When vehicle is put in reverse the transmissions jolts extremely hard into gear. Feels like your vehicle go hit. Seems very unsafe. When driving it seems like the transmission jerks into 2, n 3rd gear. *tr
2006 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
moderate 279 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
279
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 279 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 279 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Ford Explorer has widespread, serious powertrain issues—primarily transmission lurching and hard shifting that create safety hazards, plus radiator failures and stalling. Expect expensive repairs (transmission work $2,400–$5,400) starting around 40,000–69,000 miles; Ford denies warranty coverage and has not issued recalls despite hundreds of complaints.
The 2006 Explorer's transmission is the flashpoint. Owners consistently report the transmission slams hard into gear, lurches forward abruptly at low speeds or traffic lights, and delays 2–10 seconds before engaging from Park or Reverse—all severe enough that some owners fear rear-ending other vehicles. The sensation mimics being hit from behind. Dealers' first move is a computer reprogramming or TCM update, which quiets the problem for days or weeks, then it returns. Some owners underwent transmission fluid flushes, solenoid pack swaps, valve body work, and full rebuilds costing $2,400–$5,400, yet the problem persisted or came back.
One owner heard an explosive bang at 69,000 miles and lost all power on the highway; the transmission shop found burnt fluid and metal shavings—a complete loss requiring rebuild. A few owners experienced stalling at highway speeds with total loss of steering and braking assist; dealers couldn't diagnose the cause and suggested throttle body replacement ($448 estimate) without confidence it would fix it.
Radiator failures are routine. Owners replaced them two or three times by 100,000 miles; some paid $600–$900 per replacement. One discovered transmission fluid leaking onto the hot exhaust cross-over pipe below the pan, creating a fire hazard—Ford denied warranty coverage.
Spark plugs seize severely enough that Ford engineered (and sells) a special tool to extract broken ones. Shift levers stick in Park; Ford offered free circuit board replacement under a Customer Satisfaction Program, but subsequent repairs fell outside coverage, leaving owners to pay for additional fixes. A handful of owners reported the vehicle rolling backward or forward while parked in Park, striking other vehicles, and Ford blamed the rear differential design rather than the park mechanism.
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hard shifting, lurching, and engagement delays
Owners report the transmission slams into gear, lurches forward abruptly during acceleration or deceleration, and delays before engaging when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse. The sensation is often compared to being rear-ended. These events occur during low-speed driving, at traffic lights, and when coming to stops.
When: Most commonly reported between 30,000–85,000 miles; some owners experience it within weeks of purchase or immediately after acquiring the vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard clunking or slamming into gear; Lurching or jerking forward, especially at low speeds; Delayed engagement (2–10 seconds) when shifting into Reverse or Drive; Violent shuddering or jolting at stops, similar to rear-end collision; Harsh downshifts that cause engine to rev high then suddenly engage
Codes mentioned: Wrench light, Check engine light, Random misfire codes, Transmission-related fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted computer reprogramming and TCM (Transmission Control Module) updates as initial fixes; these provide only temporary relief (days to weeks). Some owners underwent transmission fluid flushes, solenoid pack replacement, valve body cleaning, and transmission rebuilds ($2,400–$5,400). Multiple owners report the problem persists or returns after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies coverage under warranty once vehicle exceeds mileage or time limits. Dealers claim they 'cannot find' the problem or call it 'normal.' Ford extended warranty period from 50,000 to 75,000 miles after initial complaints. No formal recall issued despite widespread complaints.
Complete transmission failure with loss of power
Owners experience sudden, total loss of transmission function while driving at highway speeds. One owner reported hearing a loud explosive bang, felt immediate loss of forward momentum, and transmission fluid found burnt and black with metal pieces in the pan. Another owner's transmission fluid leaked completely due to radiator failure, causing jerking and inability to move the vehicle.
When: Reported at 69,000 miles and occasionally during extended highway driving with air conditioning running.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosive bang or banging noise from beneath vehicle; Complete loss of forward momentum at highway speed; Transmission fluid leaking or burning; Metal shavings or particles in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Owners had to pay for transmission replacement with rebuilt units. One owner spent $2,700 for replacement; another's radiator failure caused fluid loss and required new radiator installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for complete transmission failure. Owners responsible for full repair costs once out of warranty.
Stalling and loss of power while driving
Engine stalls or dies completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds. One owner reported the car stalled on railroad tracks; another experienced stalling every two minutes after dealer attempted throttle body replacement. Loss of steering and braking power accompanies engine shutdown.
When: Occurred at various mileages; one owner reported stalling escalated to every two minutes after dealer service.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or dies while driving; Loss of steering and brake assist; Complete dashboard blackout; Stalling recurring at short intervals (every two minutes in one case); Stalling at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers initially could not diagnose. One owner's stalling led dealer to suggest throttle body replacement (estimated cost $448), which did not resolve the issue. Another case suggested throttle body malfunction as likely cause based on owner research.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or clear manufacturer guidance. Dealers unable to resolve under warranty investigations.
Unintended acceleration or engine revving
Vehicle accelerates on its own or engine revs without driver input, sometimes while brakes are applied. One owner reported acceleration while foot on brake at 10 mph or less; another experienced engine revving at 3,000–4,000 RPM without foot on accelerator. Radio volume also increased on its own in one case.
When: Reported intermittently; one case noted increasing frequency over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver applying throttle; Engine revs at high RPM without gas pedal input; Acceleration occurring while foot is on brake; Associated with transmission hesitation or delay
Repairs/costs cited: Computer diagnostic scans sometimes show no fault. One owner mentions a software fix allegedly exists that owners must proactively request.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer service told one owner no comment available. No formal recall issued.
Transmission shift lever stuck or malfunctioning
Shift lever becomes stuck in Park, preventing vehicle from being shifted into Drive or Reverse. Occasionally shifts backward to Park or other positions unexpectedly. One owner reported the lever breaks; another reports it looks misaligned (showing neutral when in reverse, 3rd gear appearance when in park).
When: Reported from early ownership; one case note stuck shifter became worse over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever stuck in Park position; Inability to shift out of Park; Lever periodically and temporarily becomes stuck; Shift lever breaks; Lever position indicators misaligned
Repairs/costs cited: Ford performed free repair under a Customer Satisfaction Program (circuit board replacement on shift lever). However, one owner reported the first replacement did not fix the defect; a second was installed but failed a month later. Subsequent repairs deemed outside recall limits and owner charged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Free circuit board replacement offered under Customer Satisfaction Program; additional repairs declined as outside program scope. Some dealers claimed repair would not be covered.
Radiator and cooling system failures
Radiator leaks, fails, or becomes corroded. Transmission fluid drips onto hot exhaust cross-over pipe, creating fire hazard. Owners must repeatedly replace radiators (three replacements in one case within a few years). Thermostat and housing also fail.
When: First reported around 40,000–98,000 miles; some experienced multiple failures in short succession.
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator leaking coolant; Vehicle overheating or running hot; Transmission fluid leaking onto exhaust pipe; Transmission pan corrosion and holes above exhaust cross-over pipe; Need for repeated radiator replacements; Thermostat and housing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement costs $600–$900 per instance in owner reports. Thermostat and housing replacement also performed. One owner replaced radiator three times and was forced to buy a fourth when previous shop closed. Transmission pan replacement done once due to corrosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies coverage under extended warranty despite known issue. Dealers acknowledge it is common with 2006 Explorers but state no recall exists, requiring owners to pay out of pocket.
Spark plug corrosion and extraction difficulty
Spark plugs become severely rusted or seized in cylinder heads, requiring special extraction tools. During removal, plugs crack or break inside the engine. Ford sells a special tool to remove broken plugs, indicating this is a known design issue.
When: Reported around 74,000–85,000 miles; one owner notes this as a previous issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Spark plugs rusted or seized; Plugs break or crack during removal; Difficulty removing plugs without special tool
Codes mentioned: Random misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of all spark plugs necessary; special tool required for broken plug extraction. One owner purchased tool to complete the job themselves.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford designed and sells a specific tool to remove broken spark plugs, indicating manufacturer knowledge of the defect.
Vehicle rolling or moving when parked in Park
Vehicle rolls forward or backward down incline while in Park position, with or without parking brake engaged. Has struck other parked vehicles and nearly struck pedestrians. Occurs in varying weather and pavement conditions.
When: Reported multiple times over extended period; can occur within minutes to hours of parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolling forward or backward while parked in Park; Rolling occurs despite parking brake being set; Rolling slower but still occurring with parking brake engaged; Vehicle striking other vehicles or nearly striking pedestrians
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Owner now uses wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford checked vehicle multiple times and claimed no issues found. Ford blamed rear differential design (limited-slip gearing) rather than Park engagement failure.
Transmission fluid leak and fire hazard
Transmission pan leaks transmission fluid directly onto hot exhaust cross-over pipe positioned only 1.25 inches below. Continuous heating causes pan corrosion, rust, and small holes to develop. Transmission fluid burns on exhaust pipe, creating fire hazard.
When: Discovered at routine dealership maintenance; not reported by owner as symptomatic issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid dripping onto exhaust cross-over pipe; Transmission pan corrosion and rust; Small holes in transmission pan directly above exhaust pipe; Blackened transmission fluid on exhaust pipe section (approximately 1.5 feet)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced transmission pan.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied coverage under extended warranty despite this being a design/engineering defect (pan and exhaust positioned too close).
Synthesized from 279 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford explorer. The contact stated that when shifting into drive or reverse, the vehicle would jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the failure could have been caused by an incorrect differential. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was not available.
Last night the car was in drive but would keep kicking out of gear... I would push the gas, the engine would rev, but the car wouldn't go anywhere. I even rolled backwards down a hill on a highway and almost hit another car! I had to shut the car off, and restart it in order to get it to back in gear. This happened 10-15 times in a 20 minute drive! I was nervous to even drive it home! It is…
This vehicle began having transmission problems at approximately 54000 miles. I had the transmission fixed in 2010. Now, in december 2013 with 113500 miles, this vehicle began having transmission problems again and required complete replacement. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park. The contact received an unknown safety recall letter from the manufacturer regarding the shift lever circuit board. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the shift lever circuit board replaced but the repair did not remedy the issue. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer…
My 2006 Ford explorer frequently lurches/lunges when coming to a stop and starting up from a stop. It feels like the car is being rear-ended. I have taken it in to be repaired and it seemed to work ok for a short time, but it has started doing the same thing again. It makes me wonder if it is safe to drive. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 279 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 227 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 64,303. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.