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
- 148
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 148 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1,231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1,450 |
| 1997 | 1,731 |
| 1998 | 1,959 |
| 1999 | 1,348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3,295 |
| 2003 | 1,131 |
| 2004 | 1,304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1,198 |
| 2012 | 827 |
| 2013 | 2,234 |
| 2014 | 1,684 |
| 2015 | 1,793 |
| 2016 | 2,459 |
| 2017 | 1,695 |
| 2018 | 729 |
| 2019 | 297 |
| 2020 | 1,242 |
| 2021 | 442 |
| 2022 | 270 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 105 |
| 2026 | 43 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
26% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show 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, 2015-03-12
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, 2024-01-10
Also filed under Engine and vehicle speed control
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, 2018-03-12
Power train
24% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Show 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, 2012-05-07
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, and the vehicle rolled backwards about an inch. No warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10
Seats
18% · 27 reportsEngine
14% · 21 reportsSteering
9% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing column.
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, 2018-03-20
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2007-08-30Power train07V453000 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…
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.
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R
2008-01-15Visibility07E104000 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…
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…
-
I
2008-10-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-09 Tire valve cracking
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R
2010-09-14Equipment10E043000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 39 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V453000 · Power train
- Recall 07E104000 · Visibility
- Recall 10E043000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.