2005 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 66about this part
- Share
- 13%of 497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 66 complaints about the fuel system of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 13% of the 497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,750 miles. 1 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.
“Car suddenly quit and the engine fail safe light came on. Computer scan showed the throttle actuator/control was stuck closed, and could clear any codes. Vehicle would not move at all.. I had to have it towed back to my home. Engine would not run at more than an idle with the accelerator fully depressed, and there would be no change in the RPM.”
NHTSA complaint #10564141, filed 2014-02, 126,341 miles“Gas hand does not function properly, sometimes you may fill the vehicle up and the gas hand will show empty. Since the gas hand stopped working properly the service engine soon light stays on. No way of knowing if I'm almost out of gas..so I have to keep filling it up so I won't be stranded on the side of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10383355, filed 2011-02, 97,218 miles“2005 Ford Explorer gas gauge failure. 2nd time it has happened in two years. The first time it happened I took it back to the dealer and they had it fixed. Now it has occurred again. The gas gauge all of a sudden drops to empty and the 'service engine' light comes on. I am driving with my kids in the car and don't know how much gas I have left in the tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10227193, filed 2008-05, 35,000 miles“Continuous and repetitive malfunction of gas gauge. It occurs very often and is a well known problem in Ford explorers. Additive has been added to no avail, I think Ford just wants owners to have to pay for this and purposely continues to design vehicles like this. It is a major safety concern...what if I run out of gas in the freezing cold with two babies?”
NHTSA complaint #10226434, filed 2008-05, 57,500 miles“2005 Ford Explorer - fuel pump failure while driving vehicle shuts off and also fuel gauge reads e then emission light comes on. This is a safety hazard and a known defect. My vehicle had this to happen at 32,800 miles and I almost was involved in a major highway accident. By my chacks Ford is aware but is not concerned should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10229480, filed 2008-06, 32,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021052Feb 27, 2007Mil on with dtc p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10019379Jan 1, 2006Malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling.
- 10013388Oct 31, 2005Fuel gauge slow to update after refueling.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Explorer
151 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
44 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsBrakes
18 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