2005 Ford Explorer Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 151about this part
- Share
- 30%of 497 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,300miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 151 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Ford Explorer, 30% of the 497 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,300 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Crack on back panel from window down around Ford emblem literally just appeared one day. My Explorer was purchased new in 2005 and is in excellent condition except for this mystery crack that I am now noticing on a lot of explorers around the same age. It is an obvious defect! When is Ford going to take care of this?....updated 11/13/15”
NHTSA complaint #10743379, filed 2015-07, 76,000 miles“The back lift gate panel cracked on the back of our Ford Explorer and when we went to shut the lift gate the whole back window shattered. Ford won't replace it because they say its not a safety issue and our year of our Ford was not apart of the recall of these panels being cracked. Please be aware that if you have one of these cracks that the back window can shatter when closing the lift gate.”
NHTSA complaint #11020756, filed 2017-08, 157,000 miles“Took my SUV to bodyshop yesterday I noticed the roof top exterior was peeling paint and rusting. It will lead to leaking problems if not repaired but owner of shop says that there is no way of them being able to seal it permanantly it is a matter of how long new paint will last . To have it repaired is very costly but if not will do further damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10652746, filed 2014-11, 167,000 miles“We have a 2005 Ford Explorer and the back lift gate panel was cracked right by the Ford symbol. When we went to open the back lift gate and the panel where it was cracked broke in half and shattered the whole back window and injured us. Ford wants to charge me $140.00 to just look at it. Come on Ford do what's right! Beware if you have a cracked panel on your Ford! It can break in half and the glass can shatter.”
NHTSA complaint #11020618, filed 2017-08, 157,000 miles“The paint bubbled and peeled on the roof of my 2005 Ford Explorer eddie bauer edition. Dealer says it is a paint defect but Ford does not have a recall. Had my roof repainted at my expense. Now, anytime it rains, I am getting water leaking from the rear AC unit controls and my front driver's side carpeting is soaking wet.”
NHTSA complaint #10567847, filed 2014-03, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10014310Dec 31, 2004Weld bonding procedure.
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% |
| 2020 | 45 | 4% |
| 2019 | 150 | 50% |
| 2018 | 288 | 39% |
| 2017 | 659 | 39% |
| 2016 | 591 | 24% |
| 2015 | 411 | 23% |
| 2014 | 276 | 16% |
| 2013 | 439 | 20% |
| 2012 | 144 | 17% |
| 2011 | 110 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 151 | 30% |
| 2004 | 426 | 33% |
| 2003 | 354 | 31% |
| 2002 | 486 | 15% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 47 | 3% |
| 1998 | 48 | 2% |
| 1997 | 50 | 3% |
| 1996 | 63 | 4% |
| 1995 | 39 | 5% |
| 1994 | 158 | 13% |
| 1993 | 86 | 9% |
| 1992 | 62 | 10% |
| 1991 | 31 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Explorer
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 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 27, 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