Most common 2008 Ford Explorer problems
Share of the 148 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
2008 Ford Explorer 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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Ford Explorer:
Tire valve cracking
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…
What 2008 Ford Explorer owners say
Electrical system all 38 →
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 [redacted] , 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 causing the vehicle to either stall, or possibly have unintended acceleration. Ford never recalled this issue! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 55 MPH, a strong burning odor emitted inside the cabin. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact inspected underneath the hood and noticed that coolant leaked continuously onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat housing was replaced. In 2014, the thermostat and thermostat housing were both replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,194.
Transmission & drivetrain all 36 →
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.
Vehicle lurches in and out of gear. Vehicle lurches into reverse from park, and is delayed from park to drive. Vehicle feels like it has been bumped hard from behind as it is downshifting. In snow especially, this can cause a significant sdafety hazrd and risk of accident. These events occur when vehicle is staionary, and while in motion there is a significant delay in transmission engagement, which can cause a collison. Definite hazard when pulling out in traffic, when it does not respond normally. The fix for most units is expensive, requiring replacement of valve body in the transmission. My particular vehicle was 5 years old and had 63000 miles on it when the problem occurred. Ford refused to assist with this repair.
Seats all 27 →
The passenger seat in our 2008 Ford Explorer started on fire, likely from the seat heater. This resulted in massive fire damage to the car, and fortunately there was no one in the vehicle and it was parked in the driveway. Please look into faulty seat heating elements.
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 have almost gotten into an accident a number of times because of this. I have visited my dealer who has estimated about $500 in repairs and was amazed when he seen this going on. He stated he never seen anything like this and probably wouldn't have believed me if he didn't see it with his own eyes.it also happens every time you hit a bump and now I fear my car shutting off because it thinks I'm getting out by moving my seat back and turning the lights on which my dealer says is a good possibility.I drive with 2 small children in this vehicle daily. …
2008 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer a good car?
Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Explorer rates better than average: 88% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford Explorer?
The electrical system — 38 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (36) and seats (27).
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer, the most recent from September 26, 2007 (cooling unit and lines). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2023 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013 and 2015. See the full Ford Explorer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.