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.
09/19/2008 - 52000 miles
Purchased used 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, about a week later SUV started making loud air/fan noise when driving. Noise would stop once up to speed of 60-70miles per hour. Took back to dealership where purchased and they couldn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Took it to my mechanic and they couldn't figure it out so they connected vehicle to computer and found it was the fan clutch. Took back to dealership and pitch a fit. Dealership replaced fan clutch free of charge.
07/01/2013 - 157780 miles
Having loud air/fan noise when idle or stop and take off. Had vehicle serviced (Tune Up, Oil Change, Fuel...the works $500). Everything was quiet for a day and noise started up again. This is about to be a pain in the rear, because they will not label it to be fan clutch issue. I also have this annoying clicking noise under hood that seems to get louder as time goes on. About a year ago, Thermostat system (overheat $400).
Third row (both seats) not working and will cost a grip to fix, per local dealership one track set cost $900 so I'm looking at $2500-3000 in parts and labor to fix third row. I have rarely used third row when I purchased vehicle until it stopped working in 2010 or 2011. I have a need for them more now than ever for cargo space and kids.
Also, learned through insurance company that vehicle was involved in an auto accident a few months before I purchased it from dealership. Damage was around $8000 and people was hurt. My passenger seatbelt is very sensitive when someone is buckled, it will lock and tighten up on passenger making them unbuckle for comfort. I just discovered my mid-row and third-row seatbelts will unlatch when someone is buckled (middle buckle & passenger-side third row). Third row buckle holster slides down and will disengage or get stuck while engaged.
These are just a few of my complaints...please feel free to provide any information you may have or if you encounter the same as I have with 2006 Ford Explorers.
I love my vehicle and love to have it until the wheels fall off, but it is a pain in the rear to have all these issues while paying a note and trying to fix it.
This part was ordered at my local Ford Service Dept November of 2011 and they still don't have the part. So I cannot use my heater on high because it makes a banging sound.
Got into my Explorer one day, and when I turned on the ignition the fan blower made a very loud "clicking" noise. Took it in to have it looked at and was told it was a cracked fan housing and would cost $1200+ and at least a week to fix. It is a HUGE pain - I wouldn't buy another Ford if my life depended on it. So far we have had to fix two wheel barrings and replaced the radiator!
- badgerfans23,
Sioux City, IA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
09/19/2008 - 52000 miles Purchased used 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, about a week later SUV started making loud air/fan noise when driving. Noise would stop once up to speed of 60-70miles per hour. Took back to dealership where purchased and they couldn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Took it to my mechanic and they couldn't figure it out so they connected vehicle to computer and found it was the fan clutch. Took back to dealership and pitch a fit. Dealership replaced fan clutch free of charge.
07/01/2013 - 157780 miles Having loud air/fan noise when idle or stop and take off. Had vehicle serviced (Tune Up, Oil Change, Fuel...the works $500). Everything was quiet for a day and noise started up again. This is about to be a pain in the rear, because they will not label it to be fan clutch issue. I also have this annoying clicking noise under hood that seems to get louder as time goes on. About a year ago, Thermostat system (overheat $400).
Third row (both seats) not working and will cost a grip to fix, per local dealership one track set cost $900 so I'm looking at $2500-3000 in parts and labor to fix third row. I have rarely used third row when I purchased vehicle until it stopped working in 2010 or 2011. I have a need for them more now than ever for cargo space and kids.
Also, learned through insurance company that vehicle was involved in an auto accident a few months before I purchased it from dealership. Damage was around $8000 and people was hurt. My passenger seatbelt is very sensitive when someone is buckled, it will lock and tighten up on passenger making them unbuckle for comfort. I just discovered my mid-row and third-row seatbelts will unlatch when someone is buckled (middle buckle & passenger-side third row). Third row buckle holster slides down and will disengage or get stuck while engaged.
These are just a few of my complaints...please feel free to provide any information you may have or if you encounter the same as I have with 2006 Ford Explorers.
I love my vehicle and love to have it until the wheels fall off, but it is a pain in the rear to have all these issues while paying a note and trying to fix it.
- Kayla W., Beaumont, TX, US