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2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission harsh shifting and slipping.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission harsh shifting and slipping

POWER TRAIN

19 NHTSA complaints · 2006-10 → 2018-06

“TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 2-3 GEARS. TRUCK LURCHES DURING DEACCELERATION, WHINING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11103361
“TRUCK IS SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND GEAR TO 3RD GEAR-KNOWN FORD TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE DEALER SAID TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AS A BETTER ONE IS OFFERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10855041
“2007 SPORTTRAC, STARTED DOWNSHIFTING VERY ROUGH WHEN COMING TO A STOP, TOOK TO FREEPORT, IL DEALER WHO ADJUSTED PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, THIS MADE THE DOWNSHIFTING MUCH BETTER FOR A FEW MONTHS, IT IS BACK NOW AND WORSE THAN EVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10214734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator coolant leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2015-04

“RADIATOR IS LEAKING COOLANT. COOLANT LEAKS THE FROM ALUMINUM CORE, POOLS UP AT THE BOTTOM IN THE PLASTIC AND DRIPS OUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE PLASTIC ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10388649
“PURCHASED 2007 EXPL SP TRAC IN APRIL 2008 FROM ACADEMY FORD LAUREL, MD (19K MI). RADIATOR LEAK AND REPLACEMENT IN MAY 2011 (38.5K MI). RADIATOR LEAKING AGAIN AT 59K MI”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10442106
“THE VEHICLE LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR. CAUSING ENGINE TO RUN HOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10301976

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug breakage during replacement

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2012-06

“AS CITED BY OTHER READERS, FORD HAS PLACED HT-1 CERAMIC PLUGS IN THE EXPLORER SERIES WHICH ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. THESE PLUGS CONSTANTLY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND BREAK DURING REPLACEMENT, REQUIRING A SPECIAL TOOL TO REMOVE THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462092
“I HAD MISFIRES ON CYLINDER 7, TRIED TO REPLACE PLUGS HAD FOUR BREAK IN MANIFOLD, FOUND THAT SPECIALITY TOOL HAD TO BE BOUGHT TO REPLACE PLUGS THAT BREAK, ALSO FOUND THAT FORD SERVICE WAS WELL AWARE OF PROBLEMS WITH PLUGS AND THEY CHARGE EXTRA TO REMOVE AND REPLACE BROKEN PLUGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10449226

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Valve stem failure and tire pressure sensor fault

TIRES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2024-10

“I HAVE HAD TO GET THREE VALVE STEMS ON MY 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC REPLACED WITHIN 3 DAYS. THEY WERE CRACKED AND ROTTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10278316
“2 OEM VALVE STEMS HAVE FAILED DUE TO MATERIAL DEFECT. BOTH FAILED STEMS CRACKED AT THE ON THE STEM ENTERS THE TIRE RIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10247824
“Tire pressure monitoring system will incorrectly display tire sensor fault after driving over 55mph for approximately 15 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618847

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel bearing and wheel attachment failure

WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2013-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462085
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10426466

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Accelerator pedal proximity to brake pedal

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2013-10

“I WAS AT THE YIELD SIGN AT THE FEEDER LANE APPROACHING THE NASA BYPASS IN WEBSTER, TEXAS WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES AS ANOTHER CAR WAS AHEAD OF ME AND HAD STOPPED. INSTEAD OF BRAKING, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND I RUN INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10416611
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10314267
“WHEN APPLYING BRAKE, THE PEDAL DEPRESSES TOO FAR AND IF MY FOOT IS NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE GAS PEDAL ENOUGH, BOTH THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE GET DEPRESSED TOGETHER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10181537

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heated windshield glare at night

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2006-08 → 2007-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10177342
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10185582
“I HAVE A HEATED WINDSHIELD WITH LITTLE LINES THROUGH IT. I AM EXPERIENCING A MAJOR AMOUNT OF HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT GLARE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10166648

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2006-10 → 2020-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11001695
“TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10670718
“ENGINE SHUTS OFF DURING SLOWING FOR TURN OR STOP CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10170336

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

35 crashes 1990–2024

How the 35 occupant deaths break down

26

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

35

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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