YearToAvoid

2008 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA has 36 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2008 Ford Explorer, 24% of all 148 complaints for this model year. That is #15 highest transmission complaint count among 21 Explorer model years. These complaints report 1 crash. Median mileage at failure: 84,325 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
36
24% of 148
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
84,325 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 7, 2009, latest Jul 10, 2026.

2008 Ford Explorer transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2009May 2012Nov 2013Sep 2014May 2016Jul 2017Sep 2019
36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2009 to Jul 2026; peak Apr 2009 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2008 Ford Explorer

  1. 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200599 (20%)
  2. 2006296 (47%)
  3. 200757 (27%)
  4. 200836 (24%)
  5. 20093 (9%)
  6. 201028 (24%)
  7. 201164 (5%)
  8. 201255 (7%)
  9. 2013119 (5%)
  10. 201479 (5%)
  11. 201586 (5%)
  12. 2016214 (9%)
  13. 2017123 (7%)
  14. 201850 (7%)
  15. 201935 (12%)
  16. 2020487 (40%)
  17. 2021121 (28%)
  18. 202261 (23%)
  19. 202312 (11%)
  20. 20241 (5%)
  21. 202515 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2008 Ford Explorer, 24% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 84,325 miles.
Which Ford Explorer year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2020 Ford Explorer has the most transmission complaints (487), compared with 36 for the 2008.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 Ford Explorer concerns the transmission: 07V453000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.