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2008 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Ford Explorer has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Ignition switch triggered seat movement while driving.” 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 2008 Ford Explorer.

Reported to NHTSA

Ignition switch triggered seat movement while driving

SEATS

41 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2018-08

“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL ACTIVATE THE DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING IT TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD, LEAVING THE DRIVER FULLY UNABLE TO REACH THE GAS PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115688
“WHILE IN OPERATION, VEHICLE SEAT GOES BACK AND FORTH, INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF AND PEDAL HEIGHTS MOVE. UPON SOME TRIAL AND ERROR INVESTIGATION, TRYING TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT IT WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO KEY CHAIN MOVEMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786567
“WE HAVE A 2008 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN 2008. EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN WE WENT OVER A BUMP, THE ELECTRONIC DRIVERS SEAT MOVED BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10373572

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Harsh transmission shifting and delayed gear engagement

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2019-11

“VEHICLE LURCHES IN AND OUT OF GEAR. VEHICLE LURCHES INTO REVERSE FROM PARK, AND IS DELAYED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT HAS BEEN BUMPED HARD FROM BEHIND AS IT IS DOWNSHIFTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786565
“TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL AS 40 MPH AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE FURTHER. RPM WILL MAX OUT UNTIL VEHICLE IS SLOWED TO LOWER GEAR. UNACCEPTABLE ON FREEWAYS AT HIGH SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10553740
“WE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE START WITH THIS 2008 EXPLORER. WHEN SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN THE TRANSMISSION GETS HUNG BETWEEN GEARS, THEN THE ENGINE REVS UP, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL DROP INTO GEAR WITH NECK SNAPPING RESULT, LUNGING FORWARD QUICKLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10266077

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel lug nut and stud failure causing wheel separation

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-03 → 2015-06

“WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD EXPLORER SOUTH ON I-55 TOWARD CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10452904
“AS I WAS DRIVING 2008 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON A NEWLY PAVED SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A RHYTHMIC THUMPING FROM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661407
“MARCH 18, 2012, 50 MPH, FRONT PASSENGER FELL OFF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10485781

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power with wrench-light warning

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2021-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11391058
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR MOVING, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10986239
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY SUV COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T STEER IT AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE SUV STOPPED DEAD IN IT'S TRACKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10911000

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Throttle wiring fault causing unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2024-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430807
“ON OR ABOUT MAY 15TH, 2019, WHILE SITTING STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, MY 2008 EXPLORER SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217584
“TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2008 FORD EXPLORER FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO PARK THE VEHICLE IN A HOTEL PARKING LOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10277524

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist failure and steering wheel seizure

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2019-10

“LOSS OF STEERING. "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DOCUMENTED ISSUE AND FORD IS 'SELECTIVELY' CHOOSING TO CHERRY-PICK COVERAGE ON RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080370
“CAR SHUTS OFF AND BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKS UP. REPAIR SHOP AND FORD SAID IT WAS A POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.FORD HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS PART IS A PROBLEM AND THAT THERE ARE NONE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN THE US”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10639083
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 5 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10425617

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Thermostat housing failure causing coolant leak

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2015-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786000
“I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DURING MY WORK DAY. SUDDENLY, STEAM CAME POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I STOPPED AND LET THE VEHICLE COOL OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786571
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RADIATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10807978

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)

52 crashes 1990–2024

How the 52 occupant deaths break down

37

driver deaths

15

passenger deaths

52

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2008 Ford Explorer 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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