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.
I bought a 2006 Explorer (which I adore) in October 2008 and about 7 months after driving, about the same time I hit the 40,000 mile mark, I start hearing whooping sounds from the top and a roaring sound from the bottom back end of the vehicle. It is random, nothing intentional causes the sounds. It is really annoying. The most interesting part about WHEN it happens... it only occurs in the summer months. Once it begins getting cool outside, it stops. Everyone says, oh, it must be the air conditioner, but it does it when the NOTHING is running regarding the ventilation system. Strange. I took it to Ford and much like the other 'complainant' I took her to Ford and they put 200 miles on her and said they never hear any noises. And they did hook her up to the diagnostic machines and said nothing showed up as mechanically wrong. WHATEVER! So, needless to say, she still sings and moans to me and is the talk of the carpool! I just hope that she doesn't break down on me because of these noises.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought a 2006 Explorer (which I adore) in October 2008 and about 7 months after driving, about the same time I hit the 40,000 mile mark, I start hearing whooping sounds from the top and a roaring sound from the bottom back end of the vehicle. It is random, nothing intentional causes the sounds. It is really annoying. The most interesting part about WHEN it happens... it only occurs in the summer months. Once it begins getting cool outside, it stops. Everyone says, oh, it must be the air conditioner, but it does it when the NOTHING is running regarding the ventilation system. Strange. I took it to Ford and much like the other 'complainant' I took her to Ford and they put 200 miles on her and said they never hear any noises. And they did hook her up to the diagnostic machines and said nothing showed up as mechanically wrong. WHATEVER! So, needless to say, she still sings and moans to me and is the talk of the carpool! I just hope that she doesn't break down on me because of these noises.
- Misty S., Woodbridge, VA, US