RoadVitals

2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Apr 20, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 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

  • Engine616.2%
  • Powertrain (other)616.2%
  • Brakes410.8%
  • Body & structure38.1%
  • Interior & seats38.1%
  • Other / unspecified38.1%
  • Driver assistance38.1%
  • Airbags38.1%
  • Electrical25.4%
  • Transmission12.7%
  • Fuel system12.7%
  • Steering12.7%
  • Suspension12.7%

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle's engine has on a number of occasions simply quit running. The engine has died while underway, and also when resuming from a stop. It will or has to this point cranked without problems each time this has happened. I've just been fortunate it hasn't quit while I'm in a driving situation that involves another vehicle in the position to crash into me as I'm restarting the engine. There is not a particular situation I can point to where it does this more. The engine has less than 120K miles and maintence is routine. OBD by certified mechanics has not shown any defective readings. I've also check on-line and found it's not just my vehicle, but others in different years are doing the same thing. There's nothing on the Ford website that addresses this issue.

NHTSA ID 11584230 · filed Apr 20, 2024

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN PITTS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2010 FORD EXPLORER TRAC TSB KNOWN ENGINE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE QUICKLY LOST POWER ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER. *JB

NHTSA ID 10838346 · filed Feb 2, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The key gets stuck in the ignition when gear selector is placed in park. This issue is due to the Gear Shift Assembly - Ford (9L2Z-7210-BB) malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID 11564197 · filed Jan 8, 2024

THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAULTY SPEED SENSOR, AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD PUT OUT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SPEED SENSOR HAS DOWN SHIFTED TO LOW AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LOCKING THE REAR DRIVE UP AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. I HAVE CHECK MY VEHICLE RECALLS AND DID NOT FIND THIS RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. WHY WOULD MY VEHICLE NOT BE RECALLED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR? BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID 11372978 · filed Nov 4, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT END IMPACT.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11396001 · filed Feb 12, 2021

I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASE THIS USED VEHICLE AND WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSTANTLY AT THE SAME TIME BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. I WAS WEARING BOOTS AT THE TIME AND THE TOE OF THE BOOT DOES STICK OUT FURTHER THEN MY SLIP ON SHOES. THIS HAPPEN TWICE BOTH TIMES WHILE WEARING BOOTS. I TRIED TO OBSERVE WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE ALTHOUGH I WAS APPROACHING STOPPED VEHICLES AT THE TIME. I RECREATED THE MOVEMENT WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL, ENGINE RUNNING AND WEARING BOOTS. THE SAME THING HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TOE OF MY BOOTS PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT MOVED DOWN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE AS THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE SAME LEVEL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHOULD BE FURTHER DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE BREAK PEDAL. ALL IS WELL IF THE CENTER OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED WITH SHOES IN VERTICAL POSITION ALTHOUGH IN AND EMERGENCY IT COULD BE CONTACTED OFF CENTER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10661327 · filed Nov 30, 2014

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT END IMPACT.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11396001 · filed Feb 12, 2021

WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE

NHTSA ID 11300314 · filed Jan 19, 2020

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the driver seat track had become defective causing the seat to move back and forth while driving. The contact had the seat track replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where he was given an estimate for the repair of another seat track. The dealer also informed him that they could not guarantee that the repair would fix the failure. The contact was then referred to NHTSA for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11434260 · filed Sep 24, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADRESTS EXHIBITED A SEVERE FORWARD ANGLE AND WAS CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN SEVERE HEADACHES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60.

NHTSA ID 10365033 · filed Nov 8, 2010

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL OEM PIRELLI TIRES IN DECEMBER 2015 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES ON IT. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND, SIZE AND STYLE OF PIRELLI TIRES. ON MARCH 8, 2016 AT APPROX. 42,000 MILES I RETURNED TO THE TIRE SHOP TO HAVE THE TIRES REBALANCED AFTER NOTICING SOME BUMPINESS. THE TIRE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT IN TWO OF THE TIRES THE STEEL BAND WHICH HELD THE TPMS SENSOR IN PLACE HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS FREE FLOATING IN THE TIRE AND HAD RUINED THE INNER LINERS IN THE TIRES MAKING THEM EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND INQUIRED ABOUT POSSIBLE RECALLS AND/OR BULLETINS INVOLVING THE STEEL BANDS USED ON THE TPMS. FORD DENIED ANY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE BANDS HOWEVER THEY DID NOTE THAT FORD HAD QUIT USING THE STEEL BANDS AFTER ONLY USING THEM A SHORT WHILE. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OWES ME THE $542.72 I AM OUT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND SENSORS I HAD TO REPLACE TO REMEDY A VERY UNSAFE SITUTATION. I REPLACE THE BANDS AND SENSORS IN THE OTHER TWO TIRES AS WELL WITH A REPLACEMENT TYPE WHICH DOESN'T INVOLVE STEEL BANDS. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE IMMEDIATELY TO REMEDY AN UNSAFE TPMS BAND SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF THE SITUTATION HAD NOT BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE TIRE SHOP. I'M ENCLOSING A COPY OF MY EXPENSES AND A PICTURE OF THE BROKEN BANDS WHICH WERE DISCOVERED WITHIN MY TIRES.

NHTSA ID 10850865 · filed Mar 21, 2016

DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD, CLEAR WEATHER ENTERING A LEFT BANK, TURNED STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS LEFT AT 30 MPH. TRUCK STARTED TO SHIMMIED AND LOOSE CONTROL. IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKE & STOPPED VEHICLE. BACK RIGHT WHEEL MISSING 2 WHEEL STUDS. HAD TIRES EXCHANGE 400 MILES PRIOR, NO PROBLEM WITH STUDS. MECHANIC IS NOW REPLACING REAR AXEL.

NHTSA ID 10747618 · filed Aug 10, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS IS MY 2ND FORD THAT HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRIC THROTTLE BODY. FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN MY 2012 FORD FUSION BUT MY 2010 DOESN'T FALL IN THE SAME CATEGORY. I AM DRIVING WITH NO PROBLEMS THEN OUT OF NOWHERE THE WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE LOOSING ACCRETION. I AM SCARED TO DEATH DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE LOST POWER IN INTERSECTIONS, GOING UP A BRIDGE, IN TRAFFIC, AND COMING OFF AN ONRAMP. I AM GOING TO BE STUCK PAYING FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA ID 11141972 · filed Oct 23, 2018

I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASE THIS USED VEHICLE AND WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSTANTLY AT THE SAME TIME BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. I WAS WEARING BOOTS AT THE TIME AND THE TOE OF THE BOOT DOES STICK OUT FURTHER THEN MY SLIP ON SHOES. THIS HAPPEN TWICE BOTH TIMES WHILE WEARING BOOTS. I TRIED TO OBSERVE WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE ALTHOUGH I WAS APPROACHING STOPPED VEHICLES AT THE TIME. I RECREATED THE MOVEMENT WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL, ENGINE RUNNING AND WEARING BOOTS. THE SAME THING HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TOE OF MY BOOTS PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT MOVED DOWN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE AS THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE SAME LEVEL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHOULD BE FURTHER DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE BREAK PEDAL. ALL IS WELL IF THE CENTER OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED WITH SHOES IN VERTICAL POSITION ALTHOUGH IN AND EMERGENCY IT COULD BE CONTACTED OFF CENTER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10661327 · filed Nov 30, 2014

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT END IMPACT.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11396001 · filed Feb 12, 2021

TAKATA RECALL, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON SOME TIMES AND OTHER TIMES IT DOSE NOT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? IT DOSE THIS WHEN I START IT AND THE LIGHT STAY ON AND SOME TIMES IT DOSE NOT COME ON. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS -- AUTO BUYERS, INC. -- (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11151714 · filed Nov 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRAVELING ON THE NYS THRUWAY PASSING A CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH AND MY ENGINE GOES DEAD. NO POWER OR GAS NO POWER STEERING NOTHING. I MANAGE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I CAN SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT MY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS ARE MELTED TOGETHER. SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.

NHTSA ID 11047615 · filed Nov 20, 2017

WHILE DRIVING 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, 4.0L V6 WITH 7500 MILES ON A HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING, AC, AND ALTERNATOR CUT OUT AND VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY OVERHEATED. PULLED OVER SAFELY AND FOUND THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10326070 · filed Apr 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2010 FORD SPORT TRAC SUDDEN ACCELERATION. TWICE. SEPT 2, 2010 I ROLLED TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND LIGHTLY APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE ENGAGED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD TWICE. I TURNED OFF THE KEY. OCTOBER 11, 2010 I ROLLED TO A STOP AT A STOPLIGHT AND APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AS IF IN NEUTRAL THEN THE ENGINE ENGAGED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD TWICE. I HAD PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVED INTO THE INTERSECTION ON THE RED LIGHT TO AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED. THE DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. SEVERAL MECHANICS WERE LISTENING TO MY DESCRIPTION AND SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A THROTTLE OVER-RIDE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10361009 · filed Oct 18, 2010

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TRAVELING ON THE NYS THRUWAY PASSING A CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH AND MY ENGINE GOES DEAD. NO POWER OR GAS NO POWER STEERING NOTHING. I MANAGE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I CAN SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT MY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS ARE MELTED TOGETHER. SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.

NHTSA ID 11047615 · filed Nov 20, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, 4.0L V6 WITH 7500 MILES ON A HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING, AC, AND ALTERNATOR CUT OUT AND VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY OVERHEATED. PULLED OVER SAFELY AND FOUND THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10326070 · filed Apr 16, 2010

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD, CLEAR WEATHER ENTERING A LEFT BANK, TURNED STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS LEFT AT 30 MPH. TRUCK STARTED TO SHIMMIED AND LOOSE CONTROL. IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKE & STOPPED VEHICLE. BACK RIGHT WHEEL MISSING 2 WHEEL STUDS. HAD TIRES EXCHANGE 400 MILES PRIOR, NO PROBLEM WITH STUDS. MECHANIC IS NOW REPLACING REAR AXEL.

NHTSA ID 10747618 · filed Aug 10, 2015

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

Data on this page last refreshed .