Two problems related to engine failure 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.
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.
While driving, when I applied the brakes, the car lurched and made a noise. About 1 minute after that, a warning light that stated "engine fail safe mode" and a little wrench showed up on the left of the instrument panel. I was driving home, and the car started to speed up without my increasing the speed using the gas pedal. The car continued to lurch off and on until I got home. I researched this problem on the internet and it seemed to be the throttle body assembly that had failed. Upon taking it to the mechanic, that is exactly what is was. The car was dangerous to drive, I could have been killed had the car's speed kept increasing. The repair was $1026. 00.