The composite (plastic) intake manifold may crack near the thermostat housing and cause a coolant leak. Ford released an updated manifold that was reinforced to prevent a recurrence. No recall was issued for this problem but Ford did extend the warranty to seven years on some models from the date of purchase.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Models:
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door
A failed heater blend door or actuator can cause the temperature control for the HVAC system to stop working. A clicking sound from the dash area would commonly indicate an actuator fault. If the heater gets stuck on the hottest setting, the heater blend door may be broken requiring replacement of the heater box to repair the issue.
Coolant Leak/Overheating Due to Radiator Leak
A coolant leak may develop from the radiator. Ford has released and updated radiator and powertrain control module (PCM) software update to address this issue. The software update includes revised cooling fan operating parameters. Failure to complete both service procedures may result in repeated radiator failures.
Problems With Early Production 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Various problems with the 5-speed automatic transmission were common. These problems can be more common on the 2002 models with build dates before March, 2002. There are many service bulletins describing the diagnoses and repairs, which include fluid leak repairs, transmission software updates, or internal failures requiring a costly repair.
Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From Engine
A rattling noise from the engine may indicate that the timing chain cassette is worn. Our technicians tell us that installing an updated cassette and timing chain tensioner should correct this concern.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Recalls (Recent)
Ford Recalls 1998-2002 SUVs for Driver's Seat Back Recliner Failure
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 1998-2002 Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer vehicles for an issue with the driver's seat recliner mechanism. The upper bolt that attaches the recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back could fall backward and disrupt the driver, possibly causing an accident. Dealers will replace the upper bolt and, on some vehicles, replace a lower bolt as well.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Recall 01X001000
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Learn more »Ford Explorer Sport Trac Recall 07V336000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Learn more »Ford Recalls 1999-2001 SUVs for a Speed Control Cable Concern
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 1999-2001 Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer vehicles for a possible binding speed control cable. If the cable binds, throttle return could be affected, causing a sticking accelerator. Dealers will inspect the cable and replace it if necessary.
Steering Gear Attachment Bolts May Break
RepairPal Expert Overview:
11 vehicles are being recalled because the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the frame may have been overtightened. As a result, one or both bolts could break and cause the steering gear to become loose, reducing steering effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and nuts. This recall is expected to begin on April 27, 2007. The Ford recall number is 07S52.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Questions and Answers
How much should I expect to pay to have a mass air flow sensor installed? Its a 1999. They didnt give me that option to pick.
i can drive and as go up a hill it lose power on it is it the cadilliac do it
My chech engine light is on steady.Engine is running fine.
My front end seems loose and wobbly my tires are really wearing on the inside. What is causing this? 130000 mi
when idling the car loses power sometimes and dies
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Reviews
brakes fail under 5 mph
Bought a 2007 sport trac brand new in 2007 > transmission went out at 77,000 miles on March 15 2013, just got a quote to rebuild for 2695.00. The transmission was faulty to begin with by all the complaints on this truck but no recall was ever given. Average miles per year 13,000.
Very disappointed and this will be the last Ford I purchase. Writing the Ford motor company a nice letter, driving a vechicle 13,000 miles a year for 6 years my transmission should have never gone bad. Sad thing is they new they had faulty transmissions in these trucks.
got a 2007 used sport trac..wheel bearing is gone bad tapping on left side of engine..what is next?
2005 Sport Trac...bought new...Transmission went at 46000 miles. Vehicle started stalling in the road (no reverse, no drive until you killed the motor and restarted the engine and move the gears around). Then it drove just fine until it decided to do it again. Really strange and hard to diagnose at first. Warranty was gone but Ford paid the bill except for the $500 our part. THANK YOU JESUS! 130000 another Transmission leak...estimation at $700. Working on getting that one fixed. 5 sets of brakes on this vehicle...but this may be the way my 22 year old drives it (regardless...still not very happy with the brakes). Other than this it has been a very reliable and good ride.
My 2004 explorer sport trac was all i ever wanted until major items like not being able hook up and tow any thing with it by law with any towing equip. And also at 100,000 miles my compass went out and also my auto drive at the same time. Ford,it not your fault its mine for not EXPLORING more options you get it(ExPlOriNg).