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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-FORD-EXPLORER
2006 · ford

ford Explorer problems

1 safety recall. 635 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
279 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
185 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
brakes
30 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
21 reports · avg $850
moderate
cruise control
17 reports · avg $600
severe
fuel system
17 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
visibility
12 reports · avg $350
severe
steering
9 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Explorer · equipment
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING A TIRE BLEW-OUT. WHEN CHANGING THE TIRE, THE JACK FAILED. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ARE GOING TO SELL HIM ANOTHER JACK. HE WAS THEN ADVISED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE FOR HIS MODEL TYPE. THE FAILURE…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297684.0
2006 Explorer · engine
HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS STARTING WITH A LIFTER STUCK IN MOTOR AT 296 MILES, TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 15,700 MILES. BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED SINCE IT WAS NEW, OVERHEAD CONSOLE HAS FALLEN OFF TWICE, SATELLITE RADIO WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. DOOR RUBBED ON RUNNING BOARD, NOW GAS…
12/31/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213279.0
2006 Explorer · cruise control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,600.
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668765.0
2006 Explorer · engine
RADIATOR FAILURE. THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. SEE ODI NUMBER 10439878. REPLACED ENTIRE ENGINE AND RADIATOR IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT. (COSTING OVER $6000). PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
12/27/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441319.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 06E049000 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE

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

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 635 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 279 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Ford Explorer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 635 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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