Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 122,180 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 216,350.
Pulled out of driveway and made it 50 feet and whole truck shut down right on the road. Could not make the vehical restart no click or anything dead right where it stopped. Could of caused an accident. Had to have truck taken to a shop they took a week to find out that the electrical fuel system harness had a dead short in it. So no fuel going to the feul injectors or to the key to start the vehical. Still have head lights and breaks and radio. Just no way to restart the vehical. They checked thw wires and after unplugging many wires to the fuel system and retesting it started. Left with the truck a day later the same thing happen but this time i had to jump a curb to avoid an accident and coasted into a parking lot. I got out and wiggled a few of the wires and the truck started back up. …
Fuse 14 controlling ABS module, dtr sensor, reverse lights, pcv heater, air conditioner compressor, cruise control deactivator switch and daytime headlights was repeatedly blowing. Truck was serviced by dealer on 3-23-16, replacing the A/C compressor. Replacing the A/C compressor did not resolve any issues. The truck was returned to the dealer on 4-6-16 for the same issue with the same fuse. The dealership replaced the fuse and performed diagnostic tests on the truck, then informing me that they could not diagnose or locate the short. The dealership informed me that I would have to drive the truck until the fuse started blowing more frequently. The first time the truck was driven after work was performed the cruise control was not functioning properly. The truck engine would surge as the truck went down the road with the cruise control on. …
On December 3, 2020 at approximately 11:30 pm our 2005 f150 burst into blames from the engine area. The vehicle had been parked since approximately 3:30 pm earlier that day in our personally drive way. Witness stated that they saw the fire start near the engine area of the truck.
On the morning of March 5th 2015 I started my truck to warm the inside and also melt the snow off my windshield. I got in the truck and backed out away from house. Due to having snow on the driveway I turned on the 4 wheel drive in high. My four wheel drive would not work so I tried to swicth to 2 wheel drive back to four wheel drive but the 4 wheel drive would not turn on. I grabbed the gear shift to put the truck back in park when I noticed my gear shift could float to park to 1st gear freely and would not shift. At this time I noticed smoke starting to come inside cab from under dash and thru the vents. I jumped out and opened the hood. A 1 foot section of a wiring harnes mounted to the firewall had caught fire. I made attempts to put out the fire but within a few seconds the engine compartment was engulfed. In 2 to 3 minutes the entire inside of the cab was also completely on fire. …
On December 22, 2006, the contact had used the cruise control and it smelled like something electrical was burning. He turned off the vehicle and when he returned 2 hours later the smell had dissipated. The contacted stated that on December 28, 2006 his 2005 Ford f150 crew cab caught on fire. He had been driving approximately 8 minutes. The contact was driving approximately 35-40 MPH. The weather conditions were dry. The contact stated smoke started coming up out of the dash board. There were no warning signs or alarms. He pulled over to the side of the road and was only able to roll the window down a quarter of an inch. The doors on the vehicle would not open. The contact had to keep banging his shoulder against the door and jiggling the handle before the door would open. The contact was using the cruise control. The police and fire department came to the scene. …
Just purchased vehicle air bag light flashes and turns on when driving looked into issue. Found recall for airbag that causes this. Recall 11s18b. Contacted Ford they said recall had not been performed and set up appointment to have it done. Ford completed recall. Picked up vehicle drove 1000 feet airbag light came back on. Turned around and informed service department. They told me the recall has nothing to so with the airbag or light and that if I pay 100 they will diagnose vehicle. I informed them that it shows right on for that the recall causes light to flash and possibly airbag to deploy. They told me it does not and I was wrong and sent me on my way
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-150. While driving, the vehicle idled without warning. The contact had to pull the vehicle over to restart it, but it continued to idle. The maintenance warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injection control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not notified. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 98,778.
Have owned this truck bought new, 2005. Have used sparingly only 15K + miles. Over the years I have experianced a number of occasions when it tried to accellerate when I went to brake. First thought it a quirk or floor mats. Recently nearly trashed a parked car while backing ito a parking space. Continued to accellerate dispite standing on brake. There is no longer any doubt that this is a problem with sua, sudden unintended accelleration, that Ford has never admitted. I have made sure I am off the gas pedal and the floor mat has been removed. This happens when the vehicle is moving and when trying to brake!
My 2005 Ford f150 truck has had so many problems & some replace twice & im over it im about to have a heart attack now it sounds like my aculator again with the sound of metal scraping on the ground and when I switch it to 44 the sounds stops .but if its not in 44 the sound stays and it is loud ! I have spent so much get my truck fixed and what upsets me is I take care of my truck change oil spark plugs everything since purchased in 2005 brand new and im over it something needs to done with all these parts defected and it will continue until something is done.
Electrical complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Ford F-150, 7% of the model year's 1,112 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford F-150 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Ford F-150, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 F-150 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 11 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.