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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.

5.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
35,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Jan 042010

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

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

The power windows only work when they feel like it. Some times they will go down but won't go back up. Was told it needs a new control panel on drivers door to fix this problem-several hundred dollars to fix, not covered under any warranty!!! What a surprise!!! Not much is covered under warranty.

We have given up trying to get any thing fixed on this piece of junk. Would trade it in, but, dealer won't give anything for it, knowing its history. Any one looking for a LEMON? I have 2 of them, both Fords.

- vancuran, Sardinia, NY, US

problem #1

Oct 162008

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

My left rear passenger window is possessed. Sometimes it rolls down, sometimes it doesn't. I rarely have a need to roll it down, but on occasion the need arises. It's a 50/50 shot if it wants to roll down or not. It doesn't matter whether I use the driver's window control buttons or the button on the door itself. Sometimes I can get it to roll down if I just shut off the vehicle and the battery is still on.

My other windows make a low muffed mechanical sound (like any power windows) if there is power being delivered to them and they can't roll up/down any further. I've tried it on that window just to see if maybe it was getting stuck or jammed. But no, when it doesn't want to work, you don't hear anything at all.

- drivingaround, Las Vegas, NV, US

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