2008 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2008 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 146 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2008 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2008 Ford Explorer 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. 8 trims analysed.
2008 Ford Explorer 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 Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% 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 has 146 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 146
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2008 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Seat-Related Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Seat-Related Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2008 Ford Explorer?
The 2008 Ford Explorer 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.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2008 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery and wiring, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect seat mechanisms and engine components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery and wiring, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect seat mechanisms and engine components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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
Complaints for the 2008 Ford Explorer are concentrated in electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and seat-related issues, with a moderate number of engine problems. The data suggests potential reliability concerns in these areas, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (38 out of 146).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (35 complaints).
- Seat-related issues are also prominent (27 complaints).
- Electrical faults, including potential wiring or battery issues.
- Transmission or drivetrain problems, such as shifting or failure.
- Seat-related issues, possibly involving comfort or mechanism defects.
All 2008 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 38 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 27 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under warranty for transmission, so when it died I thought ok it's covered, so the landlord…
The stickers are not on properly. My childs safety wasnt put at risk. I asked a CPST to help with a fit and intall check and we noticed the defected stickers.
Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years. It started having general maintenance issues, then the cats were stolen, but then, one night my mother was coming home from a relative's house, when she was …
The wiring harness going into the back of what I believe is the throttle position sensor has a 180° turn in the wiring in a very short distance. There are four wires involved in that portion of the wiring harness. The wiring is also next to the hot, cooling system hoses coming o…
AN ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON ON MY DASHBOARD AND I CAN'T PICK UP SPEED. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT A FEW TIMES AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THERE'S BEEN MANY PEOPLE ON YOUTUBE COMPLAINING OF THE SAMETHING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY, LUC…
MY 2008 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES RECENTLY WHERE IT TURNS OVER AND WILL NOT START, THEN WILL START. TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE SERVICE WRENCH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND THE STEERING STIFFENED UP AND WAS HARD …
ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT ALL CAME ON AND CAR WENT TO IDLE AND WOULD NOT REV UP LIKE IT WAS STUCK OM IDLE--THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 60 MILES PER HOUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I WAS ALMOST REARENDED OVER IT.
TRANSMISSION ON MY FORD EXPLORER V8 4.6 LIMITED NOT CHANGING INTO LAST GEAR. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP TRANSMISSION JERKS SLIGHTLY. AT 61000 MILES NOW ..... I DIDN'T EXPECT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ARE HUMMING..... I HAD THIS WHEEL BEARING PROBLEM BEFORE O…
WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, IF I GO THROUGH A PUDDLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING FAILS FOR VARYING AMOUNTS OF TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I ONLY JUST FOUND OUT I COULD MAKE A COMPLAINT.
STOPPED AT THE 4 WAY ..AND MY TURN TO GO..MY CAR GOES MAYBE 2 SECONDS THEN IT REVVS WHEN I PRESSED THE PEDAL BIT MYCAR DOESNT ENGAGE . THE TOOL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I RODE IT TO THE SIDE ..TURNED IT OFF. THEN STARTED IT AGAIN..GETTING BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN..AND ONCE A…
INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TURN ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AS IT MAKES IT MUCH HARDER TO VIEW THE ROAD AN…
MY FRIEND LET ME USE HIS VEHICLE BUT HE ALTERED IT AND IT IS MALFUNCTIONING . HE EXPLAINS AS IF WHEN I DON'T "BEHAVE" I HAVE REPERCUSSIONS. HE HAS ALTERED THE VEHICLE TREMENDOUSLY. IF WE GET AN ARGUMENT HE WILL TELL ME I HAVE X AMOUNT OF DAYS AND IN THOSE EXACT X AMOUNT OF DAYS T…
ON OR ABOUT MAY 15TH, 2019, WHILE SITTING STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, MY 2008 EXPLORER SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ON MAY 28TH, 2019 THIS HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE SITTING IN THE HOME DRIVEWAY. ON MAY 29TH, 2019 I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO AKINS FORD IN W…
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CAR STOPS ACCELERATING. THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON BUT THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING BUT WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE OPERATOR CAN STOP THE CAR AND TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON AND THIS SEEMS TO CLEAR THE FAULT. THE PROBLEM IS…
"TRANSMISSION FAILURE" AT 100233 MILES THE WRENCH AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME WHILE DRIVING. UPON PARKING & TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT WORK. CUT THRU ALL GEARS LIKE BUTTER. WOUND NOT "ENTER" INTO ANY GEAR. TOWED. AFTER VEHICLE COOLED, TRANSMISSION WORKS AGAIN…
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL ACTIVATE THE DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING IT TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD, LEAVING THE DRIVER FULLY UNABLE TO REACH THE GAS PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR BRAKES. THIS OCCURS ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND CREAT…
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, FRONT DRIVER SEAT WILL NOT ADJUST BEFORE GOING OUT WOULD MOVE ON ITS OWN AND CAUSE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO COME ON. PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK VEHICLE IN AFTER PURCHASE FOR HARD SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION AND NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO…
TRANSMISSION GOING OUT AT 100,000MILES AND COOLIANT PROBLEMS.
STIFFNESS IN STEERING WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL . NO SOUNDS COMING FROM POWER STEERING/BELT OR ANYTHING FOR THAT MATTER .. JUST WHEN YOU SLOW TO TURN IT'S STIFF
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL ACTIVATE THE MEMORY SEAT FUNCTION CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE AND THE DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARD LEAVING THE DRIVER UNABLE TO REACH PEDALS OR STEERING WHEEL WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. OCCURS ON BOTH CITY STREETS AND H…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Ford Explorer.
2008 Ford Explorer Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford Explorer. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2008 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 146 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Ford Explorer 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?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (38 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (35 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 146 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. 3 recall campaigns are 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?▾
The 2008 Ford Explorer 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 Electrical Faults 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 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.