MotorDeets

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 1 recall, 23 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
23owner complaints
1mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #07V453000 · 2007 · 1,497 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with the 4.6l engine and 6r transmission, the bolt securing the transmission oil cooler line fittings at the transmission May not have been sufficiently torqued during vehicle assembly. As a result, the bolt May loosen and the transmission oil cooler lines May disengage from the transmission, causing a transmission fluid leak.

Why it matters: If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it May pose a risk of fire.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and have the transmission cooler line attachment bolt tightened free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2007.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain8
Engine7
Electrical4
Engine & cooling2
Brakes2
Speed control / throttle2
Tires1
Traction Control System1

What owners describe

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 23 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 13 Explorer Sport Trac model years for complaints (well below the 55 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 65,265 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (100 complaints, 1 recalls), 2009 (6 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive132016Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131915Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131915Regular

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 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
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
Check 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual
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
Check 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (8), engine (7), electrical (4).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Explorer Sport Trac years

1997199820002001200220032004200520062007200820092010