2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2117.6%
- Transmission1512.6%
- Electrical1411.8%
- Brakes1310.9%
- Tires & wheels108.4%
- Powertrain (other)86.7%
- Driver assistance54.2%
- Other / unspecified54.2%
- Fuel system43.4%
- Visibility43.4%
- Suspension43.4%
- Steering43.4%
- Interior & seats32.5%
- Airbags32.5%
- Exterior lighting32.5%
- Body & structure21.7%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE FEB 2018 - PRESENT I BOUGHT MY 2ND- HAND 2007 FORD SPORT TRAC IN FEBRUARY 2018, FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WE HAD EXPERIENCED 2 CAT-FIVE HURRICANES; POWER AND INTERNET WAS ALMOST NONEXISTENT, SO I COULD NOT RESEARCH THE TRUCK. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER MY PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH, IT STALLED. I HAD VERY LITTLE BREAKS AND NO STEERING. WHEN I TRIED TO CRANK IT, IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT FIRE. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE HAD NO LUCK FIXING THE ISSUE. UPON RESEARCH, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF BLOGS/ QUESTIONS / ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR FROM OWNERS TRYING TO FIX THE SAME ISSUE. ONE BLOG SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN REQUESTED FOR FORD TO DO A RECALL, BUT FORD DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. IT MAY DRIVE GREAT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A STEEP, CURVY MOUNTAIN IN TRAFFIC, IT TURNS OFF WITH NO WAY TO STOP QUICKLY OR CONTROL THE STEERING. IF YOU DRIVE TOO SLOWLY OR SOMEONE PULLS IN FRONT OF YOU AND DRIVES 5 MILES AN HOUR, IT WILL STOP. IF YOU PUNCH THE GAS PEDAL TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION, IT WILL OFTEN STALL. SOMETIMES IT WON'T DRIVE, AND THEN IT SURGES FORWARD. IT OFTEN SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL IS RUNNING RICH. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN SO YOU ARE ALWAYS IN DANGER. I HAVE CHANGED OUT THE STARTER SWITCH, SHIFT LINKAGE, JUST ABOUT EVERY SENSOR, PUMP, FILTER, WIRING, EGR VALVE, THROTTLEBODY' ANOTHER ORIGINAL OWNER ON ISLAND SAID HE'S READY TO DRIVE HIS OFF OF A CLIFF AFTER DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR THREE YEARS. HIS TRUCK IS A 2010 I BELIEVE. I CHECKED BACK WITH HIM RECENTLY. HE CHANGED OUT HIS COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IT IS NOW RUNNING PROPERLY FOR THE MOMENT. I CAN'T SELL MY TRUCK BC MY ETHICS WON'T ALLOW IT. I CAN'T TRASH IT BC I NEED TO SELL IT TO BUY ANOTHER. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK TO BE SAFE. IT HAS DONE NOTHING BUT PLACED ME IN DANGER AND DEPLETED MY WALLET.
MY CAR STALL INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. SEEMS TO BE WHEN I BREAK. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH A LOT OF FORD VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC (2WD) AT COMPLETE STOP. REAR ENDED BY A FORD FOCUS AT ABOUT 40MPH. IMPACT CAUSED THE SPORT TRAC SEATS TO RECLINE FROM AN UPRIGHT POSITION TO 45 DEGREES BACKWARDS/RECLINING), WENT INTO "PARK" AND ENGINE "SHUT OFF" AUTOMATICALLY! *TR
COMPUTER CONTROL FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANS. MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING UNEVEN SHIFTS AND ENGINE REVS TO THE REV LIMITER ON THE HIGHWAY. LASTS A COUPLE OF DAYS UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THEN IT SHIFTS NORMALLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE TRANS. SHIFTS NORMALLY FOR ABOUT A WEEK UNTIL THE CYCLE STARTS AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. HAPPENED WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AND THE TRANS DISENGAGED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HIT THE REV LIMITER AND ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND. HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON AND OFF SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW BUT IT'S BECOMING MORE COMMON NOW. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire pressure monitoring system will incorrectly display tire sensor fault after driving over 55mph for approximately 15 miles After repeated repair attempts, Ford dealer has not been able to fix it and the TPMS is in constant alert with message Tire Monitor Fault. Dealer states that Ford no longer supports this government mandated safety feature.
RIGHT REAR DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AND HAZARD LIGHT ARE NOT WORKING. REPLACED BULB AND SOCKET 4 TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THE LEFT DIRECTIONAL/HAZARD LIGHT DOES ILLUMINATE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE FEB 2018 - PRESENT I BOUGHT MY 2ND- HAND 2007 FORD SPORT TRAC IN FEBRUARY 2018, FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WE HAD EXPERIENCED 2 CAT-FIVE HURRICANES; POWER AND INTERNET WAS ALMOST NONEXISTENT, SO I COULD NOT RESEARCH THE TRUCK. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER MY PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH, IT STALLED. I HAD VERY LITTLE BREAKS AND NO STEERING. WHEN I TRIED TO CRANK IT, IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT FIRE. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE HAD NO LUCK FIXING THE ISSUE. UPON RESEARCH, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF BLOGS/ QUESTIONS / ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR FROM OWNERS TRYING TO FIX THE SAME ISSUE. ONE BLOG SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN REQUESTED FOR FORD TO DO A RECALL, BUT FORD DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. IT MAY DRIVE GREAT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A STEEP, CURVY MOUNTAIN IN TRAFFIC, IT TURNS OFF WITH NO WAY TO STOP QUICKLY OR CONTROL THE STEERING. IF YOU DRIVE TOO SLOWLY OR SOMEONE PULLS IN FRONT OF YOU AND DRIVES 5 MILES AN HOUR, IT WILL STOP. IF YOU PUNCH THE GAS PEDAL TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION, IT WILL OFTEN STALL. SOMETIMES IT WON'T DRIVE, AND THEN IT SURGES FORWARD. IT OFTEN SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL IS RUNNING RICH. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN SO YOU ARE ALWAYS IN DANGER. I HAVE CHANGED OUT THE STARTER SWITCH, SHIFT LINKAGE, JUST ABOUT EVERY SENSOR, PUMP, FILTER, WIRING, EGR VALVE, THROTTLEBODY' ANOTHER ORIGINAL OWNER ON ISLAND SAID HE'S READY TO DRIVE HIS OFF OF A CLIFF AFTER DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR THREE YEARS. HIS TRUCK IS A 2010 I BELIEVE. I CHECKED BACK WITH HIM RECENTLY. HE CHANGED OUT HIS COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IT IS NOW RUNNING PROPERLY FOR THE MOMENT. I CAN'T SELL MY TRUCK BC MY ETHICS WON'T ALLOW IT. I CAN'T TRASH IT BC I NEED TO SELL IT TO BUY ANOTHER. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK TO BE SAFE. IT HAS DONE NOTHING BUT PLACED ME IN DANGER AND DEPLETED MY WALLET.
THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD BECOME SOFT AFTER 51,000 MILES AND A RECENT BRAKE JOB. AFTER CALLING THE MECHANIC WHO DID THE JOB HE SAID THAT THE LINES DIDNT NEED TO BLEED BECAUSE THE LINES WERE NEVER OPENED.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
B F GOODRICH TIRES, SIDEWALL CRACKING ON TIRE SHOULDER, TREAD SEPARATING FROM SIDEWALL ON ALL FOUR TIRES. *TR
SPARE TIRE IS NO GOOD. I HAD TO USE MY SPARE TIRE FOR THE FIRST TIME 2 WEEKS AGO, AND THE RIM IS BAD. I COULD ONLY TRAVEL 20 MPH BEFORE IT STARTED SHAKING AND MAKING NOISES. I CALLED STEVENS FORD IN PATCHOGUE, NY AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME I HAD TO USE IT. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING IN THE CARPORT. HE HAD TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID EVERY TWO WEEKS. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V1812000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 2-3 GEARS. TRUCK LURCHES DURING DEACCELERATION, WHINING NOISE
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 FORD 4DOOR XLT GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE DRIVER WAS PULLING THROUGH FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH. BASICALLY, THE CAR WAS IN A STOPPED POSITION. BUT WHEN DRIVER MOVED FORWARD TO LEAVE, THE GAS PEDAL HESITATED AND THEN STUCK, LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL; STARTLED THE DRIVER AND CAR HIT A POLE. DRIVER RECEIVED HEAD LACERATIONS FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR GLARE ADJUSTMENT LEVER AND HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. HE RECEIVED 8 STAPLES ON TOP OF HIS HEAD. THIS GAS PEDAL HAS STUCK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, BUT NOT TO THIS EXTREME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD SPORT TRAC 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION WHILE THE CONTACT WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKES FORCEFULLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
(YEAR 2011 TO 2013 ALL THIS HAPPENED LEMON) THE WHEEL BEARINGS WENT ON THE VEHICLE...HAD TO HAVE ALL THREE REPLACED...BOTH FRONT ...ONE DRIVERS SIDE BACK. IT WASN'T THE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE BRAND NEW.( $2.100 INCLUDING LABOR) THE MECHANIC STATED THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH SPORT TRACS ...I AM TO HAVE THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE DONE SOON ...NO ONE HAS OVER $700...TO PUT TOWARDS A VEHICLE IN THIS DAY AND AGE WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS. THIS SPORT TRAC HAS BEEN WITH SO MANY ISSUES TO DO WITH WHEELS, TRANSMISSION (ONE MONTH IN THE REPAIR SHOP, REVERSE AND DRIVE GONE ON THE TRANNY( $6897.65), RADIATOR (REPLACED 3X DUE TO RUPTURE OF THE, COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM $1017.), HOSES BREAKING ($200)...NO WONDER THEY QUIT MAKING THEM TOTAL PAIN IN THE KEESTER AND VERY HARD ON THE POCKET BOOK. IT IS PAID FOR AND IS MINE THAT IS THE ONLY REASON I KEEP IT. I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE...BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. THEIR SERVICE SAYS IT ALL...IT IS HORRIBLE. SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I HAVE SPENT $10,903.65 IN REPAIRS. THE TRUCK IS VERY HARD ON TIRES...I DON'T SQUEAL MY TIRES BUT I TRAVEL 70 TO AND FROM DAILY FOR WORK..EVERY YEAR BABY NEEDS NEW RUBBER BOOTS. $689. NOT FAIR IN ALL ESSENCE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 6 YRS OLD. I HAVE HAD BETTER AND IT CERTAINLY WASN'T A FORD. YOU CAN SHARE THIS WITH THEM IF YOU LIKE BECAUSE THEY NEED TO SEE THAT THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID NOTHING FOR ME AND I TOOK IT TO ACUTE AUTO CARE FOR MY TRANSMISSION ETC. *TR
IN 2008 AND THEN 2010 THE FRONT SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS ASSEMBLIES HAVE GONE BAD, REQUIRING A WHEEL BEARING KIT BY THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW IN MAY~JUNE 2012, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE IN THE EXPLORER SERIES, BUT DOING NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, OTHER THAN CHARGING YOU $700 PER WHEEL ( $350 PARTS/ $350 LABOR) TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NICE LITTLE OPERATION THE DEALER/FORD CORP. HAVE GOING. OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS I TALKED WITH HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE (DRIVER) DUE TO EXENSIVE CORROSION THAT BREACHED THE COMPONENT HOUSING, LEADING TO ELECTRICAL SHORTING THAT MELTED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TERMINAL. THIS IS CLEARLY AN ENGINEERING / ASSEMBLY FLAW BECAUSE CORROSION SHOULD BE ANTICIPATED WHEN BOLTING ZINC PARTS TO STEEL FRAME MEMBERS (WITHOUT A DI-ELECTRIC BARRIER) INSTALLED IN AN AREA, SUBJECT TO DIRECT CONTACT WITH WATER & ROAD SALT, WHEN BEING SOLD IN NORTH AMERICAN CLIMATES.
ON MAY 4, 2017 I WAS AT A RED LIGHT ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ANOTHER WRENCH SYMBOL LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT IT STARTED AGAIN BUT WAS VERY SLOW ACCELERATING AND WITHIN A FEW FEET IT STOPPED ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS ALL THE WAY. I WAS STUCK TRYING TO COAST THROUGH A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION UNTIL I COULD GET IT IN A PARKING LOT.IT WOULD RESTART BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THEN ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THEN WOULDN'T START AT ALL. I HAD TO CALL SOMEONE TO PICK ME UP AND THEN A TOW SERVICE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS RUNNING BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND IT GAVE A COMPUTER CODE FOR A BAD THROTTLE BODY MOTOR. THEY INFORMED ME AFTER RESEARCHING THAT IS A COMMON AND DANGEROUS OCCURENCE WITH MY VEHICLE TYPE SO THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR. THIS HAD HAPPENED BEFORE IN OCTOBER OF 2016 ON A ROAD TRIP THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AND I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 30 MINUTES UNTIL IT FINALLY STARTED RUNNING AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THAT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT THERE WAS A STAR EFFECT VISIBLE THROUGH THE HEATED WINDSHIELD. THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD. THE STAR EFFECT WAS CAUSED BY THE LIGHTS FROM ONCOMING VEHICLES REFLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE DISTRACTED. THE STAR EFFECTS DISAPPEARED WHEN THE ONCOMING VEHICLE CAME CLOSER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. HOWEVER, THE STAR EFFECT CONTINUED TO CAUSE A DISTRACTION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 2000. *AK UPDATE 4/9 *TR
I PURCHASED A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT-TRAC WITH A HEATED WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD HAS A WIRE MESH IN IT. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT LIGHTS FROM ON COMING CARS PRODUCE A BAD GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TO DATE FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the driver's side rear tire had seized due to a fractured rear axle and bolt. Another vehicle then crashed into the contact's driver's side rear tire causing the vehicle to spin and the front windshield cracked upon impact. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact and her wife were transported to the hospital. The contact had a fractured sternum, neck pain, and a fractured vertebra. The contact's wife had bruises on her chest from the seat belt. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V181000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NOTICED CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT REAR WHILE GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POT HOLES. WHEN IT WAS RAINING THE RIGHT TIRE WOULD SPIN AFTER HITTING POT HOLE AND THE ELECTRONIC SKID CONTROL WOULD FLASH ON DASH INDICATING LOST TRACTION. IF THIS HAD BEEN ICE OR SNOW I COULD OF LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHING. RIGHT TIRES WERE VISIBLY WORN MORE THAN THE LEFT SIDE TIRES. DEALER REPLACED REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHING. 45,000 MILES AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER HAS PART. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE FEB 2018 - PRESENT I BOUGHT MY 2ND- HAND 2007 FORD SPORT TRAC IN FEBRUARY 2018, FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WE HAD EXPERIENCED 2 CAT-FIVE HURRICANES; POWER AND INTERNET WAS ALMOST NONEXISTENT, SO I COULD NOT RESEARCH THE TRUCK. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER MY PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH, IT STALLED. I HAD VERY LITTLE BREAKS AND NO STEERING. WHEN I TRIED TO CRANK IT, IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT FIRE. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE HAD NO LUCK FIXING THE ISSUE. UPON RESEARCH, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF BLOGS/ QUESTIONS / ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR FROM OWNERS TRYING TO FIX THE SAME ISSUE. ONE BLOG SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN REQUESTED FOR FORD TO DO A RECALL, BUT FORD DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. IT MAY DRIVE GREAT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A STEEP, CURVY MOUNTAIN IN TRAFFIC, IT TURNS OFF WITH NO WAY TO STOP QUICKLY OR CONTROL THE STEERING. IF YOU DRIVE TOO SLOWLY OR SOMEONE PULLS IN FRONT OF YOU AND DRIVES 5 MILES AN HOUR, IT WILL STOP. IF YOU PUNCH THE GAS PEDAL TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION, IT WILL OFTEN STALL. SOMETIMES IT WON'T DRIVE, AND THEN IT SURGES FORWARD. IT OFTEN SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL IS RUNNING RICH. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN SO YOU ARE ALWAYS IN DANGER. I HAVE CHANGED OUT THE STARTER SWITCH, SHIFT LINKAGE, JUST ABOUT EVERY SENSOR, PUMP, FILTER, WIRING, EGR VALVE, THROTTLEBODY' ANOTHER ORIGINAL OWNER ON ISLAND SAID HE'S READY TO DRIVE HIS OFF OF A CLIFF AFTER DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR THREE YEARS. HIS TRUCK IS A 2010 I BELIEVE. I CHECKED BACK WITH HIM RECENTLY. HE CHANGED OUT HIS COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IT IS NOW RUNNING PROPERLY FOR THE MOMENT. I CAN'T SELL MY TRUCK BC MY ETHICS WON'T ALLOW IT. I CAN'T TRASH IT BC I NEED TO SELL IT TO BUY ANOTHER. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK TO BE SAFE. IT HAS DONE NOTHING BUT PLACED ME IN DANGER AND DEPLETED MY WALLET.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING IN THE CARPORT. HE HAD TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID EVERY TWO WEEKS. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V1812000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC (2WD) AT COMPLETE STOP. REAR ENDED BY A FORD FOCUS AT ABOUT 40MPH. IMPACT CAUSED THE SPORT TRAC SEATS TO RECLINE FROM AN UPRIGHT POSITION TO 45 DEGREES BACKWARDS/RECLINING), WENT INTO "PARK" AND ENGINE "SHUT OFF" AUTOMATICALLY! *TR
THE VEHICLE LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR. CAUSING ENGINE TO RUN HOT. ALSO THE LUMBAR IN THE DRIVERS SEAT EXPLODES PUSHING YOU IN TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA INFLATORS .THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON IN THE MORNING WHEN I START TRUCK. IS THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION ?
FORD SPORT TRAC EXPLORER WAS T BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK SPUN AND ROLLED HARD ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE. NO PASSENGERS WERE IN THE TRUCK AT THE TIME AND WOULD EXPLAIN WHY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DUE TO THE SUBSEQUENT ROLL ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE TO THE DRIVERS SIDE AS A RESULT OF THE ROLLOVER I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE TRUCK IS A WRITE-OFF PER MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND SEEKING REASSURANCE THAT THIS WAS NOT A ISOLATED PROBLEM OR INDEED AN ISSUE THAT WOULD GO UNNOTICED. WHILE THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS PERSON WAS SYMPATHETIC SHE COULD OFFER NO MORE HELP OTHER THAN TO ADVISE ME TO CONTACT MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. I SPOKE WITH FORD DEALER, SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN THE POSSESSION OF MY ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY IN A YARD SOMEWHERE IN MEMPHIS TN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
RIGHT REAR DIRECTIONAL LIGHT AND HAZARD LIGHT ARE NOT WORKING. REPLACED BULB AND SOCKET 4 TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THE LEFT DIRECTIONAL/HAZARD LIGHT DOES ILLUMINATE.
OK WHERE CAN I START BESIDES THAT I'VE COME TO HATE MY TRUCK I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FIXING IT CONSTANTLY FIRST OFF LIGHT IN THE CAR GO ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING WHENEVER YOU HIT A BUMP THAN I GET RANDOM LITTLE LEAKS ALL THE TIME AND HAD MY TRANSMISSION WORKED ON A YEAR AGO BECAUSE IT WAS MESSED UP AND HERE IT GOES AGAIN I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE [XXX] IS WRONG WITH IT BUT SOMETIMES I SWEAR I JUST WANNA THROW THE [XXX] CAR OFF A BRIDGE EVERY OTHER DAY THERE'S ANOTHER PROBLEM NOT MY AC HAS STOPPED WORKING I WAS DRINKING HOME FROM THE GYM YESTERDAY MORNING AT A RED LIGHT HE CAR SHUT OFF LOCKED MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MY DOORS LOCKED MY BRAKE STARTED BEEPING ON MY DASH WOULDN'T LET ME DO ANYTHING THAT'S DANGEROUS IT WAS A MAJOR ROAD WITH THE LIGHT JUST TURNING GREEN I'M STUCK CAN'T EVEN PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL IT OUT OF THE INTERSECTION I TURNED IT OFF AND TURNED IT OFF DROVE IT HOME WOKE UP NEXT MORNING FOUND SOMETHING LEAKING DROVE TO WORK NOT ITS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING I'M SO DONE WITH THIS TRUCK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS WATER COMING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE WATER WAS COMING IN FROM THE WINDOWS AND THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A SPECIALIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A WINDOW SPECIALIST WHO INSPECTED THE WINDOWS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WATER WAS COMING FROM THE SEAMS IN THE ROOF, THE WELL OF THE ROOF OR THE LUGGAGE RACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. A REPRESENTATIVE ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
WATER/MOISTURE IN SUNROOF MOTOR ASSEMBLY CAUSING AT FIRST A SHORT ENABLING SUNROOF TO OPERATE OWN IT'S OWN POWER, THEN UPON REMOVING ASSEMBLY AN OILY WATER MIXTURE BEGAN DRIPPING OUT CAUSING FULL BREAKDOWN.RUST WAS ON MECHANICAL WHEEL & WHITE ( DRY) SPOTS ON COMPUTER BOARD. EXCESSIVE METAL SHAVINGS ON METAL RODS THAT OPERATE SUNROOF. NO SIGN OF WATER / MOISTURE ENTRY INTO ASSEMBLY, UNIT WAS EXCESSIVELY HOT TO TOUCH FROM DIRECT SUN ON ROOF OF VEHICLE. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THE THERMOSTAT THAT CONTROLS THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE THERMOSTAT AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS NO RELATED RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER ALSO FUNCTIONED SPORADICALLY AT TIMES DURING HOT WEATHER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .