Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.

Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,668 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 012019

Explorer

  • 108,673 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #3

Apr 032008

Explorer

  • miles
My accelerator on a 2005 Ford Explorer stuck and caused me to have a car accident.

- Elberton, GA, USA

problem #2

Apr 022008

Explorer

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While driving 5 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck. The contact drove over a curb and into a scaffold, which finally stopped the vehicle. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The dealer stated that the throttle body assembly failed. The windshield, hood, roof, fender, front driver's seat, and passenger's sun visor all sustained over $5,000 worth of damage. The contact stated that she did not want the vehicle back because she is afraid. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 81,000.

- Alberton, GA, USA

problem #1

Jul 082005

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles
Car rpms increased while stepping on the brakes

- Sterling, VA, USA

Not what you are looking for?