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2008 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

The 2008 Ford Explorer has 1 safety recall and 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
148
Crashes / fires
6 / 3
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

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

2008 Ford Explorer 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System39
Power Train36
Seats27
Engine21
Steering13
Exterior Lighting12
Unknown or Other11
Wheels9
Vehicle Speed Control7
Service Brakes5
Air Bags4
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch — 1
  • Steering › Column — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,000 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 complaints

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

Power Train · at 165,000 miles · reported Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, and the vehicle rolled backwards about an inch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake was enabled to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
Engine · reported Jun 7, 2026
Stalling in mid traffic. I was told it is poor quality of timing components. The vehicle has less than 200,000 miles and has had routine maintenance as it was a police investigation car
Engine · reported Apr 27, 2025
I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under warranty for transmission, so when it died I thought ok it's covered, so the landlord said it was the motor it seized he said had no coolant and was 2qts of oil over I said well he never added anything & I said it never overheated, he said I don't know how it was done but it will cost $3800 to fix, so I was hoping that there might be a recall that can fix this or also he puts new rear in the car a week…
Other/I Am Not Sure · reported May 31, 2024
The stickers are not on properly. My childs safety wasnt put at risk. I asked a CPST to help with a fit and intall check and we noticed the defected stickers.
Electrical System · reported Jan 10, 2024
Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years. It started having general maintenance issues, then the cats were stolen, but then, one night my mother was coming home from a relative's house, when she was trying to keep up with the flow of traffic on [XXX] , and she noticed that the vehicle was not accelerating at all and the vehicle stalled out. She had it towed home and it sat on the streetside for some time. After digging through the internet, I figured that Ford designed the throttle-body wiring to settle next to…

Other Ford Explorer years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer: 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?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (39 reports), followed by power train (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,000 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.