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exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (1)
Power train: automatic transmission, cooling unit and lines
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Canadian recalls (1)
Show 1 Canadian recall
Powertrain
2007-09-05 · campaign 2007-287 · 94 vehicles
On certain vehicles, 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 cooler lines may disengage from the transmission, causing a transmission fluid leak and loss of power to the drive wheels. If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire under certain conditions. Correction: Dealers will tighten the transmission cooler line attachment bolt.
Owner complaints (148)
Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Ford Explorer (6 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries reported). Among 44 model years of this model, it ranks #30 for the most complaints (median 630).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Electrical system | 38 | |
| Power train | 36 | |
| Seats | 27 | |
| Engine | 21 | |
| Steering | 13 | |
| Exterior lighting | 12 | |
| Unknown or other | 11 | |
| Wheels | 9 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Ford Explorer.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2008 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB | – | – | – | 3★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2008 Ford Explorer version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Explorer 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 13 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 13 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.