2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport Trac › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
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 · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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 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 the fuel tank. The fire department had arrived and extinguished the remaining flames. The insurance company had not rendered any assistance to inspect the cause of the fire. A dealer had not diagnosed the cause of the fire yet. The vehicle was destroyed due to the internal failure resulting in a catastrophic fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure to determine if they may be able to investigate the cause of the fire. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
- Service brakes
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…
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 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. *Tt *tr
- Engine
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
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…
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 it drive like it was mis firing or anything unusual; drove home and it immediately started acting like one cylinder was mis firing. Am going to take it to a repair shop that IS highly recommended and let the see if they can find out what IS the matter.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. While at a stop light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body and motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,130.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. While driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became loose and fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 17v181000 (steering); however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system · Engine
Driving the car it began to lose power, then get power, then it shut off. restarted the car, started driving and it surged unexpectedly then began to lose power again, then it shut off. this scared my wife because she didn't know if it was going to surge or lose power. took it to a mechanic and…
Driving the car it began to lose power, then get power, then it shut off. restarted the car, started driving and it surged unexpectedly then began to lose power again, then it shut off. this scared my wife because she didn't know if it was going to surge or lose power. took it to a mechanic and finally after a lot of diagnostics they determined it was the ecm or electronic power control module. I have researched this and a lot of people have had this problem.. ford knows of the problem but will not replace the module. others have written of this same problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucusqj3-evk I just wish someone would look into this do something about it.
- Engine
After turning onto the main road out of our subdivision the vehicle shut down and would not start. the car behind us nearly ran into the back of the vehicle. it appears there IS a design flaw in the tensioners used for the timing chains on the motor in this vehicle. the tensioners are a plastic…
After turning onto the main road out of our subdivision the vehicle shut down and would not start. the car behind us nearly ran into the back of the vehicle. it appears there IS a design flaw in the tensioners used for the timing chains on the motor in this vehicle. the tensioners are a plastic that cannot hold up to the heat and eventually deteriorate prematurely. apparently when one of them fails the vehicle automatically shuts off the engine causing the driver to lose control. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer. The contact stated that the check engine light and wrench icon illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test, who stated that the torque converter would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The current mileage was 92,000.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel system, gasoline
Truck cut off 4 times in middle traffic would not stay on. no warning light change tried to pull off truck just kept cutting off. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
Parked vehicle. turned off ignition. key would not release from the ignition. cycled the auto shift lever to make sure in park. at this point noted that I could shift out of park without my foot being on the brake. very dangerous. I was able to remove the key by pulling the ignition fuse. I…
Parked vehicle. turned off ignition. key would not release from the ignition. cycled the auto shift lever to make sure in park. at this point noted that I could shift out of park without my foot being on the brake. very dangerous. I was able to remove the key by pulling the ignition fuse. I pulled the fuse and removed the key. reinstalled the fuse. was still able to shift out of park without my foot on the brake. I left the car sitting for a while and noted that the battery had completely drained down. I was able to jump the car off to start it. if I leave the ignition fuse in, the battery will completely drain down again. *tr
- Air bags
The airbag light indicator IS on. Some time if you shutoff the engine it will reset but sometimes wont reset. I took it to ford dealership then called the extended warranty company and they said its not covered. This IS a safety issue, isn't it a responsibility for the manufacturer? *Tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the radiator began to leak abnormally. The contact attempted to locate the parts needed to make repairs to the vehicle from an independent parts dealer, but was unable to locate the part. The vehicle was then scheduled…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the radiator began to leak abnormally. The contact attempted to locate the parts needed to make repairs to the vehicle from an independent parts dealer, but was unable to locate the part. The vehicle was then scheduled for repairs with an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 35,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. the contact stated that the vehicle would lunge forward when attempting to shift gears. the vehicle would also stall, shift out of neutral, shift out of over drive or would shift into various gears erratically. a local mechanic replaced the…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer sport trac. the contact stated that the vehicle would lunge forward when attempting to shift gears. the vehicle would also stall, shift out of neutral, shift out of over drive or would shift into various gears erratically. a local mechanic replaced the transmission, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer requested to receive information from the dealer before assisting the contact with the failure. the dealer was notified but denied any assistance with repair to the failure. the failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle developed an exhaust leak from the left side manifold. repaired at a cost of 250 dollars. leak was noticeable by exhaust smell in cab and sound from left side of engine. second leak has now developed on right side, still need to repair, have exhaust smell in cab and similar sound from engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Radiator started leaking at bottom gasket /o ring seal of tank. also interior light goes off and on when hit bumps. Found it IS tied into the ignition switch. if light comes on after hitting bump all I have to do IS giggle the ignition switch to get it to go back off. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake or transmission IS malfunctioning, truck was parked on a flat surface in the driveway and not running, in park, locked and after a bout an hour the truck began rolling, an was stopped my a piece of wrought iron fence, damaging the front bumper. It could have been worse had the fence not been there. *tr
- Service brakes, electric · Traction control system
2008 ford sport trac when pulling onto highway traction light came on and brakes locked up would not go or able to stop brake pedal felt like a jack hammer when applying the brakes the only way to get the light off was to shut the truck down in the middle of the road ford has done nothing to fix…
2008 ford sport trac when pulling onto highway traction light came on and brakes locked up would not go or able to stop brake pedal felt like a jack hammer when applying the brakes the only way to get the light off was to shut the truck down in the middle of the road ford has done nothing to fix the problem they know it IS a sensor but it has 4 of them and they will not change all 4 to fix the problem. They would rather risk my life and anyone that maybe following me. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2008 ford explorer sport trac, 5 speed automatic, V6. Transmission fails to engage; truck has difficulty accelerating from a stop and will roll backwards from a stop if on an incline. Transmission also 'slams' gears and feels like the vehicle has been hit from behind. Dealership has failed to…
2008 ford explorer sport trac, 5 speed automatic, V6. Transmission fails to engage; truck has difficulty accelerating from a stop and will roll backwards from a stop if on an incline. Transmission also 'slams' gears and feels like the vehicle has been hit from behind. Dealership has failed to repair and has worked on the vehicle for over four weeks with no permanent resolution. Fixes last a couple weeks and then it fails again. transmission has been removed and many parts replaced, but it still does not work properly. vehicle does not feel safe from a stop and I am in fear of an accident due to the transmission failing. ford technician has been working with dealership, but has been only applying 'band-aid' solutions. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2008 sport trac V8 4 wheel drive. I must wait approximately 30 seconds before backing truck out of my garage...any sooner and the engine just revs but will slowly move after reaching 6,000 rpm. truck also advances slowly from a stop. 1ST dealer advised me it actually was 21 seconds and that I…
2008 sport trac V8 4 wheel drive. I must wait approximately 30 seconds before backing truck out of my garage...any sooner and the engine just revs but will slowly move after reaching 6,000 rpm. truck also advances slowly from a stop. 1ST dealer advised me it actually was 21 seconds and that I should just wait the 21 seconds before shifting to reverse. 2ND dealer cannot duplicate problem because it IS intermittent and seems worse when weather IS warm and humid. 1ST dealer indicated they did a reflash of transmission but 2ND dealer confirmed they did not and accomplished it and shifting improved. truck still does not downshift correctly to first gear upon coming to a stop or near stop and truck will remain in higher gear unless full stop and one second both occur. found plenty of same type complaints online from 2007 and 2008 sport trac owners but ford and their dealers try and convince me that there IS no problem and they are not aware of others with same issues. Reflash so far seems to have fixed problem of hard down and upshifting but created the slow down shifting to first gear. Numerous close calls when truck IS slow to accelerate into traffic because it does not down shift to first gear after slowing to 3 miles per hour or lower like ever other vehicle I have owned. *Tr
- Tires › Valve
All 4 tire stems/valves were fractured ... Ford denies a recall ... Internal memo acknowledges a product wide problem with tire calves from that factory. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2008 ford sport trac has a problem with the transmission. *nj the consumer noticed that after coming to a stop, the vehicle was not making a smooth stop, but rather lurching several times in stopping. The dealer performed a program on the transmission, however the continued. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Tire valve cracking
On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by…
On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international (08t-018) and dill air controls (08t-028), the latter of which was investigated by odi in pe08-036 and ea08-022.the defect conditions addressed by the aftermarket tire valve recalls both involved inadequate resistance to ozone cracking due to issues with the supply of anti-ozonant chemicals to topseal for a period from july to mid-november 2006.the aftermarket valves were compounded with a blend of epdm and natural rubber, using a relatively low percentage of epdm (epdm provides inherent resistance to ozone cracking).hence, the need for anti-ozonant chemicals and the problems with cracking when those chemicals were missing or out of specification in some lots of valves.both recall campaigns involved inspection programs to identify and replace valves with visible surface cracking.although the topseal valves supplied to ford also appear to have been affected by the anti-ozonant supply issues in mid to late-2006, ford indicated that its valves were made at a different topseal production line and were compounded with a higher percentage of epdm rubber to meet more stringent specifications from ford.odi's analysis of complaint and warranty data provided by ford showed that problems with cracked tire valves were significantly higher for my 2007 vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007.ford responded by implementing changes in its material specifications for snap-in rubber tire valves and also increasing the quality and acceptance standards for valves imported for use in its vehicles.while the complaint and warranty claim rates are elevated for subject vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007, the rates of leaking valves are well below one percent of production for each of the peak months for all of the affected models.a substantial majority of the subject vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which warn the driver when any tire pressures drops below 25 percent of recommended inflation pressure. As outlined in a letter to odi dated april 6, 2009, ford has agreed to send letters to owners of certain my 2007 and 2008 ford, lincoln and mercury vehicles to provide information about the cracking concern. Letters will be sent to owners of vehicles built from november 2006 through may 2007.owners can opt for a free dealer inspection.valves exhibiting surface cracks or air leakage related to ozone attack will be replaced by ford under its normal warranty terms.ford expects to send the letter by approximately mid-may 2009. Based on the use of TPMS in the majority of subject vehicles and the relatively low rates of repairs associated with leaking valves and resultant tire damage, odi believes that the actions ford has agreed to take will provide effective and expeditious resolution for vehicles that were built during the period when valves with inadequate resistance to ozone cracking were most likely to have been used in vehicle production.further investigation of this matter would not be an efficient allocation of agency resources.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- 10148819This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10143079Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.
- 10137113Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
- 10091151Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10090681Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10055318Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor IS key. 2006-2010 explorer, mountaineer, explorer sport trac.
- 10039053Ford: if there IS an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10029565Ford/mercury: some vehicles may exhibit a no crank, crank no start, driveability symptom, or idle concern with or without mil illumination/dtc's due to the pcm engine harness chaffing against the pcm mounting bracket.
- 10029167Ford/mercury: some vehicles may exhibit various symptoms such as drivability symptoms, including but not limited to no crank with/without blown fuse, and illumination of malfunction indicator lamp.
- 10028736Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and IS often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
- 10026385Ford/mercury: 4.0l/4.6l hard start/rough running; after long hot soak/dip in rpm when coming to a stop; built on or before 4/2/08. May exhibit a dip in rpm below normal idle level of 600 rpm on deceleration.
- 10024323Improved brake pedal feel and firmness.
Every Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.