What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2005-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Truck Bed and Frame Rust, Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

The 2005-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Truck Bed and Frame Rust. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer Sport Trac issues range from $30 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Truck Bed and Frame Rust, typically costs $200-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

Filter:

On the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the truck bed floor and frame rails are prone to severe rust, especially in northern climates. The bed is separate from the cab and traps moisture underneath. Frame rot near the rear leaf spring mounts is a safety concern.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-150, Mazda B-Series

Common Symptoms

Visible rust on bed floor
Holes in truck bed
Frame rail flaking
Leaf spring mount deterioration

How to Fix

Inspect frame rails annually. Treat with rust converter and undercoating. In severe cases, frame reinforcement plates can be welded on. Bed floor panels can be replaced with aftermarket steel.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradePOR-15 rust preventive coating stops rust permanently (POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating)
View on Amazon
UpgradeRust-Oleum rust converter spray for treating corroded panels (Rust-Oleum Rust Converter Spray)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,000

Research This Issue

0+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

180 owners

On the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the first-generation Sport Trac's rear flip-up glass window suffers from hinge wear and gas strut failure, causing the glass to not stay open. The defroster grid also cracks at the same hinge flex points, rendering the rear defroster inoperable.

Common Symptoms

Rear glass won't stay open
Glass slams shut unexpectedly
Rear defroster doesn't clear fog
Partial defroster pattern visible
Hinge feels loose or wobbly
Gas struts have no resistance

How to Fix

Replace the gas struts to restore the flip glass hold-open function. For the defroster grid, apply conductive paint repair to the broken traces. In severe cases, the entire rear glass must be replaced.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeRear glass gas strut replacement pair (Stabilus #SG414001)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$30 - $300

Research This Issue

180+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

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.

Campaign #06E02600023/03/2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Campaign #06E05600013/06/2006

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Campaign #07V33600003/08/2007

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

Campaign #03V28100005/08/2003

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Campaign #01X00100022/05/2001

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Truck Bed and Frame Rust#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Truck Bed and Frame Rust?

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure?