The 2005 Ford Explorer has 3 safety recalls and 497 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (154 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints497filed by owners
Crashes · fires22 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths14 · 1reported in complaints
2005 Ford Explorer in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
NHTSA recall 07E104000 · Dec 11, 2007 · 1,657 vehicles
Problem: 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."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E049000 · May 24, 2006 · 27,176 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2005 Ford Explorer 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Explorer 2WD
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Explorer 2WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Explorer 4WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Explorer 4WD FFV FFV
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Explorer 2WD FFV FFV
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Explorer 4WD
14mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Structure Body; Body › Hatchback/liftgate
154
0
0
2
76,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Axle assembly
100
2
0
2
75,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control; Accelerator pedal
44
7
2
2
54,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Delivery › Fuel pump
40
1
0
0
60,000 mi
Electrical system Instrument cluster/panel; Ignition
37
0
2
0
78,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
30
1
0
0
44,859 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear
23
0
0
0
53,168 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
17
0
0
0
86,000 mi
Engine
17
0
2
0
115,000 mi
Unknown or other
16
0
0
0
100,000 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
15
8
0
7
63,500 mi
Suspension Rear; Front › Wheel bearing
15
0
0
0
62,376 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 21, 2024 · 179,000 milesEngine The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle independently jerked forward. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Jan 12, 2022 · 130,000 milesEngine The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound and shaking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the timing chain was fractured, and a plastic piece had detached. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
Nov 5, 2015 · 93,434 milesPower train The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle jerked backwards while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 93,434.
Sep 1, 2022 · 120,000 milesStructure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the top panel of the rear liftgate. The contact was concerned that the rear liftgate would fracture if she opened the liftgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Oct 23, 2021Power train I sitting on a incline put it in reverse and started backing up and the transmission just let loose and started rolling forward it's done this several times and sometimes it want back up at all even on level ground had it checked it was full of fluid but done a fluid and filter changed. And it still doesn't back up at times or when backing it stops backing and will go forward drifting
May 19, 2010 · 99,000 milesEngine 2005 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION ISSUES. VERY COMMON ON THIS MODEL, BASED ON CUSTOMER/CAR OWNERS COMPLAINTS. REVERSE IS AFFECTED. COULD NOT REVERSE QUICKLY, ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING CAR. VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHILDREN!!!!
Mar 1, 2020 · 165,000 milesWheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT FOUR OF FIVE WHEELS STUDS HAD SHEARED OFF. THE WHEEL STUDS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Sep 25, 2020 · 120,000 milesElectrical system SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ALL THE ELECTRICAL TURNS OFF LIKE THE KEY IS TURNED OFF. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AS THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. IT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR SLOWED QUICKLY. I AM CONCERNED AS THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. EITHER FORD SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE OR PULL THIS CAR OUT OF SERVICE BEFORE SOMEBODY IS KILLED.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA09013 · opened Aug 18, 2009 · closed Feb 12, 2013Vehicle Rollaway Allegations This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information…
PE09020 · opened Apr 21, 2009 · closed Aug 19, 2009VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), FORD STATED CONSUMER REPORTS OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED EFFORTS WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF PARK COULD BE A RESULT OF A GROOVE BEING WORN INTO THE SWING ARM RAMP OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWING ARM IS A COMPONENT BOLTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN THAT ASSISTS IN SHIFTING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION GEARS.AN ENGINEERING EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY FORD OF RETURNED STEERING COLUMNS FOUND THE GROOVE COULD BE CREATED OVER TIME IF CONSUMER SHIFT MORE QUICKLY FROM THE DRIVE OR REVERSE TO PARK THAN THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK (BSI) SOLENOID PIN RETRACTS AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED. IN NOVEMBER OF 2004, FORD RELEASED A REDESIGNED BSI SOLENOID WITH A SHORTER PIN RETRACTING TIME AS A SERVICEABLE COMPONENT. FORD HAS NOTED THE SHORTER RETRACTION TIME SIGNIFICANTLY LESSENS THE LIKELIHOOD OF BSI SOLENOID PIN…
