FORD/MERCURY: TO PREVENT HARNESS DAMAGE, ON SOME VEHICLES, RESULTING IN CONTACT WITH TIRE OR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, PROPER ROUTING OF WIRING HARNESS FOR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IS KEY. 2006-2010 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 11 brakes complaints filed for the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IMPROVED BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND FIRMNESS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM / TRACTION CONTROL / ROLL STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR (ABS / TC / RSC) WARNING LAMP ON WITH DTC C1440.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a wide range of brake failures. Several describe complete brake loss or unintended engagement—brakes engaging on their own during acceleration while warning lights illuminate, or pedal going to floor with no resistance. One owner experienced this in an active intersection; another reported the issue at 2,000 miles.
A major recurring complaint is the brake and accelerator pedal layout. Owners say the pedals sit too close together and the brake pedal sits lower, making it easy to hit both simultaneously. One driver rear-ended another vehicle at a yield sign because of this; multiple others report near-misses.
Other owners describe soft brake pedal feel with excessive travel—a problem that persists despite dealership visits and brake service work. One owner reports this has been ongoing since buying the vehicle new in 2007.
Additional failures include rear brakes locking up during acceleration (one case at 15 mph, with shaft assembly failure identified), brakes failing to hold at traffic lights with wheels still spinning, and overall brake slip when attempting to stop. One brake computer failure caused complete loss of brakes at 2,000 miles and required replacement. A dealer identified the left front wheel brake sensor as faulty in one case. Several owners report dealerships dismissing concerns, claiming brakes are within specification.
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended brake engagement under acceleration
Brakes engage on their own while accelerating, with multiple warning lights (ABS, stability control, traction control, wrench) illuminating. Appears triggered by wheel-speed sensor malfunction detected at left front wheel.
When: At low and moderate speeds; reported at under 5 mph and 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage without driver input while foot on gas pedal; Multiple warning lights illuminate (ABS, stability control, 4x4, wrench); Brakes hold vehicle until foot removed from gas; Brake pedal resistance and minimal movement; ABS-like noise from brake pedal
Codes mentioned: Left front wheel brake sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic identified faulty left front wheel brake sensor; repair shop put vehicle on computer diagnostic device
Soft brake pedal with excessive travel
Brake pedal becomes soft and travels excessively, often depressing below the accelerator pedal level. Reported as ongoing issue since original purchase and continuing after brake service work.
When: Ongoing since 2007 purchase; also reported after recent brake job at 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal soft and travels too far; Pedal depresses below accelerator pedal; Reduced stopping effectiveness; Soft brake feel requiring excessive pedal effort
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits; told brakes within specifications; mechanic stated brake lines did not need bleeding after recent service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised brakes are within specifications; owner reports being ignored by factory customer service
Pedal proximity hazard—simultaneous gas and brake application
Brake pedal positioned too close to accelerator pedal and sits lower, causing drivers to accidentally press both pedals at once. Results in unintended acceleration when driver intends to brake. One collision reported.
When: Ongoing since purchase; one incident at yield sign, others near stop signs and lights
Symptoms owners cite: Brake and accelerator pedals too close together; Brake pedal sits lower than accelerator; Unintended acceleration when attempting to brake; Vehicle lurches forward when both pedals pressed simultaneously; Near-misses and one reported rear-end collision
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; design issue
Rear brake lock-up during acceleration
Rear brakes lock unexpectedly during acceleration at low speeds, causing rear tires to drag. ABS and traction control lights illuminate. Dealer identified shaft assembly failure (part FP-7L2Z4K138A) as cause.
When: At 6,821 miles; occurred twice
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes lock while accelerating; Rear tires drag; ABS and traction control lights illuminate; Loss of vehicle control at low speed (15 mph)
Codes mentioned: ABS and traction control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Shaft assembly (FP-7L2Z4K138A) failed
Brakes fail to hold during deceleration
Wheels continue spinning and vehicle does not stop when brakes applied at light. Reported at 25–30 mph. Shifting to neutral and park, then restarting vehicle, restores brake function. Occurred twice in two months.
When: At 25–30 mph while approaching traffic light
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels spin despite brake application; Vehicle does not decelerate or stop; Brake failure clears after shifting to neutral, park, and engine restart
Brake system slip and PCM fault
Vehicle slips when braking, described as common fault in this model. PCM (powertrain control module) cannot be repaired and remains faulty after 40 days at shop. Owner reports other Explorer Sport Trac owners experiencing similar issue.
When: At 40+ days into warranty service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slips when braking; Reduced brake grip and control
Codes mentioned: PCM fault
Repairs/costs cited: PCM cannot be repaired by shop
Brake noise (squealing) without functional issue
Front disc brakes produce loud squealing noise when applied. Dealership examination found brakes in perfect condition, but owner remains concerned about safety.
When: At 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing noise from front disc brakes when applied
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found brakes in perfect condition
Brake system computer failure causing total brake loss
Complete brake failure with pedal traveling to floor and no braking response. Brake light illuminated. Computer diagnostic revealed computer failure in brake system. Ford replaced the part.
When: At 2,000 miles, early morning drive
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal goes to floor with no resistance; No braking response; Brake warning light illuminates; Complete brake system failure
Codes mentioned: Brake computer failure
Repairs/costs cited: Ford replaced brake computer part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford replaced brake computer part
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The brake pedal had become soft after 51,000 miles and a recent brake job. After calling the mechanic who did the job he said that the lines didnt need to bleed because the lines were never opened.
I have a 2007 explorer sport trac xlt into of server for fall in the brakes,the bob of engineer stated what was the most common fault in this vehicle,today have 40 days and the PCM in the vehicle cant be repaired by the shop. Description of the problem: when trying to step on the brakes, the vehicle tends to slip this can possibly cause an accident when I spoke with other Ford owners. *tr
Brand new Ford escape hybrid 2007 year with 2000 miles on it. Was driving to work at 6 am and had total brake failure. Fortunately there was no traffic at that time of day or there would have been a crash. Pedal went right to the floor and nothing. Brake light came on. Car towed to dealer later that morning. Brakes worked fine, no light on. They examined the computer records from the car and…
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 2,460 and 42,000 miles, with the median around 9,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,460; a quarter make it past 42,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Ford/Explorer Sport Trac.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.