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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.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
95,200 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace seat (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #5

Oct 072020

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,895 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Damn seat motor will not make the seat go forward and since this is a multiple driver vehicle, the seat cannot be adjusted to the desired or required seating position

- Lorenzo C., San Juan Del Rio, Mexico

problem #4

Feb 012016

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

3rd-row seat doesn't fold, the electric motor gears are broken !

- le_cardoso, Waterbury, US

problem #3

Jun 012012

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

I a venting about the third row seat motor going out on my 2006 Ford Explorer. This seat has not been used more than 25 times. Disappointed in the reliability of this Eddie Bauer vehicle.

- Michael A., Bluff City, TN, US

problem #2

Jul 262010

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY MOTOR IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT MIGHT BE OUT AND THE COST WAS ABOUT $1200.00 PER SEAT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I CAN HEAR THE MOTOR TRYING TO RAISE THE SEATS BUT THEY WON'T GO UP. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND IS VERY INCONVENIENT. ONLY SMALL CHILDREN HAVE RIDDEN IN THE THIRD ROW SO THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY EXCESSIVE WEIGHT BACK THERE. AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS.

THIS TRUCK COSTS FAR TOO MUCH FOR THE KINDS OF PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH IT. IT IS TRULY NOT WORTH IT. I AM GETTTING READY TO GO VIRAL WITH MY FORDS COMPLAINTS. I'VE HAD IT WITH FORD MOTOR. IT TRULY FITS ITS ACRONYM. (F.O.R.D.) FIX OR REPAIR DAILY. THE EXPLORER IS JUST A "GOOD LOOKING" TRUCK. IT IS A MONEY TRAP.

- piperburks, Decatur, GA, US

problem #1

Aug 062010

Explorer Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Driver's seat motor broke with the seat pulled all the way up. This is the second time this has happened. The first was still under warranty. Now Ford wants $687 to fix. The car only has 46k miles on it, a 2006. This is rediculous.

- Phillip S., Greensboro, NC, US

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