Ford Explorer Sport Trac Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year (2001–2010) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 259 complaints
20 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 315
0 recalls · 183 complaints
13 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Problem score: 219
0 recalls · 108 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 114
Best Ford Explorer Sport Trac Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 2
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 5
0 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 26
Found the right year? Verify that specific Explorer Sport Trac with a free VIN report.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0 | 20 | 3 | — | 26 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 1 | 26 | — | — | 29 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 0 | 68 | 10 | — | 88 | Good |
| 2006 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2005 | 0 | 48 | 3 | — | 54 | Good |
| 2004 | 0 | 73 | 15 | — | 103 | Good |
| 2003 | 0 | 108 | 3 | — | 114 | Caution |
| 2002 | 0 | 183 | 13 | 2 | 219 | Avoid |
| 2001 | 2 | 259 | 20 | 2 | 315 | Avoid |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Explorer Sport Trac models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Explorer Sport Trac should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac if possible. It has 2 recalls, 259 owner complaints, and 2 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 315 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Explorer Sport Trac to buy?+
The 2006 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Explorer Sport Trac has the fewest problems?+
The 2006, 2009, 2010 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Ford Explorer Sport Trac Research
Check a Specific Ford Explorer Sport Trac VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →