VehicleVerdict

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 85 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Explorer Sport Trac year — the 2005 model ranks #6 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (16), body & structure (12), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

85

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Explorer Sport Trac years?

Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted229 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 229 complaints2002: 190 complaints2003: 93 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 122 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 38 complaints
Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1619%
Body & Structure1214%
Electrical System1113%
Engine78%
Airbags78%
Tires & Wheels67%
Other56%
Speed Control45%
Steering45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Brakes34%
Transmission34%
Suspension22%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE:PASSENGER STRETCHING THEIR LEGS FAILURE: PASSENGER BUMPED A SENSOR SWITCH THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SHUT THE FUEL OFF IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT,THIS OCCURRED TWICE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND ONCE IN RESIDENTIAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF THE FIRST TIME ,I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2009

“FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW THE PAINT PEALING OFF THE BODY AFTER WASHING IT, FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER, I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES, AND THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING FIGHT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THEY WILL ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY THAT IT WAS A BAD PAINT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 15, 2013

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO HOURS A IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, NO REPORTS HAVE BEEN FILED . THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 28, 2005 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORT EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DURING A STORM, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MINOR PAIN IN VARIOUS AREAS OF HIS BODY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 5, 2015 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DECELERATING FROM 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. THEY BELIEVE IT COULD BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER, SOLENOID, OR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 20, 2007

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 85 complaints put the 2005 model at #6 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years. It is one of the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (16 complaints), body & structure (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2005. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport Trac years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.