2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 167 |
| 2002 | 144 |
| 2003 | 78 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 66 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 100 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 30 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190719
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR BEGAN TO LEAK ABNORMALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121129
4 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20110318
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081121
4 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120314
4 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190719
2 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 TORQ
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.
Campaign 07V453000 — check if this car was fixed
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V453000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.