2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

▲ Better than typical
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:35:07.814Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2010 highlighted. 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010
2010: 30 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19976
19985
19990
20003
2001167
2002144
200378
200486
200566
20065
2007100
200823
20096
201030

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 20%

20% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The key gets stuck in the ignition when gear selector is placed in park. This issue is due to the Gear Shift Assembly - Ford (9L2Z-7210-BB) malfunctioning.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240108

WHEELS 10%

10% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE THROUGH A FIELD AND CRASHED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20111213

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE A 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH APPROXIMATELY 26000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE BED. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY, ONTO AN EXIT RAMP TO A FRONTAGE ROAD. I CALLED 911.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110510

RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT INTERMITTENTLY. NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER INSPECTING THE PROBLEM I DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130719

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210212

THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW MONTHS. AT FIRST, ONLY WHEN THE TEMPS DROPPED BELOW FREEZING BUT RECENTLY WITHOUT ANY PRELUDE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140327

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

MY NEW 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC EXPERIENCE A THIRD SUDDEN ACCELERATION EVENT SINCE MY PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN EARLY JANUARY. ON ALL THREE OCCASIONS I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE SURGE IN ACCELERATION BY USE OF THE FOOT BRAKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100215

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100503 — seats

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WIT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-733

Campaign 10V161000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20101118 — AQ (closed 20151228)

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V161000 (seats) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2005 ● 2003 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ● 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2010 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.