Model year guide

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 65 on record.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints23
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$11,575

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls 1

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines NHTSA Campaign #07V453000 · 26/09/2007

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,975

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac worth?

Low
$7,600
Typical price
$11,575
High
$15,800

From 65 comparable 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,650
Total$27,525
Per mile$0.37

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,575) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,936), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trims & engines on record

Trims
XLT · Limited
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 210 hp · 4.6L 8-cyl 292 hp

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles on record

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E48UA60577 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E68UB34582 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33838UB04186 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33878UB30581 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E68UA41285 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33E08UA12071 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU51E08UB23802 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU53828UB16602 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E18UA00417 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31868UA28319 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33828UA11952 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU23838UB37098 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E58UA48471 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU51E18UB11092 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E88UA00155 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33808UA24568 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU51E28UA45037 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU33818UB34786 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited1FMEU53808UA02596 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU51E18UA48477 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU51E68UA19735 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31EX8UA08998 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31E88UA20308 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT1FMEU31EX8UA30791

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years

2010 2009 2007 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at about 16 mpg combined (13 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac worth?

Comparable 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac listings run roughly $7,600–$15,800, typically around $11,575 (from 65 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.