2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac ranks 2nd-worst of 6 model years, with 66 complaints and a complaint index of 80. Fuel system problems lead at 24% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 68,000 for the year overall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #2 of 6 Explorer Sport Trac years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 66
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 18.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System16 (24%)
- Structure & Body12 (18%)
- Electrical System11 (17%)
- Engine11 (17%)
- Airbags7 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (11%)
- Other5 (8%)
- Steering4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel delivery system reportedly shuts off unexpectedly while driving or stopped at intersections, cutting power with no warning.
- Front passenger wheel has reportedly separated from the vehicle at low speeds (20-25 mph), with owners describing a sheared knuckle behind the wheel.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal or hydroplaning collisions at speeds around 40 to 50 mph.
- Electrical system has reportedly caused fires while the vehicle was parked and not in use.
- Rear window glass reportedly separated from its track mechanism, with repeated dealer visits failing to fix the issue.
- Engine air filters reportedly collected black particles rapidly, requiring replacement well before normal service intervals.
2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 18.5 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Explorer Sport Trac years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 model ranks 2nd-worst out of 6 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 80 and 66 complaints logged.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- Fuel System issues are the top problem area, making up 24% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,000 for that category.
- Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2005 model year, and no do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years should I avoid?
- Based on complaint data, 2005 and 2007 are rated Avoid, with 2007 having the higher complaint index at 100 versus 80 for 2005.
- How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- EPA rates it at 15 mpg combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300.