2005 Ford Explorer recalls and problems
No recalls and 497 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Explorer.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2005 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Explorer model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 3,295 | 144 | 57 |
| 2003 | 2 | 1,131 | 60 | 10 |
| 2004 | 0 | 1,304 | 58 | 15 |
| 2005 | 0 | 497 | 22 | 6 |
| 2006 | 1 | 630 | 13 | 7 |
| 2007 | 1 | 208 | 11 | 5 |
| 2008 | 1 | 148 | 6 | 3 |
Across all years, the 2002 Explorer has the most complaints (3,295). All Ford Explorer years →
Questions
- Does the 2005 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Explorer?
- Owners have filed 497 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (151 complaints), followed by power train (99).
- How many 2005 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 22 of 497 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 21, 2024.