Ford Explorer / 2006
2006 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 788 complaints about the 2006 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 38.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 21.4%.
Complaints788
Crashes18
Fires8
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 38.2% · 301
Engine and engine cooling 21.4% · 169
Engine 7.4% · 58
Electrical system 4.9% · 39
Vehicle speed control 3.6% · 28
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.9% · 23
Unknown or other 2.8% · 22
Fuel system, gasoline 2.3% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2006 sits 22nd by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My 2006 Explorer at 58,000 miles the transmission had to be overhauled as there was slipping when shifting. Ever since the power train light keeps coming on and off. When the light comes on there is a jerking that occurs. Ever since I purchased the vehicle I have had nothing but troubles with the power tran. Ford needs to perform a recall. About ever 38 miles the power train light comes on then off again. Power train · reported at 58,000 miles
Issue. Hard jerks/clunks while shifting into reverse and them forward. Also feels as if your are being hit in bumper as you are stopping while transmission is down shifting. This seems to be an on going issue with so many 2006 explorers, please look into a recall as this a defect with the Ford model. Also way too expensive for parts and labor! Failure at mileage of 81,800. Too early to die with this mileage! Power train · reported at 81,846 miles
Same as a bunch of complaints about transmission lunges hard jolt when shifting, wrench light comes on and off regarding the 2006 Ford Explorer, now they are telling me that I need to get a new transmission that will be $3500.00 Aprox. I have done some research and there are a lot of complaints on this issue. Please do something!! I can't afford this an have to borrow family money to get back on the road. Power train · reported at 100,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…