Print this page

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.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,890
Average Mileage:
49,950 miles
Total Complaints:
237 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (149 reports)
  2. replace the transmission (44 reports)
  3. TSB from Ford reprogramming the transmission control (11 reports)
  4. replace transmission module (7 reports)
  5. reprogrammed the transmission (4 reports)
  6. solenoid assembly replaced (4 reports)
2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 4 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #177

Jul 202011

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

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

I can't believe that a car with one owner, in excellent shape, lightly used, with up-to-date Maintenance and with less than 60,000 miles develops a major transmission problem.

Had I known it was a problem with Ford, I would have never bought it.

FORD company SHOULD and MUST recall and fix these issues. It will cost me well over $4000 to fix it not including all the fluids and other diagnosis which I had to pay trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

FORD, you should be responsible for this and should fix the problem.

- gmarouf, Mill Creek, WA, US

problem #176

Aug 092011

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

Called Ford to complain that my vehicle was making a strange clunk like sound when I went to put it from Park to Reverse they replaced the gear shift assembly. Got back in the vehicle and had it happen again even after they replaced the gear shift. The problem I am experiencing doesnt happen everytime but my concern is that its my transmission but they swear they checked it and its fine. I dont buy what they are telling me and am looking at getting another opinion but I have never had such an issue with a vehicle they I have with ford.

- lkayjs, Milwaukee, WI, US

problem #175

Jun 152008

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

The vehicle only had 37K miles on it when I purchased it as a used lease unit. Like other complaints I read about the 2006 model transmission lurching at a stop light like someone rear ending you. I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it and they said Ford had a solution whereby they needed to reprogram the tranny. This was done no-charge and I now have 53K on the car and since the reprogram I have never had another problem. It was a cheap and effective fix which only took about a half hour to do.

- Bob M., Lincoln, NE, US

problem #174

Jul 252011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,692 miles

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

We purchased our used 2006 Ford Explorer from a dealership in 2007. Today, I found out that not only was I not covered by my 120,000 Kilometer warranty anymore, but my transmission is shot. The car was lunging, stalling, driving eratically and from what I've just read here, I can see that other owners have had the same issues. I wish there were an opportunity to lobby for Ford to recall the Explorer trannie problem bcs it seems to be a widespread problem!!

The dealership here in Toronto is quoting $5000-$6000 for a Ford rebuilt transmission....

- sonia k, TORONTO, ON, canada

problem #173

May 102011

Explorer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I just need help with this. I'm a disable veteran on a fixed income.

- James P., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #172

Jun 012011

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Ford House wanted $4,000 to replace the transmission. We felt that with a car with only 60,000 that was unacceptable. Another mechanic reset the computer & the problem is better but still occurs occasionally. Certainly makes us re-think buying another Ford and this is our 4th Ford that we have purchased.

- Cheryl A., WICHITA FALLS, TX, US

problem #171

Oct 012010

Explorer XLS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

there is obviously something wrong with the transmission, yet whenever I take it to the dealer they can never figure out whats wrong. I cant put the car in drive to drive I have to wiggle between drive and 3 and figure it out. It stalls on the highway, drives sluggishly and lunges between park and reverse. I started complaining about this while the car was under warranty, all they could do is something with the computer, it was better for a while and it started doing the same thing. The last time I took the car in back in September, the tech said he thought there was a piece of candy stuck down in the gear shift. What???!! I don't eat in my car, where do these certified Ford mechanics go to school?

- Shelia W., Saint Louis, MO, US

problem #170

Aug 022010

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2006. I MENTION IT WHENEVER I GO IN TO SERVICING AND IT STOPS FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND STARTS BACK AGAIN. NOW AT 110,000 MILES I WAS TOLD I MIGHT HAVE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (YOU THINK?!?) WHILE I WAS WAITING THE LAST TIME THERE WERE THREE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS IN THERE SAYING THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS NEVER RESOLVED.

WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT WHICH IS SAD BECAUSE MY HUSBAND REIRED FROM FORD. FORD DOES NOT TREAT ITS CUSTOMERS RIGHT.

- piperburks, Decatur, GA, US

problem #169

Oct 172011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

Same transmission problem as a lot of people. It's a 2wd Eddie Bauer Explorer with 71,000 miles with 80% of that being highway miles. Vehicle hesitates a second or two when putting it in reverse. Then it will jump into gear and make it feel like the transmission's dropped out of the car. Also slips periodically when shifting into 3rd gear.

So...... I say to myself, "I should have this looked into." Hmmmm......"Where should I take it? It should be a nationwide reputable transmission company", which I rather not say which one, but it does sound a lot like AAMCO. So here's the deal... I get it check out , (FREE diagnosis), making sure the computer crap on the outside is working and telling the car to engage and blah,blah,blah. Well lo and behold...It's all working....We're going to have to open 'er up.

So this will cost roughly $750 and generally, it'll cost another $750 for all the parts that it probably will need; however, if we take it apart and there's some other crap wrong with it, we'll have to charge you for that......AND...if we open 'er up and you don't want any new parts put in, it'll still cost $750 to put 'er back together.

So I figure $1500 and change, and out the door. I can live with that. Along about quittin' time, I get a phone call from that fine upstanding transmission company. Well lo and behold, once again...there's some other crap wrong with some other transmission parts. Well now here's where I should have used some transmission fluid as a lubricant. The price now is $3065.37.

It has a 12 month 12.000 mile warranty, or....you can get the 3 year 36,000 mile for another $600. I told them just do the work and we'll dicker with the warranty later. OH NOOOOO...this is not allowed......some mandated state regulation prohibits such things. They have to know which warranty you want before they do the work.

Well I'm thinking if I get the 12 month warranty, I get the crappy parts or maybe even the original parts. If I get the 36 month warranty. I have a chance of getting some new parts. I'm already into this company for Three Grand, (or I could have them close it back up...pay $1500 and take my $hitty transmission and $hitty Ford back home.) So I said WTF...do the 3 year deal putting this now at $3065.37. It's not like I'm going to pop out the transmission and take a look see and determine if there's any new parts.

SO THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS......IF YOU BUY A FORD GET THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY or DON'T BUY A FORD and IF YOU EVER HAVE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM DON'T BRING IT TO THAT COMPANY THAT SOUNDS LIKE AAMCO.

- jaytee1231, Winter Haven, FL, US

problem #168

Aug 052011

Explorer Eddie Baur V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I recently brought in my 2006 Ford Explorer to Don Bohn FORD ON LAPALCO, HARVEY LOUISIANA because it was jerking. I was informed that I needed a new transmission. WTF I have not paid the car off and I need a NEW TRANSMISSION. UNBELIEVABLE. I have done everything that FORD has ask me to do. I have had schedule oil changes, 30 thousand maintenance check, 50 thousand maintenance, transmission check EVERYTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO PRESERVE MY CAR. And now at 83,000 miles the transmission goes out, needless to say I am completely DISAPPOINTED AND INSULTED that you all (FORD) would promote these maintenance checks, and the transmission would go out. TOTALLY UNFAIR. When I asked Ford to be responsible for fixing this LEMON (Lewis a service manager) was not compassionate or helpful and trying to resolve this matter. I have read quite a few complaints on line about FORD 2006 Transmissions and my car has done the same thing that these people are complaining about. With all of that being said, its such a shame how the dealership does business. The rich get richer and the poor just keep on struggling AND TRYING TO SURVIVE.

- dontrell, New Orleans, LA, US

problem #167

Feb 012011

Explorer Limited 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

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

2006 Explorer XLT, bought new Dec 2005. Has 78,000 miles on it. 90% freeway driving. Wow, as of today when I stumled upon this site, there are 257 complaints about the same thing.. and Ford doesn't think it's worth a recall?! Imagine how others have called Ford just to get "it's normal"-when your within warranty, "replacement needed" when your out of warranty. F-O-R-D, Fix Or Repair Daily, Found On Road Dead, Frkn Old Rebuilt Dodge!. I am so ticked off. Ford is not America's company. How can they be when the are ripping us royally??!!

My complaint is the same as everyone elses. The transmission started shifting hard a few months back. I thought it was me-foot on on break, etc. Yesterday it shifted so hard that my tires spun on the gravel. So now what? Driving a 20 yr old car that has 200K with no transmission problems. I hate Ford, will NEVER buy another product again. EVER.

Can't sell it since it's a piece of crap. Sign on window "NEVER BUY A FORD UNLESS YOU LIKE GETTING RIPPED OFF."

Saw a post that said we all need to call before they will even attempt to do anything so I did. That was a joke. Take it to a Ford dealer (at $$$$ cost, I'm sure just for them to look at it), and then "If it is ever determined.............You MAY get reimbursed...." But I say call anyway, have your friends call, have your family call, shoot, have your enemies call!! 800-392-3673 be prepared to give the VIN#.

This was to be my retirement vehicle. You know, one last purchased new before my income pluments. Well that plan didn't work out very well. Thanks Ford

Update from Oct 13, 2011: I got an email that said transmission complaints are the #2 complaint in Explorer. Didn't say what #1 was (probably Ford's customer service!) And ford doesn't think there is a problem? Sold it to a used car dealer with a list of the problems, got nothing what I would have if the darn thing was working correctly, but it's out of my garage now.

- Judie H., Madera, CA, US

problem #166

Oct 052011

Explorer 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

Purchased my Ford Explorer 3 years ago from a dealership in St.Clair Shores, Michigan.

The experience has not been pleasant at all! I was a previous Chevy owner and when my lease was up wanted to purchase a vehicle. The issue started about a year ago, when I took my FORD back to the dealership for service, and alerted the dealership that some thing was not right, the truck lunges when I drive it , they told me it was the 4X4 Kicking in and that it was not the trans..Fast forward to present day as of Wednesday there is Trans fluid all over my driveway! I have recently had to replace a radiator on the vehicle in which the dealership told me it was not covered... The Truck drove good when I first purchased it. I am taking it in Monday to determine what exactly is going on.. I have Base care extended warranty on the vehicle but only so much is covered on base care.. The experience with the Truck has not been pleasant at all! I have also made a formal complaint with FORD Motor Company. I will not be purchasing another FORD any time soon.

- Laureen V., Roseville, MI, US

problem #165

Apr 012011

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

This 2006 Explorder only has 53,000 miles on it and the Transmission is going out. What a joke! I am contacting the dealership again to see if they can help me get out of the vehicle, or get it fixed. Not looking very promising.

- Gabe C., Cedar Rapids, IA, US

problem #164

Nov 172010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,500 miles

Hard LURCH/jolt when sh*ting to reverse. LURCH - JOLT when shifting between gears __ UPSHIFTING and downshifting. Grinding noise in higher gears -- WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY OF FAMILY!!! HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH FORD AND NO HELP!!! CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT THIS NUMBER >>> (800)392-3673 ASKED FOR A "GOODWILL REPAIR" -- GOT THE RUN-AROUND!!! ;-(

- scottalabama, Birmingham, AL, US

problem #163

Sep 012011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

JUST GOT A 06 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AND A MONTH LATER ITS JERKING REAL HARD WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. NOW ITS STARTING TO DO IT IN THE FRONT AS WELL. C'MON FORD STEP YOUR ASS UP AND FIX THESE.

- Charles M., Balto, MD, US

problem #162

Aug 012011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

We just bought this vehicle a couple months ago, and IMMEDIATELY began having issues with the transmission! We took it to our local auto shop and we were told the transmission needed replaced! WTF????? It only has 60K miles on it! Our mechanic suggested we try and talk to the dealership to see if they would do anything because he noticed there were many issues with this particular year Explorer and the transmissions.

Big shocker that the dealership just told us tough sh*t...it's not under warranty anymore! After doing some research, it appears this is not just a random issue. I will assist in anyone's fight with Ford on this issue! There is no reason this should be happening!

- Jennifer A., San Dimas, CA, US

problem #161

Aug 172011

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Ford has really lived up to its name “Found On Road Dead” Purchased a 2006 ford explorer when they first came out! Supposed to be the new hot item right ?!! Well that honeymoon phase didn’t last for long, I started having trouble with the transmission at 12,812 mi (which is early 2007) Tranny was hard to get into drive and reverse..Of course ford fixed it as it was covered under warranty, the problem you ask? Well the receipt says " shift is stuck in park intermittently remove and replace shift assembly" sounds like a big deal to me All I know is this took them 2 days to fix and that particular problem was "fixed", or was it? Here is the present problem my vehicle is having about a week ago it started jolting, shifting wrong as it was in drive (kinda like it was out of breath or trying to catch up but couldn’t), I think right away "oh maybe I put bad gas in it, or it needs a new air filter".. Nope wrong! Transmission is shot that’ll be $2500!! What the _ _ _ _! Hold on let me take my pants off, so I can bend over.. Yah that’s what I said! You mean to tell me at 46, 000 mi (avg of 6 k a year) after taking care of this vehicle with certainty making sure I hit every oil change, every flush, every inspection, making sure all my ducks are in a row etcetera etcetera.. You mean to tell me that I need a new transmission, WHAT! I think that’s what its needed all along "a new transmission" because the ones they gave us were defective.. After doing a little research I'm getting the feeling that ford is in a little bit of a pickle and just may have DISTRIBUTED MASS PRODUCTION OF 2006 FORD EXPLORER'S WITH BAD TRANSMISSIONS. I’ve already talked to the dealership, that didn’t help at all…right now I’m getting the word out, So next I will take this to corporate and if they don’t do anything then its news stations; picketing in front of dealerships! I will hang fliers, banners on air planes, get the attention of mass publications, I will picket outside of their corporate office in Dearborn, MI so Alan R. Mulally (who became president in 2006 and in 2007 changed warranty’s from 36 month bumper to bumper to lifetime warranty) can fix William Clay Ford Jr. mess! I will take this to the moon! And won’t stop until this is made right! Believe me, and if you’re having transmission problems with your ford explorer then you should do this to! And yes I believe a class action suit is what comes next for Mr. Ford until they fix this unjust business practice

- jenaz, Mesa, AZ, US

problem #160

May 202011

Explorer 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,268 miles

The transmission shifts like sh--t, and the radiator leaks.

- big ragu, Ravia, OK, US

problem #159

Feb 012011

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Bought the vehicle in 2005. Then on July 2009 while the vehicle was only at 38,000 miles and on the freeway, the transmission suddenly was shifting erratically and a puff of smoke was coming out of the muffler. I pulled over and saw that the transmission fluid was leaking real bad. Brought it to the dealer for repair and it's a good thing that I had an extended warranty on the vehicle. Otherwise, It would have cost me about $3,000.00 out of pocket for repair.

Now, as of the year 2011, and I'm at 64,000 miles. I'm starting to feel the transmission sometimes lunges and jolted unexpectedly as it shifts upon acceleration and on reverse. I'm learning that there are numerous complaints on this issue with this type of vehicle year and model. We need FORD to realize this issue is not isolated and should have established a recall program to getting this consistent issue resolved for all owners. I'm even considering taking this issue to the media.

- James C., Riverside, CA, US

problem #158

May 242011

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,445 miles

I like fords, but this problem needs to be fixed. mine is the same as everyone else.

- bjo9728nm, Farmington, NM, US

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?