Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 16 | 16% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 9% |
| Tires | 9 | 9% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 8% |
| Engine | 7 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 6% |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 3% |
| Wheels | 3 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Tire pressure monitoring system will incorrectly display tire sensor fault after driving over 55mph for approximately 15 miles After repeated repair attempts, Ford dealer has not been able to fix it and the TPMS is in co
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owned a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the driver's side rear tire had seized due to a fractured rear axl
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
ISSUE FEB 2018 - PRESENT I BOUGHT MY 2ND- HAND 2007 FORD SPORT TRAC IN FEBRUARY 2018, FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WE HAD EXPERIENCED 2 CAT-FIVE HURRICANES; POWER AND INTERNET WAS ALMOST NONEXISTENT, SO I COULD NOT RESEARC
NHTSA complaint: Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING IN THE CARPORT. HE HAD TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID EVERY TWO WEEKS. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS, THERE WAS AN ABNO
NHTSA complaint: Steering
COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE (DRIVER) DUE TO EXENSIVE CORROSION THAT BREACHED THE COMPONENT HOUSING, LEADING TO ELECTRICAL SHORTING THAT MELTED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TERMINAL. THIS IS CLEARLY AN
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
I'M TOLD BY UHAUL THAT THEY WILL NOT PUT A TRAILOR ON BECAUSE OF SOME PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS AND LAWSUITS. IS THIS TRUE?
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 2-3 GEARS. TRUCK LURCHES DURING DEACCELERATION, WHINING NOISE
NHTSA complaint: Power train
TAKATA INFLATORS .THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON IN THE MORNING WHEN I START TRUCK. IS THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION ?
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
| Reliability | 76 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 69 | good |
| Depreciation | 63 | average |
| Performance | 74 | good |
| Efficiency | 29 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 16 of them (16%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 76/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.