2005 Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2005 Ford Explorer. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
497 complaints22 involved a crash6 involved a fire14 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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
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…
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
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…
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 › 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.
- Power 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
- Engine · Unknown or other
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!!!!
- Wheels › 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…
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.
- Electrical 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford explorer. The contact stated that shortly after refueling, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle then abruptly accelerated at a high rate of speed without the accelerator pedal being depressed.…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford explorer. The contact stated that shortly after refueling, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle then abruptly accelerated at a high rate of speed without the accelerator pedal being depressed. Also, the low oil pressure warning light and check transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that they were close to home so they pulled into the driveway to check the oil level, which was low. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine bearing needed to be repaired due to damage caused by a defective oil sensor not properly informing the contact when the oil level was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact contacted the dealer capital city ford located at 8623 e. Washington st, indianapolis, in 46219) who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 250,406. Invalid vin.
- Seats
Metal seat frame bar coming through outside of drivers seat.. I am 5' 3" tall, 125 lbs...not from over weight driver.. Very prominent metal bar makes seat almost impossible to sit on. lumbar support didnt last 5 years...seat dangerous to anyone sitting on it.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
Rear wheel well shock tower mount IS rusted out. There IS no reason this should be happening. This IS a major safety issue.
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford explorer. While the contact was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was placed into drive and accelerated on its own. The accelerator pedal became stuck at 60 mph. The vehicle went through a backyard, drove over a curb, drove through a neighbor's backyard…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford explorer. While the contact was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was placed into drive and accelerated on its own. The accelerator pedal became stuck at 60 mph. The vehicle went through a backyard, drove over a curb, drove through a neighbor's backyard, and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained two black eyes and a concussion that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The crash was not in relation to any recall. The failure mileage was 108,673.
- Steering
I tried to put the car in drive and the shifter broke off/
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
1) ABS, brake, and wrench failure lights flashed on for about 3 seconds and turned off when decelerating with cruise control from 55 mph to 45 mph zones at courland, va. vehicle manual provides no guidance on this failure mode; only 'warning lights turn on and continue flashing, reduce speed and…
1) ABS, brake, and wrench failure lights flashed on for about 3 seconds and turned off when decelerating with cruise control from 55 mph to 45 mph zones at courland, va. vehicle manual provides no guidance on this failure mode; only 'warning lights turn on and continue flashing, reduce speed and take vehicle to nearest service provider' and 'warning lights turn on and stay on, stop driving immediately and have vehicle towed to nearest service provider.' 2) approximately ten minutes later, driver began applying brakes to disengage cruise control and slow from 60 mph to 35 mph school zone speed about 50 to 60 m before school zone warning sign at capron elementary, va, on state highway 58. 3) driver checked speed upon entering school zone and found cruise control light still on and vehicle still traveling at 60 mph. Depressed brake approximately 1/3 total braking range (4 cm), which should have locked the brakes and brought the vehicle to a full stop. No effect. Cruise control light remained on and vehicle continued at 60 mph. 4) at this point, driver realized that he had no control of the vehicle, panicked, and decided he had to stop or crash the vehicle. Driver jammed the brake petal as hard as he could and held. It took probably 3 seconds for the rear brakes to finally go up a logistic growth resistance curve, grab, and stop the vehicle. no braking by front wheels. ABS did not work. contributing physical defects: worn-out front brakes, even though vehicle was kept under rigorous maintenance and had valid virginia state inspection sticker. warped front brake rotors most likely induced intermittent false signals to computer control center causing cruise control to fail to disengage.
- Unknown or other
Need to recall the gasket heads. There are hundreds of complaints of the same issue. Little holes melted on the head. Overheating vehicle and smoking out antifreeze while driving. Why it's this material plastic?
- Engine · Service brakes · Wheels
Something wrong with the tire pressure the light stays on in the message board and a message with the brake system also stays on and it stalls while im in motion on the hwy and streets and takes awhile to move foward again. I
- Unknown or other
About 7 months ago I started having an issue while driving on a city street, that shifting from 2ND to 3RD gear it would rev and hesitate and when it does it to many times while driving the check transmission message appears on the display and also the o/d light blinks and my truck will act funny…
About 7 months ago I started having an issue while driving on a city street, that shifting from 2ND to 3RD gear it would rev and hesitate and when it does it to many times while driving the check transmission message appears on the display and also the o/d light blinks and my truck will act funny until I shut it off. this has been an ongoing issue and when I took it to my mechanic it IS giving them several different error codes and they are not willing to try all 6 codes to figure it out. since it IS a closed transmission case that has no drain plug and no dip stick to check the fluid they really don't want to mess with it and cost me a ton of money to figure it out. I have 106,000 miles on it currently and hope you give me a more pinpoint resolution so I can decide if I should get it repaired and what more specifically they can try.
- Power train
From park, delay from 1 to 7 seconds for engagement for reverse (automatic trans), worse in warm weather. Serious safety issue, as you may press on gas thinking you're in reverse, and then accelerate!! Heard 1ST hand from ford dealer this IS well known, and sometimes severe. Something with solenoid pack? Happens often!
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Unknown or other
ABS light and advance tracking light and 4X4 light and car with tracking light all comes on and the braking jerk when stopping. Also low oil pressure light comes on even after oil change
- Structure › Body
2005 ford explorer. Frame IS rotting along the welds. Not up and down. Length wise running with the frame. Obviously a factory weld issue and a big issue at that as the issue could have the frame fail and entire hub/axle/wheel assembly rip right off the vehicle. This IS also a very common issue…
2005 ford explorer. Frame IS rotting along the welds. Not up and down. Length wise running with the frame. Obviously a factory weld issue and a big issue at that as the issue could have the frame fail and entire hub/axle/wheel assembly rip right off the vehicle. This IS also a very common issue with ford's in general from 02-2005. As you already know I'm sure. This vehicle was well maintained and taken care of and the frame issue has made an otherwise great running low mileage vehicle worthless. Not to mention had the issue not been found very dangerous! Please get these death traps off the road!! Have pictures but the files are to large to send. Thanks.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall. Fuel gauge stopped working changed the fuel pump in the tank 2 times still did not work. Checked for ground connections all seemed well. The fuel gauge still does not work
- Vehicle speed control
When using the cruise control and the 2005 ford explorer IS going down hill or when pressing coast button, the 2005 ford explorer stall, engine cuts out. Steering and braking becomes difficult.
- Vehicle speed control
I was backing up from my driveway and my car accelerated when put into reverse and it peeled out and had to hit the brakes really hard.sometimes the engine shakes when going forward for a few seconds then it goes away.
- Unknown or other
Driving on the interstate at about 70 mph, sunroof was tilted in vent position when my sunroof exploded. Glass reigned down on me. I thought something had smashed through, but I could not find anything. Looks like it actually blew outward in the center. it's possible something hit it, but I did not see anything. It just was a loud "explosion" and that was it.
- Electrical system · Power train
My explorer transmission just stopped working going down the highway, almost got hit by a truck. Electrical system kept going in and out. Checked with a ford dealership they said it was a common problem with explorers and there was no recall. I checked online and there was over 10,000 complaints…
My explorer transmission just stopped working going down the highway, almost got hit by a truck. Electrical system kept going in and out. Checked with a ford dealership they said it was a common problem with explorers and there was no recall. I checked online and there was over 10,000 complaints made. I am in the military have 14 combat tours, and come home to have my life put in danger again on something that you all know about. When are you going to step in?
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle 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…
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 regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
- Vehicle 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…
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 to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. Reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10048099Ford/lincoln/mercury: may have sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling rpm fluctuation and hard starts or battery disconnect or dead battery after keep alive memory (kam) clear. Models 2003-05 thunderbird, 05-06 mustang, 06-08 fusion, 04-05 explorer, 05-06 expedition, 05-07 F-150; 2003-06 LS, 06 zephyr, 05-06 navigator; 06-08 milan.
- 10045340Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and engine idle rpm fluctuation and exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0505, p0506, p2111 and p2112.
- 10028736Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and IS often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10021052Mil on with dtc p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10021038Mil on with p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10019947Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10019384Low tire indicator on - TPMS system sensor wake up.
- 10019379Malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling.
- 10018938Vibration diagnosis - tire/wheel runout.
- 10018937Mil on with dtc p0191 with or without various drivability symptoms and/or additional dtcs.
- 10018934Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10018069A tiny crack, or cracks, around the transfer case drain plug hole.
- 10018064Noise from rear wheel hub bearings.
- 10017931No start/hard start on cold soak - 4.0L engine.
- 10017905Wrench lamp on and no diagnostic trouble code (dtc) stored.
- 10017898Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10017892Rear axle noise repair.
- 10017882No start/hard start on cold soak.
- 10016904Service engine soon lamp on with pcm dtc p0463, instrument cluster dtc b1201 and or fuel gauge drops to empty-vehicles built 8/2/2004 through 4/7/2005.
- 10016832Backglass difficult to close and an intermittent door ajar lamp.
- 10016789Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014668Axle seal leaks.
- 10014664Front seat(s) slight movement when accelerating and/or decelerating.
- 10014659Axle whine howl. This includes 1997-05 ford vehicles.
- 10014310Weld bonding procedure.
- 10014277Increased effort during low speed sharp turns on 4X4 vehicles.
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014100Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013399Throttle pedal response on tip in vehicles built before 10/4/2004 equipped with a 4.0L engine.
- 10013398Gear selector lever - increased effort to shift from drive to park.
- 10013388Fuel gauge slow to update after refueling.
- 10013383Rough idle in drive.
Every Ford Explorer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.