Hi, I purchased my 2006 ford explorer in 2019 from a mechanic lot. Since then I’ve changed the muffler, all 4 of the o2 sensors. Recently, after changing parts like the cylinder, spark plugs and wires as well as another set of o2 sensors and the EGR Valve, Mass Air flow sensor and the EGR sylenoid valve I have been getting check engine light with the emissions code not passing inspection. At this point my registration is at hand and the mechanics that change the parts can’t seem to understand why the check engine light did not go off. However an additional code came on in regards to the heater. As per PEP Boys mechanic shop and Auto Zone the emissions keep failing and may need a new computer- however when a part is removed the computer is able to pick that up issuing out another code. Please assist Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2006 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission296
- Engine221
- Brakes41
- Electrical39
- Acceleration28
- Fuel system27
- Visibility16
- Body11
- Driver assistance11
- Seats11
- Steering9
- Airbags8
- Seat belts6
- Wheels6
- Suspension5
- Tires4
- Lights3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Ford Explorer
Jerking 96Stalling 50Hesitation 37Check engine light 34Harsh shifting 33Overheating 31Slipping 30Transmission failure 30ABS 27Sudden acceleration 23Won't shift 22Engine failure 16Loss of power 11Grinding brakes 9Brake failure 6Wipers 6Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5Knocking 5Fire or smoke 5Misfire 5Won't start 5
Recalls 1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
- Risk
- After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673 or lincoln/mercury at 1‑800‑521‑4140.
Recall number 05V520000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Ford Explorer 40
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all...
- Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit...
- This SKU is a front upper ball joint
- Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may...
- The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic...
- Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension...
- Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and...
- Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation,...
- Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge...
- Ford/mercury: 4.0L/4.6L hard start/rough running; after long hot soak/dip in RPM when coming to a stop;...
2006 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
What 2006 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact parked the vehicle and allowed the vehicle to set for a while. The vehicle was started. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven 100 yards before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
This transmission should be recalled!!!! The reverse band breaks and is a known issue for this transmission!! No warning just went to reverse and nothing! Upon research this has been a known issue since day one!!
Transmission
Complete failure of the powertrain electrical harness. Heat degradation to wire insulation has exposed all conductors. Several other owner operators have experienced the same issue wherein the Dealer has attempted repair of existing trouble codes, by replacing sensors, modules and components. Problems range from vehicle shut-off at speed, vehicle fires, no-start and failed PCM modules due to short to power or short to ground. Based on my findings, this specifically impacts vehicles ranging from 2006-2010, Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer with the 4.0L SOHC engine.
The transmissions have a problem and have had a problem for years. They can fail without notice and cause a vehicle to lose momentum while going down the road. Yes this is an older vehicle but if you look up older comments on this vehicle on other reporting sites there are many reports of transmissions causing serious problems. Why has this never been dealt with in any manner? I was driving down the highway and my vehicle began to slow down and would not move forward. I was able to get the vehicle in gear and get it to the shop. I paid to replace the transmission and it did it again in the new transmission. I almost did not make it up the hill near my home and have been forced to park the vehicle as it is not safe to drive.
Driving on speed limit I stopped at a light, car engine went dead. I turned key off and waited a few minutes, turned key on, car started as nothing was wrong. It has happened 3 times in the past year. Battery and alternator are pretty new. Decided to take to an authorized mechanic dealer, couldn't find anything wrong with the engine. Really? What if I was driving in a highway? Certainly I wouldn't be alive to report it!
The unit has issues with the seat belts. I called the dealer but they said that they don't have any recall campaign regarding this issue, and no guaranty can be apply.
I was turning from turning lane into wal-mart and when I gave it gas the transmission slipped and wouldn't move. Luckily no cars were coming and it finally kicked in and let me pull into the parking lot. I just bought this and was looking up the issue and found out this is a problem with ford explorer 2002 - 2006. Why isn't there a recall on these transmissions? This is very dangerous!
I too had the same problem as I was coming to a four way intersection. As I was driving all of a sudden a wrench tool came up and I could not accelerate so I had to pull off in a parking lot before I got to the intersection. I did not want my vehicle to stall and I turned the vehicle off and put it into neutral and let it sit there. I then took it out of neutral and started it back up. I could feel the jerking and felt like I got rear ended in the back. My head jerked forward as I was driving while it kept jerking.
Compare the 2006 Ford Explorer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2006 Ford Explorer
Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 630 complaints about the 2006 Ford Explorer, close to a typical Explorer model year.
What is the 2006 Ford Explorer year score?
The 2006 Ford Explorer scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Explorer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Explorer?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 296 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is engine (221).
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Explorer have?
1 recall, covering visibility.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 2006 Ford Explorer range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.
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