Model year record

2008 Ford Explorer

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 221 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V453000

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,497
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-09-26
Owners notified: 2007-08-30

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.

Safety risk

IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Electrical system	37	72,000 mi
Power train	33	100,000 mi
Seats	27	71,000 mi
Engine	23	85,000 mi
Steering	12	85,001 mi
Unknown or other	12	103,500 mi
Exterior lighting	10	70,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	7	100,000 mi
Wheels	7	67,000 mi
Service brakes	5	98,240 mi
Air bags	4	70,000 mi
Seat belts	4	70,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	3	77,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	3	29,150 mi
Interior lighting	3	36,900 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	3	4,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	3	10,800 mi
Visibility	3	30,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	2	95,250 mi
Suspension	2	62,250 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	2	—
Back over prevention: warnings	1	197,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	1	80,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	1	80,416 mi
Equipment	1	—
Equipment adaptive/mobility	1	46,745 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	120 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	93 mi
Other/i am not sure	1	—
Power train: driveline: differential unit	1	55,000 mi
Steering: column	1	—
Structure: body: door	1	7,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	7,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	90,000 mi
Tires	1	11,300 mi
Visibility: windshield	1	124,000 mi

The 2007 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2009 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.