2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size pickup truck that blends SUV comfort with truck utility. It was available with two engine options: a 4.0L V6 producing 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.6L V8 generating 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Sport Trac’s unique blend of truck bed functionality and SUV-like interior. Dislikes often include fuel economy, particularly with the V8, and some reported reliability concerns.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Timing Chain Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable rattling noise upon startup, especially when the engine is cold. This indicates wear or stretching of the timing chain, potentially leading to incorrect engine timing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, check engine light with codes related to the camshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V8

• Spark Plug Thread Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty removing spark plugs, potentially stripping the threads in the cylinder head. This is a known issue on some Ford V8 engines of this era.
  • Solution: Thread repair using a thread insert kit or replacement of the cylinder head (in severe cases).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (thread repair), $1500 - $3000+ (cylinder head replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from around the valve covers, visible on the engine block and potentially causing a burning smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A shuddering or vibration felt during acceleration or when the torque converter locks up.
  • Solution: Fluid flush with updated Mercon SP fluid or replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (fluid flush), $500 - $1000+ (torque converter replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hard or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or unpredictable shifts between gears, potentially accompanied by slipping or delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement, transmission rebuild, or transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (valve body), $2000 - $4000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Broken
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than normal, reduced ride quality, potential clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front ball joints (upper and/or lower).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per ball joint
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature or airflow direction in the cabin, often resulting in only hot or cold air blowing. Clicking noises behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening the doors, often due to broken or worn-out door handle mechanisms.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, leaking, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the extent of the damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats not adjusting properly or at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac can present a range of issues. Engine problems range from manageable sensor replacements to more serious timing chain or spark plug thread repairs. Transmission issues can be costly. Suspension components are susceptible to wear and tear. Electrical issues include blend door actuator and instrument cluster problems. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, making pre-purchase inspection and maintenance history review crucial.