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2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems

296 complaints (47% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
296
of this car's complaints
47%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
6
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    114
  • Manual transmission
    4
  • Driveline
    4
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    2
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft
    1
  • Axle assembly
    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 transmission problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Ford Explorer transmission

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

Jerking 96Hesitation 37Harsh shifting 33Slipping 30Transmission failure 30Won't shift 22

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2006 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · NY

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)

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Transmission · MI

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!!

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 May 1, 2021 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Oct 28, 2020 · Transmission · 166,000 miles · TX

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!

Filed Sep 18, 2019 · Transmission · FL

I purchased a 2006 ford explorer, eddie bauer. I needed the transmission rebuilt and paid aamco almost $4,000. Not even a year later the transmission failed and had to be re-built again but it was under warranty. Back in march 2019, I took it back to aamco and was told nothing wrong with the transmission. August 2019, I went back to aamco and they replaced the solenoid pack is what I was told. Now, not even a month later the transmission has failed again. The SUV jerks when placed into gear and it feels as though someone rear ended me. The transmission is faulty by the manufacturer, ford! There are hundreds of complaints regarding the transmission of this year explorer with the same issues and ford will not take responsibility! It's not right that consumers have to shell out thousands of dollars on this piece of junk they manufactured which can cause accidents! Something has to be done.

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Transmission · 165,000 miles · OR

When the car is put in reverse and you give it gas, it shifts really hard and jerks and slips. I think that something is wrong with the transmission. This happened while I was leaving work and put the car into reverse to leave the parking lot.

Filed Oct 5, 2018 · Transmission, Visibility · 175,800 miles · ID

1. Rear wiper quit working several years ago. Sluggish and now froze up. Hasn't worked for a long time. 2. Replaced radiator several years ago. Replaced thermostat several times over the years. Then... 2018, september,-- disappearing coolant from radiator for last 6 months with no obvious leak. Car over heated in august but no obvious leak. Kept refilling... 3 days ago bottom thermostat housing sprung a big leak and car overheated major. Replaced thermostat, and full thermostat housing. Internet recommends updating software because of overheating, but is priced at about $110 at all dealerships.

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Transmission · NY

Transmission been slipping on 2nd or 3rd gear I believe I never towed or carry heavy loads at all it's been doing this since the first month I purchase it and it's been getting worst since

Filed Jan 5, 2018 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise. Suddenly, the vehicle would not shift into reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent transmission shop. The mechanic diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to provide assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Questions about the 2006 Ford Explorer transmission

Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 296 complaints about the transmission of the 2006 Ford Explorer, 47% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Ford Explorer transmission?

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

What year does the Ford Explorer have bad transmission?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most transmission complaints are 2002 (1,502 complaints), 2020 (507 complaints) and 2004 (460 complaints).

Other 2006 Ford Explorer problems

Engine 221Brakes 41Electrical 39Acceleration 28Fuel system 27Visibility 16Body 11Driver assistance 11Seats 11Steering 9Airbags 8Seat belts 6Wheels 6Suspension 5Tires 4Lights 3

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