2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2023
“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.”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2021
“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”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Sep 2018
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2018
“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).”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2018
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2017
“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”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2015
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2015
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2010 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer Sport Trac by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 34,385 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:recliner. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.