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.
7.7
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
64,100 miles
Total Complaints:
238 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace radiator (176 reports)
not sure (34 reports)
replace with ford certified radiator and parts (12 reports)
replace bad seal (7 reports)
replace with aftermarket radiator and parts (5 reports)
contact national highway safety administration 1-888-327-423 (1 reports)
California Lemon Law Specialists - If you have repeated problems with your 2006 Ford Explorer, you may be able to get your vehicle replace or your money back under the California Lemon Laws.
Just purchased the Explorer from my daughter. It has 58,323 miles on it and is in great shape. I know the vehicle and maintenance history and I know that it was never abused roadwise. The radiator has a leak high up on the passenger side and the dummy lights never warned us of failure or low coolant levels. Only indication of problem was the fan sound coming on when we would accelerate from a stop position.
After reading similar complaints I now realize this is common problem with the 2006 Explorer and Fords is not addressing the issue.
I'm a 31 year Ford retiree but seriously thinking of switching to GM. (or God forbid...foreign make that offers longer warranty time.)
I had an extended warranty that covered my vehicle up to 50,000 miles. The issue of going through coolant surfaced a month or two before I took the vehicle in. I took it into Freeway Ford in Denver, CO on September 14,2009 for two things. One was to repair the stick shift and the other was that the coolant was leaking issue. The dealer was more focused on selling me filters, replacing my battery cables and redoing all my fluids like brake and transmission. I pick up my vehicle and I am told that the cooling system is fine. A month later, I am getting my oil changed and my mechanic informs me that the radiator was leaking and at 50,000 miles it shouldn't be. I call Ford and now I am told my warranty is expired as I exceeded 50,000 miles. They make excuses as to why they feel the leak wasn't there in September and make it clear, the cost to replace it would not be covered.
When I pick up my vehicle from my mechanic after they fix the radiator for a lot less than Ford was willing to, I am shown a document that identifies my year, make and model vehicle as having a defective radiator. Freeway Ford never once informed me of this in all my discussions and with me taking my vehicle in.
I paid $28,000 for a new 2006 Ford Explorer, at 44000 miles the radiator developed a leak near the top on the passenger side. Talking to several Ford mechanics they all say this is a defect in the radiators on the 2006 models. Fords official line is they have never heard of any problems like this with the 2006's and they don't plan on fixing the problem.
i too have had my radiator leak in my '06 explorer(77000 miles). luckily, i bought it wholesale for $140, and i replaced it myself. you would think for a $38000 car, ford would use better products. but then again, every ford truck i've bought has had radiator problems. ford should recall this problem, so customers like myself, keep buying fords
- Rich W.,
Carlstadt, NJ, US
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My 2006 Explorer had no problems until about 62,000 km, then it becomes very loud noise like a fan continuously running from the engine everytime the AC is on. After months my warranty expire my radiator is cracked and has to be replaced. I am very disappointed with Ford quality.
I bought my Explorer back in Jan. 2009, the next month I heard a noise under the hood. Took it back to the dealership to find out the radiator was leaking. They said that they replaced it. The noise never really went away but just in the last week it has gotten worse. The noise is a squealing noise. I took it back to the dealer today and had said the radiator is leaking again!!! I will find out tomorrow what is going on with this. Of course it didnt make the noise when i was at the Ford Dealer.
What the hell is wrong with ford? They say they are built ford tough well what the hell does that mean? I'm so pissed off to be paying for something and think that my warranty will cover all major parts that have to be replaced and then to find out that the one part that should have a recall on it is faulty and not covered under my warranty really pisses me off. To make matters worst Ford won't even recall the radiator after the countless numbers of customers have had to pay out of pocket to have it fixed. Well i promise this will be the last ford i purchase and i will be telling everyone i know and posting my complaint on my facebook so everyone will know that ford lies when they say built ford tough. That's some sh*t!!!!!
I just purchased a 2006 Explorer with only 56000 miles and after a few days of use I noticed a small coolant leak on the ground. Upon further inspection I see it is leaking from the bottom seal near the drain plug. I am very disappointed that the radiator is leaking with such low mileage. After reading all the complaints on this site I see this is a common problem. I also have a 2003 Explorer with the same mileage and has given me no problems yet. The 2006 is improved a lot, the ride and comfort is much better which is why I bought it.
Although the radiator can be expensive to replace it is minor compared to other more serious repairs. I would recommend for a minor leak you can use Bars Leak sealant which you can buy at any auto parts store. It does work, if you have a crack in the plastic tank or the neck where the hose connects you can you JB weld which is also available at a auto parts store and works great and permanent when done correctly of course.
There definitely needs to be a recall on this problem!! The radiator was leaking at the seams. So many other people have had the same problem, this has to be a faulty design of the radiator. What can be done to get a recall, so we can get our money back. It cost us $750.00 to replace. Maybe a class action lawsuit?
I previously owned a ford mercury and was very happy with it.Read good reviews about Ford Explorer on MSN Auto and bought a 2006 Explorer with 70000 miles on it.Within the first month discovered something strange i.e. on slowing down it would make much noise engine would rev up but the move forward is insignificant.Once I was on the highway going at 80m/hr but when slowed down at a check point the engine stalled the check engine sign came up but the temperature was still showing ok.checks with mechanics showed nothing.Cold start has good engine power but once engine is warm it loses power and temperature shoots up on slowing down.dealer in Saudi Arabia Riyadh has discovered a leaky radiator and will replace it.I only hope and pray that it lasts 40000K .god help me as Ford will not I know.Can anyone advise if any other make of radiator will fix the problem
I've owned 6 vehicles, put over 150,000 on all of them (one had over 300,000) and I've NEVER replaced a radiator. The Explorer is the newest vehicle I've ever owned. The radiator had a pn hole leak and needed to be replaced. Go FORD! Yea, I love FORD! Stupid Ford. First and the last Ford I'll ever buy.
Belle Tire gave me a great deal and did a great job. They didn't know what caused the pin hole leak. But they did mention it was a crappy Ford part and that they've seen several of the 2006 Explorers with this problem.
This is an ongoing problem with this model and year vehicle. I didn't realize at the time of repair that Ford is aware of this problem and have done nothing about it. This is a repair problem that should not be at the expense of the owner, since it is due to a faulty part. I used to like the ford explorer, but due to this I can safely say this will be the last one I purchase.
Well I finally joined the radiator leak group. Bought this car used at 50000 Miles, I've put 30000 on it since I owned it, and I found the puddle of antifreeze sitting in the driveway last week. Ordered a new radiator and did the work myself. Still a pain. And when I took the old one out it was already a replacement, so whoever owned this before me had obviously had the same problem.
this is my first car here in the us it is a 06 ford explorer i thought ford is built for tough,but i was wrong i take very good care of this vehicle since i got it, i do all the regular and preventive maintenance with the dealer i change everything that is recomended every time i have my scheduled maintenance.thinking that when my warranty expire i will have no more surprise repair.but after months my warranty expire my radiator leaks, after a month of my last scheduled visit with them.I ask the mechanics what had cause it to leak, he said he don't know what caused it.all he knows is that i need to replace it for $997 for the original ford radiator,$750 for after market radiator.sorry but this is my first and last ford vehicle.I will never buy ford again.
Left rear light started failure, the air consitioning would not blow cold, within one week car was overheating and blowing white steam. The radiator was cracked and had to be replaced. With all parts and service it was $1100. Now, the right rear light keeps failing, a/c blowing warm, car is overheating and they "say" it is that there is a leak in the water pump. They want $465 to replace the water pump and parts. WTH??? The car only has 50k miles.
I too have a 2006 Explorer. Radiator was leaking so I took it in to the dealership. My extended warranty won't cover the repair because they say it's a seal. Ford refuses to replace only the seal because they say, " it opens up a can of worms". What the hell does that mean? Anyway, $850 is the cost to replace the radiator. Called FORD yesterday, the customer service lady said she had NO COMPLAINTS on file about this problem. SO PLEASE CALL AND REPORT THIS TO FORD if you have the same problem. They, of course, said there was nothing they can do about it. I Can't help but think, this is what I get for trying to buy American made vehicles. FORD does not stand behind their product.
I wrote to ford and was told that this is not a defect. I read at least 15 complaints exactly like mine...my insurance expert said there was not any sign of impact or any damage to any part of my car including the tires and suspension. But my dealership HIRSCH FORD MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA said I probably hit a POTHOLE that cracked the front end and radiator...REALLY??? WELL, that must of been a very special pothole to crack the radiator and leave the rest of my car in perfect condition...Never will I ever buy from Ford again and sorry for all my fellow complainers I feel your pain
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Just purchased the Explorer from my daughter. It has 58,323 miles on it and is in great shape. I know the vehicle and maintenance history and I know that it was never abused roadwise. The radiator has a leak high up on the passenger side and the dummy lights never warned us of failure or low coolant levels. Only indication of problem was the fan sound coming on when we would accelerate from a stop position.
After reading similar complaints I now realize this is common problem with the 2006 Explorer and Fords is not addressing the issue.
I'm a 31 year Ford retiree but seriously thinking of switching to GM. (or God forbid...foreign make that offers longer warranty time.)
- Albert E., South Lyon, MI, US