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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,850
Average Mileage:
83,150 miles
Total Complaints:
31 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (19 reports)
  2. rebuild transmission (5 reports)
  3. replace transmission (3 reports)
  4. replaced solenoid assembly (2 reports)
  5. new throttle body control (1 reports)
  6. overdrive belt had to be replaced (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems

transmission 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 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #11

Apr 212011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

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

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and it only has 96,000 and now I am being told it needs work done on the Torque convertor. I just don't understand why Ford has such bad problems with their transmissions. You spend alot of money buying the vehicle and then not even 5 years down the road it has transmission problems. I would think you would see this in older vehicles with ALOT more miles on them. I am very upset that when I called Ford to file a complaint they would do nothing. I am about ready to stop making payments on the vehicle and have them come and get the piece of crap! I will never buy another Ford again! You would think Ford would do what it has to do to keep there customers happy especially when you purchase the vehicle brand new!!

- Audra S., Chesapeake, VA, US

problem #10

Mar 072011

Explorer V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 83,000 miles

This car is only five years old. There is no reason the transmission should need rebuilding at such a young age.

- Nina J., Austin, TX, US

problem #9

Oct 272010

Explorer Eddie Bauerr V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,903 miles

follow up from previous repair, said the NEW solenoid assembly they replaced must have been bad so needed a new one. This repair lasted 2 weeks. See next complaint when light came on for the 3rd time

- Tonya M., Manassas, VA, US

problem #8

Mar 112009

Explorer LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

My transmission hesitates when I put it in drive and it jerks when I come to a stop and proceeds to take off. Took it to transmission shop and couldn't find anything wrong this is a pain and I feel one day it just might break down on me.

- wilmaw, Auburn, AL, US

problem #7

Jan 152010

Explorer LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,900 miles

How could a car not even four years old with less than 60,000 miles need a new transmission. Ford doesn't care. The dealer told us $4100.00 to fix. Are they kidding me? Will never buy another Ford....ever!!!

- Stacey M., Stony Point, NY, US

problem #6

Mar 142009

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,700 miles

This is more of a heads up more than anything. The overdrive had been acting like it wasn't quite right at first. My mileage was 13-14 mpg. Then the Transmission started acting up when accelerating in 1st and 2nd gear by hesitating for a second or two. This all happened with only a few hundred miles before the warranty expired.

After the repair the overdrive was very responsive and my gas mileage jumped to 16-17 mpg! No more shifting problems either.

- tnorwtl, Rock Island, IL, US

problem #5

Aug 082009

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

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

The engine races at high rpms and sounds like the trans isn't engaged, sometimes the engine races and your barely moving like the trans is slipping really bad, haven't had it checked out yet, afraid what they might say like I need a new trans. Ford Explorer is the only car that this is happening on and I've owned fords all my life but if they can't come up with a better trans or solution to solve this problem then I think I'll go to a toyota, I hear a lot of good about there cars and better warranty also.

- Edward M., Salt Lake City, UT, US

problem #4

Apr 242009

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

My 2006 Ford Explorer transmission randomly hesitates. Usually after driving for awhile. It will "disengage" or barely work when going up a hill, then after 30 seconds or so it will catch and operate properly. Sounds like the engine is roaring when this happens. Dealership says I need a new radiator but I think that is B.S., especially after reading others with the same issue. Recall these clunkers!!!

- Kevin P., Huntersville, NC, US

problem #3

Jul 112009

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

First, the SUV is a nice looking vehicle but what kills the SUV is the poor transmission. This is why FORD and GM are in the spot there in, because of the lack of pride and work the put into their vehicles compared to foreign cars, like for example, Toyota and Honda. For a fairly new vehicle to have so many complaints on their transmissions, and not take any responsibility for the junk they put their name on is just a insult to Americans and consumers everywhere. Now, the consumer has to cover the expenses for the repair after paying thousands just to own the car full of problems. Again, the car isn't even that old with under 50,000 thousand miles, you'd figure transmission issue shouldn't even be a concern. Honda's from the 90's have a overall better performance then these cars made from FORD.

If there's anybody with a good solution or any options on how we can fix our concerns with these mechanical problems would'd be really appreciated.

- Jeff R., Bridgeport, CT, US

problem #2

Nov 282008

Explorer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Again, another problem seen on this car not covered under warranty! Transmission still clunks from time to time when stepping on the gas. We're told it is a common thing with this car as the vacuum system set up on this car is "funky". What the hell does that mean?? Ford knew about this and just decided to let them build a few thousand anyway?!?

- rickybongos, Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #1

Jan 272007

Explorer Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

Vehicle hesitates upon acceleration. If you are pulling into traffic, or making an unprotected left hand turn...be very careful! Ford says not a safety issue, just an annoyance...yeah, right! We are also dealing with the lunging/harsh shifting with our transmission, so we have begun the Lemon Law. It is 24 mos old with 28k miles..in the shop 4 times..qualifies in our state so we will see. Anyone else try the lemon law on this ??

- juliewa, Freeland, WA, US

Not what you are looking for?