Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. At any given moment, whether the vehicle was idling or moving, the service engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle lost all power. The contact would have to wait until the vehicle's computer system rebuilt itself in order for the power to return so the vehicle could be functional. The contact's husband, a certified mechanic, rebuilt the transmission and reconfigured the wiring on the vehicle, but the failure recurred. A certified mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle's PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.
Stopped at the 4 way ..and my turn to go..my car goes maybe 2 seconds then it revvs when I pressed the pedal bit mycar doesnt engage . The tool light and engine light on. I rode it to the side ..turned it off. Then started it again..getting back on the road again..and once again I move some..then the engine revvvs but the car doesn t fo..twice I almostgot side swiped by on coming vars up behind me. I talked to the mechanic..as I just bought this car in July last year..hesaid its a Ford thing..commom.. But no one has the correct answer..trial and error..or spend thousands on a new transmission. A few people said its the transmossion wire harness??
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. While depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The wrench warning icon illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to drive normally. After driving a block, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V453000 (power train). No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
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 having the problem fixed to no avail, because it's intermittent and Ford themselves have no remedy. Also, took it upon myself to contact Ford to be told the vehicle is past warranty so go the dealer and have them look at the vehicle. This has been an issue for the past 2 months of owning this vehicle and still occurring occasionally.
I've had my 2008 eddie bauer Ford Explorer just over a year. As I'm driving on a local road, it starts acting like it's about to cut off. I get to a red light and as I'm about to take off, it shuts off. I placed it in park and restarted it then it sputters and then catches. A few minutes later this error message comes up on the dash with a wrench. I took it to the nearest auto store, they placed it on the machine and said it looks like my engine wiring harness or ECM/PCM. I had the harness replaced (almost $900) and a week later the wrench error message returned and the problem has returned as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently when shifted into gear and decelerated when shifted into drive. The engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shift solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two months later. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
While driving down the street my SUV completely shut off, steering wheel locked up and I couldn't steer it and the brakes locked up. The SUV stopped dead in it's tracks. I drive 95% on the highway and had this happened on the highway I wouldn't be here today to write this. Took it to a repair facility and had to pay $1200 to replace the PCM ( powertrain control module) or the brain to my SUV. This is what tells the truck to run basically. Terrified me to think I could have been killed.
"transmission failure" at 100233 miles the wrench and engine light came while driving. Upon parking & turning off the vehicle, the transmission would not work. Cut thru all gears like butter. Wound not "enter" into any gear. Towed. After vehicle cooled, transmission works again, only to become hot, repeat tow. Code p0775. After cooling, same event. Transmission solenoid goes out while hot, in a hot climate. Manufacturer defect. Needs safety recall.
Related recalls
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.
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Ford Explorer, 24% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-453 (cooling unit and lines, Sep 26, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.