2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Routine

Owners filed 31 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 1 time.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train6
000
Air Bags4
101
Wheels2
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
000
Seats2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling2
010
Engine2
000
Electrical System2
010
Vehicle Speed Control1
000
Unknown or Other1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner10V161000
Filed Apr 20, 201033,256 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2026CA

Passenger Seat / Airbag Safety Concern The front passenger seat does not reliably lock into position and can move while the vehicle is being driven. The vehicle also displays “REMOVE OBJECT PASS SEAT” even when the passenger seat is completely empty and there are no objects on, underneath, or around the seat. The airbag/SRS warning light is also illuminated. We have thoroughly checked the passenger seat and surrounding area for objects, but the warning remains. The passenger seat's failure to remain securely locked while the vehicle is moving is a serious safety concern, particularly because it is occurring at the same time as warnings involving the passenger occupant/airbag system. I am concerned that the seat locking problem and passenger occupant classification/airbag system problem may be related. I am also aware that certain 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles were subject to NHTSA Recall 10V-161 / Ford Recall 10C11 involving front seat recliner mechanisms, and I would like this vehicle investigated to determine whether this defect or a related seat/restraint-system defect is involved. The vehicle currently has approximately 151,667 miles. No collision caused these symptoms. The passenger seat is not being used because it cannot be relied upon to remain securely locked

Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2024LA

My vehicle's engine has on a number of occasions simply quit running. The engine has died while underway, and also when resuming from a stop. It will or has to this point cranked without problems each time this has happened. I've just been fortunate it hasn't quit while I'm in a driving situation that involves another vehicle in the position to crash into me as I'm restarting the engine. There is not a particular situation I can point to where it does this more. The engine has less than 120K miles and maintence is routine. OBD by certified mechanics has not shown any defective readings. I've also check on-line and found it's not just my vehicle, but others in different years are doing the same thing. There's nothing on the Ford website that addresses this issue.

Power Train
Filed Jan 8, 2024MN

The key gets stuck in the ignition when gear selector is placed in park. This issue is due to the Gear Shift Assembly - Ford (9L2Z-7210-BB) malfunctioning.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust
Filed Sep 24, 2021150,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the driver seat track had become defective causing the seat to move back and forth while driving. The contact had the seat track replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where he was given an estimate for the repair of another seat track. The dealer also informed him that they could not guarantee that the repair would fix the failure. The contact was then referred to NHTSA for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 2021GA

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED, THAT ACCELERATOR ALSO ENGAGES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP. WHICH CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE FORD DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TRUCK IS TOTALED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH DIRECT FRONT END IMPACT.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

Power Train
Filed Nov 4, 2020140,000 milesTX

THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAULTY SPEED SENSOR, AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD PUT OUT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SPEED SENSOR HAS DOWN SHIFTED TO LOW AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LOCKING THE REAR DRIVE UP AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. I HAVE CHECK MY VEHICLE RECALLS AND DID NOT FIND THIS RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. WHY WOULD MY VEHICLE NOT BE RECALLED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR? BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 19, 2020OH

WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE

Power Train
Filed Jun 13, 2019100,000 milesCT

TRANSMISSION WILL SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR, WILL NOT GO INTO DRIVE, TAKES TIME GOING INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2018NC

TAKATA RECALL, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON SOME TIMES AND OTHER TIMES IT DOSE NOT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? IT DOSE THIS WHEN I START IT AND THE LIGHT STAY ON AND SOME TIMES IT DOSE NOT COME ON. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS -- AUTO BUYERS, INC. -- (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 23, 201886,000 milesFL

THIS IS MY 2ND FORD THAT HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRIC THROTTLE BODY. FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN MY 2012 FORD FUSION BUT MY 2010 DOESN'T FALL IN THE SAME CATEGORY. I AM DRIVING WITH NO PROBLEMS THEN OUT OF NOWHERE THE WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE LOOSING ACCRETION. I AM SCARED TO DEATH DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE LOST POWER IN INTERSECTIONS, GOING UP A BRIDGE, IN TRAFFIC, AND COMING OFF AN ONRAMP. I AM GOING TO BE STUCK PAYING FOR REPAIRS.

Power Train
Filed Jun 9, 2018HI

MY COMPLAINT IS NOT WITH THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE REFER ME TO THE RIGHT DEPARTMENT. TOOK MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TO DEALERSHIP FOR FULL SERVICE. AFTER GOT MY TRUCK BACK THE ENGINE LIGHT ON MY DASH CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP THEY WORKED ON THE PCM & EGR WHEN THEY TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE THE LIGHT IS OFF BUT THEN COMES BACK ON FOR 7 SECONDS. THEY SAY THE ENGINE IS GOOD JUST DON'T KNOW WHY THE LIGHT COMES ON. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT SINCE APRIL 25, 2018 THEY'VE HAD IT FOR 6 WEEKS. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 20, 201780,000 milesNY

TRAVELING ON THE NYS THRUWAY PASSING A CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH AND MY ENGINE GOES DEAD. NO POWER OR GAS NO POWER STEERING NOTHING. I MANAGE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I CAN SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT MY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS ARE MELTED TOGETHER. SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.

Power Train
Filed Jun 7, 201637,000 milesMO

I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN MAY 2010. I HAD ALL THE SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTENANCE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN ENGAGED TWICE, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THIRTY MILES FROM FT LEONARD WOOD THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION CAUSING A HAZARD IN CITY DRIVING OR MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE VIBRATION INCREASED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I DROPPED IT AT THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY FOR SERVICE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CALLED AND INFORMED TWO MAINTENANCE LIGHTS WERE ON FOR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I AGREED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED LATER THAT DAY AND INFORMED ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE CODES MEANT OR THE COST OF REPAIR. I ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION, BUT NO ONE EVER GOT BACK TO ME WITH AN UPDATE. I RECEIVED A TEXT MY TRUCK WAS READY FOR PICK UP, BUT THE STAFF COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. I AM NOW AT DAY SEVEN AND AFTER COUNTLESS PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN THE ISSUE OR OFFER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY! MY QUESTIONS. WHY IS THE TRANSMISSION SHOT AFTER ONLY 37,000 MILES? IF IT IS REPLACED, WHAT REASSURANCE DO I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WILL NOT REOCCUR IN ANOTHER 37,000 MILES? IS THERE ASSISTANCE F

Wheels
Filed Mar 21, 201642,000 milesPA

I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL OEM PIRELLI TIRES IN DECEMBER 2015 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES ON IT. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND, SIZE AND STYLE OF PIRELLI TIRES. ON MARCH 8, 2016 AT APPROX. 42,000 MILES I RETURNED TO THE TIRE SHOP TO HAVE THE TIRES REBALANCED AFTER NOTICING SOME BUMPINESS. THE TIRE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT IN TWO OF THE TIRES THE STEEL BAND WHICH HELD THE TPMS SENSOR IN PLACE HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS FREE FLOATING IN THE TIRE AND HAD RUINED THE INNER LINERS IN THE TIRES MAKING THEM EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND INQUIRED ABOUT POSSIBLE RECALLS AND/OR BULLETINS INVOLVING THE STEEL BANDS USED ON THE TPMS. FORD DENIED ANY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE BANDS HOWEVER THEY DID NOTE THAT FORD HAD QUIT USING THE STEEL BANDS AFTER ONLY USING THEM A SHORT WHILE. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OWES ME THE $542.72 I AM OUT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND SENSORS I HAD TO REPLACE TO REMEDY A VERY UNSAFE SITUTATION. I REPLACE THE BANDS AND SENSORS IN THE OTHER TWO TIRES AS WELL WITH A REPLACEMENT TYPE WHICH DOESN'T INVOLVE STEEL BANDS. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE IMMEDIATELY TO REMEDY AN UNSAFE TPMS BAND SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF THE SITUTATION HAD NOT BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE TIRE SHOP. I'M ENCLOSING A COPY OF MY EXPENSES AND A PICTURE OF THE BROKEN BANDS WHICH WERE DISCOVERED WITHIN MY TIRES.

Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2016PA

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN PITTS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2010 FORD EXPLORER TRAC TSB KNOWN ENGINE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE QUICKLY LOST POWER ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER. *JB

Suspension
Filed Aug 10, 2015107,000 milesVT

DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD, CLEAR WEATHER ENTERING A LEFT BANK, TURNED STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS LEFT AT 30 MPH. TRUCK STARTED TO SHIMMIED AND LOOSE CONTROL. IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKE & STOPPED VEHICLE. BACK RIGHT WHEEL MISSING 2 WHEEL STUDS. HAD TIRES EXCHANGE 400 MILES PRIOR, NO PROBLEM WITH STUDS. MECHANIC IS NOW REPLACING REAR AXEL.

Power Train
Filed Apr 18, 201574,000 milesTX

COASTING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TRANSMISSION DID NOT DISENGAGE AND ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 2000 RPM. HELD BRAKES AND REAR TIRES SPUN. I KNOCKED TRANS INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE IN 2 DAYS. NO FLOOR MATS AND NO CONTACT WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I DID HAVE A WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENT. UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION -VERY BAD! IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ALREADY? *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 30, 201431,770 milesID

I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASE THIS USED VEHICLE AND WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSTANTLY AT THE SAME TIME BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. I WAS WEARING BOOTS AT THE TIME AND THE TOE OF THE BOOT DOES STICK OUT FURTHER THEN MY SLIP ON SHOES. THIS HAPPEN TWICE BOTH TIMES WHILE WEARING BOOTS. I TRIED TO OBSERVE WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE ALTHOUGH I WAS APPROACHING STOPPED VEHICLES AT THE TIME. I RECREATED THE MOVEMENT WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL, ENGINE RUNNING AND WEARING BOOTS. THE SAME THING HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TOE OF MY BOOTS PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT MOVED DOWN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE AS THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE SAME LEVEL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHOULD BE FURTHER DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE BREAK PEDAL. ALL IS WELL IF THE CENTER OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED WITH SHOES IN VERTICAL POSITION ALTHOUGH IN AND EMERGENCY IT COULD BE CONTACTED OFF CENTER. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 8, 20142,000 milesTN

ISSUE IS THAT WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AND I DO NOT HAVE MY FOOT SUFFICIENTLY IN THE CENTER OR TO THE LEFT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IT DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IN FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS CAUSES ACCELERATION OF THE ENGINE AND POSSIBLE FORWARD OR REWARD MOVEMENT UNTIL I COMPREHEND WHAT IS GOING ON AND REMOVE MY FOOT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS CONCERN WITH ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED OVER THE YEARS. IT APPEARS THAT THE GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRES TOO MUCH DEPRESSION TO FULLY ENGAGE BRAKES. ISSUE IS EXACERBATED WHEN I WEAR SPORT SHOES WHICH HAVE A LARGER FOOT PRINT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 201424,500 milesNC

THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW MONTHS. AT FIRST, ONLY WHEN THE TEMPS DROPPED BELOW FREEZING BUT RECENTLY WITHOUT ANY PRELUDE. MANY PEOPLE WOULD RATHER RISK DYING IN A FIERY CRASH THAN GO TO A DEALER, BUT I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TODAY. THE DEALER SAYS 2 AIRBAG SENSORS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT ARE BAD, WHICH REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT TRACK AT A COST OF $1,700. THE SERVICE TECH OPINED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SEAT ISN'T SAT IN REGULARLY. THE DEALER SAYS THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, SO ITS MY PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S DESIGN FLAW AND THEY SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AT ITS EXPENSE. *TR

20 of 31 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2010 — this page31120Routine
20096000Routine
200823110Routine
2007100120Routine
20065000Routine
200566110Routine
200486210Routine
200378161Fatalities reported
2002144430Routine
2001167690Routine
20003100Routine
19985010Routine
19976010Routine

Compare every Explorer Sport Trac year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 20, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.