2006 Ford Explorer: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Jul 12, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · MD

I own a 2006 ford explorer eddie bauer , bought used in 2011/61000k. Since 2012 the car started showing problems with the power steering and /or engine. When driving at 35-40 MPH on a highway the car started to surge forward, then back, keeping surging until the car reached a higher speed of 60. If driving on a hill, it will loose its speed. I took the car to ford dealer and they couldn't find the problem. The car now is 120000k, still same problem. Very disappointed with ford that will not take responsibility for the problemas.

Filed Feb 8, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 100,100 miles · MI

Got 2006 eddie bauer w/98,000, 1 previous owner (mother) all servicing via the same ford dealer (gene butman), except for a few oil changes from uncle ed's. Late nov 2016 took it in due to the heat was fluctuating, was told it needed the thermostat and housing replaced (even though it had the radiator replaced a few years earlier), also had brakes & rotors done, the 100,000 mile checkup said all was good. A week later the exhaust flute, etc broke lose, got that repaired & $2,000 later, friday 2/03/17 wrench light came on, then engine light, vehicle seemed to lunge forward, delay, doesn't engage..accelerate, feels like the transmission is hanging and then slams into gear. A thud feeling was also reported by my mother several times in previous years to the dealer, they could not find anything wrong, so she had then document it. Today I am told a transmission is needed, which is a unexpected huge & saddening surprise - in 2012 and 2013 there had already been transmission work on the vehicle. Checked and see all reports about this particular model has occurred on this one, cooling system/radiator/thermostat and housing issues, exhaust issues and now transmission issues -- there are thousands of reports for this exact model and other explorer and ford vehicles, all known issues, many explanations why it occurred with this model and that ford is aware of them and has provided no recalls for any of these serious defective matters, none - especially when each are very dangerous matters. Today I am told, that a new transmission will be: $5,400, 3 year warranty and a used transmission: $3,600 12 mos or 12,000 miles. Both options are very very expensive. What can the federal safety agency do, will a recall ever occur? It seems ford needs to step in and help with these repairs. It there any help with these matters & cost? Http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2006/ .

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Transmission · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While driving various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle randomly jerked, slowed down, and unexpectedly surged forward. While at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly surged forward and struck a pedestrian. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission was replaced multiple times, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · AL · crash

Cel light came on, code read 02 sensor which was replaced and cel light off now. Transmission jerking hard into reverse and drive and hangs up between gears, suddenly lunging forward. In stop and start or downtown traffic, with lights every block, it will sometimes lunge forward as I slow down to stop, idles rough, and then has died. It has twice sputtered and tried to stall trying to cross busy intersection. This vehicle is not safe!!!! And should not have to replace transmission at ridiculous cost that apparently does not fix problem as indicated by all ford forums.

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that immediately after shifting gears, the vehicle would lunge forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2014 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · NY

I was driving down the highway when suddenly the vehicle lunged forward. I thought someone hit me. It did this two more times before I could exit the highway. Then it started being very slow to shift into gear or would not shift at all with out shutting off the vehicle for 3 to 5 mins at a time. Then it would only drive a few blocks before again refusing to shift into gear.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · IL

Three familiar issues: * transmission slams!!! Into reverse * when approaching a stop light/sign the transmission downshifts with a thump. * vehicle will surge forward shortly after placing in drive (under 15 MPH). It will hesitate back and forth about 3 or 4 times. Had it at a dealership to reflash/reprogram in november 2013. Paid $100 for the test and was told the solenoid body failed. I declined the offer of a $937 plus tax repair bill. Ford should fix this issue at no cost to their customers. Transmission issues in a vehicle with only 54,000 miles does not speak to ford's commitment to quality. These complaints have been noted for years. Needless to say the above three issues persist.

Filed Mar 4, 2013 · Transmission · 20,922 miles · NY

Was driving the truck and was coming to a stop, the vehicle jumped forward as if someone hit me from behind. It was rather aggressive and I almost rear ended a car in front of me at the light. Luckily there was not a cross walk where a pedestrian could've been hit. This happens on a regular basis and in my opinion needs to be addressed asap, or ford will be dealing with a rather large law suit in their future. It is clear this is occurring with many others and enough is enough. Something needs to be done about these transmission problems.

Filed Sep 13, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 80,700 miles · MA

While trying to stop my vehicle suddenly accelerated and I had to put it in neutral to come to a stop. I pulled into a parking lot and shut the engine off and then started it up again and my engine revved at around 4000 RPM. The only way I could drive the vehicle home was to keep constant heavy pressure on the brakes. It always wanted to accelerate.

Filed Mar 8, 2011 · Seats, Transmission · 38,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was in park and when attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle exhibited an unusual dropping noise and began to jerk violently. In addition, when starting the engine the vehicle would often lunge forward abnormally. When braking, the vehicle would also jerk violently as if someone had crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact also stated that she was unable to see out of the passenger rearview mirror when the second row seat was upright because the headrest was obstructing her view. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 109,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Acceleration · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While stopped, the vehicle attempted to surge forward but the contact kept pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where an unknown repair was performed on the vehicle. The failure continued to occur intermittently while stopped. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 10,438.

Filed Feb 26, 2010 · Transmission · 54,730 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased the air conditioner has malfunctioned. The gear shift also moved out of park own its own. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that there was a recall associated with her VIN for the gear shift and made the necessary repairs. Whenever the vehicle shifts gears on its own it would lunge forward and a metal odor was within the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated also stated that the vehicle was very unsafe to drive. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 54,730.