CarComplaints.com Notes: The previous generation of Explorer was so awful that the redesign in 2006 was greeted with much optimism. That didn't last long.
The transmission continues to be the Explorer's worst reliability problem. Owners report shifting hard & lunging, typically starting as low as 40k miles with a $1,600 average repair bill. On top of that, the radiator is prone to failure around 60k miles. Repairs for the radiator run $500 to $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
The automatic door locks will intermittently come unlocked by themselves. It will also continuously lock and unlock for several minutes and will not allow me to lock them back. I have had it to the dealership twice for the same problem and of course it doesn't do it when its there. Now it's back at the dealership and its out of warranty and they still don't know what's wrong. This 2006 EB Explorer is the replacement of the 2005 EB Explorer that turned out to be a lemon. After a year fighting with Ford and an attorney they finally replaced it. I probably would not have purchased another Ford but my attorney said it would be easiest thing to do after a year of fighting to let them replace it. You would think that a $41,000 vehicle would be built a little better, wouldn't you. Oh, did I mention that my $41,000 vehicle that was purchased last year isn't even worth half this much on a trade-in now!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The automatic door locks will intermittently come unlocked by themselves. It will also continuously lock and unlock for several minutes and will not allow me to lock them back. I have had it to the dealership twice for the same problem and of course it doesn't do it when its there. Now it's back at the dealership and its out of warranty and they still don't know what's wrong. This 2006 EB Explorer is the replacement of the 2005 EB Explorer that turned out to be a lemon. After a year fighting with Ford and an attorney they finally replaced it. I probably would not have purchased another Ford but my attorney said it would be easiest thing to do after a year of fighting to let them replace it. You would think that a $41,000 vehicle would be built a little better, wouldn't you. Oh, did I mention that my $41,000 vehicle that was purchased last year isn't even worth half this much on a trade-in now!
- V M., Salem, VA, US