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 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3294 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1196 |
| 2012 | 824 |
| 2013 | 2229 |
| 2014 | 1674 |
| 2015 | 1771 |
| 2016 | 2443 |
| 2017 | 1677 |
| 2018 | 720 |
| 2019 | 291 |
| 2020 | 1198 |
| 2021 | 412 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 106 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 95 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: structure — 154 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
INJURY20% of complaints: power train — 100 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AT 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190312
Also filed under AIR BAGS
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
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE EVENTUALLY DIED WITHOUT BEING EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130906
Also filed under ENGINE
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 (154 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (100 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (44 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, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.