VehicleVerdict

2005 Ford Explorer Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Explorer Sport years?

Explorer Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted243 complaints1993: 5 complaints1997: 44 complaints1998: 145 complaints1999: 127 complaints2000: 102 complaints2001: 243 complaints2002: 160 complaints2003: 85 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 5 complaints
Explorer Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Ford Explorer Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure240%
Other120%
Seats120%
Visibility & Wipers120%

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport 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.

“I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THERE IS A BONDING ISSUE ON THE ROOF. THE PAINT IS SEPARATING AND LEAVING THE PRIMER ALONE ON THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS IGNORED MY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK 14 MONTHS AGO AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED AND BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION 4 MONTHS INTO MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 15, 2008

“MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS 79,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST YEAR THE PADDING/CUSHIONING IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT (THE DRIVER'S SEAT), AGAINST THE DOOR, HAS DETERIORATED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL. THE METAL FRAME IS EASILY FELT, WITH THE DRIVER'S LEFT ARM, THROUGH THE SEAT COVER. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 6, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT MANUALLY OPENED THE REAR LIFTGATE AND ONE OF THE WINDOW BRACKET BOLTS FRACTURED. THE UPPER PORTION OF THE WINDOW PARTIALLY DETACHED AND WAS TEMPORARILY BEING SECURED WITH A STRAP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 14, 2012

2005 Ford Explorer Sport — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford Explorer Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.

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.