2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 167 |
| 2002 | 144 |
| 2003 | 78 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 66 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 100 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 30 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO HOURS A IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, NO REPORTS HAVE BEEN FILED .
NHTSA ODI report, 20051209
As I was driving to work one morning suddenly my headlights and all interior lights, such as the dashboard, suddenly went out without any warning and nothing electrical would work such as the radio and the windows and all the gauges in the dash...
NHTSA ODI report, 20250602
MY 2005 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND WHEN IT DOES, MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPS WORKING. MY TACHOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, TEMP, AND FUEL GAUGES STOP WORKING. HERE LATELY, MY RADIO AND POWER WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180829
15% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FRONT, DRIVER'S SIDE, TIRE CAME APART AND CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE'S BODY AND POSSIBLY OTHER DAMAGES NOT SEEN. I NEED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER DAMAGES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181221
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170210
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.