2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2008 model year · 250+ owner reports · Updated May 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 250+ owner reports, the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure ($1,500-$3,500 repair) and Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC ($800-$2,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure with 250 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $800 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

Community Reported

250 owners

On the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC V6, the 4.0L SOHC V6 uses three timing chains with plastic cassette guides and hydraulic tensioners. The guides crack and the tensioners lose pressure, causing chain slack that leads to jumped timing and engine damage. This is the same issue affecting the Explorer and Ranger with this engine.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Enclave

Common Symptoms

Rattling on cold startup
Persistent timing chain noise
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
Rough idle
Loss of power
Engine misfires

How to Fix

Replace all three timing chains, guides, tensioners, and sprockets. This is a major job requiring significant disassembly. Many owners opt for a remanufactured engine due to the high labor cost.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 250+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteDo not ignore startup rattle — once the chain jumps timing, the engine can be destroyed in seconds
TipGet quotes for a reman engine vs chain repair — depending on labor rates in your area, a reman may be cheaper
UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,500

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250+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence250 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC, the 4.0L SOHC V6 cam phasers develop a loud rattle on cold startup that can persist for 30+ seconds. The phaser internal mechanism wears, causing timing chain slack and potential timing issues.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi A4, Audi A5

Common Symptoms

Loud rattle on cold start
Rattling for 30+ seconds
Check engine light
Reduced power

How to Fix

Replace the cam phasers, timing chain, tensioners, and guides as a complete kit. This is a labor-intensive repair requiring removal of the front of the engine. Use updated Ford phasers.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,000

Research This Issue

0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 250+ owner reports, the 2008-2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure, Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

The 2008-2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 known issues documented across 250+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure and Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer Sport Trac issues range from $800 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure?

The 4.0L SOHC V6 uses three timing chains with plastic cassette guides and hydraulic tensioners. The guides crack and the tensioners lose pressure, causing chain slack that leads to jumped timing and engine damage. This is the same issue affecting the Explorer and Ranger with thi… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC?

The 4.0L SOHC V6 cam phasers develop a loud rattle on cold startup that can persist for 30+ seconds. The phaser internal mechanism wears, causing timing chain slack and potential timing issues. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

What is the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure?

What is the 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Cam Phaser Rattle on 4.0L SOHC?