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Vehicle Stats/FORD/Explorer Sport TRAC Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

FORD Explorer Sport TRAC Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 7,069 complaints and 17 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used FORD Explorer Sport TRAC options? We analyzed 9 model years (2001–2010) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

7,069
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
17
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
345
Crash-Related
crash complaints
118
Fire-Related
fire complaints
415
Injuries Reported
across all years
9
Years Analyzed
2001–2010

Free VIN check

Found a FORD Explorer Sport TRAC? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC has 7,069 owner complaints and 17 safety recalls across model years 2001–2010. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2002 drew the most complaints; 2001 drew the fewest.

FORD Explorer Sport TRAC — key reliability facts
Make
FORD
Model
Explorer Sport TRAC
Model years analyzed
2001–2010 (9 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
7,069
Safety recall campaigns
17
Crash-related complaints
345
Fire-related complaints
118
Worst model year (by complaints)
2002 (3,621 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2001 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 4, 2026
This Explorer Sport TRAC has 17 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

FORD Explorer Sport TRAC: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
20023,621 complaints20041,408 complaints20031,313 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20010 complaints20096 complaints200823 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2002 FORD Explorer Sport TRAC? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC has 7,069 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. 345 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 7,069 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 17 federal recall campaigns
  • 345 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2001
0
2002
3621
2003
1313
2004
1408
2005
568
2007
100
2008
23
2009
6
2010
30

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

17 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

#07V336000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 8, 2007
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

#07V336000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 8, 2007
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

#03V281000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERMay 8, 2003
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

#03V280000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLESMay 8, 2003
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

#03V281000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERMay 8, 2003
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

#10V161000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

#07V453000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Safety recall

STEERING

#07V181000STEERING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

#00V394000STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Safety recall

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

#01X001000TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#06E056000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

#01X001000TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2001–2010. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 7,069 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
POWER TRAIN2,552 complaints
02
STRUCTURE1,537 complaints
03
SUSPENSION594 complaints
04
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING408 complaints
05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM390 complaints
06
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL371 complaints
07
VISIBILITY350 complaints
08
AIR BAGS314 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

7,069 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ENGINEApr 2024

My vehicle's engine has on a number of occasions simply quit running. The engine has died while underway, and also when resuming from a stop. It will or has to this point cranked without problems each time this has happened. I've just been fortunate it hasn't quit while I'm in a driving situation that involves another vehicle in the position to crash into me as I'm restarting the engine. There is not a particular situation I can point to where it does this more. The engine has less than 120K miles and maintence is routine. OBD by certified mechanics has not shown any defective readings. I've also check on-line and found it's not just my vehicle, but others in different years are doing the same thing. There's nothing on the Ford website that addresses this issue.

POWER TRAINJan 2024

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.

SEATSSep 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the driver seat track had become defective causing the seat to move back and forth while driving. The contact had the seat track replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where he was given an estimate for the repair of another seat track. The dealer also informed him that they could not guarantee that the repair would fix the failure. The contact was then referred to NHTSA for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESFeb 2021

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. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT END IMPACT.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

POWER TRAINNov 2020

THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAULTY SPEED SENSOR, AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD PUT OUT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SPEED SENSOR HAS DOWN SHIFTED TO LOW AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LOCKING THE REAR DRIVE UP AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. I HAVE CHECK MY VEHICLE RECALLS AND DID NOT FIND THIS RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. WHY WOULD MY VEHICLE NOT BE RECALLED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR? BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS.

STRUCTUREJan 2020

WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE

Read 14 more owner reports
POWER TRAINJun 2019

TRANSMISSION WILL SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR, WILL NOT GO INTO DRIVE, TAKES TIME GOING INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE.

AIR BAGSNov 2018

TAKATA RECALL, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON SOME TIMES AND OTHER TIMES IT DOSE NOT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? IT DOSE THIS WHEN I START IT AND THE LIGHT STAY ON AND SOME TIMES IT DOSE NOT COME ON. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS -- AUTO BUYERS, INC. -- (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Oct 2018

THIS IS MY 2ND FORD THAT HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRIC THROTTLE BODY. FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN MY 2012 FORD FUSION BUT MY 2010 DOESN'T FALL IN THE SAME CATEGORY. I AM DRIVING WITH NO PROBLEMS THEN OUT OF NOWHERE THE WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE LOOSING ACCRETION. I AM SCARED TO DEATH DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE LOST POWER IN INTERSECTIONS, GOING UP A BRIDGE, IN TRAFFIC, AND COMING OFF AN ONRAMP. I AM GOING TO BE STUCK PAYING FOR REPAIRS.

POWER TRAINJun 2018

MY COMPLAINT IS NOT WITH THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE REFER ME TO THE RIGHT DEPARTMENT. TOOK MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TO DEALERSHIP FOR FULL SERVICE. AFTER GOT MY TRUCK BACK THE ENGINE LIGHT ON MY DASH CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP THEY WORKED ON THE PCM & EGR WHEN THEY TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE THE LIGHT IS OFF BUT THEN COMES BACK ON FOR 7 SECONDS. THEY SAY THE ENGINE IS GOOD JUST DON'T KNOW WHY THE LIGHT COMES ON. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT SINCE APRIL 25, 2018 THEY'VE HAD IT FOR 6 WEEKS. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNov 2017

TRAVELING ON THE NYS THRUWAY PASSING A CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH AND MY ENGINE GOES DEAD. NO POWER OR GAS NO POWER STEERING NOTHING. I MANAGE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I CAN SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT MY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS ARE MELTED TOGETHER. SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.

POWER TRAINJun 2016

I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN MAY 2010. I HAD ALL THE SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTENANCE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN ENGAGED TWICE, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THIRTY MILES FROM FT LEONARD WOOD THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION CAUSING A HAZARD IN CITY DRIVING OR MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE VIBRATION INCREASED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I DROPPED IT AT THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY FOR SERVICE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CALLED AND INFORMED TWO MAINTENANCE LIGHTS WERE ON FOR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I AGREED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED LATER THAT DAY AND INFORMED ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE CODES MEANT OR THE COST OF REPAIR. I ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION, BUT NO ONE EVER GOT BACK TO ME WITH AN UPDATE. I RECEIVED A TEXT MY TRUCK WAS READY FOR PICK UP, BUT THE STAFF COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. I AM NOW AT DAY SEVEN AND AFTER COUNTLESS PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN THE ISSUE OR OFFER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY! MY QUESTIONS. WHY IS THE TRANSMISSION SHOT AFTER ONLY 37,000 MILES? IF IT IS REPLACED, WHAT REASSURANCE DO I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WILL NOT REOCCUR IN ANOTHER 37,000 MILES? IS THERE ASSISTANCE FOR A DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT REPLACEMENT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST 100,000 MILES AND LIKELY DEFECTIVE? WHY IS THIS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A QUALITY ISSUE? THE STAFF AT THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER TRY TO KEEP BOUNCING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REFUSE TO PUT ME IN CONTACT WITH THE REGIONAL MANAGER OR SUPERVISION STAFF.

WHEELSMar 2016

I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL OEM PIRELLI TIRES IN DECEMBER 2015 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES ON IT. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND, SIZE AND STYLE OF PIRELLI TIRES. ON MARCH 8, 2016 AT APPROX. 42,000 MILES I RETURNED TO THE TIRE SHOP TO HAVE THE TIRES REBALANCED AFTER NOTICING SOME BUMPINESS. THE TIRE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT IN TWO OF THE TIRES THE STEEL BAND WHICH HELD THE TPMS SENSOR IN PLACE HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS FREE FLOATING IN THE TIRE AND HAD RUINED THE INNER LINERS IN THE TIRES MAKING THEM EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND INQUIRED ABOUT POSSIBLE RECALLS AND/OR BULLETINS INVOLVING THE STEEL BANDS USED ON THE TPMS. FORD DENIED ANY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE BANDS HOWEVER THEY DID NOTE THAT FORD HAD QUIT USING THE STEEL BANDS AFTER ONLY USING THEM A SHORT WHILE. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OWES ME THE $542.72 I AM OUT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND SENSORS I HAD TO REPLACE TO REMEDY A VERY UNSAFE SITUTATION. I REPLACE THE BANDS AND SENSORS IN THE OTHER TWO TIRES AS WELL WITH A REPLACEMENT TYPE WHICH DOESN'T INVOLVE STEEL BANDS. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE IMMEDIATELY TO REMEDY AN UNSAFE TPMS BAND SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF THE SITUTATION HAD NOT BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE TIRE SHOP. I'M ENCLOSING A COPY OF MY EXPENSES AND A PICTURE OF THE BROKEN BANDS WHICH WERE DISCOVERED WITHIN MY TIRES.

ENGINEFeb 2016

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN PITTS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2010 FORD EXPLORER TRAC TSB KNOWN ENGINE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE QUICKLY LOST POWER ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER. *JB

SUSPENSION,WHEELSAug 2015

DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD, CLEAR WEATHER ENTERING A LEFT BANK, TURNED STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS LEFT AT 30 MPH. TRUCK STARTED TO SHIMMIED AND LOOSE CONTROL. IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKE & STOPPED VEHICLE. BACK RIGHT WHEEL MISSING 2 WHEEL STUDS. HAD TIRES EXCHANGE 400 MILES PRIOR, NO PROBLEM WITH STUDS. MECHANIC IS NOW REPLACING REAR AXEL.

POWER TRAINApr 2015

COASTING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TRANSMISSION DID NOT DISENGAGE AND ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 2000 RPM. HELD BRAKES AND REAR TIRES SPUN. I KNOCKED TRANS INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE IN 2 DAYS. NO FLOOR MATS AND NO CONTACT WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I DID HAVE A WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENT. UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION -VERY BAD! IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ALREADY? *TR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESNov 2014

I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASE THIS USED VEHICLE AND WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSTANTLY AT THE SAME TIME BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. I WAS WEARING BOOTS AT THE TIME AND THE TOE OF THE BOOT DOES STICK OUT FURTHER THEN MY SLIP ON SHOES. THIS HAPPEN TWICE BOTH TIMES WHILE WEARING BOOTS. I TRIED TO OBSERVE WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE ALTHOUGH I WAS APPROACHING STOPPED VEHICLES AT THE TIME. I RECREATED THE MOVEMENT WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL, ENGINE RUNNING AND WEARING BOOTS. THE SAME THING HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TOE OF MY BOOTS PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT MOVED DOWN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE AS THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE SAME LEVEL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHOULD BE FURTHER DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE BREAK PEDAL. ALL IS WELL IF THE CENTER OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED WITH SHOES IN VERTICAL POSITION ALTHOUGH IN AND EMERGENCY IT COULD BE CONTACTED OFF CENTER. *TR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApr 2014

ISSUE IS THAT WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AND I DO NOT HAVE MY FOOT SUFFICIENTLY IN THE CENTER OR TO THE LEFT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IT DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IN FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS CAUSES ACCELERATION OF THE ENGINE AND POSSIBLE FORWARD OR REWARD MOVEMENT UNTIL I COMPREHEND WHAT IS GOING ON AND REMOVE MY FOOT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS CONCERN WITH ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED OVER THE YEARS. IT APPEARS THAT THE GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRES TOO MUCH DEPRESSION TO FULLY ENGAGE BRAKES. ISSUE IS EXACERBATED WHEN I WEAR SPORT SHOES WHICH HAVE A LARGER FOOT PRINT. *TR

AIR BAGSMar 2014

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. MANY PEOPLE WOULD RATHER RISK DYING IN A FIERY CRASH THAN GO TO A DEALER, BUT I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TODAY. THE DEALER SAYS 2 AIRBAG SENSORS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT ARE BAD, WHICH REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT TRACK AT A COST OF $1,700. THE SERVICE TECH OPINED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT ISN'T SAT IN REGULARLY. THE DEALER SAYS THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, SO ITS MY PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S DESIGN FLAW AND THEY SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AT ITS EXPENSE. *TR

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJul 2013

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. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE LEAK (THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP). THE RADIATOR DOES NOT LEAK CONSTANTLY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THIS SEEM TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. *TR

Showing 20 of 7,069 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact FORD Explorer Sport TRAC

These pages show model-year patterns across 9 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Explorer Sport TRAC, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Explorer Sport TRAC has 7,069 complaints on record across 9 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Explorer Sport TRAC has 17 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 345 of the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC's 7,069 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Explorer Sport TRAC has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a FORD Explorer Sport TRAC by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Explorer Sport TRAC.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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FORD Explorer Sport TRAC reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC reliable?

Poor. The FORD Explorer Sport TRAC has 7,069 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which FORD Explorer Sport TRAC years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2002 (3,621 complaints), 2004 (1,408 complaints), 2003 (1,313 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common FORD Explorer Sport TRAC problems?

Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (2,552 complaints); STRUCTURE (1,537 complaints); SUSPENSION (594 complaints).

Does the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC have recalls?

Yes — 17 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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