AS I WAS DRIVING 2008 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON A NEWLY PAVED SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A RHYTHMIC THUMPING FROM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ABOUT ONE MILE LATER, GOING ONLY 55 MPH, MY SON AND I WERE BOUNCING UP AND DOWN IN THE FRONT SEATS. I PULLED OVER SUSPECTING A FLAT, ALTHOUGH NO SENSOR WAS LIT. ANOTHER MOTORIST WHO STOPPED TO CHECK ON ME AND I NOTICED NO FLAT TIRES OR OTHER TIRE IS…
2008 ford Explorer wheels problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$400
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
MARCH 18, 2012, 50 MPH, FRONT PASSENGER FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. ONLY ONE OUT OF FIVE STUDS STILL AT NORMAL LENGTH, THREE AT HALF THEIR NORMAL LENGTH AND THE FIFTH COMPLETELY MISSING. CAUSED BRAKES TO GO OUT, COASTED TO A CONTROLLED STOP HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE HAD MINOR, ONLY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE LUG NUTS AND STUDS. VERY LUCK THAT THE VEHICLE…
Common questions
How serious is the wheels problem on the 2008 ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.