VehicleVerdict

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 122 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Explorer Sport Trac year — the 2007 model ranks #3 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (23), engine (21), and electrical system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

122

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Explorer Sport Trac years?

Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted229 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 229 complaints2002: 190 complaints2003: 93 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 122 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 38 complaints
Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2319%
Engine2117%
Electrical System1512%
Brakes1411%
Tires & Wheels1411%
Fuel System43%
Steering43%
Suspension43%
Speed Control43%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Other32%
Lighting32%
Airbags32%
Body & Structure22%
Seats22%
Latches & Locks11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V181000SteeringApril 25, 2007 · 11 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC (2WD) AT COMPLETE STOP. REAR ENDED BY A FORD FOCUS AT ABOUT 40MPH. IMPACT CAUSED THE SPORT TRAC SEATS TO RECLINE FROM AN UPRIGHT POSITION TO 45 DEGREES BACKWARDS/RECLINING), WENT INTO "PARK" AND ENGINE "SHUT OFF" AUTOMATICALLY! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 16, 2010 · crash

“MY FORD EXPLORER 2007 HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE (56,000 MILES). ITS ENGINE STARTED TO SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY UNDER ALL TYPES OF CONDITIONS, STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. IT WAS INDEED VERY DANGEROUS. INDEED MY DAUGHTER, DRIVING THIS CAR, HAD AN ACCIDENT ON SEPT. 4, PRECISELY BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE SHUT OFF.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 4, 2015 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. ON MARCH 7, 2007, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. HE NOTICED THE FLAMES ORIGINATING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE TO BE ELECTRICAL. THE DEALER DECLINED TO RETRIEVE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2007 · fire

“I WAS AT THE YIELD SIGN AT THE FEEDER LANE APPROACHING THE NASA BYPASS IN WEBSTER, TEXAS WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES AS ANOTHER CAR WAS AHEAD OF ME AND HAD STOPPED. INSTEAD OF BRAKING, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND I RUN INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS THE DESIGN IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 25, 2011 · crash

“2007 SPORTTRAC, STARTED DOWNSHIFTING VERY ROUGH WHEN COMING TO A STOP, TOOK TO FREEPORT, IL DEALER WHO ADJUSTED PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, THIS MADE THE DOWNSHIFTING MUCH BETTER FOR A FEW MONTHS, IT IS BACK NOW AND WORSE THAN EVER. YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR FOOT HARD ON THE BRAKE AND DON'T STOP VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 9, 2007 · crash

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — common questions

Is the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 122 complaints put the 2007 model at #3 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years. It is one of the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), engine (21 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2005. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport Trac years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.