2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 17%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 17% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving the car it began to lose power, then get power, then it shut off. Restarted the car, started driving and it surged unexpectedly then began to lose power again, then it shut off. This scared my wife because she didn't know if it was going to surge or lose power. Took it to a mechanic and finally after a lot of diagnostics they determined it was the ECM or electronic power control module. I have researched this and a lot of people have had this problem.. Ford knows of the problem but will not replace the module. Others have written of this same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730273, filed 2015-06, 140,000 miles“Parked vehicle. Turned off ignition. Key would not release from the ignition. Cycled the auto shift lever to make sure in park. At this point noted that I could shift out of park without my foot being on the brake. Very dangerous. I was able to remove the key by pulling the ignition fuse. I pulled the fuse and removed the key. Reinstalled the fuse. Was still able to shift out of park without my foot on the brake. I left the car sitting for a while and noted that the battery had completely drained down. I was able to jump the car off to start it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512492, filed 2013-05, 45,000 miles“The contact owned a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH on the sand in a beach area that there was a failure of which a strong burning odor started, excess heat was felt by the driver, front passenger and 3 rear passengers. The vehicle was pulled over as they exited the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11233315, filed 2019-07, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 10055318Mar 1, 2014Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor is…
- 10039053Mar 1, 2011Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 4 | 17% |
| 2007 | 14 | 14% |
| 2005 | 11 | 17% |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 11 | 14% |
| 2002 | 21 | 15% |
| 2001 | 14 | 8% |
| 1998 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology