KnownCarProblems2008 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Ford Explorer, most often about the electrical (26% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles). It is 21st of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2008 Ford Explorer problems
Electrical
38 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition.
4/1- a couple days before 4/1, the check engine light came on. On 4/1, I was driving the car on a side street and it shut off on me, without warning. I got it towed to a dealer near by and was told it was a faulty alternator. Dealer changed it... 4/10 - the wrench and the check engine lights came on the dashboard. I…
While driving along at any speed , all of a sudden the interior lights come on, seat moves all the way back, I assume the problem is in the ignition switch area as I push the ignition in and the seat resets and light goes off, the problem will come and go. Why is there no recall ? I'm looking for the dealership to fix…
Transmission
36 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 84,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the transmission had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
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…
Seats
27 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles.
While stationary, when the key is put in the ignition to start the vehicle, sometimes the power seat will go backwards and the interior dome lights go on. Last night, while driving between 30 to 50 MPH, the seat moved backwards and the interior dome lights came on. This is dangerous as I couldn't reach the pedals. I…
While driving, the driver power seat starts to move backwards and forward ,dome lights came on like if when I turn off the car . But the car is on and moving . And then two occasions while on the freeway driving the vehicle turned off. Pulled over and restarted the car and it turned on like if nothing happened. I had…
Engine
25 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
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…
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.…
Lights
15 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
I purchased this truck in sept 2014 about 2 months after I purchased it,as I was driving the dome lights go on and the seat moves back as it does when it lets you out. It will do this more so with one set of our keys then the other. It's continually getting worse. It will sometimes happen 1-15 times in a car trip.I…
While after going over a bump or uneven ground, key fob will rock back and forth slightly, which is normal, but the ignition on this vehicle is malfunctioning. This fob motion triggers the courtesy features of the seat, which flies back and lowers at the same time( because it senses the ignition is being turned off) .…
Steering
13 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles. Parts named most often: column.
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.
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…
Other or unspecified
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 106,000 miles.
When the problem occurred it came from nowhere. I was driving as normal then there was an initial loss of power as I noticed the check engine light and an unfamiliar orange wrench were now illuminated. Seeming as I had no power I cautiously guided the vehicle to the shoulder of the expressway. Since then I've tried…
While I was driving I felt the seat move and noticed that if I would hit the key while it was in the ignition the drivers seat would move back and forth sporadically. Also the dome lights from front to back would go off and on sporadically while the seat moved. The amount of weight on the key ring does not matter it…
Wheels and tires
10 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles. Parts named most often: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
March 18, 2012, 50 MPH, front passenger fell off the vehicle. Only one out of five studs still at normal length, three at half their normal length and the fifth completely missing. Caused brakes to go out, coasted to a controlled stop had to use the emergency brake. I was very lucky that damage done to the vehicle had…
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Ford Explorer recalls
Transmission: cooling unit and lines
Risk: If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and have the transmission cooler line attachment bolt tightened free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
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 loosen and the transmission oil cooler lines may disengage from the transmission, causing a transmission fluid leak.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Tire valve cracking
Summary
On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international (08t-018) and dill air controls (08t-028), the latter of which was investigated by odi in pe08-036 and ea08-022.the defect conditions addressed by the aftermarket tire valve recalls both involved inadequate resistance to ozone cracking due to issues with the supply of anti-ozonant ch
Questions about the 2008 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (38 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); transmission (36 complaints, typically around 84,500 miles); seats (27 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 26, 2007 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 21st of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 148 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.