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.
Airbag light comes on all the time and goes off every now and then. Had mechanic diagnose light and dealership, found that vehicle was involved in accident and seat belt was not reset on passenger side. Passengers have problems with seat belt, it will lock and tighten on them. I also have issues with two other seat belts in my 2006 Ford Explorer that will or will not latch at times.
The air bag light came on while driving and does not go off, even after the car has been turned off and back on several times. The dealer says it could be a sensor??? This could cost ( out of my pocket ) several hundred $$$. Not worth fixing on a piece of JUNK like this.
Just one more thing in a long list of things wrong with this vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Airbag light comes on all the time and goes off every now and then. Had mechanic diagnose light and dealership, found that vehicle was involved in accident and seat belt was not reset on passenger side. Passengers have problems with seat belt, it will lock and tighten on them. I also have issues with two other seat belts in my 2006 Ford Explorer that will or will not latch at times.
- Kayla W., Beaumont, TX, US