2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 1 safety recall and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls

Recall 07V-453: Power Train

Reported Sep 26, 2007 · 1,497 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	8
Engine	7
Electrical System	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Service Brakes	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Tires	1
Traction Control System	1
Service Brakes, Electric	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Air Bags	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
Tires › Valve — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,530 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 130,018 miles · reported May 10, 2023

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 failure. The failure mileage was 130,018.

Electrical System · at 81,000 miles · reported Jul 19, 2019

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 they exited the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that there was a small fire near the transmission area, fluid had leaked onto the catalytic converter as the fire progressed to destroying the vehicle with the fire becoming extensive which had erupted all the way to the fuel system to…

Service Brakes · at 55,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2017

The contact owns a 2008 ford explorer. While driving various speeds and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The brakes eventually stopped the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake pedal failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Engine · at 125,000 miles · reported Aug 4, 2017

Broke down on a very high traffic bridge, that had no safety lane to pull over. Very dangerous, with no time to pull over when engine light came on. Repeat, this happens to all ford sport tracs with plastic radiator housing. There are some class action lawsuits across the USA. Ford has known about this condition since 2002, but only notified government vehicles for the fixes.

Engine · at 68,530 miles · reported Mar 16, 2017

Driving on highway check engine light came on and engine started missing and car shaking; pulled in to ford dealer in next town; diagnosis said could be this or that they could not figure it out but got car running smother; we went another 300 miles to our destination; took car to local ford dealer; replaced spark plugs and upstream o2 sensor; took it home; still ran rough seems like it is about to stall an a light or sitting in traffic; took it back; they had it for 3 days; mechanic drove it; could not figure out what was wrong and said they thought it was ok because mechanic could not make…

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac years

2010 200920082007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Ford Explorer Sport Trac years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 07V-453 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Owners report power train problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,530 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.