2005 Ford EXPLORER SPORT TRAC problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
66 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
68,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 51 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 66 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 7 | 10.6% |
| Steering behavior | 5 | 7.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 5 | 7.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 4.5% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 4.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 4.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 |
| Structure:Body | 10 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
Electrical System: 11; Fuel/Propulsion System: 10; Structure:Body: 10; Air Bags: 4; Engine: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Air Bags:Side/Window: 3; Steering: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 10 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 9 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 12 |
| 150,000 and above | 7 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 7
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2005: 5; 2006: 3; 2007: 1; 2008: 4; 2009: 4; 2010: 4; 2011: 5; 2012: 2; 2013: 9; 2014: 6; 2015: 6; 2016: 6; 2017: 1; 2018: 3; 2019: 2; 2020: 2; 2023: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10123949 · 2005-07-15 (July 15, 2005)
DT: CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE SERVICE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10123949 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10129687 · 2005-07-22 (July 22, 2005)
HIT BRAKES AND ENGINE ACCELERATES. THE CAUSE IS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE TO CLOSE TOGETHER AND SAME DISTANCE FROM FLOORBOARD. I WEAR A SIZE 14 SHOE AND WHEN I NORMALLY HIT BRAKE, MY HEEL STAYS IN PLACE AND MY FOOT ALSO COVERS THE GAS WHEN I PRESS REAL HARD. I OWN OTHER VEHICLES AND THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10129687 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10234366 · 2008-07-15 (July 15, 2008)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, ALL OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CONTACT CUT THE AIR BAGS OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 34,592. UPDATED 09/16/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE REMOVED THE AIR BAGS…
Owner-reported narrative. 34,592 miles reported. Look up ODI 10234366 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10269875 · 2009-05-25 (May 25, 2009)
WHILE DRIVING FOR THE ORGANIZATION MEALS ON WHEELS, I PROCEEDED TO TRY AND SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND THE STEERING OR GEAR SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT MY CAR INTO GEAR AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK WHICH TOWED THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. I AM WAITING FOR AN ESTIMATE FROM THE SERVICE CENTER. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269875 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10232370 · 2008-06-26 (June 26, 2008)
TRUCK SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN AUGUST 2007 (MILEAGE: 24587). VERY DANGEROUS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. 2 OTHERS IN TRUCK WITH ME, I WAS IN MIDDLE LANE OF I95. TOWED TRUCK TO QUALITY FORD OF MT. VERNON AND THEY REPLACE FUEL PUMP. IT DID IT AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2007 (MILEAGE: 29082) WHILE I WAS ON THE STREET. AGAIN, I HAD IT TOWED TO QUALITY FORD OF MT. VERNON AND THIS TIME THEY SAID MY FUEL FILTER WAS DIRTY DIRTY DIRTY. EVEN THOUGH I HAD LESS THAN 30,000 MILES AND THE FILTER WASN'T EVEN DUE TO BE CHANGED, ACCORDING TO THEIR GUIDELINES. THEN …
Owner-reported narrative. 24,587 miles reported. Look up ODI 10232370 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10265314 · 2009-04-14 (April 14, 2009)
FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO, I HAVE DEALT WITH A "CHECK FUEL CAP" LIGHT THAT CONSISTENTLY TURNS ON AND OFF. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER I TRY TO PUMP GAS, IT USUALLY COMES SPEWING OUT. NOW IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT WHENEVER I DO TRY AND PUMP GAS, IT WILL ONLY LET ME PUT IN ABOUT 10 CENTS AT A TIME BEFORE THE LATCH MAKES ME STOP. I GET VERY NERVOUS AFTER PUMPING MY GAS, KNOWING THAT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR HAS GASOLINE SPILT ALL OVER IT. WHAT IF I WAS TO DRIVE BEHIND SOMEBODY THAT THROWS A CIGARETTE OUT AND IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT IT TOUCHS THE GASO…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10265314 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10213094 · 2007-12-28 (December 28, 2007)
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 TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 48,600 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,580. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS NOT STALLED WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. UPDATED
Owner-reported narrative. 48,580 miles reported. Look up ODI 10213094 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10402528 · 2011-05-24 (May 24, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHETHER DRIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION OIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10402528 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10643534 · 2014-10-09 (October 9, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE HAZARD LIGHTS BECAUSE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO MERGE OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10643534 at NHTSA ↗