The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle independently jerked forward. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
The worst 2005 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body151
- Transmission99
- Fuel system66
- Engine46
- Acceleration44
- Electrical36
- Visibility26
- Brakes18
- Airbags15
- Suspension15
- Wheels15
- Steering12
- Locks10
- Tires10
- Lights5
- Seats3
- Seat belts2
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford Explorer
Fuel gauge 34Stalling 25Check engine light 21Transmission failure 19Adaptive cruise 17Jerking 16Slipping 14Harsh shifting 12Loss of power 10Engine failure 8Hesitation 8No deployment 7Knocking 7Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 6Power steering loss 6Won't shift 6ABS 5Wipers 5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
EA09013
Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. In november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. Ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. Reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
PE09020
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Ford Explorer 54
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit...
- The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic...
- Ford/lincoln/mercury: may have sludge buildup in throttle body leading to less airflow or engine idling...
- Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and...
- Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge...
- Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair...
- MIL on with DTC P0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation. kb
- MIL on with P0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation. kb
- Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers. tt
- Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements. tt
2005 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 19 | 15-16 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14 |
What 2005 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound and shaking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the timing chain was fractured, and a plastic piece had detached. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle jerked backwards while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 93,434.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the top panel of the rear liftgate. The contact was concerned that the rear liftgate would fracture if she opened the liftgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
I sitting on a incline put it in reverse and started backing up and the transmission just let loose and started rolling forward it's done this several times and sometimes it want back up at all even on level ground had it checked it was full of fluid but done a fluid and filter changed. And it still doesn't back up at times or when backing it stops backing and will go forward drifting
2005 ford explorer transmission issues. Very common on this model, based on customer/car owners complaints. Reverse is affected. Could not reverse quickly, almost hit by oncoming car. Very dangerous. I have children!!!!
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.
Several times over the past two years while driving at high speeds all the electrical turns off like the key is turned off. It is almost impossible to steer as there is no power steering. It almost caused an accident as the car slowed quickly. I am concerned as this has been reported several times and nothing has been done to solve this issue. Either ford should fix the issue or pull this car out of service before somebody is killed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford explorer. The contact stated that shortly after refueling, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle then abruptly accelerated at a high rate of speed without the accelerator pedal being depressed. Also, the low oil pressure warning light and check transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that they were close to home so they pulled into the driveway to check the oil level, which was low. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine bearing needed to be repaired due to damage caused by a defective oil sensor not properly informing the contact when the oil level was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact contacted the dealer capital city ford located at 8623 e. Washington st, indianapolis, in 46219) who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 250,406. Invalid VIN.
Metal seat frame bar coming through outside of drivers seat.. I am 5' 3" tall, 125 lbs...not from over weight driver.. Very prominent metal bar makes seat almost impossible to sit on. Lumbar support didnt last 5 years...seat dangerous to anyone sitting on it.
Compare the 2005 Ford Explorer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2005 Ford Explorer
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 497 complaints about the 2005 Ford Explorer, fewer than a typical Explorer model year.
What is the 2005 Ford Explorer year score?
The 2005 Ford Explorer scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Explorer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford Explorer?
Body and structure, with 151 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles. Next is transmission (99).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Explorer have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Ford Explorer range from 14 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13-14 city and 19 highway.
VIN decoder
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