2008 Ford Explorer recalls
Equipment · NHTSA 10E043000 · Sep 3, 2010
Problem: Marathon is recalling certain seat covers, brand superhides with part numbers 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, and 630, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These seat covers are made of heavier thread and are not compatible with seats containing side airbags. The heavier seat cover could interfere with full deployment of the airbag in the event of a crash.
Risk: An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
Fix: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge. The safety recall began on september 14, 2010. Owners may contact marathon at 1-800-735-2769.
294 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Visibility · NHTSA 07E104000 · Dec 11, 2007
Problem: Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as DOT-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "glazing materials."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Fix: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their…
1,657 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Power Train · NHTSA 07V453000 · Sep 26, 2007
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.
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.
1,497 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Power Train · Jul 10, 2026 · 165,000 miles · PA
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…
Engine · Jun 7, 2026 · AL
Stalling in mid traffic. I was told it is poor quality of timing components. The vehicle has less than 200,000 miles and has had routine maintenance as it was a police investigation car
Engine · Apr 27, 2025 · PA
I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under warranty for transmission, so when it died I thought ok it's covered, so the landlord said it was the motor it seized he said had no coolant and was 2qts of oil over I said well he…
Unknown or Other · Apr 27, 2025 · PA
I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under warranty for transmission, so when it died I thought ok it's covered, so the landlord said it was the motor it seized he said had no coolant and was 2qts of oil over I said well he…
Other/I AM Not Sure · May 31, 2024 · AR
The stickers are not on properly. My childs safety wasnt put at risk. I asked a CPST to help with a fit and intall check and we noticed the defected stickers.
Electrical System · Jan 10, 2024 · MI
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 [XXX] , and she noticed that the vehicle was not…
Engine · Jan 10, 2024 · MI
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 [XXX] , and she noticed that the vehicle was not…
Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 10, 2024 · MI
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 [XXX] , and she noticed that the vehicle was not…
Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 27, 2021 · CA · crash
The wiring harness going into the back of what I believe is the throttle position sensor has a 180° turn in the wiring in a very short distance. There are four wires involved in that portion of the wiring harness. The wiring is also next to the hot, cooling system hoses coming out of the firewall. These factors caused the wiring to crack prematurely creating surges in the…
Electrical System · Feb 1, 2021 · 197,000 miles · VA
An orange wrench light comes on on my dashboard and I can't pick up speed. I've had it looked at a few times and no one can figure out the problem. There's been many people on youtube complaining of the samething. This is very dangerous and should be investigated immediately, luckily the interstate wasn't busy when my truck lost its ability to accelerate. I could've cause a…
Power Train · Feb 1, 2021 · 197,000 miles · VA
An orange wrench light comes on on my dashboard and I can't pick up speed. I've had it looked at a few times and no one can figure out the problem. There's been many people on youtube complaining of the samething. This is very dangerous and should be investigated immediately, luckily the interstate wasn't busy when my truck lost its ability to accelerate. I could've cause a…
Back Over Prevention · Feb 1, 2021 · 197,000 miles · VA
An orange wrench light comes on on my dashboard and I can't pick up speed. I've had it looked at a few times and no one can figure out the problem. There's been many people on youtube complaining of the samething. This is very dangerous and should be investigated immediately, luckily the interstate wasn't busy when my truck lost its ability to accelerate. I could've cause a…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2008 Ford Explorer, the most recent one (10E043000) for equipment. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer?
Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (39), power train (36), seats (27).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2008 Ford Explorer?
Owners reported 6 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2008 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently PE08060: Tire valve cracking.