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.
2.3
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,500 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.
ABS light appeared, followed by anti skid light, now with wrench flashing, on a 2006 Ford Explorer, causes it to drive terrible on gravel, all this after the transmission and throttle body had to be replaced in the last six months, my car has 80,000 miles and drives like its 20 years old and about that reliable. Light has been on over a week.
On two occasions (May 2009 and now June 2010) a tone ring in my 2006 Ford Explorer's ABS/traction control system broke. It caused the traction control and brakes to go haywire. They began to grab and lock my brakes when I was moving causing erratic driving. When I went to stop, my brakes did not work properly. I have read on Ford forums that this is an ongoing issue with numerous Ford Explorer owners.
- Severna Park, MD, USA
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- Louisa, KY, USA