2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 6% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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?”
NHTSA complaint #11361982, filed 2020-09, 49,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10269875, filed 2009-05, 77,000 miles“From the original purchase to now 95k miles I have complained of a ongoing problem with the front end of our 2005 Ford explorer sports trac. They have replace a number of part and continue to tell us that its a characteristic of the vehicle to have vibration. I have asked several time for them to take the vehicle back with them refusing. They haven't been able to fix it. As 100% disabled ptsd veteran I have hit my limit with them. This is a piece of crap and I pay almost 600 a month and have to fix it all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10361894, filed 2010-10, 1 miles“Dt: the contact stated while his daughter was driving a 2005 Ford explorer sports track at 20-25 MPH the front passenger wheel fell off. The consumer stated the knuckle behind the wheel broke. The zone manager for the Ford manufacturer stated that the driver must have hit something for this to happen. The consumer stated the driver did not notice any indication that there was a problem within the vehicle. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and accepted the recommendation of the zone manager.”
NHTSA complaint #10134158, filed 2005-08Related service bulletins
- 10018061Oct 7, 2005Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0l engine.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
16 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology