2005 Ford Explorer Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,962miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,962 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.
“While trying to put my 2005 Ford Explorer in reverse, the gear shift broke within the steering column. After looking online, I found this to be a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10308259, filed 2010-02, 70,000 miles“This problem is very stressful on a senior citizen with a heart condition who's heart is functioning at 60% and on medication everyday. Upper back hatch has factory defect crack next to the lock, in the last couple of months it has been unlocking itself at random, while sitting still or driving. No injuries, muggings ,theft,kidnapping of grandchildren and/ or escape or theft of four children yet!!!. I do not have the extra monies to fix..it is fords factory defect that I see on explorers everywhere. I have contacted them , and they still claim no safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10386089, filed 2011-03, 69,000 miles“Rear liftgate (glass door section) opens by itself when the car is being driven. First a warning sensor lights liftgage ajar then the door opens. This has happened multiple times. The vehicle which is a 2005 with 3,500 miles has been to the dealer 3 times & they cannot identify the problem or fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10129470, filed 2005-07, 1,700 miles“Locking mechanism on the inside of the driver door stopped working after only 41 thousand miles. When vehicle was taken to the dealer for the problem to be addressed, they advised that the wires for the lock mechanism were caught inside the door jam, and had to be replaced. The locking and unlocking button on the inside drivers door would not unlock or lock the car. This is obviously a safety hazard as if there is an accident the button would not work to unlock the door and allow the passenger to get out of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221161, filed 2008-03, 41,000 miles“While driving down the road, the liftgate (glass portion) of my 2005 Explorer will pop open. There are no patterns (I.e. Hitting a bump) to when it will open. My fear is I will be hauling something - the back will come open and everything will fall out onto the raod. My dogs travel back there to and from dog shows. I took it to the dealer, they adjusted the strike plate. It stopped for a while but now it is happening again. The dealer can't define the problem so they refuse to work on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10129930, filed 2005-07Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 16 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 50 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 65 | 3% |
| 1997 | 32 | 2% |
| 1996 | 34 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 1% |
| 1994 | 23 | 2% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
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 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSuspension
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