Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the most recent reported on September 26, 2007 (Power train: automatic transmission, cooling unit and lines). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (8 complaints), followed by engine (7).

How many 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems

1 recall and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, cooling unit and lines

NHTSA campaign 07V453000 · reported September 26, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,497 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train8
Engine7
Electrical system4
Engine and engine cooling2
Service brakes2
Vehicle speed control2
Air bags1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel/propulsion system1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 10, 2023 · Vehicle speed control · 130,018 miles
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…

Jul 19, 2019 · Electrical system · 81,000 miles · fire reported
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 THEY EXITED THE…

Dec 29, 2017 · Service brakes · 55,000 miles
TL* 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…

Aug 4, 2017 · Engine · 125,000 miles
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…

Mar 16, 2017 · Engine · 68,530 miles
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…

Explorer Sport Trac model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2005	0	66	5	1
2006	0	5	0	0
2007	1	100	8	2
2008	1	23	1	1
2009	0	6	0	0
2010	1	31	2	2

Across all years, the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac has the most complaints (167). All Ford Explorer Sport Trac years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the most recent reported on September 26, 2007 (Power train: automatic transmission, cooling unit and lines). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?: Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (8 complaints), followed by engine (7).
How many 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 10, 2023.