2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

5 / 1

Injuries / deaths

6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	12
Electrical System	11
Fuel/Propulsion System	10
Air Bags	7
Fuel System, Gasoline	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Steering	4
Engine	4
Tires	4
Visibility	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Power Train	3

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 10
Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm — 1
Suspension › Front — 1
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Apr 17, 2026

The dash cluster don't work cant see your rpms,speed,the fuel gauge gos up and down can't see milage or trip meter if you hit the dash it will work but go out going down the road and I researched it and its a common issue and I cant aford a new dash cluster I got a speeding ticket yesterday because I couldn't see my speed and there was no one in front of me to go off of i was going 15 over

Electrical System · reported Jun 2, 2025

As I was driving to work one morning suddenly my headlights and all interior lights, such as the dashboard, suddenly went out without any warning and nothing electrical would work such as the radio and the windows and all the gauges in the dash dropped to zero or the needle fell all the way to the left. This has become an ongoing problem and I never know when it's going to go out or come back on for that matter and sometimes when it's acting crazy My speedometer will just jump all over the place. I believe this is a safety issue not only for myself but for other drivers on the road as my…

Air Bags · reported Oct 8, 2023

I got into an accident where I hit a semi head on and at 40 mph and the airbags never deployed. I got hurt and may seek a lawyer.

Structure · reported Nov 30, 2020

The fan blades had many big cracks in the plastic blades,the driver door the body is cracked by top of door hing back door is the same, the paint is pealing and starting to rust on top.the plastic thermostat cracked.

Steering · at 49,000 miles · reported Sep 30, 2020

My truck's steering column is tight. It feels like it could lock up or break off. The key is hard to turn in the ignition; the gear shifter is tight to switch from park to drive. This is occurring when I start the truck, then it seems to be fine. I don't understand how ford hasn't been able to figure out the mechanisms to enable a smooth start. My truck has only 49,000 miles on it and has been serviced regularly. I worry that it could leave me stranded or the steering wheel could lock up. Have there been other complaints of this nature?

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac years

2010 2009 2008 2007 200620052004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Ford Explorer Sport Trac years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Owners report structure problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.