2005 Ford Explorer
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 609 |
| 1992 | 633 |
| 1993 | 939 |
| 1994 | 1207 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3293 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 147 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1192 |
| 2012 | 820 |
| 2013 | 2222 |
| 2014 | 1669 |
| 2015 | 1748 |
| 2016 | 2424 |
| 2017 | 1656 |
| 2018 | 706 |
| 2019 | 281 |
| 2020 | 1155 |
| 2021 | 393 |
| 2022 | 242 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: structure — 107 distinct reports on file.
INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 49 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: power train — 40 distinct reports on file.
INJURY8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TURNING AROUND IN A LARGE DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEEDS, MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO RUN INTO A FENCE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE (MINOR) ALSO RIPPING OFF THE RUNNING BOARD AFTER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20050924
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
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (107 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.