2008 Ford Explorer
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 609 |
| 1992 | 633 |
| 1993 | 939 |
| 1994 | 1207 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3293 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 147 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1192 |
| 2012 | 820 |
| 2013 | 2222 |
| 2014 | 1669 |
| 2015 | 1748 |
| 2016 | 2424 |
| 2017 | 1656 |
| 2018 | 706 |
| 2019 | 281 |
| 2020 | 1155 |
| 2021 | 393 |
| 2022 | 242 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER SEAT IN OUR 2008 FORD EXPLORER STARTED ON FIRE, LIKELY FROM THE SEAT HEATER. THIS RESULTED IN MASSIVE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE CAR, AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150312
Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240110
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180312
21% of complaints: power train — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120507
18% of complaints: seats — 27 distinct reports on file.
FIRE14% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240110
8% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
LOSS OF STEERING. "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DOCUMENTED ISSUE AND FORD IS 'SELECTIVELY' CHOOSING TO CHERRY-PICK COVERAGE ON RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE COVERED ON ALL EFFECTED VEHICLES NOT CHERRY PICKED!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180320
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
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VE
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V453000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.