2008 Ford Explorer Problems
What owners have reported about the 2008 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and seats.
148 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 13th worst of 18 Explorer years
Top 2008 Ford Explorer problems
Electrical problems
38 complaints (26%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.
Transmission problems
36 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and differential unit.
Seat problems
27 complaints (18%) name the seats.
Engine problems
25 complaints (17%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (128 of 148). The amber line is the middle value, about 78,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2008 Ford Explorer recalls
Seat covers may block side airbag deployment
Injury riskThe seat covers use heavier thread and are not compatible with seats that have side airbags. The heavier cover could interfere with the airbag fully deploying in a crash, which could cause serious injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the seat cover free of charge, and Marathon will notify owners of record.
Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010Glass, side / rear
Certain 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." In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Fix: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass.
Recall 07E104000 · Dec 2007Cooling unit and lines
Fire riskOn 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. If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and have the transmission cooler line attachment bolt tightened free of charge.
Recall 07V453000 · Sep 2007Get an email when your 2008 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2008 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Explorer years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and seats.
What are the most common 2008 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, transmission, seats and engine. 38 complaints (26%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Explorer electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 55,000–101,000 miles, with a middle value near 72,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Explorer have?
3. Seat covers may block side airbag deployment (10E043000); Glass, side / rear (07E104000); Cooling unit and lines (07V453000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2008 Ford Explorer?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.