Ford

Explorer Sport Trac (2nd)

2007-2010 · Pickup · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.4)
155 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
9 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.4)
22 complaints 5.5 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
7
brakes
4
electrical
4
transmission
3
wheels tires
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
Brakes Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Explorer Sport Trac regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (36 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (35 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (23 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (18 complaints)
brakes critical
Cooling System Issues (11 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (3)

10V161000Apr 19, 2010serious
Seats

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

07V453000Sep 25, 2007serious
Powertrain

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.

07V181000Apr 24, 2007serious
Steering

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.

Alternatives in Pickup

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

The 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has accumulated 155 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac engine is most reliable?

The 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac a good used car?

The 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 155 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

The 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 155 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Before buying a used Ford Explorer Sport Trac, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Explorer Sport Trac?

The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 155 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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