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2006 Ford Explorer engine problems

221 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 51,000.

owner complaints
221
of this car's complaints
35%
typical mileage
51,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Cooling system
    75
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    18
  • Engine
    17
  • Engine: gasoline
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Explorer engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Ford Explorer engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 50Check engine light 34Overheating 31Engine failure 16Loss of power 11Knocking 5Misfire 5Won't start 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2006 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 5, 2024 · Engine · 150,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jun 6, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TN

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.

Filed Feb 23, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 159,000 miles · MD

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!

Filed Jun 9, 2020 · Engine · 36,300 miles · CA

Radiator fluid exploded all over engine and floor massive leak . Searched it up on internet and seems this is a common problem with this vehicle . I started vehicle and fluid started going everywhere .I drove maybe 10 feet and shut the car off immediately .

Filed Nov 22, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 131,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Apr 9, 2018 · Acceleration, Electrical · 150,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that various warning indicators flashed and the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fly by wire pedal and the throttle body were replaced, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2017 · Engine, Steering · MD

Transmission is slipping bad and car not shifting into drive

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 Jul 6, 2017 · Driver assistance, Engine · 120,000 miles · CO

The car was sold with limited warranty, used, but had written cold start issue. The vehicle gets warm if warm outside and will just completely shut off anywhere at anytime. Riding down interstate, will lose power then shut off and leave you with no power steering to control vehicle going high speeds, will shut off in town multiple times upward of a dozen or more times while driving, 1st shop sent to said couldn't find issue second they sent me too said computer needed replacing. Either way I never would have purchased it without it being done had u known, my fiance is small and no way she could handle the vehicle if shutting down while driving. Its very dangerous and is going to get someone killed if not repaired and looked into more closely.

Filed Jun 5, 2017 · Engine · 37,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred two more times. The vehicle was taken to tri star ford (930 old us hwy 22, blairsville, pa 15717), but the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 37,500. The VIN was unavailable.

Questions about the 2006 Ford Explorer engine

Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have engine problems?

Owners have filed 221 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Ford Explorer, 35% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 Ford Explorer engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 51,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2006 Ford Explorer engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2006 Ford Explorer problems

Transmission 296Brakes 41Electrical 39Acceleration 28Fuel system 27Visibility 16Body 11Driver assistance 11Seats 11Steering 9Airbags 8Seat belts 6Wheels 6Suspension 5Tires 4Lights 3

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