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.
6.8
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$900
Average Mileage:
57,950 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (6 reports)
repainted (3 reports)
replaced/repainted (2 reports)
dealer repaired; now it is 3 times worse in same area (1 reports)
When we purchase the vehicle from Plaza Ford we did not notice these bubbles on the front of the hood. When we did notice we asked our sales person, we were told that it was only just a little rust and that could be sanded out and be painted. When we checked this problem out with two body repair shops they informed us that this was not rust because the hood was aluminum and that it was iron corrosion before it was painted and that they feel that the Ford Co. had sent out TSB to dealers. We had asked our salesperson if there were any factory recalls or TBS bulletins on this vehicle and we were told no. Sure can't trust Ford Motor Co. or their dealers to be honest.
Do I buy another new hood and paint job? Estimate is over $2,000. Maybe an imported hood will be less than a Ford hood and have better quality? How could it be worse. Quite fed up putting good money towards a continuous problem.
After a couple of years of ownership I spotted on the front of my hood bubbling of the paint. None of the paint had yielded yet, but it became a concern of mine. An uninformed Ford Dealer told me to wait until it rusts through before doing anything. Ignorant that I did not know it was aluminum and aluminum doesn't rust, I realized I was duped by the Ford Dealer that had no knowledge of the TSB that was previously issued prior to my issue. Now years later, the problem is worse and more patches are peeling away and more bubble are occurring. This is affecting my investment in a Ford that I thought would hold its value to a reasonable degree. Ford Executive offices in Dearborn are aware of me, and offered 20% of a nearly $1,700 replacement & repaint at a Ford Dealer's body shop. I have learned from a Facebook page dedicated to Ford Peeling Paint that some have been successful at suing Ford in small claims court, but you must do your homework and make no missteps. I am very disappointed in FORD and this will be my last Ford vehicle.
The paint on the hood has started to bubble and flake off. The truck is in great condition. My plan was to keep the vehicle. But I need the paint repaired.
- Clifford G.,
Detroit, MI, US
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The paint is bubbling on the hood of my 2006 Explorer. Dealer says there is no recall and nothing they can do. I even have an Extended Service Plan and that doesn't cover it either. Went to two body shops, they agree there should be a recall or it should be covered by Ford.
When I first noticed the bubbling of the pain on the front hood, I was at the 36,000 mile mark and
Zimmerman Ford in St. Charles Illinois said they couldn't do anything until there was rust through. I later found this to be ridiculous and barely challenged the dealer, lest make an inquiry with FMC in Dearborn, Michigan.
Now I know this to be a serious problem and went back to Zimmerman Ford with more facts with 100K miles on my Explorer and they said too late! Now I am in communications with FMC Customer Care and they could not be anymore similar. I will not let this go and will go to the top of FMC as I did with former CEO Alan Mulally who directed his people to reimburse me for my third radiator within the warranty period with no help from Zimmerman Ford.
The hood on my 2006 Explorer is losing its paint. Bubbles all across the front. Took it to a Ford Dealership and they were totally unaware of the problem. In fact blamed it on "looks like it has been repaired before" - therefore blaming someone else. After reading your website, I realize that the problem has been around for a number of years - 10 to be exact.
Having read that Ford knew of the problem & refused to own up to it, my trust in Ford has just taken a big fall. I have been driving Explorers for 11 years. This is the first problem that I have encountered. It will probably be the last as I will not buy another Ford product.
Ford estimated the cost to be $1200+ to repaint. Needless to say - Mayco here I come.
When I purchased my 2006 Explorer, I noted what I thought was body cancer..The Dealer said they would pay to have the hood fixed and repainted. I was not aware of the problem of the paint blistering on the Aluminum Hood prior to purchase..Went to a local auto body shop to get their opinion on the problem and was told it will NOT do any good to have the hood repaired or repainted as the hood is made of Aluminum and as such, the metal was contaminated at time manufacturing and after researching this problem on the internet, I have found that Ford is aware of the problem and had issued a TSB bulletin to all dealers.. I have not been able to find anyone who has had Ford resolve this problem, other than buying a New Hood, cost around $815.00, not painted and having it painted..But if the Aluminum Hood has been contaminated at manufacturing, Has Ford corrected the manufacturer of these Hoods?? so that I will not get another CONTAMINATED HOOD and have to go through this again in a year or two?????? I am no very happy and this is my First and LAST Ford product.
I have owned 12 Ford and Lincoln autos....I feel Ford knows that the hood of this SUV is defective because of the problems associated with aluminum parts. They have not made any effort to correct the problem. I am sure there are many others with the same or similar problems. I am exploring the possibility of forming a class action suit against Ford for marketing a vehicle with known defects.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
When we purchase the vehicle from Plaza Ford we did not notice these bubbles on the front of the hood. When we did notice we asked our sales person, we were told that it was only just a little rust and that could be sanded out and be painted. When we checked this problem out with two body repair shops they informed us that this was not rust because the hood was aluminum and that it was iron corrosion before it was painted and that they feel that the Ford Co. had sent out TSB to dealers. We had asked our salesperson if there were any factory recalls or TBS bulletins on this vehicle and we were told no. Sure can't trust Ford Motor Co. or their dealers to be honest.
- cbakermd, Forest Hill, MD, US