2008 Ford Explorer Problems
Compared with other Ford Explorer years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.1× that of a typical Ford Explorer year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 20 of its 148 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Loss of acceleration with wrench light (34 complaints, median 100,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 148filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 129 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe an ignition-switch-related electrical quirk in which the interior lights come on and the power driver seat slides back, plus hard or erratic shifting from the automatic transmission. Coolant loss from a cracked thermostat housing and intermittent power steering assist also appear, spread across a wide mileage range from under 50,000 to well past 150,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Interior lights flash and driver seat slides back while
Mentioned in 19 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the dome/interior lights coming on by themselves, often together with the power driver seat moving all the way back, while the vehicle is being driven. Many say it happens after a bump, a dip in the road, or any jiggle of the key in the ignition, and that wiggling the key makes it come and go. Complaints report dealers either could not duplicate the fault or replaced the ignition switch or key cylinder; several owners say the problem returned or was never resolved. Reported from roughly 20,000 to over 120,000 miles, frequently after a bump or when the key is disturbed.
What to check: Sit in the driver seat, start the engine, and jiggle the key and tap the ignition area to see whether the lights or seat react. Ask whether the ignition switch or key cylinder has been replaced and whether the repair held.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving at speed, in traffic, another car cut me off, when hit the horn and started brake - the driver seat suddenly moved backwards. This has happen at least 8 times, the dealer seem to understand the seriousness of driving and the driver seat moving backwards to where I can barely touch the pedals. I purchased the vehicle in may with approx 46k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10470108, filed 2012-08, 48,000 miles“When driving over a bump in the road my seats go back, the lights come on and the key comes partly out of the ignition. This has been going on for months now and luckily I haven't had an accident. I have to push the key back into the ignition while trying to keep my foot on the pedal because of the seat going back I am too far from the pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10608953, filed 2014-07, 101,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard, delayed or erratic transmission shifting
- 22 complaints (15%)
- median 65,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2026
Complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation between gears when slowing for a turn, and a lurch or slam when engaging reverse. Some owners report reprogramming, band adjustment or solenoid replacement at the dealer without lasting improvement, and others describe the transmission losing engagement when hot and recovering after a cooldown. Spread from about 4,000 to over 150,000 miles, with several reports in the 30,000 to 80,000 mile range.
Recall 07V4530003 related service bulletins
What to check: Test drive from cold and check for delayed or harsh engagement into drive and reverse; ask for transmission service records, any reprogramming, and whether the fluid cooler line recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 quickly. I'm afraid that this could cause my wife to loose control of the vehicle. Also the locking torque converter disengages constantly at highway speeds, then re-engages, then disengages. …”
NHTSA complaint #10266077, filed 2009-04, 4,000 miles“My 2008 Ford Explorer transmission started lurching when shifting gears while driving. Also when I would put the car in reverse it would hesitate and roll back a few seconds and then slam into reverse. I expected to see my transmission laying on the ground. I have also had a 2005 Ford Explorer and it did the same thing. This is my only car and I am very disappointed with Ford. My last Explorer also had to have all four wheel bearings replaced under 75,000 miles and my 2008 had to have two replaced before it was 2 yrs old. This is crazy! …”
NHTSA complaint #10536979, filed 2013-08, 164,000 miles - Engine
Loss of acceleration with wrench light
- 34 complaints (23%)
- median 100,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (30 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2024
Owners describe the vehicle suddenly refusing to accelerate, sometimes at speed, with the wrench or check engine light on, and normal operation returning after shutting off and restarting. Complaints mention throttle body, throttle position sensor and PCM-related diagnoses, with some owners reporting the symptom returned after parts were replaced. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 190,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the wrench light has come on, and whether the throttle body, throttle position sensor or PCM has been replaced or reflashed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, luckily the interstate wasn't busy when my truck lost its ability to accelerate. I could've cause a car pile up and there could've been many lives lost”
NHTSA complaint #11391058, filed 2021-02, 197,000 miles“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 again I move some..then the engine revvvs but the car doesn t fo..twice I almostgot side swiped by on coming vars up behind me. I talked to the mechanic..as I just bought this car in july last year..hesaid its a Ford thing..commom.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11254321, filed 2019-09, 100,000 miles - Steering
Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 108,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2020
Complaints describe the steering wheel becoming stiff or seizing at speed and then returning to normal after a restart, or power assist dropping out in the rain when driving through a puddle. Owners say dealers were sometimes unable to diagnose it, and some repairs involved a power steering control module that was reported as unavailable. Reported from about 39,000 to over 148,000 miles, sometimes tied to wet conditions.
What to check: Ask whether steering assist has ever dropped out or a warning appeared, and check for any record of steering module or rack work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 customer service admitted to the problem, but said there was nothing they could do. It was a supplier problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10639083, filed 2014-09, 117,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11271318, filed 2019-10, 140,000 miles - Engine
Coolant loss and cracked thermostat housing
- 7 complaints (5%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2025
Owners report a sweet coolant smell, low or empty coolant reservoir, steam from the engine bay, and elevated temperature readings. Complaints describe the plastic thermostat housing cracking or splitting, and repairs involving the thermostat, housing and hoses; in some cases the leak returned after an earlier repair. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 130,000 miles, often noticed while driving.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue or wet seams around the thermostat housing; ask whether the thermostat and housing have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 several weeks of this, I took it in to firestone and I had to get the radiator housing, thermostat and hoses replace because of a bad leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632865, filed 2014-09, 86,000 miles“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 had split, pouring coolant all over the center of the engine. Parts needing to be replaced were the thermostat, rubber gaskets and the entire thermostat housing, upper and lower. I replaced this part myself, as I used to be a Ford mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786571, filed 2015-10, 80,000 miles
Buying note. Check the ignition switch and power seat behavior on a test drive, drive the transmission through slow turns and reverse, and confirm the thermostat housing and cooling system hold pressure. Records of prior electrical and transmission repairs are worth reviewing, since several owners report the same symptoms returning.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 148 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford Explorer. 129 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 23 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford Explorer model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system38 26%
- Seats27 18%
- Engine21 14%
- Steering13 8.8%
- Exterior lighting12 8.1%
- Other or unknown12 8.1%
- Wheels9 6.1%
- Brakes8 5.4%
- Vehicle speed control7 4.7%
Also reported: Air bags (4), Engine cooling (4), Seat belts (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Electronic stability control (3), Interior lighting (3), Suspension (3), Equipment (2), Fuel system (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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 to steer at all almost causing me to wreck on the freeway. I lost all power and control at the gas pedal and then the check charging system icon came on also. I had to completely pull over to the shoulder and put it in park then shut off the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383975, filed 2020-12, 127,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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 on my other 2008 Ford Explorer xlt 6 cylinder 4.0”
NHTSA complaint #11279892, filed 2019-11, 61,000 milesSeats: “While I am driving the drivers seat automatically slides as far back as it can, and the overhead lights come on. This is an action that would only happen when the vehicle is turned off and the key is pulled from the ignition. However this is happen while I am driving pulling me away from the gas, brakes and steering wheel. The only immediate fix I can do is jiggle the keys in the ignition to get the seat to come back. …”
NHTSA complaint #10937886, filed 2016-12, 103,000 milesEngine: “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 then catches. A few minutes later this error message comes up on the dash with a wrench. I took it to the nearest auto store, they placed it on the machine and said it looks like my engine wiring harness or ECM/PCM. …”
NHTSA complaint #11006312, filed 2017-07, 117,809 milesMileage when problems were reported
26% of the 129 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 102,350 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V453000Sep 26, 2007Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: Ford Explorer 2008, Mercury Mountaineer 2008, Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008
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…
Recall details for the 2008 Ford Explorer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 23 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford 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 the master code…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10243490Sep 7, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10148819Oct 2, 2018Steering. This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly…
- 10143079Jun 1, 2018Equipment, Engine. Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or…
- 10137113Mar 30, 2018Equipment. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended…
- 10140323Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
- 10138524Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 111 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 448 | 44,000 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,244 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,463 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,812 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer?
Owners of this model year most often describe an ignition-switch-related electrical quirk in which the interior lights come on and the power driver seat slides back, plus hard or erratic shifting from the automatic transmission. The issues reported most often: Interior lights flash and driver seat slides back while; Hard, delayed or erratic transmission shifting; Loss of acceleration with wrench light.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 148 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford Explorer as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 38 complaints (26% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 36.
Has the 2008 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Ford Explorer (Explorer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 129 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 102,350 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.