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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,412 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 F-150 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #65

Apr 072023

F-150

  • miles

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

Pulled out of driveway and made it 50 feet and whole truck shut down right on the road. Could not make the vehical restart no click or anything dead right where it stopped. Could of caused an accident. Had to have truck taken to a shop they took a week to find out that the electrical fuel system harness had a dead short in it. So no fuel going to the feul injectors or to the key to start the vehical. Still have head lights and breaks and radio. Just no way to restart the vehical. They checked thw wires and after unplugging many wires to the fuel system and retesting it started. Left with the truck a day later the same thing happen but this time i had to jump a curb to avoid an accident and coasted into a parking lot. I got out and wiggled a few of the wires and the truck started back up. I made it back to where i was staying only 2 blocks up the road and it died in the parking lot in a stall. That has been over 3 weeks and cant find the parts to fix it even by talking to ford shops. There not able to get this harness due to they have been discontinued...truck has low miles on it and now i dont know what to DO. This is my daily driver for WORK. This shouldnt of happened with the wires being wrapped even the mechanic who has his own shop but also works for Ford as a mechanic he has seen this before and now having problems getting parts. I hope you can help with this matter. Due to its very disturbing to myself when its in good shape and was taken care of and NOW cant get parts..

- Wis Rapids, WI, USA

problem #64

Apr 142021

F-150

  • 183,459 miles
I bought used cash truck, drove fine for first day, second day while truck was in motion and put in reverse it dies, took a couple turns to started up and it started coding the camsaft sensors, got codes cleared, and it drove ok for 30 minutes coated again started to stall and stutter a bit. I heard a lot about Ford in the camshaft sensors does that mean my truck is done for. My truck has to camshaft sensors. 5.4

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #63

Dec 032020

F-150

  • 205,000 miles
On December 3, 2020 at approximately 11:30 pm our 2005 F150 burst into blames from the engine area. The vehicle had been parked since approximately 3:30 pm earlier that day in our personally drive way. Witness stated that they saw the fire start near the engine area of the truck.

- Loveland, OH, USA

problem #62

Oct 122020

F-150

  • 173,874 miles

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

Just purchased vehicle air bag light flashes and turns on when driving looked into issue. Found recall for airbag that causes this. Recall 11S18B. Contacted Ford they said recall had not been performed and set up appointment to have it done. Ford completed recall. Picked up vehicle drove 1000 feet airbag light came back on. Turned around and informed service department. They told me the recall has nothing to so with the airbag or light and that if I pay 100 they will diagnose vehicle. I informed them that it shows right on for that the recall causes light to flash and possibly airbag to deploy. They told me it does not and I was wrong and sent me on my way

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #61

Apr 052018

F-150

  • 127,000 miles
The brake warning lite remains on. I'm told by my mechanic that it is due to a broken connection in the dash board circuit board and he said it is a relatively common fault. Repair requires removing the entire dash board and replacement of the circuit board.

- Belton, TX, USA

problem #60

Jul 192018

F-150

  • 15,658 miles
Have owned this truck bought new, 2005. Have used sparingly only 15K + miles. Over the years I have experianced a number of occasions when it tried to accellerate when I went to brake. First thought it a quirk or floor mats. Recently nearly trashed a parked car while backing ito a parking space. Continued to accellerate dispite standing on brake. There is no longer any doubt that this is a problem with sua, sudden unintended accelleration, that Ford has never admitted. I have made sure I am off the gas pedal and the floor mat has been removed. This happens when the vehicle is moving and when trying to brake!

- Dagsboro, DE, USA

problem #59

Feb 052018

F-150

  • 100,000 miles

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

My 2005 Ford F150 truck has had so many problems & some replace twice & im over it im about to have a heart attack now it sounds like my aculator again with the sound of metal scraping on the ground and when I switch it to 44 the sounds stops.but if its not in 44 the sound stays and it is loud ! I have spent so much get my truck fixed and what upsets me is I take care of my truck change oil spark plugs everything since purchased in 2005 brand new and im over it something needs to done with all these parts defected and it will continue until something is done.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #58

Aug 112017

F-150

  • 136,000 miles
Purchased Ford F150 from old saybrook Ford, Feb. 16. the truck has the 5.4 engine which has numerous complaints of engine failure. Driving on route 1 when truck eccelorates or loses power. When we bought the truck the chain guide was broke and eating through the case. Spark plugs get stuck in engine or propel them selves through the truck hood. Dangerous engine to have on road. I owe $8000 on a truck that now needs 4-6000 worth of work.

- Westbrook, CT, USA

problem #57

Jan 062017

F-150

  • 98,778 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. While driving, the vehicle idled without warning. The contact had to pull the vehicle over to restart it, but it continued to idle. The maintenance warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injection control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not notified. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 98,778.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #56

May 242017

F-150

  • 148,000 miles
Vehicle went into "failsafe" mode on two separate occasions within the last year! and most recently, two weeks ago! both at highway speed on two different interstates in Florida! very dangerous, and hard to control vehicle to "limp" to a safe place to stop! many possible causes from electrical, fuel, or engine issues that are well documented on many internet sites and F150 forums! also rust issues on roof of vehicle in rain channels! very common, and very poor design!

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #55

Apr 012015

F-150

  • 108,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at 65 mph, the vehicle began stalling intimittently then the engine and maintanenence warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic where it was diagnosed that the air filter was outdated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.

- Buckeye, AZ, USA

problem #54

Apr 042016

F-150

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. While driving 40 mph, the driver side air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #53

Apr 102016

F-150

  • 114,000 miles
Fuse 14 controlling ABS module, dtr sensor, reverse lights, PCV heater, air conditioner compressor, cruise control deactivator switch and daytime headlights was repeatedly blowing. Truck was serviced by dealer on 3-23-16, replacing the A/C compressor. Replacing the A/C compressor did not resolve any issues. The truck was returned to the dealer on 4-6-16 for the same issue with the same fuse. The dealership replaced the fuse and performed diagnostic tests on the truck, then informing me that they could not diagnose or locate the short. The dealership informed me that I would have to drive the truck until the fuse started blowing more frequently. The first time the truck was driven after work was performed the cruise control was not functioning properly. The truck engine would surge as the truck went down the road with the cruise control on. The issue with the cruise control happened on 4-9-16. On the morning of 4-10-16 the truck was driven approximately 4 miles and parked in the drive of my home. After entering the house the alarm was heard sounding on the vehicle, at which time I stepped outside to find the truck on fire. The fire seemed to have started on the inside of the truck.

- Sylacauga, AL, USA

problem #52

Dec 012015

F-150

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. While driving and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact heard a beep sound prior to the failure. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Bedford, VA, USA

problem #51

Jul 042015

F-150

  • 120,000 miles
A number of wires leading from the body into the driver's side door have been cut/worn possibly due to contact with the inside of the door. The rubber and plastic parts meant to protect the wires were also cut/worn. This has led to complete failure of all electronics in the door including power lock, power windows, automatic shutoff of radio, door chime, keypad, and mirrors. Discussion with Ford dealer indicated that they have seen this problem in the past.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

problem #50

Mar 052015

F-150

  • 175,000 miles
On the morning of March 5th 2015 I started my truck to warm the inside and also melt the snow off my windshield. I got in the truck and backed out away from house. Due to having snow on the driveway I turned on the 4 wheel drive in high. My four wheel drive would not work so I tried to swicth to 2 wheel drive back to four wheel drive but the 4 wheel drive would not turn on. I grabbed the gear shift to put the truck back in park when I noticed my gear shift could float to park to 1st gear freely and would not shift. At this time I noticed smoke starting to come inside cab from under dash and thru the vents. I jumped out and opened the hood. A 1 foot section of a wiring harnes mounted to the firewall had caught fire. I made attempts to put out the fire but within a few seconds the engine compartment was engulfed. In 2 to 3 minutes the entire inside of the cab was also completely on fire. My wife who was watching me immediatly called 911 to get the fire department. After 3 minutes the truck was already a total lose. Due to the truck being only 60' from my house and burning so hot I was concerned about my house catching fire. Two gentleman from the rescue squad arrived but it was too late for anything to be done. I was able to get a backhoe and put the fire out with snow. Unfortunately I had liability insurance only which meant a total lose. I never dreamed that the truck would burn up sitting in my driveway!!!! I know there have been some recalls for F150 due to fire hazards with the cruise control for other year model close to 2005. A vehicle catching fire while its sitting in a driveway running is totally unacceptable. The truck was in excellent shape and had no after market parts or work performed. I have no ideal why the wiring harness caught fire.

- Cadiz, KY, USA

problem #49

Apr 222015

F-150 8-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
I started the truck and then turned on the rear defrost, which I rarely use. It was about 55 degrees outside. After about 2 minutes I heard a hissing noise that lasted for about 5 seconds and then a heard loud pop and then the windshield shattered. Many other articles on the web indicate that this is a known defect with the rear defrost. I called Ford and they will not offer and compensation to have it fixed even though it is a known issue. My daughter was in the back seat and got glass in her hair.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #48

Feb 102015

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
We have had our 2005 F-150 king ranch for about 10 years now. Today (Feb 10,2015), my wife and our one year babe were heading to the post office the truck displayed a message reading "engine failsafe mode". the truck lost all power, no steering, and it stall on the highway going about 65 mph. Luckily, she said there were vehicles behind her and she pulled it over with no steering and the engine dead. My wife then sat on the highway for about 10 minutes and tried to start the vehicle, which started and there were no "engine failsafe mode" on display anymore. Know with-in the last year our truck has had the check engine light and the ABS light has come on and off every other month. I have checked the fuses and had replace a few but at time it is not the fuse. I've had the interior dim in and out and at times it does not work at all. By reading the F150.net forum found out the a wire that splits into two wires was corroded on the passenger side floor board, it seems that condensation or water come in and stays in that pocket were that wiring harness goes thru. I am now terrified that truck will shut off on the highway again with my family and I in it. This seems to be a life threatening problem. I have read thru some forums and it seems that people have called the Ford dealership and the service department claimed they have never heard of this problem, but can work on it if they bring it in. But that Ford claim that they fix the problem and the people says that the problem still exist. Hope some one can help or assist us in fixing this issue not just for our family but for others too. Sincerely [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #47

Mar 142011

F-150

  • 65,000 miles
2005 F150 goes into "fail safe mode" and shuts down while driving. It only occurred once per year starting at 65,000 miles, but now happens every 3-4 weeks at 114,000 miles. Once the engine shuts down, I put the transmission into neutral while coasting and it restarts easily. The engine light illuminates for 3-4 days and then turns off. In researching the issue, it seems to be a rather common problem with this vehicle and is usually caused by a faulty throttle body. Ford states that they are aware of the problem.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #46

Nov 032014

F-150

  • 111,000 miles
Over the past 5 years I have had my truck go into fail safe mode. My truck will flash fail safe and I will lose all power to the vehicle. I'm able to coast to a stop. I have been able to re start my vehicle and continue driving.

- San Diego, CA, USA

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