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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.

5.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,190 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #1

Jan 072007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,190 miles

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

- the contact bought the 2006 Ford Explorer sometimes during the end on January 2007 and it has had excessive rust under the driver's seat, the passenger's seat, and the steering column, also it leaked when raining from the windshield and overhead light. The entire truck got wet. The truck shook badly, and the tire light turned on because of the shaking. The dealer stated this was typical of this type trucks to have all this rust on them, and they will not take care of the problem or take it back. The failure mileage was 20190, and the current mileage was 21000.

- Carmichael, CA, USA

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