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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.

7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
64,100 miles
Total Complaints:
238 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator (176 reports)
  2. not sure (34 reports)
  3. replace with ford certified radiator and parts (12 reports)
  4. replace bad seal (7 reports)
  5. replace with aftermarket radiator and parts (5 reports)
  6. contact national highway safety administration 1-888-327-423 (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #218

Apr 152011

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

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

This last radiator was the 3rd radiator. We replaced it the 2nd time only 14 months ago. We just, last week, replaced the supply/return line for the heater core and 4 months ago replaced the housing unit for the thermostat. We are still having the same problem, however, when the vehicle sits idle, it won't heat until you press the gas. We have also replaced the thermostat 2 times in 4 months, replacing it 2 days ago when the radiator was replaced.

- Amy C., Ringgold, GA, US

problem #217

Apr 072013

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,761 miles

I purchased my used Ford on Feb 15 2013 and by April it was leaking. I went to Friendly Ford Poughkeepsie NY and they just BS me. They said they could do nothing and had to pay. I repaired it at a local car shop and was told its a defect from Ford. Called Ford corporate and they gave me the crap. They should recall this defect, I'm in the process of taking a class action lawsuit against ford. I'm now gong to replace another radiator as this one is leaking also. I will never buy another Ford Truck as this one is just a pain in the ass. Ford took the bailout money but can't man up and make a freaking recall on a definite defective part. FORD STANDS FOR FIX OR REPAIR DAILY. THEY SUCK

- Robert A., Hopewell Junction, NY, US

problem #216

Oct 082013

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Purchased my Explorer in July 2010 with 33k miles on it. In January 2011, at 43k miles the radiator developed a leak and I had to have the radiator, thermostat and thermostat housing replaced. I had this done at the dealership, there was no mention of the issues with this happening. In December of 2011, at 55k miles the entire engine had to be replaced due to a blown head gasket. Thankfully the extended warranty covered this cost minus the deductible and car rental. October 2013, the radiator, thermostat and thermostat housing all have to be replaced again. Never again will I buy a Ford.

- Shannon P., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #215

Dec 162011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

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

Well, here is my story of woe with my '06 Explorer. Bought it back 2008, and it was under warranty. First issue came up in '09 when the transmission went out and had to be replaced, luckily under warrant and then last year everything started to fall apart.

First in December, my wife had no heat in the car so we took it to a non-Ford mechanic and the whole radiator and thermostat needed to be replaced. That cost us around $1200. Now, four months later, my wife gets home from taking our son to school and a massive fluid leak under the car, no warning lights by the way, and I can about guarantee you this is the radiator again.

Needless to say my frustration level is high and as a lawyer, and after seeing all of these complaints, I am wondering if this might be a case for a class action against Ford, especially if this is a design defect.

- infiniteposs, Ventura, CA, US

problem #214

Jul 162013

Explorer XL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,600 miles

I bought this used 2006 Ford Explorer with 29k miles on it, in 2007.

I replaced the radiator in 2008, at just 2 years old (2nd radiator replacement).

I replaced the radiator again in 2009, within the one year warranty, at 3 years old (3rd replacement).

It is 2013 and I was just told that I don't have a water hose problem. My problem is that my radiator has a leak, and I need to replace it. This vehicle is less than 10 years old, and I will have replaced my radiator 4 times, due to the fact that they leak. Why is there not a law-suit to have Ford recall these radiators?

I think I am going to look into pursing this within the law.

- M C., San Francisco, CA, US

problem #213

Nov 162012

Explorer Limited 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

After reading all the posts regarding this problem which I am in the midst of experiencing now, I decided to call my Ford dealer/service. No recalls, no fix, we pay for it if not under warranty.

I was told to call Ford Customer Service at 1-800-392-3673 which I did and asked for help with the problem because of all the same problems posted here and other places. I received no help/compensation but wasn't surprised. The agent said that more people need to call in to report this issue and to keep my receipt in case the radiators are recalled. Get to the phones!

- Robert Carol Z., Palm Desert, CA, US

problem #212

Jun 142013

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 158,000 miles

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

THIS IS THE 3RD TIME - FIRST TIME LASTED JUST PAST WARRANT

SECOND TIME LESS THAN 6 MOS

- Donna D., Mobile, AL, US

problem #211

Jan 162013

Explorer XLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,500 miles

Just as everyone else here I have to replace the radiator in my explorer and I have an extended hi-tech warranty which does not cover the radiator. The ford dealership told me that it was manufacturer defect in the radiator causing the leak. I called ford and got the same corporate BS line they give everyone else that they will pass it on and to keep my receipt in case of recall. They need to stand behind their product even after warranty expires and grow some balls and get this problem fixed. I'm looking into class action lawsuit, thankfully the Chevy dealership where I bought it is going throw in 600.00 to help cover cost. Just shows how much more Chevy cares than does ford who took that bailout money which was our tax dollars and can't even back their own product no wounded ford is and was failing.

- Steve R., Syracuse, NY, US

problem #210

Jan 212013

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,036 miles

I see so many people have been having the same problem with the 2006 FORD EXPLORER RADIATOR LEAKAGE, somebody needs to look into this because apparently there's a default some where everybody wont have the same problem with same MAKE and MODEL VEHICLE. Where are the LAWYERS that wants to take on a class action lawsuit.

- lcoakks, Corsicana, TX, US

problem #209

Mar 142013

Explorer XL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,600 miles

Symptoms: loud fan, then noticed the coolant was gone. The dealer even admitted this has been a notorious problem with the 2006 Explorer.

- Hoyt T., Rock Hill, SC, US

problem #208

Feb 232013

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,000 miles

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

This is the second radiator with in 17 months. I have replaced everything possible on this 2006 truck. The 2008 Explorer I gave my son when I purchased the 2006 is still running with close to 200,000 miles and no major issues. This truck was a lemon and everyone who purchased one knows this. Ford has known about this radiator problem but refused to do a recall.

- Donna D., Mobile, AL, US

problem #207

Oct 152012

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Didn't see any antifreeze in driveway but it disappears really fast. Gonna have to replace the radiator.

- Lonnie S., Saint Clair Shores, MI, US

problem #206

Feb 162010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

On number 2 Radiator, Like a lot of the 2006 Ford Explorers I read about, the Radiator started leaking in Feb 2010 so we had it replaced. $568 Went about 10-12 months then, it started running hot again. Wife shut it off on the highway and had it towed, shop said it was Thermostat housing leaking, had it fixed, $535.

Now Nov 2012, Radiator started leaking again. Had it replaced again same mechanic as before, he did it for free labor this time. So new radiator $360. Also this time he updated the computer that is supposed to change the fan and keep the cooling system from failing again. We will see.

Now the fan runs roars at about 30 mph like a big blower on a hot rod. Wife hates it. I am reading about a reflash for the computer but still looking and asking my mechaninc to check into it.

- chipper30, Villa Rica, GA, US

problem #205

Aug 202012

Explorer LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Just had the thermostat housing replaced at a cost of $600.00 with labor at Ford dealership. (what a ripoff) Got the car back from them and they said the radiator is leaking as well, sure enough it is leaking in two separate areas. Composite plastic junk. Both the housing and the radiator are made from this garbage... Come on Ford, wake up...I had a 988 Mustang GT with 4.6 and composite intake manifold that leaked anti freeze ass well. Class action law suit fixed that problem... That's what needs to happen with the 2006 Explorers. I wish ford would stop using plastic where the coolant is flowing or where heat is prominent.they are killing us...use aluminum....it's not that heavy..and people will pay a few bucks more for good stuff...

- 94cobra, Bonneau, SC, US

problem #204

Aug 102012

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,241 miles

This is a damn shame. I brought this explorer with 6 thousand dollars down and got a mechanical repair service contract for 1242.00 dollars. Now when I bought this suv they said this was the best warranty you could buy .Now it is time to use it and they said its not covered .They say the radiator failed .I never thought ford would do this to so many people.There is a lot of people with this same problem.There should be a class action lawsuit .Count me in when the time comes.Shame on ford .They need to take responsibility of this problem.D O N T B U Y A F O R D . They don't stand behind there service contract .I had the platinum coverage .It should be called .This is a joke please open your window and throw your money out .DON'T PAY EXTRA FOR THEIR COVERAGE. THEY DON'T BACK THEM UP. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT .CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WHO IS WITH ME .I HAVE A GOOD LAWYER.HE IS RATED TOP TEN IN THE LEGAL FIELD .TOP TEN IN PENN.

- Stanley G., Levittown, PA, US

problem #203

Jun 012011

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

Replaced Radiator at approx. 52,000 miles. Vehicle now has 73,000 miles and the Radiator or the cooling system is leaking again.

- derwinb, White Stone, VA, US

problem #202

Oct 212011

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,675 miles

Story continues of my 2006 Ford Explorer...in Oct. 2011, one month after I had the 4x4 module replaced it was back in the shop for a leaking radiator, had to replace the Radiator assay and Cap assay. to the tune of $1014 out of my own pocket...not a happy camper (won't repeat what I actually said when I got this news) OH, and there's more...

- flip73, Fort Collins, CO, US

problem #201

Jul 052012

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

To all the people with the Ford explorer 2006 radiator problem I called Ford and ask why this hasn't been recalled yet seeing I am on my 5th one. They claim there hasn't been enough complaints about it... Told them they might want to check online!

- Tracy G., Worcester, MA, US

problem #200

Jun 272012

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I was exploring the internet to see if other Ford owners are experiencing the same problem that I was having with my 2006 Ford Explorer. We also have replaced 1 leaking radiator and are now experiencing yet another find of antifreeze on our garage floor. We have always had the best experience with the Ford Explorer and even had one that had more than 200,000 miles (1994) on it. Another local owner is still driving it to this day. This will be our last. I never thought that I would buy foreign but Chevrolet and Ford need to stand behind their mistakes. First the transmission shifter problem and now 2 radiators. That's a bit much for one of our major car makers to ignore as not being a design flaw. Come on Ford...MAN-UP!

- Michael A., Bluff City, TN, US

problem #199

May 032012

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We have had to have 3 radiators put on our 2006 explorer in the last 3 months and then we had to put 3 water pumps and now something else is wrong. My car has been in the shop more in the last three months than its been in my drive way.

- Jacob S., Gastonia, NC, US

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