOR HAS BEEN DRIVEN THROUGH FLOODED AREAS WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE CONDITION OF THE BUSHINGS. VEHICLE ODOMETER READING IS 125,496.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2016
WHEN TRYING TO FILL THE GAS TANK IT IS SLOW AND WILL NOT FILL PROPERLY. HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLVE.
Service brakes, Aug 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2016
PUT KIDS IN CAR SEATS. GOT IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND CLOSED DOOR AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. FORD IS ACTING LIKE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT'S EVER HAPPENED BUT I SEE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT ONLINE. NOTHING DONE, SO FAR. WAITING TO SEE IF IT IS COVERED ON INSURANCE. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BELIEVES VEHICLE IS TOTALED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PUT AIR BAGS BACK IN AND GUARANTEE SAFETY AFTERWARDS.
Structure, Jul 12, 2016
PEELING PAINT ON MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. IT IS PEELING MOSTLY ON THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE TRUCK. I TALKED WITH SOMEONE ON THE FORD WEBSITE BUT THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I TALKED WITH A PAINT AND BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD PAINT JOB. THE ROOF ON MY VEHICLE IS NOW RUSTING AND THE BODY SHOP GUY SAID IT WILL COST OVER 2000$ TO GET IT REPAIRED. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN OKLAHOMA. WE ALSO BOUGHT A COVER FOR THE BACK WHICH HAD A FRAME AROUND THE BED OF THE PICKUP AND WAS HELD TOGETHER BY SOME PLASTIC CLIPS. THE CLIPS BROKE BEFORE IT WAS EVEN A YEAR OLD AND THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WE WOULD HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW COVER WHICH COST OVER 300$.
Suspension, Seat belts, Structure, Jul 9, 2016
THERE ARE TWO CRACKS ON THE BACK TOP LIFT GATE WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO GET TO THE ELECTRIC LOCKS AND IT OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN WET. THE WHEELS BEARINGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS. THE PASSENGER FRONT BELT TIGHTENS AND WILL NOT LOOSEN.
Power train, May 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND JERKED VIOLENTLY AT ANY RATE OF SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 24, 2016
WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, WE FOUND THAT THE BACK WINDOW OF THE HATCH WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND THE BODY IN THE BACK WAS LIFTED OFF THE CAR. IT LOOKS AS IF THE HYDRAULIC ARM MALFUNCTIONED OVERNIGHT.
Air bags, May 9, 2016
TAKATA AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER A HEAD ON COLLISION ON A HIGHWAY
Electrical system, May 5, 2016
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. CAUSED ALL MY LIGHTS (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) TO GO OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE DARK ON AN 8 LANE INTERSTATE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO ELECTRIC SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER). FORD SAYS IT IS ON BACK ORDER. NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!
Electrical system, May 3, 2016
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CUTS OUT AND RESARTS THEN CUTS OUT AGAIN CAUSING NO SPEEDOMETER TACH FUEL GAUGE OIL PRESSURE TEMPERATURE AND VOLTAGE GAUGE TO STOP WORKING. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WON'T WORK RADIO OUT ODOMETER BLANK HAPPENS RANDOMLY IN ANY CONDITION IDLE DRIVING EVERY WHEN NOT IN THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN HEAR THE RELAY CLICKING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2016
CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BRAKES AND STEERING BECAME IMPAIRED. LUCKY, I WAS IN THE RIGHTMOST LANE AND WAS ABLE TO NARROWLY AVOID COLLISION. INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER A ~3HR DRIVE AS I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY (I.E. SLOWING DOWN). UPON RESTART, ENGINE TURNED OVER, BUT WAS UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO ITERATIVE SURGE/STALL CYCLES.
Air bags, Feb 17, 2016, crash
TAKATA RECALL. DRIVING IN THE CITY MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER HAVE A CRASH AND AIR BAGS DO NOT OPEN.
Power train, Dec 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO REVERSE AT A LOW SPEED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD BEFORE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR LEVER IN THE REVERSE POSITION FAILED TO OPERATE AFTER THREE MONTHS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Power train, Dec 28, 2015
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION BEGINING TO SLIP, SOON WILL AHVE NO 4TH GEAR OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE IS UP TO DATE WITH MATINANACE AND EVERYTHING MILEAGE IS STILL BELOW 95,000 MILES. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE THAT THE FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN REPORTED.
Structure, Dec 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE LIFTGATE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.