CarRecallDB

2008 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

1 recall and 148 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer.

1
recalls
148
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
3
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 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.

What owners report

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

Jul 10, 2026 · Power train · 165,000 miles

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…

Jun 7, 2026 · Engine

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

Apr 27, 2025 · Engine

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…

May 31, 2024 · Other/I am not sure

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.

Jan 10, 2024 · Electrical system

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…

Explorer model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 0497226
2006 1630137
2007 1208115
2008 114863
2009 03350
2010 111580
2011 61,197304

Across all years, the 2002 Explorer has the most complaints (3,295). All Ford Explorer years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer, 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?
Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (38 complaints), followed by power train (36).
How many 2008 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 148 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

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