Print this page

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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,201 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 engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #57

Jun 042022

Explorer

  • miles

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

Complete failure of the powertrain electrical harness. Heat degradation to wire insulation has exposed all conductors. Several other owner operators have experienced the same issue wherein the Dealer has attempted repair of existing trouble codes, by replacing sensors, modules and components. Problems range from vehicle shut-off at speed, vehicle fires, no-start and failed PCM modules due to short to power or short to ground. Based on my findings, this specifically impacts vehicles ranging from 2006-2010, Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer with the 4.0L SOHC engine.

- Greenbrier, TN, USA

problem #56

Jan 082021

Explorer

  • 159,000 miles
Driving on speed limit I stopped at a light, car engine went dead. I turned key off and waited a few minutes, turned key on, car started as nothing was wrong. It has happened 3 times in the past year. Battery and alternator are pretty new. Decided to take to an authorized mechanic dealer, couldn't find anything wrong with the engine. Really" what if I was driving in a highway" certainly I wouldn't be alive to report it!

- Germantown, MD, USA

problem #55

Jun 082020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 36,300 miles
Radiator fluid exploded all over engine and floor massive leak. Searched it up on internet and seems this is a common problem with this vehicle. I started vehicle and fluid started going everywhere.I drove maybe 10 feet and shut the car off immediately.

- Norwalk, CA, USA

problem #54

Oct 312019

Explorer

  • 131,000 miles

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

I have now had 2 problems with this dealership, and personally I believe everyone deserves second chances, the first vehicle the seller sold me had major issues with gas tank had a hole in it and exposed wires right next to it so that truck was a ticking time bomb, now I have a 2006 Ford Explorer with more issues but again the seller makes its seem like a pretty reliable car and lies about the issues, covers up the stories and thank god my buddy is a mechanic and I take everything I buy to him, when I first received the car, (as many people not many people know anything as soon as they hear a weird noise) I took it to him and he rides with me and notices some major issues, I took it for a drive and the back suspension was going out (got that replaced) then the transmission slipping, like not only was lied to but now having to pay 2000$ just to keep the car running, not suitable for me nor anyone, I feel bad for whoever this seller also lies to. And I am fully aware that someone could get their license revoked for stuff like this, if anyone with clear eyes can see this seller screws people over. I texted the guy about returning the vehicle and just to get my money back but yet again no answer.

- Bryan, TX, USA

problem #53

Feb 012016

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that various warning indicators flashed and the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fly by wire pedal and the throttle body were replaced, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

problem #52

Aug 252017

Explorer

  • miles
Transmission is slipping bad and car not shifting into drive

- Perry Hall, MD, USA

problem #51

Nov 102015

Explorer

  • 85,000 miles

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

I own a 2006 Ford Explorer eddie bauer, bought used in 2011/61000K. Since 2012 the car started showing problems with the power steering and /or engine. When driving at 35-40 mph on a highway the car started to surge forward, then back, keeping surging until the car reached a higher speed of 60. If driving on a hill, it will loose its speed. I took the car to Ford dealer and they couldn't find the problem. The car now is 120000K, still same problem. Very disappointed with Ford that will not take responsibility for the problemas.

- Germantown, MD, USA

problem #50

Dec 032016

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles
The car was sold with limited warranty, used, but had written cold start issue. The vehicle gets warm if warm outside and will just completely shut off anywhere at anytime. Riding down interstate, will lose power then shut off and leave you with no power steering to control vehicle going high speeds, will shut off in town multiple times upward of a dozen or more times while driving, 1st shop sent to said couldn't find issue second they sent me too said computer needed replacing. Either way I never would have purchased it without it being done had U known, my fiance is small and no way she could handle the vehicle if shutting down while driving. Its very dangerous and is going to get someone killed if not repaired and looked into more closely.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #49

Oct 152016

Explorer

  • 37,500 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred two more times. The vehicle was taken to tri star Ford (930 old us hwy 22, blairsville, pa 15717), but the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 37,500. The VIN was unavailable.

- New Florence, PA, USA

problem #48

Feb 082017

Explorer

  • 100,100 miles
Got 2006 eddie bauer w/98,000, 1 previous owner (mother) all servicing via the same Ford dealer (gene butman), except for a few oil changes from uncle ed's. late Nov 2016 took it in due to the heat was fluctuating, was told it needed the thermostat and housing replaced (even though it had the radiator replaced a few years earlier), also had brakes & rotors done, the 100,000 mile checkup said all was good. A week later the exhaust flute, etc broke lose, got that repaired & $2,000 later, Friday 2/03/17 wrench light came on, then engine light, vehicle seemed to lunge forward, delay, doesn't engage..accelerate, feels like the transmission is hanging and then slams into gear. A thud feeling was also reported by my mother several times in previous years to the dealer, they could not find anything wrong, so she had then document it. Today I am told a transmission is needed, which is a unexpected huge & saddening surprise - in 2012 and 2013 there had already been transmission work on the vehicle. Checked and see all reports about this particular model has occurred on this one, cooling system/radiator/thermostat and housing issues, exhaust issues and now transmission issues -- there are thousands of reports for this exact model and other Explorer and Ford vehicles, all known issues, many explanations why it occurred with this model and that Ford is aware of them and has provided no recalls for any of these serious defective matters, none - especially when each are very dangerous matters. Today I am told, that a new transmission will be: $5,400, 3 year warranty and a used transmission: $3,600 12 mos or 12,000 miles. Both options are very very expensive. What can NHTSA do, will a recall ever occur" it seems Ford needs to step in and help with these repairs. It there any help with these matters & cost" www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2006/.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #47

Jun 012016

Explorer

  • 109,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. In addition, the contact noticed steam coming from the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the compressor failed and the check engine indicator was disabled. As a result, the electronic control module caused the vehicle to malfunction. The compressor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

- Pinellas Park, FL, USA

problem #46

Aug 012016

Explorer

  • 179,000 miles
Car shuts off while driving. This has happened about 6 times in the last two months. Always at speeds under 40 mph and always within 3 minutes of turning the car on. There's never any warning or smell or sound. Dash goes black, radio cuts off, power steering fails, and I have to coast to the side of the road. Obviously this is very frightening and I've been very lucky that it has not yet happened at lights or turns. My car guy is really good and he's at a loss. He thinks maybe it's a security system malfunction. I drive with children in the car and I can't afford a to buy a new car. I'm not sure what my other options are.

- Severna Park, MD, USA

problem #45

May 252016

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, theenginestalled withoutwarning. The vehicle restarted after numerous attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired.the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence.the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.

- Swedesboro, NJ, USA

problem #44

Apr 072016

Explorer

  • 16,200 miles
Check engine lite and orange wrench lite which shuts car down no excelration pedal power steering gone and no brake control on freeway coming home. Trans. Will not shift and jumps when wrench lite is on very dangerous this has been going on since April took back to dealer sent to mechanic replaced 2 parts on excelleration module. Still not right.

- Pinson, AL, USA

problem #43

Jun 192014

Explorer

  • 98,000 miles
Does the class action lawsuit concerning spark plugs include this model of Explorer? the V8 4.6L eddie bauer edition-if not, it should, as we were told the same info on sparks plugs breaking off if not done with a special extraction tool. We had diagnostics done and depending on what happened when removed and changed could cost anywhere between $600-$1500. Specifically told "do not attempt yourself." Service was performed June 19, 2014 by a local Ford dealer.

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #42

May 162016

Explorer

  • 108,000 miles
First problem started with the brain in the transmission area. Hesitating, lunging forward and tachometer jumping when taking off and during driving down the roads/highways. Had diagnostics tests done (March 3, 2016.) replaced brain and it stopped the hesitation, lunging and tachometer jumping=$2700. Next problem came along when we started hearing a ticking sound when it was started in the driveway(May 16, 2016.) come to find out the engine was blown which is now going to cost $6700. We have always maintained our vehicles with proper care and attention, but how can all these major things go wrong at only 108000 miles"?"

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #41

Jul 132015

Explorer

  • miles
Takata recall

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #40

Jan 272016

Explorer

  • 190,149 miles
I bought a 2006 Explorer in 2010 and in 5 years I have had a sensor that's goes inside the transmission replaced, then transmission rebuilted, and the radiator replaced twice. Now that it's paid off leaking coolant again making it run hot. Now it saying check the charging system and stop on me on the freeway and now won't stay started. Thought I was doing everything right with the maintenance of the truck but it keeps breaking down. Also the wrench thing is on and won't stay started even while pressing the gas pedal to the floor all after I just had another sensor replaced. And besides the radiator leaking again that plastic thing they call a thermostat housing may be cracked. I feel I'm spending more money repairing things on this truck in 5 years that most people spend on a new car. If I had seen all the problems this model year was having would have went a different brand.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #39

May 312015

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred ten times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #38

Sep 162015

Explorer

  • 61,000 miles
Driving on a highway I-95 in Florida. The vehicle started to miss as we accelerated. We took the car into a Ford dealer service for plug replacement. This auto has a 4.6 litre V-8 engine. We were amazed to find that it will cost upwards of $1000 to replace 8 spark plugs. That cost esculates if any plugs are broken. The plugs are two piece construction and separate on removal. Only Ford can remove the plugs and more will be charged for any broken. It is impossible to remove these plugs without breakage. Ford recommends not changing the plugs until 100,000 miles. By that time you are out of guaranty and if they are hard to come out at 60,000 miles imagine if they are left in. These plugs are known to blow out of the head and I am sure there are many accidents. I am a disabled veteran 83 years old and a mechanical engineer. My wife and I are fishermen and need a vehicle to bring our boat to water. We are avid Ford owners and are greatly dissapointed.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?