There are no safety recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer, but owners have filed 497 complaints with NHTSA.
2005 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Structure | 154 | |
| Power Train | 100 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 44 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 40 | |
| Electrical System | 37 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 30 | |
| Visibility | 23 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | |
| Engine | 17 | |
| Unknown or Other | 16 | |
| Air Bags | 15 | |
| Suspension | 15 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 107
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 40
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 16
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 12
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 6
- Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 5
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 179,000 miles · reported Feb 21, 2024
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.
Engine · at 130,000 miles · reported Jan 12, 2023
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.
Power Train · at 93,434 miles · reported Nov 9, 2022
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.
Structure · at 120,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2022
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.
Power Train · reported Oct 23, 2021
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
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer 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?
Owners report structure problems most often (154 reports), followed by power train (100). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.