VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport Trac years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Explorer Sport Trac years?

Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine926%
Transmission824%
Electrical System618%
Brakes412%
Fuel System26%
Speed Control26%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

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

07V453000TransmissionSeptember 26, 2007 · 1,497 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON THE SAND IN A BEACH AREA THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF WHICH A STRONG BURNING ODOR STARTED, EXCESS HEAT WAS FELT BY THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER AND 3 REAR PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 25, 2019 · fire

“BRAKE OR TRANSMISSION IS MALFUNCTIONING, TRUCK WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT RUNNING, IN PARK, LOCKED AND AFTER A BOUT AN HOUR THE TRUCK BEGAN ROLLING, AN WAS STOPPED MY A PIECE OF WROUGHT IRON FENCE, DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE HAD THE FENCE NOT BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 18, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON THE SAND IN A BEACH AREA THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF WHICH A STRONG BURNING ODOR STARTED, EXCESS HEAT WAS FELT BY THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER AND 3 REAR PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2019 · fire

“BRAKE OR TRANSMISSION IS MALFUNCTIONING, TRUCK WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT RUNNING, IN PARK, LOCKED AND AFTER A BOUT AN HOUR THE TRUCK BEGAN ROLLING, AN WAS STOPPED MY A PIECE OF WROUGHT IRON FENCE, DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE HAD THE FENCE NOT BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 18, 2011 · crash

“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that on three occasions while the vehicle was in drive but stationary, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 7, 2023

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

It is close to typical for the Explorer Sport Trac: 34 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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 2008 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.