VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford Explorer transmission problems

The 2008 Ford Explorer has 35 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

35

Transmission complaints

16%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR REPAIRED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 6, 2012 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 35 complaints about the 2008 Ford Explorer transmission — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Ford Explorer transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 07V453000.

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.