Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was fracture in the rear hatch above the rear windshield wiper and all the way down to the bottom of the hatch. The failure allowed moisture to enter the door. The contact was concerned that the fracture would cause the rear windshield to shatter, causing serious injuries or worse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
While stopped at a red light on a residential street, the rear window exploded. It appears the right rear window hinge had rotated out of position and fractured, causing the window to break. The hydraulic arms extended since the window was no longer there to hold them back, which caused the lift gate frame to bend, plastic to crack, and electrical wires to be exposed.
Both sun visors in my 2005 Explorer broke within a day of each other. The small plastic holder on each of them shatter into microscopic pieces with nothing on the visors. No cd holders or sunglasses either. They just broke while driving down the road. They were both folded up and not being used. It was very strange. It happened when I was driving and I felt like it was very dangerous because it dangled by a wire that could not be cut due to what it was connected to. I tried electrical tape and anything I could think of but it would not stay up. I could not get an appt until the following week and had to drive with this obstruction for 2 days. Not only was it annoying but it was very unsafe. Of course, my warranty had expired two months prior to this incident. …
Dt: 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact states the vehicle has been in the repair shop four times with nine repairs since purchase, approximately a month ago. The rear axle assembly/wheel bearings had to be replaced. Also, the rear window on the driver's side/the pulley in the motor, had to be replaced, and the computer chip had to be reset. The key was getting stuck in the ignition; the dealership could find what was wrong with ignition. There were other problems with the vehicle, but the contact did not have that information . The contact was asking Ford to take the vehicle back at this time. A service advisor was suppose to speak with the contact.
The sun visor support of the Ford Explorer 2005 is defective and breaks easily. This has happened 3 times to me and as per research in the web, it is a problem that happens very often in this model. One time it happens while driving, and the sun visor was hanging and blocking the view. I was able to stop, but there is a potential safety problem, that could cause accidents, all for a small defective plastic piece. The hinge base is made of poor resistance plastic and has a terrible design, this is incredible taking into account that the visor arm is metallic and it transfers a considerable force to this plastic base each time you fold or use the sun visor.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While driving she heard a loud clanging noise coming from the instrument control panel. The next day the vents would only release cold air from the vents. As a consequence she could not defrost the windows. Her mechanic stated that the heater box failed and would cost $800.00 to repair. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 53168. Updated12/10/09. The repair cost was $438.00. The problem was the blend door actuator, which was indide the heater box. Updated 12/10/09
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a massive crack under the rear exterior liftgate window panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the window panel would need to be replaced in order to prevent the window glass from disengaging independently. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Kmj. Returned by usps on 4/2/2013. 2nd attempt on 4/9/2013 failed.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH in rainy weather conditions. The front and rear windshield glass exhibited a film and dirt build up from the windshield wipers which resulted in poor visibility. The front and rear windshield wipers were replaced on two separate occasions. The contact stated that an independent mechanic replaced the front windshield wipers. The failure mileage was 36,500. The current mileage was 59,100.
After having this vehicle for only 2 years, the heater/ defroster does not work. It seems to be the switch that selects heat and cold is broken and only makes a clicking sound, and will not pull in heat to defrost the windows and warm up the passenger compartment. This repair costs quite a bit of money. This is also a severe safety hazard due to winter driving conditions and the need to defrost the windshield. I have seen several others complain of the same problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While driving at 35 MPH, the driver sun visor fractured from the vehicle. The contact stated the visor was exhibiting disintegration. The dealer advised the repair would be at the contact's expense. There was not a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 31,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2005 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 497 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2005 Ford Explorer. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 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.