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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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
59,400 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. dealer unsure waiting to hear from ford (1 reports)
  3. replace computer (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #5

Aug 312011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was fortunately in driveway. Wouldn't start. Just clicking of relays. AAA towed car to Rowe Ford in Westbrook ,ME. Computer meltdown. Today is the 7th day of a rental. I am still waiting to hear if the part arrived. Was told yesterday there is a backlog of parts requests. Becoming very expensive. Our only available car. Car is only 5 yrs old??!!

- wholder, SOUTH CASCO, ME, US

problem #4

Mar 112011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

The vehicle was parked in my driveway when I left on vacation. Running fine. Upon my return started right up, everthing worked but the dash lights . Odometer lights flashed on and off with click directionals flashed with no sound and nothing else on dash worked. Shut the motor off, restarting difficult. took immediately to dealer. computer problem. Dealer ordered replacement immediately. After four days replied not availible, four or five weeks delay.Today is May 30 and still no part. I am a senior and this is my only car. This is becoming very expensive to rent a car besides a $700 repair bill. Where would I be if this took place while I was on a trip! Not the service I expect from a company like Ford. I was thinking of a new car this year but now have second thoughts about staying with Ford.

- Edward G., Giens Falls, NY, US

problem #3

Oct 222010

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

While driving the vehicle the ABS light and the traction control light comes on for about 3 seconds followed my the whole control panel blacking out. Speed odometer, gas gauge, and RPM's all go completely black. Please help!!

- courtneyj, Stoney Fork, KY, US

problem #2

Aug 112010

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

For this car to only be 4 years old this should not be happening. You would think Ford would make products that last longer when it controls so many things!!!!! Now when I get my oil changed I can never reset it and it will stay beeping at me. Not to mention that I cannot see my mileage! They want $ 375.00 for the part and that doesn't include the labor to have it put in. You can't buy the part and put it in yourself because it has to be hooked up to their computer and then your keys have to be reprogrammed. When they stick it to you they really stick it to you!!!!!!!

- tfraser, Biloxi, MS, US

problem #1

Aug 062006

(reported on)

Explorer Limited

  • 7,000 miles

replaced with two new clusters, still wont function, they lost my CD's from previous cd holder, without car 24 days. had a rental.. driving the vehicle now, nav not functional, CD's wont work, theyre waiting to hear back from Ford, smelt burning smell again like the first time it melted

- Gina C., Bellevue, WA, US

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