2005 Ford Explorer

497 complaints on file, page 1 of 25.

1. Filed Feb 21, 2024Failure Feb 21, 2024179,000 milesChadbourn, NCEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11573106
2. Filed Jan 12, 2023Failure Jan 12, 2022130,000 milesWood River, ILEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11501514
3. Filed Nov 9, 2022Failure Nov 5, 201593,434 milesRoswell, NMPower train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11492889
4. Filed Sep 1, 2022Failure Sep 1, 2022120,000 milesFairview, MTHatchback/liftgate

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11482456
5. Filed Oct 23, 2021Failure Oct 23, 2021Covington, VAPower train

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11437921
6. Filed May 10, 2021Failure May 19, 201099,000 milesGallipolis, OHEngine, Unknown or other

   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!!!!

   NHTSA complaint 11416005
7. Filed Sep 28, 2020Failure Mar 1, 2020165,000 milesHines, WVLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11361510
8. Filed Sep 25, 2020Failure Sep 25, 2020120,000 milesMidvale, IDElectrical system

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11361210
9. Filed Aug 19, 2020Failure Jul 12, 2020250,406 milesIndianapolis, INElectrical system, Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11350238
10. Filed Aug 27, 2019Failure Jan 1, 2014Peoria, AZSeats

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11251812
11. Filed Mar 24, 2019Failure Mar 24, 2019120,313 milesNormal, ILBody, Suspension, Unknown or other

    REAR WHEEL WELL SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT. THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

    NHTSA complaint 11191216
12. Filed Mar 12, 2019Failure Mar 1, 2019108,673 milesSAN Jose, CAAir bags, Accelerator pedalCrash1 injured

    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. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A BACKYARD, DROVE OVER A CURB, DROVE THROUGH A NEIGHBOR'S BACKYARD, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BLACK EYES AND A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CRASH WAS NOT IN RELATION TO ANY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,673.

    NHTSA complaint 11186174
13. Filed Oct 28, 2018Failure Oct 19, 2018100,000 milesStaten Island, NYSteering

    I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF/

    NHTSA complaint 11143474
14. Filed Aug 14, 2018Failure May 11, 2018130,100 milesChesapeake, VAService brakes, Vehicle speed control

    1) ABS, BRAKE, AND WRENCH FAILURE LIGHTS FLASHED ON FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS AND TURNED OFF WHEN DECELERATING WITH CRUISE CONTROL FROM 55 MPH TO 45 MPH ZONES AT COURLAND, VA. VEHICLE MANUAL PROVIDES NO GUIDANCE ON THIS FAILURE MODE; ONLY 'WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON AND CONTINUE FLASHING, REDUCE SPEED AND TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST SERVICE PROVIDER' AND 'WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON AND STAY ON, STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST SERVICE PROVIDER.' 2) APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES LATER, DRIVER BEGAN APPLYING BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW FROM 60 MPH TO 35 MPH SCHOOL ZONE SPEED ABOUT 50 TO 60 M BEFORE SCHOOL ZONE WARNING SIGN AT CAPRON ELEMENTARY, VA, ON STATE HIGHWAY 58. 3) DRIVER CHECKED SPEED UPON ENTERING SCHOOL ZONE AND FOUND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STILL ON AND VEHICLE STILL TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. DEPRESSED BRAKE APPROXIMATELY 1/3 TOTAL BRAKING RANGE (4 CM), WHICH SHOULD HAVE LOCKED THE BRAKES AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP. NO EFFECT. CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT REMAINED ON AND VEHICLE CONTINUED AT 60 MPH. 4) AT THIS POINT, DRIVER REALIZED THAT HE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, PANICKED, AND DECIDED HE HAD TO STOP OR CRASH THE VEHICLE. DRIVER JAMMED THE BRAKE PETAL AS HARD AS HE COULD AND HELD. IT TOOK PROBABLY 3 SECONDS FOR THE REAR BRAKES TO FINALLY GO UP A LOGISTIC GROWTH RESISTANCE CURVE, GRAB, AND STOP THE VEHICLE. NO BRAKING BY FRONT WHEELS. ABS DID NOT WORK. CONTRIBUTING PHYSICAL DEFECTS: WORN-OUT FRONT BRAKES, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WAS KEPT UNDER RIGOROUS MAINTENANCE AND HAD VALID VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION STICKER. WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS MOST LIKELY INDUCED INTERMITTENT FALSE SIGNALS TO COMPUTER CONTROL CENTER CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL TO DISENGAGE.

    NHTSA complaint 11119977
15. Filed Aug 8, 2018Failure May 25, 2018Rahway, NJUnknown or other

    NEED TO RECALL THE GASKET HEADS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. LITTLE HOLES MELTED ON THE HEAD. OVERHEATING VEHICLE AND SMOKING OUT ANTIFREEZE WHILE DRIVING. WHY IT'S THIS MATERIAL PLASTIC?

    NHTSA complaint 11118444
16. Filed Jul 23, 2018Failure May 20, 2018Concord, NCEngine, Service brakes, Wheels

    SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE THE LIGHT STAYS ON IN THE MESSAGE BOARD AND A MESSAGE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM ALSO STAYS ON AND IT STALLS WHILE IM IN MOTION ON THE HWY AND STREETS AND TAKES AWHILE TO MOVE FOWARD AGAIN. I

    NHTSA complaint 11113152
17. Filed Jun 6, 2018Failure Nov 6, 2017100,000 milesBerwyn, ILUnknown or other

    ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THAT SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IT WOULD REV AND HESITATE AND WHEN IT DOES IT TO MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DISPLAY AND ALSO THE O/D LIGHT BLINKS AND MY TRUCK WILL ACT FUNNY UNTIL I SHUT IT OFF. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC IT IS GIVING THEM SEVERAL DIFFERENT ERROR CODES AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO TRY ALL 6 CODES TO FIGURE IT OUT. SINCE IT IS A CLOSED TRANSMISSION CASE THAT HAS NO DRAIN PLUG AND NO DIP STICK TO CHECK THE FLUID THEY REALLY DON'T WANT TO MESS WITH IT AND COST ME A TON OF MONEY TO FIGURE IT OUT. I HAVE 106,000 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY AND HOPE YOU GIVE ME A MORE PINPOINT RESOLUTION SO I CAN DECIDE IF I SHOULD GET IT REPAIRED AND WHAT MORE SPECIFICALLY THEY CAN TRY.

    NHTSA complaint 11100199
18. Filed May 3, 2018Failure May 1, 201880,000 milesConcord, NCPower train

    FROM PARK, DELAY FROM 1 TO 7 SECONDS FOR ENGAGEMENT FOR REVERSE (AUTOMATIC TRANS), WORSE IN WARM WEATHER. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS YOU MAY PRESS ON GAS THINKING YOU'RE IN REVERSE, AND THEN ACCELERATE!! HEARD 1ST HAND FROM FORD DEALER THIS IS WELL KNOWN, AND SOMETIMES SEVERE. SOMETHING WITH SOLENOID PACK? HAPPENS OFTEN!

    NHTSA complaint 11091555
19. Filed Apr 26, 2018Failure Apr 1, 2018Markham, ILElectrical system, Service brakes, Unknown or other

    ABS LIGHT AND ADVANCE TRACKING LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT AND CAR WITH TRACKING LIGHT ALL COMES ON AND THE BRAKING JERK WHEN STOPPING. ALSO LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON EVEN AFTER OIL CHANGE

    NHTSA complaint 11090267
20. Filed Apr 9, 2018Failure Aug 15, 201784,000 milesBurlington, MEBody

    2005 FORD EXPLORER. FRAME IS ROTTING ALONG THE WELDS. NOT UP AND DOWN. LENGTH WISE RUNNING WITH THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY WELD ISSUE AND A BIG ISSUE AT THAT AS THE ISSUE COULD HAVE THE FRAME FAIL AND ENTIRE HUB/AXLE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY RIP RIGHT OFF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ALSO A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD'S IN GENERAL FROM 02-2005. AS YOU ALREADY KNOW I'M SURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND TAKEN CARE OF AND THE FRAME ISSUE HAS MADE AN OTHERWISE GREAT RUNNING LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE WORTHLESS. NOT TO MENTION HAD THE ISSUE NOT BEEN FOUND VERY DANGEROUS! PLEASE GET THESE DEATH TRAPS OFF THE ROAD!! HAVE PICTURES BUT THE FILES ARE TO LARGE TO SEND. THANKS.

    NHTSA complaint 11084224