2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

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 (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that on three occasions while the vehicle was in drive but stationary, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,018.

NHTSA ID

11521402

Incident

May 7, 2023

Mileage

130,018 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON THE SAND IN A BEACH AREA THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF WHICH A STRONG BURNING ODOR STARTED, EXCESS HEAT WAS FELT BY THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER AND 3 REAR PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AS THEY EXITED THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE NEAR THE TRANSMISSION AREA, FLUID HAD LEAKED ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS THE FIRE PROGRESSED TO DESTROYING THE VEHICLE WITH THE FIRE BECOMING EXTENSIVE WHICH HAD ERUPTED ALL THE WAY TO THE FUEL SYSTEM TO THE FUEL TANK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE REMAINING FLAMES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT RENDERED ANY ASSISTANCE TO INSPECT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. A DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE YET. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE INTERNAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY BE ABLE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11233315

Incident

May 25, 2019

Mileage

81,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKES EVENTUALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID

11057331

Incident

Dec 28, 2017

Mileage

55,000 mi

BROKE DOWN ON A VERY HIGH TRAFFIC BRIDGE, THAT HAD NO SAFETY LANE TO PULL OVER. VERY DANGEROUS, WITH NO TIME TO PULL OVER WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. REPEAT, THIS HAPPENS TO ALL FORD SPORT TRACS WITH PLASTIC RADIATOR HOUSING. THERE ARE SOME CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ACROSS THE USA. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS CONDITION SINCE 2002, BUT ONLY NOTIFIED GOVERNMENT VEHICLES FOR THE FIXES.

NHTSA ID

11012735

Incident

May 15, 2017

Mileage

125,000 mi

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE STARTED MISSING AND CAR SHAKING; PULLED IN TO FORD DEALER IN NEXT TOWN; DIAGNOSIS SAID COULD BE THIS OR THAT THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT BUT GOT CAR RUNNING SMOTHER; WE WENT ANOTHER 300 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION; TOOK CAR TO LOCAL FORD DEALER; REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND UPSTREAM O2 SENSOR; TOOK IT HOME; STILL RAN ROUGH SEEMS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STALL AN A LIGHT OR SITTING IN TRAFFIC; TOOK IT BACK; THEY HAD IT FOR 3 DAYS; MECHANIC DROVE IT; COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND SAID THEY THOUGHT IT WAS OK BECAUSE MECHANIC COULD NOT MAKE IT DRIVE LIKE IT WAS MIS FIRING OR ANYTHING UNUSUAL; DROVE HOME AND IT IMMEDIATELY STARTED ACTING LIKE ONE CYLINDER WAS MIS FIRING. AM GOING TO TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND LET THE SEE IF THEY CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS THE MATTER.

NHTSA ID

10966329

Incident

Feb 28, 2017

Mileage

68,530 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,130.

NHTSA ID

10893946

Incident

Jul 29, 2016

Mileage

61,130 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V181000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID

10787940

Incident

Nov 2, 2015

Mileage

100,000 mi

DRIVING THE CAR IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THEN GET POWER, THEN IT SHUT OFF. RESTARTED THE CAR, STARTED DRIVING AND IT SURGED UNEXPECTEDLY THEN BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AGAIN, THEN IT SHUT OFF. THIS SCARED MY WIFE BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T KNOW IF IT WAS GOING TO SURGE OR LOSE POWER. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND FINALLY AFTER A LOT OF DIAGNOSTICS THEY DETERMINED IT WAS THE ECM OR ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL MODULE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM.. FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE MODULE. OTHERS HAVE WRITTEN OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UCUSQJ3-EVK I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ID

10730273

Incident

Jun 24, 2015

Mileage

140,000 mi

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.

SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY DTC OR SYMPTOM. STARTING IN 2015 NOT ALL SYNC EQUIPPED VEHICLES SUPPORT VHR, REFER TO THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR VHR OPERATION.