← Back to Search

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT (4WD)

The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT (4WD) is a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It starts at $29,060 MSRP and is rated at 15 mpg combined.

It makes 210 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway (15 mpg combined).

The Explorer Sport Trac measures 205.9 inches long on a 125.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,349 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypePickup
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$29,060 ($48,359 *)
Engine
Engine Type4.0L Cologne SOHC V6
Displacement4 L
Horsepower210 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque242 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 12 valves
Injection TypeSequential MPFI, Flex-Fuel (FFV) capable -- regular unleaded or E85
Drivetrain
Drive Type4WD (ControlTrac)
Transmission
Transmission5-speed automatic (5R55E)
Fuel Economy
City13 MPG
Highway18 MPG
Combined15 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded (Flex-Fuel/E85-capable; E85 rating: 10 city/13-14 hwy/11 combined per fueleconomy.gov)
Tank Capacity22 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16"
Wheels Rear16"
Tires FrontP235/70R16
Tires RearP235/70R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length205.9 in
Width71.8 in
Height70.5 in
Wheelbase125.9 in
Ground Clearance6.7 in
Curb Weight4,349 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.4 in
Headroom Rear38.7 in
Legroom Front42.4 in
Legroom Rear37.8 in
Shoulder Room Front56.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.9 in
Hip Room Front53 in
Hip Room Rear53 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (27.9 % risk)
Tested variant: 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA campaign 06E026000

568 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2005 Ford EXPLORER SPORT TRAC

Owner Complaints

568 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford EXPLORER SPORT TRAC (27 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 17 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Structure164
Power Train102
Fuel System55
Vehicle Speed Control48
Electrical System47
Gasoline45
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 17, 2026 · Electrical System
“The dash cluster don't work cant see your rpms,speed,the fuel gauge gos up and down can't see milage or trip meter if you hit the dash it will work but go out going down the road and I researched it…”
Jun 2, 2025 · Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
“As I was driving to work one morning suddenly my headlights and all interior lights, such as the dashboard, suddenly went out without any warning and nothing electrical would work such as the radio…”
Feb 21, 2024 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle independently jerked forward. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated. The…”
Oct 8, 2023 · Air Bags Crash 2 injuries
“I got into an accident where I hit a semi head on and at 40 mph and the airbags never deployed. I got hurt and may seek a lawyer.”
Jan 12, 2023 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making an abnormal clunking sound and shaking. The check engine warning light…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search