CarComplaints.com Notes: The previous generation of Explorer was so awful that the redesign in 2006 was greeted with much optimism. That didn't last long.
The transmission continues to be the Explorer's worst reliability problem. Owners report shifting hard & lunging, typically starting as low as 40k miles with a $1,600 average repair bill. On top of that, the radiator is prone to failure around 60k miles. Repairs for the radiator run $500 to $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
So, rotating the hot/cold climate controller offers the repetitive banging behind the dash, actually the gears for the door are stripped. By turning on the fan at high it may close the door by pushing it with air. The cold never has worked since bought though the plumbing is fine, gotta be part of the blend door issue-heater is fine.
Since this heater is not working I cannot drive this car. We had ice today, and my car I cannot use without heat to defrost the ice. From what I see the heater valve does not switch from cool to heat. Ford needs to recall this part.
The heater box had to be replaced from new would not work, had vehicle in to be fixed several times, but same problem still exist. heat on passenger side will roast your feet but little to no heat on drivers side floor. Once again this vehicle is JUNK, JUNK. Will never buy another Ford. I have the miss fortune of owning 2 ford junkers both 2006, both bought new, nothing but trouble!!!!!
The air conditioner & heat only goes up towards the windshield. I guess it's stuck in defrost mode. The worst part is it happened at 40,000 thousand miles. Right after the warranty went out. Never again ford.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
So, rotating the hot/cold climate controller offers the repetitive banging behind the dash, actually the gears for the door are stripped. By turning on the fan at high it may close the door by pushing it with air. The cold never has worked since bought though the plumbing is fine, gotta be part of the blend door issue-heater is fine.
- Jason O., Walla Walla, WA, US