Two problems related to engine cooling system 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.
We purchased a brand new 2005 Ford Explorer and have kept the maintenance on it. When the temperature control is turned to the warm/hot (red) position or the a/c unit is turned on, we noticed a thumping noise over the years. Within the last couple months, the thumping sound has become progressively stronger (as if someone was physically punching through my dashboard/glove compartment), causing my heating/cooling system to be inoperable. A recall needs to be issued to repair the heating/cooling system as a manufacturer defect and should not be the responsibility of the owner to fix. There have been several complaints that have been filed online along with complaints from other Ford owners that we know.
I just bought a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4. 0l v-6 4x4 with 45,000 miles, and within one month, the transmission began to slip while driving. I took it to rob sight Ford in kansas city, mo and they charged me $1,200 to fix the valve casing, but the transmission is still slipping. A week later, the defroster quit working, and now only blows out of the front vents. I checked with several dealerships and they all said it would be at least $1,100 to fix the blend door actuator. So now I have a 5 year old car with 45,000 miles that has no defrost capabilities and needs a new transmission, both of which are extremely hazardous if malfunctioning.