2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Shopping for a used 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 23 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 23 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 23 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer Sport Trac
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 23
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and check for any drivetrain noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and check for any drivetrain noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 23 NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, issues appear concentrated in the engine and transmission/drivetrain, which together account for the majority of reports. There is one recall and one crash-related complaint, but the low sample size limits confidence.
- Engine problems are the most reported issue with 9 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues follow closely with 8 complaints.
- Electrical faults and brake system issues each have 4 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that on three occasions while the vehicle was in drive but stationary, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON THE SAND IN A BEACH AREA THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF WHICH A STRONG BURNING ODOR STARTED, EXCESS HEAT WAS FELT BY THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER AND 3 REAR PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKES EVENTUALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEP…
BROKE DOWN ON A VERY HIGH TRAFFIC BRIDGE, THAT HAD NO SAFETY LANE TO PULL OVER. VERY DANGEROUS, WITH NO TIME TO PULL OVER WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. REPEAT, THIS HAPPENS TO ALL FORD SPORT TRACS WITH PLASTIC RADIATOR HOUSING. THERE ARE SOME CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ACROSS THE USA. FO…
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE STARTED MISSING AND CAR SHAKING; PULLED IN TO FORD DEALER IN NEXT TOWN; DIAGNOSIS SAID COULD BE THIS OR THAT THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT BUT GOT CAR RUNNING SMOTHER; WE WENT ANOTHER 300 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION; TOOK CAR T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V181000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN W…
DRIVING THE CAR IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THEN GET POWER, THEN IT SHUT OFF. RESTARTED THE CAR, STARTED DRIVING AND IT SURGED UNEXPECTEDLY THEN BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AGAIN, THEN IT SHUT OFF. THIS SCARED MY WIFE BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T KNOW IF IT WAS GOING TO SURGE OR LOSE POWER. TOOK IT…
AFTER TURNING ONTO THE MAIN ROAD OUT OF OUR SUBDIVISION THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAR BEHIND US NEARLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE TENSIONERS USED FOR THE TIMING CHAINS ON THE MOTOR IN THIS VEHICLE. THE TENSIO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE M…
TRUCK CUT OFF 4 TIMES IN MIDDLE TRAFFIC WOULD NOT STAY ON. NO WARNING LIGHT CHANGE TRIED TO PULL OFF TRUCK JUST KEPT CUTTING OFF. *TR
PARKED VEHICLE. TURNED OFF IGNITION. KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. CYCLED THE AUTO SHIFT LEVER TO MAKE SURE IN PARK. AT THIS POINT NOTED THAT I COULD SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITHOUT MY FOOT BEING ON THE BRAKE. VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY BY PULLING THE…
THE AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. SOME TIME IF YOU SHUTOFF THE ENGINE IT WILL RESET BUT SOMETIMES WONT RESET. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THEN CALLED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY AND THEY SAID ITS NOT COVERED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ISN'T IT A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANUFACTUR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR BEGAN TO LEAK ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE FROM AN INDEPENDENT PARTS DEALER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PART. THE VEHICLE WA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL, SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL, SHIFT OUT OF OVER DRIVE OR WOULD SHIFT INTO VARIOUS GEARS ERRATICALLY. A LOCAL MECH…
VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN EXHAUST LEAK FROM THE LEFT SIDE MANIFOLD. REPAIRED AT A COST OF 250 DOLLARS. LEAK WAS NOTICEABLE BY EXHAUST SMELL IN CAB AND SOUND FROM LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE. SECOND LEAK HAS NOW DEVELOPED ON RIGHT SIDE, STILL NEED TO REPAIR, HAVE EXHAUST SMELL IN CAB AN…
RADIATOR STARTED LEAKING AT BOTTOM GASKET /O RING SEAL OF TANK. ALSO INTERIOR LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON WHEN HIT BUMPS. FOUND IT IS TIED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. IF LIGHT COMES ON AFTER HITTING BUMP ALL I HAVE TO DO IS GIGGLE THE IGNITION SWITCH TO GET IT TO GO BACK OFF. *TR
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 BUMPER. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE HAD …
2008 FORD SPORT TRAC WHEN PULLING ONTO HIGHWAY TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WOULD NOT GO OR ABLE TO STOP BRAKE PEDAL FELT LIKE A JACK HAMMER WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE LIGHT OFF WAS TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FORD HAS DON…
2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC, V6. TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE; TRUCK HAS DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND WILL ROLL BACKWARDS FROM A STOP IF ON AN INCLINE. TRANSMISSION ALSO 'SLAMS' GEARS AND FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. DEALERSHIP …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Safety recalls
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
#1: Engine Problems (9 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.