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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.

7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
64,100 miles
Total Complaints:
238 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator (176 reports)
  2. not sure (34 reports)
  3. replace with ford certified radiator and parts (12 reports)
  4. replace bad seal (7 reports)
  5. replace with aftermarket radiator and parts (5 reports)
  6. contact national highway safety administration 1-888-327-423 (1 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 6 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #138

Nov 112010

Explorer XLS 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

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

Radiator leak at just over 40k miles. Ford dealer acknowledged it is a known problem but Ford has failed to stand behind their product. The design also means this is over a $1100 repair.

The last Ford I will ever buy. Stand up and do the right thing Ford

- Randall R., Arroyo Grande, CA, US

problem #137

May 272008

Explorer

  • Manual transmission
  • 36,500 miles

I don't understand why Ford hasn't been sued, or forced to recall this radiation problem! My 2006 Ford Explorer was under warranty when this radiator leak happened. But of course - Ford said it wasn't covered under warranty because it could have been caused by a stone flying up from underneath the car. (yeah right-- the hole was in the front at the top of the radiator). Since the manager and owner of the dealership wouldn't answer my phone calls, I filed a complaint with the headquarters, BBB. Of course it was all ignored. NOW- 01/20/2011 - this same car with the new radiator (from Ford) has the same exact problem? Gee I wonder if the that same stone hit that same place!..When I researched about these radiators, they came from China somewhere and they were on back order for 6-7 weeks because the had 700-800 on order!!! Sounds like a problem to me.

- Susan V., Orange Park, FL, US

problem #136

Jan 202011

Explorer

  • Manual transmission
  • 56,000 miles

SAME ISSUE WITH SAME CAR- SAME DEALERSHIP! REPLACED THE 2 YEAR OLD RADIATOR IN 2008 AND NOW THE SAME EXACT LEAK IN THE RADIATOR!

- Susan V., Orange Park, FL, US

problem #135

Jun 152008

Explorer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

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

51,000 miles Radiator fan began operating on high speed. Checked coolant level, was low. Filled, and several weeks later problem re-occurred. Took to dealer, they replaced defective radiator under factory warranty. 76,000 miles now, same problem. Vehicle out of warranty.

Unfortunately, we are going to have to file a class action suit to get the scum bags at Ford to fix this (at least recall the radiators so they can be replaced at no charge) 3 radiators in less than 5 years, and there seem to be hundreds of cases of this problem with this series of Explorer. I don't see how we could lose.

- Kim J., Port Saint Lucie, FL, US

problem #134

Dec 142010

Explorer Limited 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

So, I see I am not alone in this one...Purchsed My 2006 Ford Explorer Certified PreOwned with 49,000 miles on it and love it. However it has not come without several issues and the latest is the cooling system issue. I noticed the loud fan noise coming from the engine periodically while driving but didnt think too much about it as I had it serviced on a regular basis. But just the other day the engine overheated and then went back to normal operating temp... being the currios mechanic I am I started looking at the engine and found the overflow tank was empty and there was a leak on the drivers side of the radiator. Wow this was unusual. I dug a bit deeper and noticed the thermostat was not working properly. I took it to the Dealer and they agreed it was the thermostat that was bad and it was covered under the power train warranty. They replaced the thermostat and told me the radiator needed to be replaced but it was not covered and it would be $1,000.00 to replace it. It seems to me that the thermostat failed causing the radiator to overheat and it sprung a leak and now they want $1000.00 bucks to replace it! I called some local parts stores and found an aftermarket radiator for $279 and will install it myself. Ford should certainly have a recall on the thermostat and radiator. This web site was extremely helpful to me. Thanks!

- Joe E., Alamogordo, NM, US

problem #133

Nov 142007

Explorer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

2006 Ford Explorer I have had four radiators replaced starting at 42,000 miles and they last from 30,000 to 50,000 miles. I have also replaced one transmission and one front wheel bearing. This is a company car and well taken of regularly. The car has currently 176,000 miles and I have just replaced the rear differential seals. I have read that a Ford TSB dated April 9, 2009 states that the Power Control Module can be recalibrated which will alleviate the radiator failure problem. I have called the dealer about doing this via e-mail to see if they can fix the problem. However, I am not sure they will acknowledge the Power Control Module fix since this will show that it is their problem and not the consumers.

- dave parker, Dry Ridge, KY, US

problem #132

Dec 012009

Explorer Model 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

Had radiator replaced at the ford dealership at 40,000. Now I am smelling antifreeze again at 57,000, 2nd radiator in 2 years. Ford needs to step up and fix this!!

- dbivens, Crouse, NC, US

problem #131

Jan 012011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

2006 V6 explorer Bought used about 1 year old at 18000 miles. Radiator was replaced under warranty. It is now on its 4th radiator and it is leaking. I didn't have to pay for any of these radiators because repairs were done at ford dealer and none of the radiators except this last one made it a year. Just talked to ford rep this morning and was told I am SOL because the replacement parts warranty is only for one year. I will be contacting the Minnesota Attorney Generals office. They may be able to put a little fire under ford to take care of an obvious problem. Each time it was replaced the dealer told me it was a new and improved radiator. Ya right.

My last vehicle was a F-150 the rear end went out of that at about 80.000 of light duty miles. We seldom had over 100 lbs of cargo in the back of the truck.

- phei, Fargo, ND, US

problem #130

Jan 032011

Explorer LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Same problem just occurred on our Ford Explorer. Has anyone had any luck getting Ford to consider doing something about this? Seems our repair cost was pretty consistent with what most are reporting but due to the problem negotiated the thermostat to be included for free which was at least some savings.

- dwineinger, Indpls, IN, US

problem #129

Dec 042010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I bought a 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition 4X4 back in 2007. It has done great up until this past month. I noticed back in late October that the cooling fans would begin to roar and and stay on quite a bit. At first i thought maybe it was just another hot Texas day. But as i was sitting in traffic a couple of days later, it began overheating really bad. I had to pull over and shut it down. It cooled off and i turned around for home. It happened again. I pulled into a gas station and eventually opened the radiator cap to see that it was nearly bone dry as was the back up. I filled it back up and it has been ok since. I am now smelling that sweet smell of anti-freeze after i turn it off from running around and see that the coolant level is dropping about two inches per week. I have scheduled an appointment at the Ford dealership to take a look at it this week. I fear its a seam leak as i dont see any obvious holes anywhere. I see this is a common problem on this model from reading here. When you guys fixed the issue was it the radiator being bad in general or was there an underlying issue that caused it to go bad within the system ? Lawsuits should be filed on this issue. Ford is pretending at this point that they don't have a clue on why it's happening.....

- Kenneth S., Brazoria, TX, US

problem #128

Dec 102010

Explorer XL

  • 73,385 miles

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

This is the 4th radiator! I've owned 4 explorers over the years and put 150k plus on all except this one ( if I would keep it that long, that means 5 more radiators at least! not going to happen!! I was a Ford tech for many years and parts wholesaler for Ford for the last 8 years before I retired. You can't tell me the engineers that design and build these things have no idea what's going on.This is a design flaw and they are not owning up.When I was selling Ford parts in 07, 08 we could not keep 06 Explorer radiators in stock-National back order. But even the new improved ( give us a break Ford )6L2Z.8005.AD radiator which was to be used per a TSB was no better, it only lasted 8500 miles. So far one at 34155mi,54385mi,73556 and now the 4th one is in the vehicle. I am leaving it set in the yard, I refuse to drive it. I have it financed through Ford Motor Credit, if they want it come and get it ; I've got 2 more years of payments, bought it new in 9/06. I'll be contacting The attorney general's office before I make any more payments.If it can't be fixed I'm done. Does Ford actually think owners of these 06's will be coming back for another Ford. Even if you would consider buying another Ford you can't buy another Explorer! That thing they call an 2011 Explorer is not an SUV, it's a crossover, an Edge with a Tuxedo. Just an Edge, unibody and all. Try trading yours in and watch the salesmen flinch.06 huh, well, uh.......Have owned Fords since 1977, company vans( econolines (4), 5 rangers, 79 Bronco, Crown Vics ,one Town Car 77Loved that one 2 F150's 4 Explorers.If customer loyalty doesn't mean any thing Hello GM.

- odudibug, Havre de Grace, MD, US

problem #127

Dec 102010

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This is my second radiator. Replaced at 40,000 and now at 80,000. It seems Ford will do nothing about this as they keep putting bad parts back in. Why they can not make a radiator that can last more then 40,000 miles is something in this day and age. They have lost a long time Ford person, as i can not wait to get rid of this truck.

- whh10, Blandon, PA, US

problem #126

Dec 152010

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

Only cost $200 to replace the radiator this time, since it had been replaced less than one year, 12,000 mi. ago only had to pay for labor. The very next day I noticed a puddle under my radiator after driving the car. Popped the hood, and antifreeze was all over the engine. I assumed it was a hose, or something not hooked up properly, and had the car towed back from the shop. Just heard back that it is the radiator again! So, counting the original radiator, my car has had 4 radiators. The car has 61,000 miles on it. Ford really needs to step up to the plate on this. The car I traded in for this one was much better, more reliable and paid for. It was a Toyota Camry with 237,000 miles on it, and I would happily even trade back for that car right now. I really wish I hadn't been feeling so patriotic the last time I went car shopping. I plan on trading this vehicle as soon as I can get a radiator to function long enough to do it. It will be replaced with a Honda or a Toyota, and I will never again feel guilty for buying a foreign car.

- Amy H., Scituate, RI, US

problem #125

Nov 302010

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This is the second radiator that I have had to replace in less than two years!! The first replacement was at 37,000 miles and now again at 80,000. The mechanic told me this wont be the last and Ford is aware of the problem. Along with the radiators I have replaced the battery, three water pumps, one fuel pump, two sets of cracked hoses, and of course the thermostat almost all related to the leaking radiators caused by a faulty computer system glitch. Ford needs to have a recall. I have contacted Ford and they have told me sorry....no warranty! I called the dealer to have the computer reprogrammed and they told me it would be at my expense. Since 2000, I have purchased 5 vehicles from Ford. I am done. I just purchased my daughter a Nissan.

- Trish D., Glendora, CA, US

problem #124

Nov 302010

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

Oh man, my 2006 Ford Explorer had one radiator replaced under warranty at 34,000 miles. Now 24 months later at 52,000 miles the radiator is leaking in the same spot. Passenger side drips a silver dollar size puddle every night on my garage floor. I see numerous other complaints about this and the dealership wants 1200.00 to fix it. Wow Ford you guys really suck. I have always had a Ford or two in my garage and now I am moving on. This has pissed me off bad enough, that is Ford's absolute denail (again) of an obvious issue they should take care of, in the computer world we call it an 'known issue', that I am moving on from FORD. Too bad after 17 Fords in my 21 years of driving. Hello to my new BMW, seriously I am not kidding.

- roboruss, Salt Lake City, UT, US

problem #123

Dec 212010

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,102 miles

I owned a 2005 Honda Accord. Amazing car, changed the oil and rotated the tires. Everything else took care of itself. Drove it for 4 years.

I decided to buy Ford out of respect. They declined a bailout and to me that spoke volumes of Fords integrity. Fords production methods helped fuel this nations Industrial boom. I felt like I owed it to Ford to buy American against my better judgement.

Bought this 2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 less than a month ago from a Dealership.

Already had to replace radiator, fan clutch, and a/c heat fixed.

Looking online at blogs, it looks like the radiator is notoriously bad in these vehicles. When is Ford going to step up with a recall?

- nfisher, Suwanee, GA, US

problem #122

Dec 072007

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

After we told them the radiator was leaking, they said they were having problems with them and offered to replace it for free. Since it was on a weekend, we had to pay for a rental car.

- Patti D., Kannapolis, NC, US

problem #121

Dec 312009

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

This was my first ford explorer radiator failure. Replaced with a Ford radiator, which lasted slightly less than one year, replaced again, Ford radiator at 61,000. One day later, radiator completely failed.

- Amy H., Scituate, RI, US

problem #120

Oct 222010

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,322 miles

Hi I just took my for explorer in to the dealer today, in regards to the same problem I've been having for 3yrs. Nobody is listening, I told Ford this is the 3rd radiator in 1yr that I will have to replace because the say it is cracked. I think they are cracked. I had the radiator replaced 6 months ago because you would hear a load fan roar and then the heat gauge would go to overheat, but if accelerated hard sometimes it would get the fan to quit and the heat gauge will drop back to normal. I had the radiator fixed and not but a week later again the load roar of fan heat gauge heats up and goes back down. I know its not a cracked radiator they just don't want to admit there is another problem going on with the thermostat that sens the signal to tell the fan to kick in and out. Just easier to make money on radiators. I agree totally with complaint #80 he is exactly right as to what is going on with it.

- Loretta O., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

problem #119

Dec 132010

Explorer XLT 4.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,678 miles

This a bunch of crap! So close to Christmas and I have to spend my HARD earned money on a new radiator for my Ford Explorer that only has 35,567 miles on her. I'm so pissed I can hardly see straight. Then to find out there are so many more Explorers with the same problem is salt in the wound. STEP UP FORD!!!!!!

- wmarsh, Brighton, MI, US

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