2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac ranks worst of 6 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 100 NHTSA complaints. Its top problem area is the engine (25 complaints), followed closely by transmission and powertrain issues (23 complaints), and it carries one steering recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 6 Explorer Sport Trac years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 100
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 18.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine25 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (23%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires18 (18%)
- Electrical System15 (15%)
- Brakes14 (14%)
- Structure & Body5 (5%)
- Fuel System4 (4%)
- Other4 (4%)
- Steering4 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine shutting off intermittently while driving, including at highway speed, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Some describe the accelerator pedal sticking or hesitating and then lunging forward unexpectedly at low speed.
- Transmission problems include rough downshifting when coming to a stop and failing to engage reverse on the first attempt, sometimes accompanied by rising RPM and a burning smell.
- One owner reported the vehicle catching fire from the hood, traced by fire department investigators to an electrical cause.
- A rear axle and bolt reportedly fractured at low speed, causing the rear tire to seize and the vehicle to spin.
- Side and passenger airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side-impact and rollover crashes.
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 07V181000Apr 25, 2007Steering11 vehicles
Steering
On certain sport utility vehicles, the two bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the frame may have been over-tightened. This condition could result in one or both of the bolts fracturing, causing the steering gear to become loose.
Risk: This condition could cause "clunking" noise when steering as well as decreased steering effectiveness potentially resulting in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both the steering gear assembly mounting bolts and nuts free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 18.5 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other Explorer Sport Trac years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007 model ranks worst among the 6 Explorer Sport Trac model years with data, carrying a complaint index of 100 and 100 total complaints, and it is rated Avoid.
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac?
- Engine complaints lead at 25, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 23, suspension/wheels/tires at 18, and electrical system problems at 15, out of 100 total complaints.
- Does the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (07V181000) covers over-tightened steering gear assembly mounting bolts that could fracture and affect steering control.
- Which Explorer Sport Trac model years are better than 2007?
- The 2006 model has a complaint index of 0 and a Good verdict, while 2008 and 2009 also carry Good verdicts with complaint indexes of 40 and 20 respectively, all lower risk than the 2007 model's index of 100.
- What mileage do 2007 Explorer Sport Trac problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints for the 2007 model is 39,275 miles, though engine problems show a higher median of 62,125 miles.