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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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
96,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace ABS module (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer brakes problems

brakes problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Dec 062020

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

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

2006 explorer has an issue with the brakes. Put it in gear and it felt like the drivetrain was binding. Turns out is was the brakes. I removed fuse from engine compartment fuse panel for the ABS module and problem went away. Replace ABS module ($494) and problem solved. Need to mention that engineers that design these vehicles should have to work on them as well. I many many choice words and beat up knuckles trying to replace this module. It is located between the battery and the radiator but down lower on the vehicle. Good luck

- ski_nut20, Holmen, US

problem #1

Nov 012014

Explorer SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I had this happen to me app. 3 or 4 years ago, I was going really slow, thank god, leaving the hospital parking lot... If I had been on interstate this would have cause many to wreck and god knows how many deaths. I have always had Ford Explorers since 1993, this one is the worse I've ever had. Had to take it back to Ford to fix and a $10.00 sensor cost me 2 wrecker bills and app $300.00 plus in labor.

Now, thankfully, I remember how the truck acted the last time, so it started acting up a few days ago and yesterday it started wheel hopping again, to cost me another wrecker bill tomorrow but thankful no one has been in a crash hurt or killed at this time

There should have been a recall on this the last time. You don't pay that much money for a truck to be let down as bad as I have been, ...I didn't know how to report this for a recall last time but this time I refuse to stay quiet, someone has to fix this before it's too late.

- Charlotte T., buffalo, ky, US

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