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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.

6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
46,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 132012

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

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

Well, another problem in a long list. When it is 95 degrees, it is definitely an issue. The explorer is still in the shop with a long list of repairs. A/C, radiator, Rotors again!

- Jean O., South Park, PA - Pennsylvania, US

problem #2

Jun 022009

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

After reading all these complaints, about the 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer edition, I am disgusted!! It's absolutely ridiculous that Ford wouldn't do a recall on this issue. I bought this car, brand new, and the radiator had to be replaced at only 30,000miles. WTF is that?! After the Ford Dealership replaced the radiator, the car had more problems. Suprised?! Not me! Fed-up is more like it. Now, everytime I drive it, the accelator randomly won't accelate, a loud, overpowering fan noise emanates from the hood, the air conditioning doesn't get as cold as it use to, and the heat takes awhile to get warm. That's nonsense! This is my second time going in for radiator problems at under 35,000 miles. Something has to be done abouth this. It's not right!!

- pschwartz, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #1

May 062009

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

I've recently developed an issue where my AC fan quits blowing cool air while I'm accelerating to get onto the interstate. when I get up to speed, it starts blowing again with no problems.

Anyone seen this?

- jebarne, Cary, NC, US

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