Model year guide

2005 Ford Explorer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Ford Explorer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 187 on record.

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

2005 Ford Explorer at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints568
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$3,247

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

2005 Ford Explorer recalls 3

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Visibility:glass, Side/rear NHTSA Campaign #07E104000 · 11/12/2007

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOME…

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 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 MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,106

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

What's a 2005 Ford Explorer worth?

Low
$1,500
Typical price
$3,247
High
$5,200

From 183 comparable 2005 Ford Explorer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,530
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,250
Total$22,780
Per mile$0.30

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 ($3,247) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,021), 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 trims & engines on record

Trims
XLT · Limited · Eddie Bauer · 4x4 v6 xlt · 4x2 v6 xlt · XLS · 4x4 v6 ed bauer · 4x2 v6 xls · 4x4 v6 xls · 4x2 v6 xls sport
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 210 hp · 4.6L 8-cyl 239 hp

2005 Ford Explorer vehicles on record

Other Ford Explorer model years

2005 Ford Explorer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Ford Explorer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2005 Ford Explorer. 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?

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 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Ford Explorer at about 15 mpg combined (13 city / 18 highway).

How much is a 2005 Ford Explorer worth?

Comparable 2005 Ford Explorer listings run roughly $1,500–$5,200, typically around $3,247 (from 183 vehicles).

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