2008 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2008 Ford Explorer recalls

Most common 2008 Ford Explorer problems

Problem areas named in the 148 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	39
Power Train	36
Seats	27
Engine	21
Steering	13
Exterior Lighting	12
Unknown Or Other	11
Wheels	9
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Service Brakes	5

What owners report

2026-07-10, Power Train
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 brake was enabled to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

2026-06-07, Engine
Stalling in mid traffic. I was told it is poor quality of timing components. The vehicle has less than 200,000 miles and has had routine maintenance as it was a police investigation car

2025-04-27, Engine
I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under warranty for transmission, so when it died I thought ok it's covered, so the landlord said it was the motor it seized he said had no coolant and was 2qts of oil over I said well he never added anything & I said it never overheated, he said I don't know how it was done but it will cost $3800 to fix, so I was hoping that there might be a recall that can fix this or also he puts new rear in the car a week after I got it, does any of this sound like it is his side that is reliable to fix it?

2024-05-31, Other/I Am Not Sure
The stickers are not on properly. My childs safety wasnt put at risk. I asked a CPST to help with a fit and intall check and we noticed the defected stickers.

2024-01-10, Electrical System
Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years. It started having general maintenance issues, then the cats were stolen, but then, one night my mother was coming home from a relative's house, when she was trying to keep up with the flow of traffic on [XXX] , and she noticed that the vehicle was not accelerating at all and the vehicle stalled out. She had it towed home and it sat on the streetside for some time. After digging through the internet, I figured that Ford designed the throttle-body wiring to settle next to the cooling hoses, and after time, the wires rot from the hot temperatures of the hoses and crack/snap

2008 Ford Explorer questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer: Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer?

Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (39), Power Train (36), Seats (27).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Ford Explorer has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.