2008 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 17 unsafe

    18
    incidents
    Typical range: 61,000–100,000 mi

    Median 69,000 mi, based on 29 reports (0% had no usable mileage)

    • "WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START WITH THIS 2008 EXPLORER. WHEN SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN THE TRANSMISSION GETS HUNG BETWEEN GEARS, THEN THE ENGINE REVS UP, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL DROP INTO GEAR WITH NECK SNAPPING RESULT, LUNGING FORWARD QUICK…"~4,000 mi, complaint #716892
    • "WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE FROM PARK, OR ANY OTHER GEARS, THE SHIFT IS EXTREMELY DELAYED. IT APPEARS TO BE "HITTING HARD." IT EVEN LURCHES BACKWARDS ABOUT 2 FEET WHILE THIS HAPPENS. WHICH, IF PARKED AROUND OTHER PEOPLE THIS POSES AS AN EXTREME DANGER, AS I COU…"~60,000 mi, complaint #905769
    • "TRANSMISION PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEARS SLIPPING POPING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO PARK FORD IS AWARE OF PROBLEMS WITH THERE TRANSMISIONS AND NO CARE TO HELP 1 BET THEY NEED THE GOV TO STEP IN NOW SO HELP US EXPLORER OWNERS. *JS"~69,000 mi, complaint #1143656
    • "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 RO…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1601388
    • "The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, and the vehicle rolled backwards about an inch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the parking…"~165,000 mi, complaint #2224437
  2. #2

    seat mechanism

    17 unsafe

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 73,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOVED BACKWARD INDEPENDENTLY AS THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED T…"~1,500 mi, complaint #953601
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BEGAN TO SLIDE BACKWARD ABNORMALLY, IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO REACH THE PEDALS WITH HER FEET. THE SEAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTED WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN TH…"~42,000 mi, complaint #911172
    • "THE EDDIE BAUER EDITION OF THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A MOVING SEAT TO ALLOW YOU TO ENTER AND EXIT. IN EITHER 2012 OR 2013 I REPORTED IT TO THE DANA MOTORS FORD DEALER THAT WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS SEAT MOVES BACK WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAYS THAT ARE SLIGHTLY…"~54,287 mi, complaint #1146665
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 EXPLORER AT ABOUT 30-40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS POP ON, THE DRIVERS SEAT GOES ALL THE WAY BACK, AND THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A RECALL??? THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY HAPPENED TO A TON OF OTHER PEOPL…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1167457
    • "WHILE I WAS DRIVING I FELT THE SEAT MOVE AND NOTICED THAT IF I WOULD HIT THE KEY WHILE IT WAS IN THE IGNITION THE DRIVERS SEAT WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH SPORADICALLY. ALSO THE DOME LIGHTS FROM FRONT TO BACK WOULD GO OFF AND ON SPORADICALLY WHILE THE SEAT MOVED…"~108,405 mi, complaint #1263985
  3. #3

    control module

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "WHEN WE CHANGED THE BATTERY THE 4 X 4 MODULE STOPPED WORKING. *TR"~66,000 mi, complaint #699294
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY EXPLORER DOWN THE ROAD WHEN ONCE AGAIN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. LEAVING ME WITH OUT POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. THIS IS MY 2ND TIME REPORTING THIS TO NHTSA. THIS PROBLEM OF SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING HAS HAPPENED TO ME MANY TIMES BEFORE MOST…"~110,200 mi, complaint #1099314
    • "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 STIFFE…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1714035
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR MOVING, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER SYSTEM REBUIL…"~156,000 mi, complaint #1378712
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY SUV COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T STEER IT AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE SUV STOPPED DEAD IN IT'S TRACKS. I DRIVE 95% ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY I WOULDN'T BE HERE TODAY…"~186,000 mi, complaint #1322314
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 6 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 103,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER POWER SEAT STARTS TO MOVE BACKWARDS AND FORWARD ,DOME LIGHTS CAME ON LIKE IF WHEN I TURN OFF THE CAR . BUT THE CAR IS ON AND MOVING . AND THEN TWO OCCASIONS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF. PULLED OVER AND RESTART…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1061896
    • "I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN, A WRENCH ICON APPEARED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. I THEN PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND STARTED IT WITHOUT A PROBLEM, AND WAS ABLE…"~102,350 mi, complaint #1036439
    • "WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED IT CAME FROM NOWHERE. I WAS DRIVING AS NORMAL THEN THERE WAS AN INITIAL LOSS OF POWER AS I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AN UNFAMILIAR ORANGE WRENCH WERE NOW ILLUMINATED. SEEMING AS I HAD NO POWER I CAUTIOUSLY GUIDED THE VEHICLE…"~103,500 mi, complaint #1388107
    • "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."~140,000 mi, complaint #1681356
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTE…"~147,000 mi, complaint #1407362
  5. #5

    key fob and immobilizer

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 63,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. FIRST FEW INCIDENTS WERE SPREAD APART HOWEVER THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED NOW TO ALMOST EVERY OTHER MINUTE WHILE DRIVING. DRIVING OVER BUMPS, DIPS IN ROAD, ETC. TRIGGERS THE EVENT. I HAVE NARR…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1071542
    • "I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK IN SEPT 2014 ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT,AS I WAS DRIVING THE DOME LIGHTS GO ON AND THE SEAT MOVES BACK AS IT DOES WHEN IT LETS YOU OUT. IT WILL DO THIS MORE SO WITH ONE SET OF OUR KEYS THEN THE OTHER. IT'S CONTINUALLY GETTING WO…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1173738
    • "WHILE AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP OR UNEVEN GROUND, KEY FOB WILL ROCK BACK AND FORTH SLIGHTLY, WHICH IS NORMAL, BUT THE IGNITION ON THIS VEHICLE IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS FOB MOTION TRIGGERS THE COURTESY FEATURES OF THE SEAT, WHICH FLIES BACK AND LOWERS AT THE SAME…"~63,256 mi, complaint #1119461
    • "WHEN IN DRIVE AND MOVING AND GOING OVER A BUMP, THE POWER SEAT GOES INTO THE POSITION IT WOULD BE AS IF NO KEY IN IGNITION (GOES ALL THE WAY BACK) AND THE OVERHEAD LIGHT GOES ON. SITUATION IS EXACERBATED IF THERE ARE ITEMS ON THE IGNITION KEY CHAIN. SITUAT…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1067904
    • "WHEN MOVING THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON. WENT TO FORD DEALER WHERE PURCHASED RECENTLY TO SEE IF THERE WAS RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. TEST DROVE WITH A TECH TO SHOW PROBLEM OF IGNITION SWITCH CAUSING THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO COME ON WHILE CAR IS BEING…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1150436
  6. #6

    engine cooling

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT COOLANT LEAKED CONTINU…"~76,194 mi, complaint #1232101
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE RADIATOR WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE…"~78,000 mi, complaint #944080
    • "I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DURING MY WORK DAY. SUDDENLY, STEAM CAME POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I STOPPED AND LET THE VEHICLE COOL OFF. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE SEAM ON THE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT HOUSING H…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1232906
    • "UPON DRIVING DURING THE MONTH OF MAY AND JUNE, I WOULD NOTICE A BURNING SMELL FROM THE ENGINE AND THE DASHBOARD WOULD DEMONSTRATE ELEVATED ENGINE TEMP, EACH TIME I WOULD CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND I NOTICED THAT MY COOLANT RESERVOIR WOULD BE EMPTY. AFTER SEVER…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1108939
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RADIATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT HO…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1242423
  7. #7

    other

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I HAVE A 2008 FORD EXPLORER, CALLED U-HAUL TODAY TO RENT A SMALL TRAILER TO TOW BEHIND IT TO MOVE SOME BOXES. U-HAUL DOES NOT RENT TRAILERS TO TOW BEHIND FORD EXPLORERS! I WAS SHOCKED AS I WOULD THINK THAT THE MINIMAL REQUIREMENT OF ANY SUV IS THAT YOU WOULD…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1052998
    • "THE PASSENGER SEAT IN OUR 2008 FORD EXPLORER STARTED ON FIRE, LIKELY FROM THE SEAT HEATER. THIS RESULTED IN MASSIVE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE CAR, AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. PLEASE LOOK INTO FAULTY SEAT HEATIN…"~93,000 mi, complaint #1165241
    • "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 EXAC…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1583860
  8. #8

    power windows and locks

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WE HAVE A 2008 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN 2008. EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN WE WENT OVER A BUMP, THE ELECTRONIC DRIVERS SEAT MOVED BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON. IT TOOK A MOMENT FOR THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF, BUT THE…"~32,000 mi, complaint #833866
    • "KEY CYLINDER HAS LOOSENED INSIDE IGNITION HOUSING. THIS CONDITION WHILE DRIVING IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR SHORTER INDIVIDUALS AS WHEN A BUMP OR CERTAIN MOTIONS CAUSE THE AUTOMATIC SEATS TO RETRACT TO "OFF POSITION" CREATING A 4-6" GAP BETWEEN FOOT AND PEDA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1364774
    • "IN MY 2008 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER, WHILE DRIVING, STOPPED OR BACKING AT ANY TIME IF THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION GET JIGGLED, IF BY BUMP IN ROAD OR BY KNEE, THE POWER DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACKWARDS. THERE IS A FEATURE CALLED EASY ENTRY WHERE THE SEAT MOVES COMPLET…"~61,000 mi, complaint #1273353
    • "VISORS FELL APART AND MIRROR FELL OUT. TRANSMISSION CLUNKS INTO REVERSE AND SKIPS GEARS WHEN SHIFTING. *TR"~65,000 mi, complaint #982387
    • "VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF REPAIR ON 6/16/2014 FOR ELECTRICAL DRIVER SEAT MOVING FORWARD AND BACKWARDS DURING TRAVEL, DOME LIGHT OPERATING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY? DRIVER SEAT MOVEMENT DURING TRAVEL IS HAZARDOUS.. COLONIAL FORD [REDACTED ADDRESS] 06811 WAS TH…"~69,500 mi, complaint #1088354
  9. #9

    wheel or rim

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD EXPLORER SOUTH ON I-55 TOWARD CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY. LUCKILY, I WAS BY AN EXIT RAMP WHEN THIS HAPPENED. SO I TOOK THE EXIT AND AT THE TOP OF THE EXIT RAMP THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL/TIRE CAME…"~54,525 mi, complaint #911469
    • "MARCH 18, 2012, 50 MPH, FRONT PASSENGER FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. ONLY ONE OUT OF FIVE STUDS STILL AT NORMAL LENGTH, THREE AT HALF THEIR NORMAL LENGTH AND THE FIFTH COMPLETELY MISSING. CAUSED BRAKES TO GO OUT, COASTED TO A CONTROLLED STOP HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY…"~67,000 mi, complaint #950593
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING 2008 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON A NEWLY PAVED SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A RHYTHMIC THUMPING FROM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ABOUT ONE MILE LATER, GOING ONLY 55 MPH, MY SON AND I WERE BOUNCING UP AND DOWN IN THE FRONT SEATS. I PULLED…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1135305
  10. #10

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL PRIOR TO THE STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO A…"~67,000 mi, complaint #835449
    • "4/1- A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE 4/1, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ON 4/1, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A SIDE STREET AND IT SHUT OFF ON ME, WITHOUT WARNING. I GOT IT TOWED TO A DEALER NEAR BY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR. DEALER CHANGED IT... 4/10 - THE W…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1071709
    • "WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT A MEDIUM SPEED IN MARCH 2013, THE DASHBOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS BLINKING FROM THE LOW GAS TO THE CHECK ENGINE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. LUCKILY I WAS NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR BAD WEATHER BECAUSE THIS…"~80,000 mi, complaint #986634
    • "VEHICLE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON, SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND EVENTUALLY LOSS POWER, STEERING CONTROL AND BRAKING CAPABILITIES. CURRENTLY AT THE MECHANIC, IT APPEARS IT MAY HAVE BEEN…"~85,001 mi, complaint #922650
  11. #11

    lighting interior

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATE SPEEDS RANGING FROM 5 TO 45 MPH AND WOULD GRADUALLY TURN OFF. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO C…"~36,900 mi, complaint #751802
    • "INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. USUALLY AFTER HITTING A DIP IN THE ROAD OR GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS THEN WOULD GRADUALLY TURN OFF. *TR"~43,555 mi, complaint #806608
    • "DRIVING AT NIGHT AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN...ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON...THEN WENT BACK OFF SHORTLY AFTER THEY CAME ON...CAUSED A GLARE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR... IT'S NOW HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND I HAVE READ ABOUT HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSU…"~116,000 mi, complaint #1166205
    • "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…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1583815
  12. #12

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SHUT OFF AFTER THE FAILURE AND UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WA…"~49,000 mi, complaint #880106
    • "CAR SHUTS OFF AND BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKS UP. REPAIR SHOP AND FORD SAID IT WAS A POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.FORD HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS PART IS A PROBLEM AND THAT THERE ARE NONE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN THE US. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR OVER FOUR WEEKS. FORD C…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1113581
    • "LOSS OF STEERING. "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DOCUMENTED ISSUE AND FORD IS 'SELECTIVELY' CHOOSING TO CHERRY-PICK COVERAGE ON RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE COVERED ON ALL EFFECTED VEHICLES NOT CHERRY PICKED! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY 2-$3,…"~148,550 mi, complaint #1455866
  13. #13

    wiring harness

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. DRIVING OVER BUMPS, DIPS IN ROAD, ETC. TRIGGERS THE EVENT. *TR"~8,000 mi, complaint #1076751
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT INDEPENDENTLY MOVED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE FAIL…"~80,416 mi, complaint #1179184
    • "I'VE HAD MY 2008 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER JUST OVER A YEAR. AS I'M DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD, IT STARTS ACTING LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO CUT OFF. I GET TO A RED LIGHT AND AS I'M ABOUT TO TAKE OFF, IT SHUTS OFF. I PLACED IT IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT THEN IT SPUTTERS AND…"~117,809 mi, complaint #1393299
  14. #14

    airbag system

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER AND THEY ARE SAYING I NEED A NEW MODULE IN ORDER FOR MY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY PROPERLY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE, I SEE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESULTS. I AM CONCERNED…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1179947
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE…"~166,000 mi, complaint #686826
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED ON SEVEN OCCASIONS. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD MAKE A CLICKING SOUND. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TWICE HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO DEAT…"~10,800 mi, complaint #671021
    • "BRAKES FAILED ! I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ( ABOUT 80 ANGLE ) INTO A STORE PLAZA THAT HAS A SLIGHT HILL . WHILE MAKING THE TURN THERE WAS A SINGLE THUMP. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED INTO TURNING POSITION THEN RELEASED , DEPRESSED THE BREAKS AS I HIT THE BREAKS THE BR…"~98,240 mi, complaint #1292605
  16. #16

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "SEAT BELT TIGHTENS UP OVER CHEST AND WON'T RELEASE THIS WAS PROBLEM WITH ALL 4 EXPLORERS I BOUGHT 1991,1996,2003 AND NOW MY 2008 WHY CANT YOU GUYS GET A DIFFERENT COMPANY FOR YOUR SET BELTS THE ONE YOU USE SUCKS I'M SURE THERE ARE MANY MORE DEFECTS BUT I GUESS…"~46,745 mi, complaint #917597
    • "THE DRIVER SAFETY SEAT BELT DOES NOT EASILY LOCK IN PLACE EVEN WITH A HARD PUSH AND COMES OUT OF THE RETAINER UNDER PRESSURE ON THE BELT - ONLY REPEATED HARD PUSHES UNTIL A CLICK SOUNDS IS EFFECTIVE! THE LOCKING MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE LOCKED WHEN IN FACT IT…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1340147
    • "THE DRIVER'S SAFETY DEVICE (SEAT BELT) DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO CLICK/LOCK IT IN PLACE, EVEN WITH FORCEFUL PRESSURE. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT WILL COME UNLOCKED. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR NOT IN MOTION. ALL INDICATIONS ARE…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1394990
  17. #17

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2008 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS ON 1/11/10. *TR "~29,150 mi, complaint #775447
    • "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 EXPLORE…"~134,632 mi, complaint #1571687
  18. #18

    wheel bearing

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY PERSONAL VEHICLE IS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE.I WORK FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE MODEL WHEEL BEARING FAILURE...MOSTLY ON SUV I.E. *TR EXPLORER,EDGE,MOUNTAINEER,MKX...HAVE WORKED HER…"~62,250 mi, complaint #927145
    • "BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO FRONT AXLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. *TR"~76,000 mi, complaint #946012
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1294259
  19. #19

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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 FA…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1511146
    • "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 INVESTIGA…"~197,000 mi, complaint #1724014
  20. #20

    exhaust system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MANIFOLD BOLT FAILURE, CAUSING EXHAUST GASES TO ESCAPE FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. MANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THIS ON ONLINE FORUMS. *TR"~45,000 mi, complaint #951104
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS THAT CONNECTED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE BECAME FRACTURED AT THE CONNECTION POINT. AS A RESULT, THE EXHAUST WAS CAUSING A LEAK ONTO THE WHEEL BASE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHIC…"~85,000 mi, complaint #963855
  21. #21

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS UNABLE TO PUT GAS IN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO 3 LOCAL MECHANICS AND ALL 3 CONCURRED THAT DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE GAS TANK VENT HOSE (WATER FROM THE ROAD) HAS ENDED UP IN THE GAS. THIS IN TURN CONTAMINATED THE GAS CANISTER…"~95,250 mi, complaint #838792
    • "2008 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HAVING PROBLEMS FILLING THE GAS TANK. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PUMP HOSE WOULD CLICK OFF AUTOMATICALLY, AS IF SIGNALING THE TANK WAS FULL, EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE CONSUMER STATED IT TOOK…"~113,000 mi, complaint #990372
  22. #22

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SHINING SIDEWAYS INSTEAD OF FORWARD. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN POOR LIGHTING. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,030 AN…"complaint #648478
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT AN ANGLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS NO SETTING ON THE VEHICLE TO ADJUST THE LIGHTS HORIZONTALLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT…"complaint #648779
  23. #23

    steering rack mechanical

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "NOISE COMING FROM STEERING, FELT IN STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING, IN THE FORM OF A SHUDDER ACCOMPANIED WITH A PULSATING GROANING TYPE NOISE. THIS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY AS TIME HAS GONE BY, NOW IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY AND WITH AN ADDITIONAL SOUND OF FLUID…"~42,000 mi, complaint #942776
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AND AS I DROVE IT GOT WORSE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ROCKING SIDE TO SIDE AND UP AND DOWN NO LESS THAN 2-3 INCHES. THIS WAS SCARY! I CALLED , AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN, WHICH I D…"~47,938 mi, complaint #902555
  24. #24

    timing belt or chain

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • " THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH FROM STORE TO SCHOOL IN MIDDAY TWO MILES, STARTED TICKING AND GOT LOUDER AS TRAVELING BACK HOME(2 MILE). AT HOME POPPED HOOD, LISTENED FOR NOISE ,ENGINE IDLING SMOOTHLY ,BUT TICKING OR RATHER HITTING NOISE FROM TOP OF VALVE COV…"~72,931 mi, complaint #1047082
  25. #25

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE P235/65/R18. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TRACTION WAS POOR WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED THAT THE TREAD ON…"~11,300 mi, complaint #708652
    • "ALL SENSORS & BANDS BROKE INTO SMALL PIECES WHICH WAS CAUSING THE TIRES TO RIP FROM THE INSIDE. IF NOT TAKEN IN FOR NEW TIRES, ALL TIRES WOULD'VE BLOWN OUT & POSSIBLY CAUSED INJURY TO ME & MY TODDLER. WORST PART OF ALL, FORD WOULDN'T COVER THIS DANGEROUS MANUF…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1006138
  26. #26

    tpms

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES, THE TPMS REGISTERS MONITOR THEN SENSOR FAULT READING. AT REDUCED SPEED, OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE FAULT MESSAGE DISAPPEARS. THE DEALER CAN NOT REPAIR PROBLEM UNTIL FAULT READING REMAINS CONSTANT. IT HAS BEE…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1217462
    • "TIRE SENSOR WAS ON AND TRANSMISSOIN IS LEAKING"~145,000 mi, complaint #1371502
  27. #27

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN THE ABS SENSORS IN THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES FAIL, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM GOES INTO A SPORADIC LIMP MODE THAT CUTS POWER TO THE WHEELS CAUSING A TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL LEAVING THE VEHICLE POWERLESS IN ON COMING TRAFFIC. THIS EVENT USUALLY OCCURS WH…"~222,500 mi, complaint #1337772
  28. #28

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BEGINNING TO SLIP AND WOULD HESITATE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WAS REPLACED ONCE AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT BELIEVED…"~55,000 mi, complaint #788517
  29. #29

    door latch and hinge

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ICE AND SNOW FREEZE THE DOORS AND FRAMES ON HIS VEHICLE AND HE CANNOT OPEN THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE…"~7,000 mi, complaint #752065
  30. #30

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PURCHASED MY 2008 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER ON AUGUST 16, 2008. IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON AUGUST 21ST, FOR A NOISE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL OR TRANSMISSION AS IT HAD A CLANGING NOISE WHEN STARTING AND DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. THEY RECOMMENDED TO WAIT…"complaint #715175
  31. #31

    engine internal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY VEHICLE, A 2008 FORD EXPLORER WITH A 4.6L 3V V8 ENGINE, WENT INTO VEHICLE SAFE MODE WHILE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE (I-83). THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING PERIODIC MISFIRE, WHICH TRIGGERED A LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION COMPUT…"~135,000 mi, complaint #977072
  32. #32

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. "~124,000 mi, complaint #1346564
  33. #33

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVER & PASSENGER MIRROR LIDS ON SUN VISORS HAVE BROKEN APART. IT IS CLEAR THAT THE PLASTIC USED WAS OF INFERIOR QUALITY. AFTER READING MANY ONLINE POSTS I CAN SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. LIDS BREAK OFF, MIRROR LIGHT STAYS ON AND: 1) RUNS…"complaint #899278
  34. #34

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WA…"~33,333 mi, complaint #917612
  35. #35

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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."~140,000 mi, complaint #1615788
  36. #36

    stability and traction control

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL COMES ON FOR NO REASON AND LOSS OF BRAKING IS EXPERIENCED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, WHICH I HAD TO DRIVE THROUGH FORCING OTHER DRIVERS TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES TO AVOI…"~18,500 mi, complaint #743083
  37. #37

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK FROM DRIVE. IT SNAPPED AT THE BASE CONNECTING TO THE COLUMN. *TR"complaint #665650
  38. #38

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "IN FREEZING WEATHER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD UNDERNEATH THE CENTER OF THE WIPER BLADE. THIS CAUSES WATER, ICE, OR SNOW TO BUILD UP IN A LARGE AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER'S VISION. THIS MAKES IT NECESS…"complaint #709132

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.