2006 Ford Explorer

Above average

Owners filed 630 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

546 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train144
302
Power Train › Automatic Transmission107
120
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System74
010
Engine and Engine Cooling45
011
Engine39
010
Electrical System24
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly18
000
Vehicle Speed Control16
200
Unknown or Other16
110
Fuel System, Gasoline13
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment10E043000
Filed Sep 3, 2010294 vehiclesMarathon Seat Covers, Inc.

Defect. MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Risk. AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy. MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor05V520000
Filed Nov 9, 2005199,942 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Risk. AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed May 27, 2025NY

Hi, I purchased my 2006 ford explorer in 2019 from a mechanic lot. Since then I’ve changed the muffler, all 4 of the o2 sensors. Recently, after changing parts like the cylinder, spark plugs and wires as well as another set of o2 sensors and the EGR Valve, Mass Air flow sensor and the EGR sylenoid valve I have been getting check engine light with the emissions code not passing inspection. At this point my registration is at hand and the mechanics that change the parts can’t seem to understand why the check engine light did not go off. However an additional code came on in regards to the heater. As per PEP Boys mechanic shop and Auto Zone the emissions keep failing and may need a new computer- however when a part is removed the computer is able to pick that up issuing out another code. Please assist Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2024150,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact parked the vehicle and allowed the vehicle to set for a while. The vehicle was started. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven 100 yards before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2023MI

THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE RECALLED!!!! THE REVERSE BAND BREAKS AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS TRANSMISSION!! NO WARNING JUST WENT TO REVERSE AND NOTHING! UPON RESEARCH THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE SINCE DAY ONE!!

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 31, 2023PA

Transmission

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2022TN

Complete failure of the powertrain electrical harness. Heat degradation to wire insulation has exposed all conductors. Several other owner operators have experienced the same issue wherein the Dealer has attempted repair of existing trouble codes, by replacing sensors, modules and components. Problems range from vehicle shut-off at speed, vehicle fires, no-start and failed PCM modules due to short to power or short to ground. Based on my findings, this specifically impacts vehicles ranging from 2006-2010, Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer with the 4.0L SOHC engine.

Power Train
Filed May 1, 2021135,000 milesIL

THE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE A PROBLEM AND HAVE HAD A PROBLEM FOR YEARS. THEY CAN FAIL WITHOUT NOTICE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE TO LOSE MOMENTUM WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. YES THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE BUT IF YOU LOOK UP OLDER COMMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE ON OTHER REPORTING SITES THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF TRANSMISSIONS CAUSING SERIOUS PROBLEMS. WHY HAS THIS NEVER BEEN DEALT WITH IN ANY MANNER? I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN GEAR AND GET IT TO THE SHOP. I PAID TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND IT DID IT AGAIN IN THE NEW TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST DID NOT MAKE IT UP THE HILL NEAR MY HOME AND HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PARK THE VEHICLE AS IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2021159,000 milesMD

DRIVING ON SPEED LIMIT I STOPPED AT A LIGHT, CAR ENGINE WENT DEAD. I TURNED KEY OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES, TURNED KEY ON, CAR STARTED AS NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE PRETTY NEW. DECIDED TO TAKE TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC DEALER, COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. REALLY? WHAT IF I WAS DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY? CERTAINLY I WOULDN'T BE ALIVE TO REPORT IT!

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 18, 2020PR

THE UNIT HAS ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS. I CALLED THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY DON'T HAVE ANY RECALL CAMPAIGN REGARDING THIS ISSUE, AND NO GUARANTY CAN BE APPLY.

Power Train
Filed Oct 28, 2020166,000 milesTX

I WAS TURNING FROM TURNING LANE INTO WAL-MART AND WHEN I GAVE IT GAS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND WOULDN'T MOVE. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE COMING AND IT FINALLY KICKED IN AND LET ME PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT. I JUST BOUGHT THIS AND WAS LOOKING UP THE ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORER 2002 - 2006. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 26, 2020AZ

I TOO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I WAS COMING TO A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION. AS I WAS DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN A WRENCH TOOL CAME UP AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I HAD TO PULL OFF IN A PARKING LOT BEFORE I GOT TO THE INTERSECTION. I DID NOT WANT MY VEHICLE TO STALL AND I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND LET IT SIT THERE. I THEN TOOK IT OUT OF NEUTRAL AND STARTED IT BACK UP. I COULD FEEL THE JERKING AND FELT LIKE I GOT REAR ENDED IN THE BACK. MY HEAD JERKED FORWARD AS I WAS DRIVING WHILE IT KEPT JERKING.

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 202036,300 milesCA

RADIATOR FLUID EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE AND FLOOR MASSIVE LEAK . SEARCHED IT UP ON INTERNET AND SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE . I STARTED VEHICLE AND FLUID STARTED GOING EVERYWHERE .I DROVE MAYBE 10 FEET AND SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY . *TR

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 8, 202080,000 milesMD

STATIONARY-TURNED KEY ON,EXPLORER STARTED-PUT IN REVERSE- LIGHTLY TAPPED ACCELERATOR-EXPLORER WENT FULL THROTTLE.I APPLIED BRAKE WHITE TURNING KEY OFF. RESTARTED 3 TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS-THEN THE EXPLORER STARTED AND OPERATED IN A NORMAL WAY. 2 ACCIDENTS ONE WITH15,000 & ONE 5,000 PROPERTY DAMAGE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 22, 2019131,000 milesTX

I HAVE NOW HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH THIS DEALERSHIP, AND PERSONALLY I BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES SECOND CHANCES, THE FIRST VEHICLE THE SELLER SOLD ME HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH GAS TANK HAD A HOLE IN IT AND EXPOSED WIRES RIGHT NEXT TO IT SO THAT TRUCK WAS A TICKING TIME BOMB, NOW I HAVE A 2006 FORD EXPLORER WITH MORE ISSUES BUT AGAIN THE SELLER MAKES ITS SEEM LIKE A PRETTY RELIABLE CAR AND LIES ABOUT THE ISSUES, COVERS UP THE STORIES AND THANK GOD MY BUDDY IS A MECHANIC AND I TAKE EVERYTHING I BUY TO HIM, WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED THE CAR, (AS MANY PEOPLE NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ANYTHING AS SOON AS THEY HEAR A WEIRD NOISE) I TOOK IT TO HIM AND HE RIDES WITH ME AND NOTICES SOME MAJOR ISSUES, I TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE AND THE BACK SUSPENSION WAS GOING OUT (GOT THAT REPLACED) THEN THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING , LIKE NOT ONLY WAS LIED TO BUT NOW HAVING TO PAY 2000$ JUST TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING, NOT SUITABLE FOR ME NOR ANYONE, I FEEL BAD FOR WHOEVER THIS SELLER ALSO LIES TO. AND I AM FULLY AWARE THAT SOMEONE COULD GET THEIR LICENSE REVOKED FOR STUFF LIKE THIS, IF ANYONE WITH CLEAR EYES CAN SEE THIS SELLER SCREWS PEOPLE OVER. I TEXTED THE GUY ABOUT RETURNING THE VEHICLE AND JUST TO GET MY MONEY BACK BUT YET AGAIN NO ANSWER.

Power Train
Filed Sep 18, 2019FL

I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER. I NEEDED THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AND PAID AAMCO ALMOST $4,000. NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE RE-BUILT AGAIN BUT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. BACK IN MARCH 2019, I TOOK IT BACK TO AAMCO AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AUGUST 2019, I WENT BACK TO AAMCO AND THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID PACK IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. NOW, NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE SUV JERKS WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AND IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOMEONE REAR ENDED ME. THE TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY BY THE MANUFACTURER, FORD! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION OF THIS YEAR EXPLORER WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! IT'S NOT RIGHT THAT CONSUMERS HAVE TO SHELL OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIS PIECE OF JUNK THEY MANUFACTURED WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS! SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 2018175,757 milesPA

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED TO HAVE THE PARTS STORE GET THE CODES IT WAS THROWING OUT. TWO OF THE CODES HAVE TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG HAVING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. I HAVE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE SO TRYING TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS. THE CODES ARE B1884 AND B2290.

Power Train
Filed Oct 11, 2018165,000 milesOR

WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE AND YOU GIVE IT GAS, IT SHIFTS REALLY HARD AND JERKS AND SLIPS. I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS LEAVING WORK AND PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT.

Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 2018175,800 milesID

1. REAR WIPER QUIT WORKING SEVERAL YEARS AGO. SLUGGISH AND NOW FROZE UP. HASN'T WORKED FOR A LONG TIME. 2. REPLACED RADIATOR SEVERAL YEARS AGO. REPLACED THERMOSTAT SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS. THEN... 2018, SEPTEMBER,-- DISAPPEARING COOLANT FROM RADIATOR FOR LAST 6 MONTHS WITH NO OBVIOUS LEAK. CAR OVER HEATED IN AUGUST BUT NO OBVIOUS LEAK. KEPT REFILLING... 3 DAYS AGO BOTTOM THERMOSTAT HOUSING SPRUNG A BIG LEAK AND CAR OVERHEATED MAJOR. REPLACED THERMOSTAT, AND FULL THERMOSTAT HOUSING. INTERNET RECOMMENDS UPDATING SOFTWARE BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING, BUT IS PRICED AT ABOUT $110 AT ALL DEALERSHIPS.

Power Train
Filed Sep 13, 2018NY

TRANSMISSION BEEN SLIPPING ON 2ND OR 3RD GEAR I BELIEVE I NEVER TOWED OR CARRY HEAVY LOADS AT ALL IT'S BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE FIRST MONTH I PURCHASE IT AND IT'S BEEN GETTING WORST SINCE

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2018140,000 milesMO

ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10- 15 MILES WITHOUT NOTICE

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 24, 201895,000 milesMO

TAKATA RECALL-2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS LOCKED UP. MY GRANDKIDS RIDE IN THIS AREA AND I DESPERATELY NEED TO GET THIS REPAIRED AND WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ANYONE ELSE

20 of 630 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026341400Routine
2025982000Routine
2024201010Routine
20231081520Routine
20222642410Above average
20214232650Above average
20201,21233100Above average
2019294600Above average
2018728770Above average
20171,69114110Above average
20162,44915140Above average
20151,782910Above average
20141,676762Fatalities reported
20132,23412111Fatalities reported
2012827760Above average
20111,197840Above average
2010115200Routine
200933100Routine
2008148330Routine
2007208352Fatalities reported
2006 — this page630470Above average
2005497361Fatalities reported
20041,3044150High concern
20031,1317102Fatalities reported
20023,29510575Fatalities reported
200137512216Fatalities reported
200095215644Fatalities reported
19991,34815444Fatalities reported
19981,9591410216Fatalities reported
19971,731125334Fatalities reported
19961,450113751Fatalities reported
199584312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 3, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.