Ford Recall 07V-453: Power train – cooling unit and lines

Affected: 2008 Ford Explorer, 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. Filed with NHTSA on September 26, 2007, covering about 1,497 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The risk

If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it May pose a risk of fire.

The 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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign07V-453 (07V453000)
Manufacturer number07S56
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentPower train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Report dateSeptember 26, 2007
Owners notifiedAugust 30, 2007
Vehicles affected1,497
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 07V-453 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,497 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.