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Radiator Leak
2006 Ford Explorer (Page 3 of 12)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
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)
cooling system problem
Helpful websites
- 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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
I bought the car new. The problem started under the warranty after I had the car almost two years, but they told me that radiators weren't covered /. They tried to tell me it was full of dirt and hay...huh? I don't live on a ranch, then said they would find a "way around it"....then it went bad exactly one month over the radiator warranty. Ford decided that I should have to pay for the second one since the radiator wasn't under warranty anymore. So I took it to a local mechanic, since their price was half the price. That radiator lasted less than a year and I've been replacing them ever since. Just two days ago I replaced RADIATOR #6!!!!!!! This time I was stuck on the interstate and had to rent a car to get home with my six year old son. It was just he and I on the side of the road, 150 miles from home. It was late and they had to order it. I'm so upset now I could scream. Unfortunately I can't find the original radiator repair order, although I have the radiator in my garage.
My local Ford dealer has just washed their hands of me, basically telling me that had I had the other 5 replaced with them, then they might work with me. I told him I couldn't afford them. I asked the manager if he thought 6 radiators in 6 years was normal. They must train these guys in how to duck and dodge. Shame on Ford for not recalling their 2006 Ford Explorer radiators. After a search online, I am one of thousands. I cannot afford to pay for another car, but I may be forced to.
Here is a link to the full story of my last experience: http://www.youandmekid.net/blog/?p=1018
I hope someone gets this resolved. I will help. If people can tweet the Ford Motor Company or something! Put public pressure on the company to recall it. There is a Service Bulletin released in 2009. Ford was to replace a radiator brought in "under their discretion" as the service manager explained to me. It says it's for 2006 Explorers manufactured before August of 2006. I don't know why when I called them that they didn't offer to do this, instead told me my previous warranty ran out. It seems if the first job was done under warranty for the very same thing, that it should have still been covered...
- myfordbites, Porterville, CA, US