VehicleVerdict

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport Trac years: 38 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (7), engine (6), and brakes (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

38

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Explorer Sport Trac years?

Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission718%
Engine616%
Brakes411%
Seats38%
Electrical System38%
Airbags38%
Body & Structure38%
Tires & Wheels38%
Speed Control25%
Steering13%
Fuel System13%
Other13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

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

10V161000SeatsApril 20, 2010 · 33,256 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“COASTING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TRANSMISSION DID NOT DISENGAGE AND ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 2000 RPM. HELD BRAKES AND REAR TIRES SPUN. I KNOCKED TRANS INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE IN 2 DAYS. NO FLOOR MATS AND NO CONTACT WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I DID HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 18, 2015

“I HAVE A 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH APPROXIMATELY 26000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE BED. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY, ONTO AN EXIT RAMP TO A FRONTAGE ROAD. I CALLED 911. BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 8, 2011 · fire

“WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 12, 2021 · crash

“WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 12, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE THROUGH A FIELD AND CRASHED. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 9, 2011 · crash

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

It is close to typical for the Explorer Sport Trac: 38 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2010 Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 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 2010 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.