Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Hello while driving down the highway, the upper ball joint in the drivers side front broke and caused damage to the axle, tire, and wheel. This caused issues with control of vehicle and could have cause a much greater accident than what occurred. I was able to avoid a major accident, partially due to the low speed at the time, however had this occurred while I was on the interstate or on a crowded highway, this could have had exponentially worse outcomes. I have been told by numerous mechanics that the ball joints are an issue for Ford explorers and this isn't my first issue with them myself. I also had issues with my 2004 Explorer. This was not an original part to the vehicle and was checked less than a week before it broke and passed inspection. Please look into ball joint issues for Ford explorers and keep something like this from happening again. A picture of the vehicle is below. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer with Michelin t235- 70t16 16' latitude tour tires . The contact stated while driving, the driver's side rear tire blew. The contact lost control and crashed the vehicle due to the tire wall blow out. The contact was injured and required medical attention. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the panel under the rear window split around the outside of the window, which extended to the Ford emblem. The damage became progressively worse over time and the contact was concerned that the window could explode when she drove through a car wash. The contact also stated that heat could be a factor in the failure. In addition, the rear latch failed to engage when she attempted to close the rear window. The dealer was contacted and advised that she would be responsible for the repair costs since there were no recalls for the failure. Also, the tire sensor gauge remained illuminated at all times. The tire mechanic stated that the failure was a common problem that could have been caused by the spare tire. The contact stated that she had to check the air pressure of the tires on a continual basis. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning right at approximately 15 MPH, all of the lug nuts on the rear driver side wheel sheered off. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that some of the lug nuts were also sheered off from all of the other wheels. All of the lug nuts and the lug nut studs were replaced. The failure recurred approximately ten months later. The contact stated that all of the lug nuts of the rear driver side wheel sheered off. The vehicle was towed back to the authorized dealer where the it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Have owned 2005 Ford Explorer since new. After 35,000 miles the gas gauge started to bottom out on empty followed by a service engine soon light staying on. The gauge will start working again off and on but it's not reliable. Tried running a fuel cleaner through it a couple of times and did nothing for it. Also the tire pressure monitor says it's reading a bad sensor in one of the wheels. This vehicle is well taken care of and babied by my wife. There seems to be alot of consumers having the exact same troubles with the same vehicles. Why is Ford not held liable for these defects? This was not a budget low cost car. We paid over $36,000.00 for this SUV. Please help us in any way you can.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and turning left to exit the highway, the passenger's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lugs nuts had sheared off, causing the failure. As a result, the lug nuts had to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure had recurred with both of the rear tire lug nuts, which started to shear off and caused a loud noise while driving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.
I was removing caps on valve stems to check tire pressure when the valve stem broke off in the cap. It immediately deflated the tire completely! I was lucky that I was not driving. The tire was completely flat and coming off the rim. I had the spare tire put on. When I went to the Ford dealer said that they had alot of vehicles in that the valve stems had broken off. Very dangerous. I am now afraid that the valve stems on the other tires could do the same thing. Because they also have tire sensors in valve stems it is very costly to replace and only a Ford dealer can get the part and recalibrate the computer for the sensors.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The vehicle has Michelin cross touring (na), size lt235/70/r16 tires. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the passenger side front tire blew out without warning. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that the only thing holding the tire to the vehicle was the tire mount. Prior to operating the vehicle, the tire pressure was normal. The dealer stated that the tire tread began to separate and the tread was 4 and 5/30 seconds. The contact has pictures. The current and failure mileages were 29,100. Updated 02/12/08. The tire blow caused damaged to the vehicle.
I was about 400 miles from home ... Driving on highway at speeds up to 65 MPH ... My tire nearly fell off (left rear) .... Had to get towed for 114 miles. The studs that the lugs are attached seared off .... Only one was completely attached 2 were hanging off ... And 2 were gone. Had the tires rotated about 2 months ago and had driven almost 2000 miles before this happened so I cant blame the way the tire was put on. I believe the studs on the wheel hub are defective .... I have a list of people where this has happened ... If Ford initiates a recall I May consider buying another Ford.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2005 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 497 complaints. The component named most often is pressure monitoring and regulating systems (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Explorer wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.