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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.

8.4

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,849 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Sep 052006

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 7,098 miles

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

2006 Ford Explorer limited driver seat would not retain memory on #2 setting. When exiting the vehicle the seat wont glide back until the #2 button is pushed. Tire pressure light illuminated. The dealer had to reprogram the seat memory module and reprogram both remotes. The dealer reset the tire pressure sensors.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #1

Dec 012005

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 600 miles
2006 Ford Explorer ltd. Memory seat not working properly. The consumer stated the seat would place him up against the steering wheel, other times it would only move forward a few inches and other times after removing the key and trying more than once the seat would function properly.

- Orlando, FL, USA

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