2006 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability

The 2006 Ford Explorer has 635 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems — includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2006 model year

635
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
13
Crash reports
7
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
301
engine and engine cooling
165
engine
58
electrical system
39
service brakes
39

Recalls affecting the 2006 Explorer

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E049000

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 AMBE…

visibility:glass, side/rear

Campaign 07E104000

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 BRE…

equipment

Campaign 10E043000

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 C…

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Campaign 05V520000

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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The current-generation Explorer (2020+) is frequently praised for its spacious interior, particularly the generous cargo and third-row space, comfortable ride, and strong performance in ST and Platinum trims. T

  • Transmission reliability problems — Includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. Noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine and cooling system problems — Reports of engines overheating, internal flooding, and repeated catalytic converter failures requiring multiple replacements. Frequency: recurrent.
  • General reliability concerns — Broad statements about Ford reliability being "average to below average," with specific mentions of expensive repairs and the need for significant maintenance budgets. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — Isolated reports of intermittent electrical problems, particularly in older models (e.g., 1994, 2013). Frequency: isolated.
  • Exhaust/Power Transfer Unit (PTU) odor — Mention of a technical service bulletin for exhaust smell entering the cabin during hard driving, and potential PTU vent odor in all-wheel-drive models. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Explorer.

Typical used price

Used Explorer listings typically run $29,360–$51,264 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Explorer model years

2024 Explorer2019 Explorer2018 Explorer2016 Explorer2011 Explorer2003 Explorer2002 Explorer1999 Explorer1996 Explorer
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