2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 66 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The dash cluster don't work cant see your rpms,speed,the fuel gauge gos up and down can't see milage or trip meter if you hit the dash it will work but go out going down the road and I researched it and its a common issue and I cant aford a new dash cluster I got a speeding ticket yesterday because I couldn't see my speed and there was no one in front of me to go off of i was going 15 over”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
“I got into an accident where I hit a semi head on and at 40 mph and the airbags never deployed. I got hurt and may seek a lawyer.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2023
“The fan blades had many big cracks in the plastic blades,the driver door the body is cracked by top of door hing back door is the same, the paint is pealing and starting to rust on top.the plastic thermostat cracked.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“My truck's steering column is tight. It feels like it could lock up or break off. The key is hard to turn in the ignition; the gear shifter is tight to switch from park to drive. This is occurring when I start the truck, then it seems to be fine. I don't understand how ford hasn't been able to figure out the mechanisms to enable a smooth start. My truck has only 49,000 miles on it and has been serviced regularly. I worry that it could leave me stranded or the steering wheel could lock up. Have there been other complaints of this nature?”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2020
“Ford inertia switch. While driving on the highway at 65 miles per hour the vehicle suddenly lost all power and propulsion, causing my power steering to go off as well as all instrumentation to turn off, while moving at 65 mph. The only thing I could do is turn my hazard lights on find an exit and coast to the side of the road. This caused an extremely unsafe situation, and one that very well could have ended in death. The only issue is that it occurs very sporadic and it's very hard to troubleshoot or recreate the fault.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2019
“The driver seat back kept falling into the back seat while driving, now the seat back doesn't move. The passenger is doing the same just not as bad. The heated seats come on whenever they want, but the heated driver's seat has stopped working all together. The seat belts randomly lock and barely retract.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2017
“Put kids in car seats. Got in driver's seat and closed door and side airbags deployed. Ford is acting like this is the first time it's ever happened but I see lots of complaints about it online. Nothing done, so far. Waiting to see if it is covered on insurance. Local ford dealership believes vehicle is totaled because they cannot put air bags back in and guarantee safety afterwards.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
“Instrument cluster cuts out and resarts then cuts out again causing no speedometer tach fuel gauge oil pressure temperature and voltage gauge to stop working. Electric windows won't work radio out odometer blank happens randomly in any condition idle driving every when not in the vehicle. You can hear the relay clicking from outside the vehicle.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2016
“Instrument cluster failure. Caused all my lights (interior and exterior) to go out while I was driving in heavy traffic in the dark on an 8 lane interstate. Took the vehicle to an auto electric shop for diagnosis. Took to ford dealer for repair. Have been waiting for almost 2 months for the replacement part (instrument cluster). Ford says it is on back order. Note: this is a safety hazard!”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
“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 towed to a wrecking yard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer Sport Trac by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
NHTSA has 66 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most complained-about area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.