2005 Ford Explorer structure problems
151 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2005 Ford Explorer — 30% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the top panel of the rear liftgate. The contact was concerned that the rear liftgate would fracture if she opened the liftgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The…”
filed Sep 1, 2022
“Rear wheel well shock tower mount is rusted out. There is no reason this should be happening. This is a major safety issue.”
filed Mar 24, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 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 accompanying white dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 23 | 6% |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 146 | 51% |
| 2018 Explorer | 286 | 40% |
| 2017 Explorer | 642 | 38% |
| 2016 Explorer | 577 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 401 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 274 | 16% |
| 2013 Explorer | 436 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2005 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.