2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size pickup truck that combines the versatility of a pickup with the comfort of an SUV. Engine options for the 2007 model year include a 4.0L V6 producing approximately 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.6L V8 generating around 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0L V6 engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the 4.6L V8 engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Sport Trac for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and unique bed design. However, some common complaints include subpar fuel economy, and some reliability issues.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Timing Chain Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise, especially on startup, may indicate worn or stretched timing chains and/or faulty timing chain tensioners. This is more common in higher mileage vehicles.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chains, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light indicating a camshaft position sensor issue.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V8

• Spark Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, and a check engine light. This can be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs, or broken spark plug wire connectors.
  • Solution: Replacement of the spark plugs and, if necessary, the spark plug wires and connectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ (depending on the location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (4.0L V6)

• Erratic Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change may resolve minor issues. More severe cases may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (4.6L V8)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts from 1st to 2nd gear or downshifts. Sometimes the car will jerk slightly.
  • Solution: A PCM update will fix the shifting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, uneven ride height, and potentially a broken leaf spring.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents, clicking noises behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a few days of being fully charged. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module or accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including gauges not working or displaying incorrect information.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles, particularly on the driver’s side, are prone to breaking due to wear and tear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors that droop down and do not stay in the upright position.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sun visors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per visor
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has several common issues, with the most significant ones relating to the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. Engine issues such as timing chain problems and oil leaks can be relatively expensive to fix. Transmission issues can range from minor fluid adjustments to costly rebuilds or replacements. Suspension issues primarily involve the rear leaf springs and front ball joints, while electrical problems can include blend door actuator failure and battery drain issues. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of them when considering this vehicle.