Most common 2005 Ford Explorer problems
Share of the 497 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Ford Explorer:
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.
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 mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular…
What 2005 Ford Explorer owners say
Body & structure all 151 →
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.
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.
Transmission & drivetrain all 99 →
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.
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
Fuel & propulsion system all 66 →
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. When attempting to start the vehicle, the engine began to sputter. She restarted the vehicle to resume normal vehicle operation. On another occasion while driving, the power steering and brakes failed without warning, which caused her to crash into a fence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection on two separate occasions. The failure was contributed to the fuel sensor and throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor was replaced. The repair did not remedy the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The current mileage was 80,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
2005 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer a good car?
Based on 497 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Explorer rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Explorer?
The body & structure — 151 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (99) and fuel & propulsion system (66).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2023 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013 and 2015. See the full Ford Explorer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.