MotorDeets

Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Explorer Sport Trac from 1997 to 2010: 720 owner complaints and 10 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (167), 2002 (144), 2007 (100). Best fuel economy: 17 mpg combined (2010).

Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain139
Electrical88
Body & structure79
Engine & cooling75
Speed control / throttle73
Suspension51
Airbags45
Brakes (hydraulic)44

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199706–
199805–
200013–
2001416717
2002214417
200307817
200408616
200506615
200605–
2007110016
200812316
20090617
201013117

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (167), 2002 (144), 2007 (100).

How many recalls has the Ford Explorer Sport Trac had?

Across 1997–2010, NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).