Model year guide

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 56 on record.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints568
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$5,878

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls 1

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 568 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac worth?

Low
$2,900
Typical price
$5,878
High
$9,940

From 55 comparable 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,650
Total$24,150
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,878) with the same model 4 model-years older ($2,957), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trims & engines on record

Trims
XLT · XLS · Adrenalin
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 210 hp

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles on record

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Based on 568 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at about 15 mpg combined (13 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac worth?

Comparable 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac listings run roughly $2,900–$9,940, typically around $5,878 (from 55 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.