Photo: Sfoskett / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2008 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability
· 4th generationOne of the best Explorer years.
148 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Explorer?The 2008 Ford Explorer has 148 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag transmission failure: especially the 5r55 series behind the v6, with servo bore wear causing delayed shifts into 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, then slipping and eventual gear loss.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Explorer years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Explorer?
Across the 31 Explorer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2009) to 7,244 (2002). With 148 complaints, the 2008 Explorer sits below the model's median of 829.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Explorer
visibility:glass, side/rear
Campaign 07E104000CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
equipment
Campaign 10E043000MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
Campaign 07V453000ON 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.
What owners report on the 4th generation Explorer
Owners of the 2006-2010 Explorer generally regard it as a solid, long-lasting vehicle whose main weakness is the automatic transmission, particularly behind the V6.
- Very frequentTransmission failure
Especially the 5R55 series behind the V6, with servo bore wear causing delayed shifts into 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, then slipping and eventual gear loss.
- RecurrentTiming chain guide and cassette wear on the 4.0L SOHC
Causing rattling and potential chain stretch or breakage.
- RecurrentExhaust manifold warping on the 4.6L V8 causing a cold-start ticking noise and broken studs
- RecurrentFront wheel bearing noise
- RecurrentOverheating from thermostat, water pump, coolant leaks, or air in the cooling system
Owner insights for the 4th generation Explorer. Read the full 4th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Explorer listings typically run $15,520–$26,999.
Other Explorer model years
Compare every Explorer year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Explorer against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy