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 $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,833 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I have now had 2 problems with this dealership, and personally I believe everyone deserves second chances, the first vehicle the seller sold me had major issues with gas tank had a hole in it and exposed wires right next to it so that truck was a ticking time bomb, now I have a 2006 Ford Explorer with more issues but again the seller makes its seem like a pretty reliable car and lies about the issues, covers up the stories and thank god my buddy is a mechanic and I take everything I buy to him, when I first received the car, (as many people not many people know anything as soon as they hear a weird noise) I took it to him and he rides with me and notices some major issues, I took it for a drive and the back suspension was going out (got that replaced) then the transmission slipping, like not only was lied to but now having to pay 2000$ just to keep the car running, not suitable for me nor anyone, I feel bad for whoever this seller also lies to. And I am fully aware that someone could get their license revoked for stuff like this, if anyone with clear eyes can see this seller screws people over. I texted the guy about returning the vehicle and just to get my money back but yet again no answer.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear driver side tire detached from the vehicle, while driving approximately 30 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing assembly and the rotor assembly needed to be replaced. In addition, the lug nuts were loose. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The wheels are disintegrating and est sensory had to be replaced. Also about four years ago the car would stop running in traffic and it took about a month to find problem and was very costly.
Sharp bang in the rear followed a few minutes later by another sharp bang. Thought possible contact between frame an exhaust system. Continued driving. After another 4-5 miles noted feeling in car of slight tramping on deceleration. Continued tramping on deceleration and increased more noticeable in right turns, became louder vibration through body determined problem in left rear. Stopped car examined left rear wheel. Two wheel bolts broken, remaining three wheel nuts loose within a few turns of coming off. Had driven approximately 13 miles since initial bang at speeds of 30-40 mph. Feel very fortunate that wheel had not come off and I was not on a freeway.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating from a traffic stop, a loud noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the lug nuts had sheared, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the VIN was not available. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.
- Hamilton, NY, USA
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On our 2006 Ford police explores, there have been 7 to 10 wheel separations on our vehicles, has there been an investigation on this issue. And does Ford use the recall wheels off of the crown vic's and cross over to the Explorer? thank you mark orendorff
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bryan, TX, USA