What are the worst years for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The 2007 model year has the highest complaint index (100) with 100 complaints and a steering recall, and 2005 follows with a complaint index of 80 and 66 complaints. Both are rated Avoid relative to other Sport Trac years.

Is there a best year for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

No year earns a Best verdict. 2006, 2008, and 2009 are rated Good, though 2006 and 2009 are capped at Good because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.

What problems did the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

NHTSA data shows engine problems in 25% of its 100 complaints (median failure mileage 62,125), plus transmission issues in 23% and suspension problems in 18%. It also had one recall for steering gear bolts that could fracture.

Should I be cautious about the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Yes, 2010 is rated Caution with a complaint index of 60, 31 complaints, and one recall, with engine listed as the top problem area.

How many total complaints does the Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

Across the 2005-2010 model years, NHTSA lists 231 total complaints and 3 recall campaigns, with engine (24%) and transmission/powertrain (21%) as the top overall problem areas.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Best and Worst Years (2005–2010)

Avoid the 2005 and 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac; 2007 has the highest complaint index (100) with 100 complaints and a steering recall, while 2005 follows with 66 complaints and a complaint index of 80. No year earns a Best verdict; 2006, 2008, and 2009 rank as Good, and 2010 is Caution.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2007

Model years: 6; 2005–2010
NHTSA complaints: 231
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 6
Top problem area: Engine

Explorer Sport Trac Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	80	66	5	1	0	Fuel System	15	—
2006	Good	0	5	0	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2007	Avoid	100	100	8	2	1	Engine	15	—
2008	Good	40	23	1	1	1	Engine	15.5	—
2009	Good	20	6	0	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	16	—
2010	Caution	60	31	2	2	1	Engine	16	—

Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid: what went wrong

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Index 100 · 100 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is the worst-ranked year, with 100 complaints and the highest complaint index (100) of any year covered. Engine problems account for 25% of complaints (median failure mileage 62,125), transmission and powertrain issues 23% (median 16,436 miles), suspension/wheel problems 18% (median 41,000 miles), and electrical issues 15% (median 18,950 miles). NHTSA recorded one steering recall (campaign 07V181000) for over-tightened steering gear bolts that could fracture. Owners described engine fires, side airbags that failed to deploy in a collision, and rough, worsening transmission downshifts.

2007 engine problems →2007 transmission & powertrain problems →2007 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Index 80 · 66 complaints · 0 recalls

NHTSA lists 66 complaints for the 2005 Explorer Sport Trac, giving it a complaint index of 80 and a rank of second-worst among these years. Fuel system problems lead at 24% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 75,000, followed by structure/body issues (18%, median 51,000 miles), electrical problems (17%, median 135,130 miles), and engine trouble (17%, median 68,000 miles). Owners reported a wheel separating from the vehicle due to a knuckle failure, an unexplained fire while parked, and airbags that failed to deploy in a crash. No recalls were issued for this model year.

2005 fuel system problems →

Most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine56 (24%)
Transmission & Powertrain48 (21%)
Electrical System33 (14%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (13%)
Brakes28 (12%)
Structure & Body24 (10%)
Fuel System23 (10%)
Airbags16 (7%)
Other10 (4%)
Steering10 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?: The 2007 model year has the highest complaint index (100) with 100 complaints and a steering recall, and 2005 follows with a complaint index of 80 and 66 complaints. Both are rated Avoid relative to other Sport Trac years.
Is there a best year for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?: No year earns a Best verdict. 2006, 2008, and 2009 are rated Good, though 2006 and 2009 are capped at Good because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
What problems did the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?: NHTSA data shows engine problems in 25% of its 100 complaints (median failure mileage 62,125), plus transmission issues in 23% and suspension problems in 18%. It also had one recall for steering gear bolts that could fracture.
Should I be cautious about the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?: Yes, 2010 is rated Caution with a complaint index of 60, 31 complaints, and one recall, with engine listed as the top problem area.
How many total complaints does the Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?: Across the 2005-2010 model years, NHTSA lists 231 total complaints and 3 recall campaigns, with engine (24%) and transmission/powertrain (21%) as the top overall problem areas.