Body problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer - part 2

69 problems related to body have been reported for the 2005 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2005 Explorer.

36 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2012

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the panel under the rear window split around the outside of the window, which extended to the Ford emblem. The damage became progressively worse over time and the contact was concerned that the window could explode when she drove through a car wash. The contact also stated that heat could be a factor in the failure. In addition, the rear latch failed to engage when she attempted to close the rear window. The dealer was contacted and advised that she would be responsible for the repair costs since there were no recalls for the failure. Also, the tire sensor gauge remained illuminated at all times. The tire mechanic stated that the failure was a common problem that could have been caused by the spare tire. The contact stated that she had to check the air pressure of the tires on a continual basis. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 72,000. Kmj.

37 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2012

Parked and went into grocery store. Came out going to where I had parked. As I walked up to the back of my vehicle I noticed a vertical crack in the panel under the rear window. At first I thought I was at the wrong vehicle because I knew my 2005 Explorer was not cracked. Upon further examination,I realized this was my vehicle. I have seen another Explorer around town with a vertical crack in the same spot. Seems to me this just might be a design problem. Believe Ford motor should repair at no cost. ## VIN passed ## Ford Explorer XLT 2005 ##.

38 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2012

Noticed crack from top to bottom of rear body panel applique along side of Ford emblem.

39 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2012

The paint in the valleys on the roof has all flaked off and is rusting. Problem with the paint. I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago and first noticed it last year.

40 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2012

The rear hatch has cracked next to the emblem. I'm certain that water gets inside when washed or it rains. Now that I'm paying attn many Explorers have one or more cracks.

41 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2012

The panel under the back lift window next to the emblem is cracked all the way across just like every one else's have done I wish they would fix it but that may not happen all the cars I have owned since I got my license have been Ford my first car was a 1955 2 door I still have it I guess the warranty is no good on it either.

42 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2011

Cracked rear door panel just below the window, in the middle of the Ford emblem. May cause rear window to fall out unexpectedly. Ford is aware of the defect but refuses to recall and fix it.

43 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2011

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was rust on the rear passenger's side fender. The contact was unaware of what caused the rust so the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer did not state what caused the rust but stated that the rear passenger's side fender needed to be replaced with new metal. The contact did not have the rear passenger side fender replaced. The failure mileage was 105,000.

44 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/02/2011

Very large crack in the rear lift gate from top to bottom like 1 foot long and 3/16 wide close to the Ford logo.

45 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2011

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer . The contact stated that the hatch back panel was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that the failure was a manufacturing design flaw. As a result, the panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000. Updated 12/06/lj.

46 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2011

I have a 2005 Ford Explorer and there is a crack in the back on the hatch this is not only on my vehicle there are many out there from the year 2000 and up that have the same crack in the back this should have been recalled I call Ford about this and they are telling me that I have to contact the nhsm I feel that I am getting the run around there are so many Ford Explorers out there with this same thing I feel that Ford should fix this.

47 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2011

On Friday, 8/12/11, at approximately 5:30 pm, I noted an approximately 2" long crack on the rear hatch panel, located just above and beside the Ford emblem. As of this past Monday, 8/15/11, this crack has now extended all the way across the panel. I have had this vehicle for 3 years without any type of body damage or accidents. This is not an area where another vehicle would have hit mine. As far as I know, this just appeared with no reason. I have done extensive research on the internet and noted this is a common problem with this year, make and model of Ford and is apparently based on defective glue. I contacted a local Ford company and was advised that this is not under warranty.

48 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2011

Right next to the Ford emblem a crack developed. It's on the rear glass hatch and runs from the top of the fiberglass panel to the bottom. The panel keeps expanding and contracting with the crack going from just a slight line to a 3/16" gap! definately a manufacturer defect. I've seen many other Explorers with the same issue. The truck was in perfect condition when it appeared and Ford says that it's not their problem. Too bad your warrenty has run out! poor design that Ford should fix for the money we have given them for the vehicle.

49 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2011

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the rear lift gate is cracked from just under the window down to the bottom of the gate. The contact stated the crack is to the left hand side of the emblem and is growing. The dealer informed the contact the failure is a design flaw and if it was repaired, it would probably crack again. The current mileage was 99,992. Rl.

50 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2011

Crack at back glass running down the car left of Ford emblem. Glass could fall out.

51 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2011

The rear lift window started cracking multiple times and the open button stopped activating.

52 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2011

My 2005 rear panel underneath window cracked by the emblem.

53 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2011

The Ford Explorer from the mid-2000s is starting to show multiple defects. Ford CO. Advised owners to report these problems through this complaint form because as of now they are not doing anything to recall the defects. The back panel below the back window cracks vertically right near the Ford emblem. Some cars have multiple cracks. The majority of this type of Ford Explorer body type are showing the crack. It happens around the 5 year mark. I believe it is due to freeze/thaw happening at the back window, which then cracks the body. It is an expensive repair job and owners are advised to not even bother because it will happen again. It appears abruptly and is disconcerting to see this suddenly and for no personal reason happen to your car due to bad design. Newer Explorers have been redesigned so it doesn't happen. The second defect which is happening now to many Explorer owners at the 5 year mark is the failure of the heating system. The damper flap starts clicking non-stop and there is no heat. Again the repair is expensive because the entire dashboard has to be taken off to repair. These defects are widely discussed on the internet and this is the only real formal way to document them. The Ford Explorer has proven to be a real lemon, full of design defects and a real disappointment.

54 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2011

The rear ligate cracked from the bottom up to and around the Fordm emblem all the way to the rear window. I called the dealer and was told that this a a very common problem and that there was no recall so I would have to pay for the repair.

55 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2011

Crack in the rear hatch panel caused by a defect in the design of the vehicle known by Ford motor company but no recall issued.

56 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/31/2010

I noticed the plastic trim panel below my rear hatch glass cracked in half after getting my truck washed at a touchless car wash!! I've noticed hundreds of complaints across the internet about this, so it doesn't seem this is a random occurrence.

57 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/14/2010

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was parked when he noticed that there was a large crack that extended from the window to the lift gate. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.

58 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2010

Plastic piece under the rear lift-gate window with a large crack across its entire height just to the left of the Ford emblem. Ford dealership indicated it was just poor engineering and they will not cover or assist with the cost of repair or replacement, nor was there any plan to make available a metal version or properly engineered replacement panel.

59 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2010

My car was parked in a small lot at work. When going out to load some items in the cargo area, a friend noted the vertical crack in the lift gate. It is to the left of the Ford emblem and I have since seen numerous identical cracks on other vehicles. There was no collision that cause this, there are no scratches or dents. It is a manufacturer defect.

60 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2010

Noticed a crack running from the bottom of my rear window down to the bottom of the upper portion of the rear lift gate to the left of the Ford emblem on my 2005 Explorer. Crack just appeared for no reason. Did not take it in or have it fixed. Ford will not hone up to this flaw so I will not pay to have it fixed. I will not buy another Ford since they don't stand by their product. I only have 41000 miles on it and I bought it brand new.

61 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/20/2010

Hatch panel between window and latch split (cracked) when I closed window after putting in groceries. Car has 60,000 miles, called dealer in July to see if a recall had been established due to the fact that I know of 7 other 2005 Ford Explorers with the exact same crack, happened the exact same way. Told me no but sounds like a defect. Didn't offer to take care of.

62 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2010

The rear panel under my back window is cracked on my 2005 Ford Explorer. What happens if it falls off and the person behind me has a crash trying to avoid it? will Ford take responsibility for their poor engineering? doubt it. This particular complaint is rampant on the internet. I want to make sure the guy behind me can be assured he won't have to play Dodge the plastic when it falls off.

63 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2010

Dep crack in the rear hatch.

64 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2009

I have a 2005 Ford Explorer and noticed that the rear hatch has a crack in it to the left of the Ford emblem, the vehicle has only 38,000 miles on it and I think this is a defect in workmanship which Ford should cover, but they will not pay for repairs of it at all. Further more I will not buy another Ford vehicle as the company does not stand behind their products at all. Shame on Ford and their cheap construction of materials.

65 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2009

Noticed a crack in the back window panel near the Ford emblem.

66 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2009

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the Ford emblem was cracking on the rear of the vehicle. The crack begins near the rear window and extends all the way down to the Ford emblem. The contact will take her vehicle to the dealer for inspection. There were no recalls for this issue. The failure mileage was 40,800.

67 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2008

The paint on our 2005 eddie bauer Explorer is bubbling and peeling off and has been doing this since 2008, but now is getting worse. When at the Ford dealer while getting the computer changed wich is another problem with fuel efficiency, we asked about the paint and we were told that there isn't any type of recall. We are also having problems with having to change tires every 15000 miles. Thi truck has many defects.

68 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

There are two cracks on the back top lift gate which allows water to get to the electric locks and it opens by itself when wet. The wheels bearings have to be replaced about every 3 months. The passenger front belt tightens and will not loosen.

69 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

Crack in panel beneath rear window. Known defect in Explorers 02-05. Safety issue to other drivers should panel section(s) come off. Possible safety issue due to water, dirt getting into any underlying electronic equipment.



Safety Ratings of Explorer Cars
Fuel Economy of Explorer Vehicles
Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations