Ford Explorer / 2005
2005 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 604 complaints about the 2005 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 25.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 16.6%.
Complaints604
Crashes30
Fires8
Injuries16
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Structure 25.5% · 154
Power train 16.6% · 100
Vehicle speed control 7.3% · 44
Fuel system, gasoline 6.6% · 40
Electrical system 6.1% · 37
Engine and engine cooling 5.0% · 30
Visibility 3.8% · 23
Engine 2.8% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 30 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire, 16 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2005 sits 24th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 14 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Large cracks developed on tne tailgate on both sides of the Ford sign in the panel below the rear window. The cracks continue to get larger and I am concerned that a piece of the panel could come loose and cause a following motorist to have an accident. I am aware that Ford has received thousands of complaints regarding this issue which is obviously a design flaw and should be held accountable for the repair. Structure · reported at 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer . The contact stated that the hatch back panel was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that the failure was a manufacturing design flaw. As a result, the panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000. Updated 12/06/11*lj updated 12/12/11 Structure · reported at 62,000 miles
We have a 2005 Ford Explorer and the back lift gate panel was cracked right by the Ford symbol. When we went to open the back lift gate and the panel where it was cracked broke in half and shattered the whole back window and injured us. Ford wants to charge me $140.00 To just look at it. Come on Ford do what's right! Beware if you have a cracked panel on your Ford! It can break in half and the glass can shatter. Structure · reported at 157,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…