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2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4WD

The 2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4WD is a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It starts at $32,085 MSRP and is rated at 15 mpg combined.

It makes 292 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 3950 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (15 mpg combined).

The Explorer measures 193.4 inches long on a 113.7-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$32,085 ($48,433 *)
MSRP with Destination$32,820 ($49,542 *)
Destination Charge$735
Engine
Engine Type4.6L Modular SOHC 3-valve V8
Displacement4.6 L
Horsepower292 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque300 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 3 valves per cylinder
Injection TypeSequential Multiport Fuel Injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypePart-time four-wheel drive (Control Trac)
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City13 MPG
Highway19 MPG
Combined15 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity22.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionShort/long-arm independent front suspension
Rear SuspensionIndependent rear suspension
Dimensions & Weight
Length193.4 in
Width73.7 in
Height72.8 in
Wheelbase113.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (22.8 % risk)
Tested variant: 2008 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford EXPLORER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 3, 2010 · EQUIPMENT

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

NHTSA campaign 10E043000

Dec 11, 2007 · VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

NHTSA campaign 07E104000

Sep 26, 2007 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.

Consequence: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 07V453000

148 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Ford EXPLORER

Owner Complaints

148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford EXPLORER (6 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System38
Power Train36
Seats27
Engine21
Steering13
Exterior Lighting12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 10, 2026 · Power Train
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, and the vehicle rolled backwards about an inch. No warning…”
Jun 7, 2026 · Engine
“Stalling in mid traffic. I was told it is poor quality of timing components. The vehicle has less than 200,000 miles and has had routine maintenance as it was a police investigation car”
Apr 27, 2025 · Unknown Or Other, Engine
“I got the car from my landlord, my husband never checked the oil or fluids even though I was on him, it died 2 months after we got it, the guy said before we purchased it that it still was under…”
May 31, 2024 · Other/I Am Not Sure
“The stickers are not on properly. My childs safety wasnt put at risk. I asked a CPST to help with a fit and intall check and we noticed the defected stickers.”
Jan 10, 2024 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine
“Report #1 - My grandma brought this 08' Explorer back in 2014, and after she passed, my mom drove it for the next 2 years. It started having general maintenance issues, then the cats were stolen, but…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 FORD EXPLORER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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