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Engine coolingPart report

2008 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
3%of 148 total for the year
Median mileage
67,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“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 independent mechanic who informed the contact that the alternator had failed. The vehicle was repaired for the alternator. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10375120, filed 2011-01, 67,000 miles

“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 failure recurred when driving over a bump or an uneven road surface. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. In addition, the exhaust manifold would also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was schedule to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified. …”

NHTSA complaint #10713915, filed 2015-04, 80,416 miles

“Front brakes has a rubbing, screaming sound, louder when turning or applying brakes, sometimes the steering wheel is hard to turn when this is happening, not for sure if the noise is coming from the front, middle or the back it is so loud, we have 4 years of the sound on tapes. …”

NHTSA complaint #10449940, filed 2012-03

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202311%
202221%
2021102%
2020212%
201962%
2018294%
2017775%
20161145%
2015664%
2014674%
2013673%
2012142%
2011212%
201033%
200913%
200843%
2007105%
200616426%
2005296%
2004715%
2003696%
20021635%
20013910%
2000909%
19991007%
199818910%
199719811%
1996816%
1995455%
1994746%
1993556%
19926410%
1991529%
1990217%

Other parts of the 2008 Ford Explorer

Electrical system
38 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
36 complaints
Seats
27 complaints
Engine
21 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Exterior lighting
12 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Wheels
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Seat 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 27, 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