2008 Ford Explorer Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,620miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,620 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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 break peddle went to the floor and nothing happened made several quick attempts then brakes went to normal operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10876474, filed 2016-06, 98,240 miles“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 when turning on to a road way, braking while turning, or accelerating on the expressway.”
NHTSA complaint #10929526, filed 2016-12, 222,500 miles“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 an alternator malfunction that caused the loss of power.”
NHTSA complaint #10461380, filed 2012-06, 85,001 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic stability control warning light illuminated intermittently and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wires connected to the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10681667, filed 2015-02, 77,000 miles“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 deaths, injuries or police report. The current mileage was 10,800 and failure mileage was 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10228763, filed 2008-05, 10,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091151Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 10090681Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 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.
- 10024323Feb 1, 2008Improved brake pedal feel and firmness.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 24 | 5% |
| 2020 | 88 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% |
| 2016 | 19 | 1% |
| 2015 | 34 | 2% |
| 2014 | 27 | 2% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 13% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 41 | 7% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 53 | 4% |
| 2003 | 45 | 4% |
| 2002 | 132 | 4% |
| 2001 | 33 | 9% |
| 2000 | 64 | 7% |
| 1999 | 69 | 5% |
| 1998 | 94 | 5% |
| 1997 | 96 | 6% |
| 1996 | 132 | 9% |
| 1995 | 80 | 9% |
| 1994 | 261 | 22% |
| 1993 | 244 | 26% |
| 1992 | 99 | 16% |
| 1991 | 123 | 20% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford Explorer
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsSeats
27 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsWheels
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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