2005 Ford Explorer Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 4%of 497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,300 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Because of the recent GM recall ignition issue, I thought I should let someone know about the serious similar issue I had 3 times before I traded my car in. The car would just shut off while driving. And all 3 times, I pulled to the side of the road and restarted the car and continued on my way. I was lucky to have a place to pull over safely. I took it to my mechanic twice, found nothing wrong. Took it to Ford and they found nothing wrong. I traded the 2005 for a 2011. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575830, filed 2014-03, 80,000 miles“I have a 2005 Ford Explorer eddie bauer which looses power steering control and braking ability at random. I have taken this vehicle into service at the dealership for repair but no satisfactory outcome is there. For the first problem of loosing the braking ability, the vehicle when started has no problems but after driving a short distance (few meters to up to a mile) the advance traction loss message is displayed in the message centre and the vehicle looses the ability to stop in the required stop distance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10163292, filed 2006-07, 5,000 miles“The gears in the powered brake/gas pedal assembly seem to strip. Then the brake/gas pedal won't change position. That creates a dangerous situation for the driver because the pedals get stuck too far away for some drivers and too close for others. This is a fleet wide issue for all fords with adjustable pedals.”
NHTSA complaint #10443668, filed 2012-01, 70,000 miles“Vehicle: 2005 Ford Explorer; mileage 62,300; system malfunction indicating service was needed; diagnostic codes indicate the brake pressure switch for deactivation of speed control needs replaced. Current NHTSA/Ford recall does not apply to 2005 model year vehicles. Call to Ford customer service center indicates lack of interest in problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10289082, filed 2009-10, 62,300 miles“1) ABS, brake, and wrench failure lights flashed on for about 3 seconds and turned off when decelerating with cruise control from 55 MPH to 45 MPH zones at courland, va. …”
NHTSA complaint #11119977, filed 2018-08, 130,100 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 24 | 5% |
| 2020 | 88 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% |
| 2016 | 19 | 1% |
| 2015 | 34 | 2% |
| 2014 | 27 | 2% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 13% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 41 | 7% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 53 | 4% |
| 2003 | 45 | 4% |
| 2002 | 132 | 4% |
| 2001 | 33 | 9% |
| 2000 | 64 | 7% |
| 1999 | 69 | 5% |
| 1998 | 94 | 5% |
| 1997 | 96 | 6% |
| 1996 | 132 | 9% |
| 1995 | 80 | 9% |
| 1994 | 261 | 22% |
| 1993 | 244 | 26% |
| 1992 | 99 | 16% |
| 1991 | 123 | 20% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Explorer
151 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsFuel system
66 complaintsVehicle speed control
44 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsWheels
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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