Separation of radiator ... Between plastic top and bottom tanks with aluminum radiator grill. This was the first replacement with cost $460 radiator, $308 labor estimated by ford. Environmental issue and safety issue with engine failure/transmission failure possible. Problem can occur anywhere/anytime; I.e., within traffic situation on multilane interstate rush hour. (43000 miles on odometer, first time.)
2006 Ford Explorer engine complaints
Page 4 of 9: complaints 71 to 100 of 221, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH and drove over a bump. Immediately, the engine warning indicator and temperature gauge illuminated. The engine then began to overheat. The failure would also occur when driving on uneven road surfaces. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer twice for the same failure and the radiator was replaced each time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,551. Updated 05/08/12*lj the consumer stated the radiator had to be replaced twice.
Thermostat/radiator failed causing entire engine failure. There has been several other complaints like this about the explorer. My children and I were in the vehicle when it malfunctioned without any warning a big cloud of smoke and the vehicle shut off in the middle of heavy traffic this could have caused a very serious accident. This issue with the radiator needs to be addressed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the plastic in the radiator cracked and was leaking. The failure caused the vehicle to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 68,000.
Having problems with fluid overflowing to the overflow tank, overheating and cylinder misfire readings.
I have had to change the radiator three times and getting ready to do it again the second time the truck ran hot and ruined the motor. I then put another motor and new radiator and it has not been 40000 miles and with no warning at all it done it again with all of the complaints that has been posted online this should have been addressed to every one that has this problem.
The vehicle has harsh upshifts when accelerating from 1st to 4th gear, creating momentary loss of control. The vehicle will stall, then jerk forward a few inches unannounced, which has the potential of causing a wreck or hitting a pedestrian. The same will occur when shifting from drive to reverse, and vice-versa. Also, sometimes the RPM will increase drastically on its own without an increase in speed. I'm afraid this will cause an accident if the speed decides to increase.
2006 ford explorer xlt w/4.0 l had a coolant leak and needed a new radiator. Mileage was 40,005. Radiator was replaced on 11/16/2009. Two years later (1/1/12) the radiator is again leaking and needs to be replaced. Current mileage is 54,435.
Radiator failure. The radiator failed causing the entire engine to overheat. See odi number 10439878. Replaced entire engine and radiator in this vehicle which only has 68,000 miles on it. (costing over $6000). Please issue a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then realized that the vehicle had overheated as it proceeded to stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the radiator and thermostat failed. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light was illuminated again after two weeks. The vehicles was taken back to the independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance to the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
This 2006 explorer eddie bauer car started making roaring sound when trying to accelerate. Tried backing off the accelerator as much as possible. Thermostat gauge temperature went to hot and displayed red and A/C started blowing cold air. Thermostat then went from hot to cold multiple times. Checked coolant levels and they were fine. The engine and car finally shut down completely and the car then overheated. Coolant blew out at the hose at the thermostat. Towed the car to a nationwide repair shop where they replaced thermostat and pressure tested cooling system but car will no longer idle and engine now has major problems. Towed the car to the ford dealership and they are now saying it may have a blown head gasket ($2200 or more) and or engine needs to be replaced ($5600). They are going to check with ford to see if they can provide assistance. This vehicle has 68,000 miles on it (less than 15,000/year) and should not need a new thermostat and engine. There appears to be a major problem with this year/make with radiators/thermostat issues. Please issue a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the temperature gauge started to increase and the temperature warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the radiator was leaking and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 36,000.
Radiator fail caused cat death.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid and radiator coolant. And as a result, the radiator failed. A private mechanic made three attempts to repair the failure by replacing the radiator but to no avail. The dealer did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The current mileage was 78,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the radiator continued to leak. The leaking was caused by the plastic material separating from the aluminum, which was causing the vehicle to overheat. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer advised that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer also advised that the thermostat needed to be replaced as well due to the radiator failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The consumer could not afford to fix the problem. She also stated the were plenty of websites devoted to the exact radiator and thermostat problem. Updated 11/21/11...updated 11/25/11 *bf updated 11/30/11
We purchased our 2006 explorer used with 61,000 in summer 2009. The dealership did a complete inspection and replaced everything we found as defective or as a recalled item. The coolant system wasn't one of these issues. Drove vehicle all summer and into the fall without issue. By late fall of 2009 vehicle had anti-freeze leak, just after the first frost in ne. Local auto service providor replaced radiator twice in one month with napa parts without remedy and then eventually they had to replace with an authorized ford radiator to get it not to fail. Also replaced the water pump, all hoses, pullies, and fluid to make sure there were no other issues. Still leaked but minor and finally was corrected in spring of 2010. By late fall 2010, again after the first frost the vehicle was leaking anti-freeze again. Took it to ford dealership this time where they went through the entire cooling system and replaced the thermostat and upper intake housing they said was leaking. They also flushed the entire system again and added what they deemed was the correct antifreeze for the vehicle assuring that this would stop the problem. Vehicle still leaked and we had to periodically tighten the hose clamps but by spring of 2011 the leak again stopped. Just brought vehicle back to ford dealership fall 2011, again after the first frost. Was told the now 2 year old ford radiator was failing at the joints between aluminum and plastic. This was the same failure as originally noted in fall of 2009. There appears to be an ongoing problem with 2006 explorer radiators with over 50k miles. Along with environmental issues, this condition affects the transmission and the safety of the occupants if the engin runs out of coolant.
While driving the vehicle, the smell of antifreeze started coming into the car. My fiance' checked the radiator and overflow bottle and found out it was gas mixed with the antifreeze. My car's mileage is 80100. I do not believe the car should have this issue at only 5 years. This problem/complaint should be investigated and damages should be covered by the dealership or manufacturer.
Engine stalls. Whenever it feels like it, hot or cold, slowing down to stop, turning left or right, on the street roads and freeways. Starts and go again after 5/10 minutes but this is ridiculous. I paid so much money and time for diagnostic and parts already and yesterday was the worst. My 2006 ford explorer stalled in the middle of the freeway. Date: nov 1, 2011, time:1550, and my wife was driving, when she's not happy, nobody's happy....she almost got ran over as she open her door, she could not go anywhere but wait for time to either cool off or reset on the engine.
My 2006 ford explorer has 44,000 miles on it and needs a new radiator,after checking complaints online for the same problem, I have found many complaints about this issue.I believe ford needs to recall this vehicle for the radiator issue. The leak from the radiator can seep into the ground and into the underground water system,not to mention any animals that would drink from the puddles left behind from this very toxic anti-freeze. The replacement of this item cost almost $1200 at a ford dealer,these trucks are only 5 years old and I know people who have replaced 3 or more radiators since they purchased their explorers. It seems to be a bigger problem for the 2006 model when ford changed the radiator to plastic. I wonder how many accidents where caused when the radiator failed and seized the engines while people where driving?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the radiator failed. The radiator was replaced two years prior to the most recent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they could replace the radiator. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000 and the current mileage was 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer xlt. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the engine stalled. The contact noticed a leak coming from the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they confirmed that there was a hole in the radiator .the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the temperature gauge displayed a reading informing her that the engine was over heating. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the engine. An independent mechanic examined the vehicle and stated that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred approximately eight months later. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge would indicate that the engine was overheating. The contact also noticed there was fluid leaking from the radiator. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the radiator was cracked and the thermostat housing failed. The contact was also informed that this was a common failure that required the radiator be replaced with a newly designed version. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated the radiator was replaced four times. The radiator began to leak and caused the vehicle to run hot. The contact stated that the radiator was replaced every 25,000 miles. All of the radiators were been replaced by an authorized dealer, but the dealer stated there was no cause for the failure. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.
This vehicle constantly overheats. I have to add coolant every few days. It first started during a day trip. Prior to leaving I had my oil changed and all my fluids were filled. After leaving the highway the car completely shut off. I had to go to a gas station and add more coolant it was only a three hour trip and it was completely dry. Shortly after the transmission became shifting hard. It jerks and seems to miss gears. At the time it only had 40,000 miles. Now I have to be extremely careful with the transmission and must keep coolant in my vehicle. I have 4 small children and I am afraid this vehicle is a fire danger because of the radiator. I am financing this vehicle and don't have the money to get a new one. This vehicle today has 54,000 miles and if built correctly I should be able to get 100,000 without any major repairs. Ford should be responsible and recall these vehicles and show they stand by their products. Their saying should be ford flimsy not ford tough!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the radiator and water pump were replaced because the vehicle was over heating but the repair did not correct the failure. The contact consulted with his personal mechanic and was advised that the head gasket would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, all of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel and the temperature gauge began to fluctuate to very hot. The contact drove to the side of the road with caution. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the radiator was replaced. The most recent identical failure recurred and the radiator was replaced for the second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The truck make a horrible ticking noise when you start it up. It will do this until the oil gets thru the motor. Ford states that it is the nature of the motor for normal wear and tear. It is embarrassing to say the least, as it sounds like a ticking time bomb that is waiting to go off. After the truck has been running for a few minutes than the noise goes away, seems that if I spent this much money on a vehicle, it wouldn't sound like an old clunker.
Radiator failure causing leak which could result in engine overheat and possibly fire..
2006 ford explorer-bad radiator leak. Started leaking with only 28,000 miles on it. Called dealership and they stated it would cost $ 1100.00 to fix. They also tried selling me an extended warranty.
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