2006 Ford Explorer: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 12, 2016 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · AL · fire

While driving we turned on the AC and we herd a big pop. Then the passengers leg got warm. Then we felt around it kept getting hotter. It followed the dash then smoke rolled off under the dash. I threw it in park we jumped out the flames consumed the vehicle. We were on a road.

Filed Dec 2, 2015 · 162,813 miles · TX · fire

Vehicle went to shop to fix ABS light. The following morning before shop opened up, the vehicle caught on fire (while stationary and not running) burning completely. The fire caused considerable damage to the shop and another vehicle that was in the adjacent bay. Fire department determined fire started on its own and cited similar incidents for ford explorers.

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that when driving approximately 50 MPH the temperature gauge started to rise. A few miles down the highway he saw a large cloud of smoke coming from his engine. The contact was able to merged to the side of the road and have the vehicle towed. After diagnosis from the dealer they advised him that the radiator fractured and started to leak onto the engine. As a result, the engine and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 83,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Engine · 40,000 miles · TX

I believe the ford explorer 2006 radiators need to be recalled! First of all, let me just say that on carcomplaints.com there are 47 complaints about radiator leaks and having to replace radiators. I believe this to be a safety issue because if it overheats...it could leave someone stranded on side the highway, or even explode or catch on fire! Please look at carcomlaints.com and review the complaints about ford 2006 explorer radiators! Many people have gotten this same radiator replaced more than once! Ok, now to me...I bought a 2006 ford explorer in january of 2006. In march of 2008, I was told that my radiator needed to be replaced. I couldn't understand why a vehicle with 40,000 miles on it, which get scheduled maintenance checks regularly with a mechanic could have such a problem. Well, needless to say...I got it repaired out of pocket because my 36,000 mile warranty had expired. It was very costly. Well,I continued to get my vehicle maintenance as scheduled. Well, just a couple of days ago or less than 23 months(less than 2 years) later, I experience the same problem. Another radiator leak! I hardly even go any where! The new radiator was yet again another ford radiator! I could have been left on side the road or had some sort of explosion! I believe there are defects in these radiators and I believe that ford motor company is issuing out faulty equipment. I believe that we, the consumer, or suffering the consequences due to their need to stay afloat. Afterall, they too needed a bailout and what agreat way to save money if radiators or builtto last only a short time,and people go to keep paying for new ones! Please check on this. I believe a recall is needed!!!!!!!! P.s. While writing this letter, just received a phone call that a technical alert has been put out on 2006 ford explorer radiators, and because of the complaint ...the model is not being made anymore! Please check into this!

Filed Mar 17, 2007 · Electrical, Transmission · 600 miles · FL · fire

2006 ford explorer eddie baurer- within 12 hours of purchasing the car, the starter caught on fire, car was out of service 1 week. Transmission hesitated from a cold start especiallly bad when pulling out into traffic. Engine roared at times, sounded like a jet taking off. Dealer said this was normal, it was the engine fan ???? Car lurched forward when starting on several occasions. At first service dept agreed there was a problem with 8 cylinder transmission and that they were no fixes but then the ford rep got involved and suddenly they couldn't find any problems with the car. They suggested that our only recouse was to go thru the lemon law which we did. It was a long drawn out process but after 6 months of dealing with the situation, the lemon arbitration rulled in our favor and ford was required to buy back the explorer. I had a ford expedition for 9 years and loved it but after this fiasco with the explorer and ford's refusal to stand behind their product, I will not ever buy another ford. I now have a toyota 4runner and couldn't be happier. While it doesn't have some of the special features of the explorer, the piece of mind of knowing that it will actually go when I pull out into traffic is immeasureable. To those still having the problems, I would suggest the lemon law.