Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2010 Ford Explorer Sport TracRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 31 owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Most complaints involve power train (7) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2010
Owner complaints
31
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seats: recliner

Free remedy

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.

SeatsReported Apr 20, 2010NHTSA 10V161000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2010 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train7
  2. Air bags4
  3. Seats4
  4. Engine and engine cooling4
  5. Structure3
  6. Wheels3
  7. Engine2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Electrical system2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer Sport Trac model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20023,613
20031,313
20041,408
2005568
2007100
200823
20096
201031
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

7 reports
“THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAULTY SPEED SENSOR, AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD PUT OUT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SPEED SENSOR HAS DOWN SHIFTED TO LOW AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LOCKING THE REAR DRIVE UP AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. I HAVE CHECK MY VEHICLE RECALLS AND DID NOT FIND THIS RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. WHY WOULD MY VEHICLE NOT BE RECALLED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR? BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2020Power trainODI 11372978

Air bags

4 reports1 crash
“Passenger Seat / Airbag Safety Concern The front passenger seat does not reliably lock into position and can move while the vehicle is being driven. The vehicle also displays “REMOVE OBJECT PASS SEAT” even when the passenger seat is completely empty and there are no objects on, underneath, or around the seat. The airbag/SRS warning light is also illuminated. We have thoroughly checked the passenger seat and surrounding area for objects, but the warning remains. The passenger seat's failure to remain securely locked while the vehicle is moving is a serious safety concern, particularly because it is occurring at the same time as warnings involving the passenger occupant/airbag system. I am concerned that the seat locking problem and passenger occupant classification/airbag system problem may be related. I am also aware that certain 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles were subject to NHTSA Recall 10V-161 / Ford Recall 10C11 involving front seat recliner mechanisms, and I would like this vehicle investigated to determine whether this defect or a related seat/restraint-system defect is involved. The vehicle currently has approximately 151,667 miles. No collision…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Air bags, SeatsODI 11763983

Seats

4 reports
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2021SeatsODI 11434260
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800523
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000555
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive
131915$4,300592
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5564
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Explorer Sport Trac questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (7), air bags (4), seats (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026