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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.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,560
Average Mileage:
79,200 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. replacement motor (6 reports)
  3. replace crank pulley and crank sensor (2 reports)
  4. changed the throttle position sensor (1 reports)
  5. replaced tps (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #18

Jun 122018

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

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

This is the second time this has happened. Some Ford executive, who likely has no mechanical background, approved the idea of a rubber interface between the drive shaft and the drive pulley. I'm sure it works great in Detroit whose mean temperature never exceeds 90F in the summer. Take this idiotic design to Texas, or Las Vegas (as we did), or Arizona, Death Valley or , and it will fail. The rubber weakens and finally separates from the drive shaft.

We were in Las Vegas to enjoy a bit of the city and then catch a flight (we drove from Texas) to Hawaii. The pulley failed and we were stranded. Tow truck, auto repair shop, and Lyft later we made our flight. We got back to a repaired vehicle but $500 repair bill.

What is wrong with Ford for their moronic design decisions? Do Ford executives get bonuses for designs that they know will fail?

- Kevin K., Weatherford, US

problem #17

Jul 012015

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Vehicle runs fine for a while, then when I remove foot from accelerator to slow engine dies without warning. Recently had it tuned up, change oil regularly, just had new timing chain installed, mechanic said engine is remarkably clean and well maintained, yet I was nearly killed yesterday when a car traveling 55 MPH might have rammed me if I hadn't reacted so quickly, due to years of driving experience. Engine idles at 500 RPM which is too low but mechanic says computer controls this and considering the fact that I have limited income and don't wish to die right now I think my best bet is to get rid of this vehicle before it gets rid of me. I've read what others say and the only "solution" that appeals to me is switching to gas with Techron but that solution seems too good to be true which is probably the case. If you're thinking about purchasing a Ford Explorer my advice to you it to rethink the decision, because these vehicles are dangerous.

- Lana L., Blanchard, LA, US

problem #16

Feb 112014

Explorer XLT 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

I have the same issues as others on this site about my car turning off while driving or at a traffic light for no reason at all. It turns back on and seems to run fine until the next occurrence. I was heading home from work, west on the 60 when I hit traffic and my car died! It was a dangerous situation. I'm going to follow a suggestion on this site to add an additive to the fuel and have the sensor cleaned professionally. I hope this resolves the issue.

Marco

- Marco H., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, US

problem #15

Nov 222012

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

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

Bought this Explorer used in May 2012 when it had 56,000 miles on it, and thought I'd gotten a great deal. If I had checked this site before buying, I would've at LEAST been aware that this particular model was a mass-produced LEMON and should've never even left the design stage. This is my third Ford (97 Expedition to a 99 Explorer to this monstrosity) and most certainly my final Ford.

I was on the interstate, and started hearing the clicking sound when I'd apply the gas. It started off pretty quietly but, within 30 seconds, it was clear something was wrong, so I pulled over and turned it off. Let me be clear: my temperature gauge needle remained in the middle, so I didn't automatically assume that the engine had just fried itself. A huge cloud of smoke billowed from under the hood as soon as I took out the key, and I assumed that the radiator had busted. A pain in the ass, I thought, but not as big a deal as the whole engine.

I had it towed to my mechanic, and they quickly deduced that I had a blown head gasket and a fried engine. Mileage was around 72,000, and the total cost for repair was $4,600 (including a used engine and labor).

I know I have now joined a large, and growing, club of pissed off, former Ford owners. I also know, pessimistically, that Ford has no interest in doing ANYTHING about this. Granted, vehicles will have problems. I am not one to call Ford when something goes wrong and demand that they pay for it. HOWEVER, when this many people report the same issue, it should not be ignored. They are among the worst assortment of lazy, detached corporate fat-cats this country has seen.

- Charles S., Fairhope, AL, US

problem #14

Dec 292012

Explorer LS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

The deallelrship where I purchased the vehichle practically forced me to purchase their extended warranty for my 2006 ford explorer, it is equipped with the v6 4 litre engine and an automatic transmission and various creatcher cumforts. I thought when I bought the extended warranty that I would be covered by MMP for anything that could go wrong much to my chagrin only to find out that The crank sensor and crank pulley were not covered! Ford apparently will not take responsibility for making and using a part that can fail anytime without any sign that these parts are about to fail thus leaving the customer footing the entire bill for towing, rental car and repair bill!! To make matters worse Grand Prarie Ford has the worst customer service ever! They will not even call back after repeated efforts of leaving voicemail for service writer or service MANAGER, These people could care less about you or your time as this is not their main concern which is to drive up the repair bill so their commision will elevate while your funds are depleted!!

- Stan K., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #13

Aug 212012

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

How can Ford produce a motor with such a bad design and insist there is no problem. Timing chain broke and destroyed engine. Bought it used with extended warranty and of course two months after warranty expired engine blew. I have owned fords all my life but will never buy another one and will tell everyone I know not to also. Ford I put my faith in your company and spent my hard earned money on your product never again you have lost another customer.

- Peter B., Newburyport, MA, US

problem #12

Jul 232011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

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

This is the 2nd time in less than two years that my engine has gone out and has needed to be replaced! I did research and found that many 2006 Explorer owners have this same problem. Clearly these vehicles were not built properly. The way the vehicles are made it causes the radiator to leak and the engine to blow. Each time my engine blew I was driving on the freeway. This is very dangerous and something needs to be done about it. Ford needs to make a recall on these vehicles since this was the 1st year of the new model. It should not come out of our pockets, but Ford's pockets. I will never buy another Ford vehicle again. Ever...

- sportydiva, Alpharetta, GA, US

problem #11

Dec 162011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

This SUV is stalling out while in motion causing the steering to lock up. Been in a couple dangerous situations. It will restart, as of right now. Had it checked out, but of course the problem didn't happen while in the shop. It's been a couple of weeks and it just did it again 4 times in the matter of 10 miles! Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

- Michelle M., Loveland, OH, US

problem #10

Nov 012011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,500 miles

Engine Stalls. Stalls whenever it feels like it, hot or cold, slowing down to stop, turning left or right, on the street roads and freeways. Starts and go again after 5/10 minutes but this is ridiculous. I paid many money and time for diagnostic and parts already and yesterday was the worst. My 2006 Ford Explorer stalled in the middle of the freeway and my wife was driving, when she's not happy, nobody's happy....she could not go anywhere but wait for time to either cool of or reset on the engine. We are tired of it, Please help for solution to fix. I tried to sell, nobody wants it....

Tom

San Diego, CA

Update from Nov 21, 2011: Thanks to "Ann Strumbly" of Middlefield, OH, and her husband (back yard mechanic). I changed my Transmission Position Sensor (TPS). 2006 (V6) Ford Explorer hasn't die on me. Running all over LA and all the manuevers I use to fear of engine dying made me feel confident that the problem was the TPS. I get better gas mileage and engine runs better too. I'm glad and thankfull that this Autobeef website exist.

- Tom M., San Diego, CA, US

problem #9

Apr 202011

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,965 miles

click to see larger images

engine failure

3rd Explorer ive owned

just bought it off the lot and noticed it was misfiring and was slightly jerking in reverse.... long story short the engine had jumped time and had to be replaced. so the dealer agreed to replace it free of charge!! so glad!! but other than that i love this truck!!!

- Bradley B., Lugoff, SC, US

problem #8

Jul 032010

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

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

GREETINGS TO ALL. MY ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND HAPPENED RIGHT BEFORE JULY TH. I GUESS THE ENGINE COUNDN'T WAIT TO BLOW UP. ONCE THAT HAPPENED I TOWED THE CAR TO GARY YEOMANS FORD. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, THE ENGINE BLEW AND THERE SOLUTION WAS REPLACE THE ENGINE. THAT WAS TOTALLY UN ACCEPTABLE. TOOK THE CAR FOR SECOND OPINIONS AND WHAT ALL STATED WAS THAT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BLEW. HOW THAT CAN HAPPEN WITH NO INDICATORS OR TO EVEN SAY SOMETHING BETTER, TAKING THE CAR TO THE HOUSE SINCE DAY ONE. HOW CAN FORD NOT KNOW WHATS WRONG WITH THERE OWN CAR, OR WHY NOT RECOMMEND TO CHANGE A 30.00 PIECE(THERMOSTAT). I DIDN'T GET ANY HELP FROM DAYTONA GARY YEOMAN FORD. THEY DIDN'T EVEN WANT THERE CAR BACK TO TRADE.

I WILL NEVER BUT A FORD AGAIN. BUT THE WAY I TOOK MY FORD EXPLODER TO TOYOTA AND THEY GAVE ME 3000 FOR TRADE AND I BOUGHT A NEW RAV4.

- Richard A., Daytona, FL, US

problem #7

Oct 252010

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

several months ago noticed SMALL coolant leak and odor. was VERY careful (lifted hood at least weekly) to make sure overflow resevoir remained full and paid close attention to dash temperature gauge. Driving down the road noticed a tapping in the engine, disengaged cruise, car died with NO WARNING LIGHTS AT ALL, rolled to a stop on side of the road within 5 miles from first noticing the tapping. Called wrecker, mechanic now says there is lots of knocking in lower end and compression is only 20-something on some cylindars. Says it will require NEW ENGINE at only 39,000 miles. But is is beyond the 36 month/36K miles warranty. Just had oil changed 200 miles ago and there was no indication of a problem.

- David T., Elkhorn, WI, US

problem #6

Jul 122010

(reported on)

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer. Last summer it started to randomly stall when I slowed down to make a turn. I didn't really pay attention to it at first because it happened so randomly. When it stalled, I would stop put it in park, turn key off, then restart it. This spring the problem became daily. I would drive to work and slow down, and it would die. Once i was accelerating to pass a slow moving vehicle and it died as i was passing. Pretty scary. I researched the problem on line and found several people had this issue. I called Ford hoping they could help. HAHA, of course they never heard of any such problem. They suggested I bring it in and put on the computer, for $100 of course, I explained to them there is no check engine light on so that won't help.

A week or so later, my check engine light came on and my hubby (an excellent back yard mechanic) put his OBD reader on it and guess what it was the throttle position sensor. He went to Ford and ordered it ($120) and installed it. When he was installing it he discovered that one of the screws were installed at an angle, so almost impossible to get out, it took a long time to work it out, but he did it. Since he replaced the sensor I have had no problem. Hope this helps someone else.

- strumbly, Middlefield, OH, US

problem #5

May 282010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,501 miles

Bought our explorer July 2008, drove til 2009 and started having random stalling problems. Never knew when it would happen, just happened when I stopped suddenly or was slowing down to turn. Dismissed at first, then in 2010 started to happen more often. Found this web site and noticed throttle body problem. I called my Ford dealer to see if they had any similar problems reported. Of course they never heard of this and said to bring it in to put on the computer. I told them it is not popping any codes, so that is useless. Finally about two weeks ago it popped a code and guess what, when my hubby put the OBD reader on it it said the throttle sensor was bad. He purchased that and is in the process of replacing it. When he removed the old one the screw was in at an angle and took approximately 3-4 hours to remove. It was so tight he had to remove heater hoses to get to it. Finally is out and he will replace in morning. Hopefully this fixes the problem and I will let everyone know. On another note he also had to replace the shift motor at 55000 miles on his pickup (2005). The dealer tried to tell him it was corroded from our hard Ohio winters. Funny but he has the truck undercoated and absolutely no corrosion on the vehicle. I noticed this was a problem for several other Ford owners. Whatever happened to making a product that would last. Hope this helps someone in the future

- strumbly, Middlefield, OH, US

problem #4

Jun 112010

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

it's not a gripe, i like my explorer but twice the motor has cut out and because it is dangerous i want to know how to fix it. 1st time i was going down hill when the motor just cut out. i had to use hand brake to stop and of course had no power steering in the process. 2nd time i was in cruise control at 30mph and it cut out again. My mechanic says it may be the dirty battery terminal. looking at others who have experienced the same i am guessing he is wrong. Do you know what i can do?

- John R., Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand

problem #3

Jul 132009

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,602 miles

Same problems as everyone else. My engine stalls. I am affraid to drive it for any amount of distance. I don't fall within the time frame of the lemon law. Of course. The first time it happened was in July 09 they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It happened again on Oct.14 09 took it in they couln't find anything wrong with it. It happened again on Oct. 15 09 they said it was the fuel filter. It happened again on Nov. 25 09 took it in they said it was the powertrain control module. They replaced that. It happened again on Dec. 8 09 took it in and they said it was the air intake valve.

Have had the car back for one day and waiting to see what happens. I have called everyone I can think of to help me with this with no results. I have spoke with Ford motor company and all they will do is give me a hard time. I will never own another Ford again. I must of had a major brain fart the day I bought that car. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!!!!!!

- Annette W., Panama City, FL, US

problem #2

Oct 182009

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

We have had the transmission and the engine die within 2 weeks of each other. the transmission was 1600 and now Ford wants 5000 for the engine. We have 3 years left to pay on this vehicle. We have spoken directly with the Ford Company and they will NOT help us!

- mlc0828, Canandaigua, NY, US

problem #1

Aug 052009

Explorer LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

My 2006 Explorer that was maintained as recommended by manufacture threw a rod and made a big hole in the bottom of the motor while I was on the freeway with my family on the way to my vacation. The motor was not repairable and I had to replace it. It is still in at the dealers getting the motor replaced. I'm really considering it's name to Exploder.

- John C., Houston, TX, US

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