2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2010 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 30 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.

20099 yearsnewer

Before you buy

This 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 30 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

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.

NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview

Free preview Β· Full report from $12.95.

30
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
1
Recalls

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

14
MPG City
13–15 range
19
MPG Hwy
19–21 range
16
MPG Combined
15–17 range
555
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $8,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

19.8% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

19.8% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 30 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Explorer Sport Trac
Model year
2010
NHTSA owner complaints
30
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Transmission / Drivetrain
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
16
EPA MPG city / highway
14 / 19
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
7
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
6
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#3
4
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1

Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Brake System. 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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of wear or malfunction.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of wear or malfunction.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2010 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 30 NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, issues are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine. There is one recall, and two crash-related complaints were reported. The data suggests potential concerns with several major systems, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.

Key Findings
  • Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue with 7 complaints.
  • Engine problems account for 6 complaints, the second most frequent category.
  • Brake system issues were reported 4 times, indicating a possible area of concern.
Top Concerns
  • Transmission / Drivetrain: 7 complaints suggest potential reliability issues.
  • Engine Problems: 6 complaints indicate possible performance or durability concerns.
  • Brake System: 4 complaints may point to braking performance or component wear.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. With only 30 complaints and low confidence, the data may not represent the full owner experience.

Full breakdown

All 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain7β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems6β€”1β€”
Brake System41β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions31β€”β€”
Structural Problems31β€”β€”
Wheel Issues31β€”β€”
Electrical Faults2β€”1β€”
Unintended Acceleration2β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”1β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”

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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 30 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsApr 20, 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…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 8, 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.

Seat-Related IssuesSep 24, 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…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashFeb 12, 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 DEPLO…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 4, 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 …

Structural ProblemsJan 19, 2020

WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 13, 2019

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

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 15, 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 …

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Oct 23, 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 ACCRE…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 9, 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…

Electrical Faults FireNov 20, 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 PUM…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 7, 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 TH…

Wheel IssuesMar 21, 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 REBALA…

Engine ProblemsFeb 2, 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. *…

Suspension FailuresAug 10, 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 PROBL…

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 18, 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 ACCELERATO…

Unintended AccelerationNov 30, 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…

Brake SystemApr 8, 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 U…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 27, 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 TOD…

Engine ProblemsJul 19, 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 MECHAN…

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

Safety recalls

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 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.

Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

#10V161000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER20/04/2010

Across model years

Compare Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2010 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

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

Questions

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 30 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?β–Ύ

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (7 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (6 complaints). #3: Brake System (4 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 30 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. 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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?β–Ύ

The 2010 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.