2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a unique vehicle that blends the practicality of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. Available with either a 4.0L V6 or a 4.6L V8 engine, it offers a variety of options to suit different needs. The 4.0L V6 produces around 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Many owners appreciate the Sport Trac’s versatility and comfortable ride, while some criticize its fuel economy and smaller bed size. Transmission options included a 5-speed automatic for the V6 and a 5-speed automatic for the V8.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise, especially upon cold starts. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner, guides, and potentially the timing chains themselves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V8

• Spark Plug Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. The two-piece spark plugs used in the 4.6L engines from this era are known to break during removal, leaving part of the plug stuck in the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Special tools are required to extract the broken spark plug. Replace all spark plugs with updated one-piece design.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (can be significantly higher if extraction is difficult or requires cylinder head removal)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, poor ride quality, clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, wandering steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the upper and/or lower ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per ball joint.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents, clicking noises behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning, flickering lights, complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on the Frame
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion of the frame, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Depends on the severity of the rust. Could involve rust repair, welding, or in extreme cases, frame replacement (not recommended).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (minor rust treatment) - $3000+ (welding and extensive repair, potentially more than the vehicle is worth)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors will not stay in the up position and constantly fall down.
  • Solution: Replace the sun visors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per visor
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, while a versatile vehicle, is prone to several common issues due to its age. Engine issues, such as timing chain tensioner failure in the 4.0L V6 and spark plug breakage in the 4.6L V8, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, suspension wear, and electrical glitches are also frequently reported. Frame rust is a significant concern, particularly in regions with harsh winters. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly, so being aware of these issues before purchasing a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is very important.