2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 4th worst out of 6 model years, earning a Good verdict. It had 23 complaints, 1 recall, 1 crash, and 1 fire, with Engine issues as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #4 of 6 Explorer Sport Trac years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15.5
- 13 city / 19.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (43%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (35%)
- Brakes5 (22%)
- Electrical System4 (17%)
- Fuel System2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (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 describe transmission lurching or failing to engage smoothly, causing rough stops and hesitant acceleration from a stop.
- Some report the vehicle rolling backward on an incline or slowly creeping in reverse after prolonged idling in the driveway.
- Radiator leaks at the bottom gasket or seal were reported, sometimes accompanied by an exhaust smell inside the cabin from a leaking manifold.
- One owner reported a burning odor and excess heat felt by all occupants while driving at low speed, later traced to an electrical failure.
- Brake issues were reported alongside a traction control light, with brake pedal feeling like a jack hammer when applied.
- A tire valve stem fracture was reported affecting all four tires.
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 07V453000Sep 26, 2007Transmission & Powertrain1,497 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
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.
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.
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 19.5 MPG
- Combined
- 15.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,175
- 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.
2008 compared with other Explorer Sport Trac years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 model year has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 4th worst of 6 years for this model, earning a Good verdict relative to other Sport Trac years.
- What problems does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
- NHTSA complaints point to Engine issues as the top problem area, accounting for 43% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 35% and Brakes at 22%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 81,000.
- Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for this model year covering the transmission oil cooler line fitting bolt on vehicles with the 4.6L engine and 6R transmission, which may not have been sufficiently torqued.
- How does the 2008 Sport Trac compare to other years?
- The 2008 model year (complaint index 40) ranks better than 2007 (index 100, Avoid) and 2005 (index 80, Avoid), but has more complaints than 2006 (index 0, Good) and 2009 (index 20, Good).