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2006 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

547 reports with mileage · 83 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 296 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports7 fire reports10 injury reports

Power Train complaints

296 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2009
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FORD EXPLORER JERK THE CAR FORWARD WHEN THE TRUCK IS STOPPED. FEELS AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AFTER IT IS STOPPED. THIS OCCURS ALMOST EVERYTIME THE TRUCK IS STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. EACH TIME THE ACT AS IF THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. THE TE…

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THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FORD EXPLORER JERK THE CAR FORWARD WHEN THE TRUCK IS STOPPED. FEELS AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AFTER IT IS STOPPED. THIS OCCURS ALMOST EVERYTIME THE TRUCK IS STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. EACH TIME THE ACT AS IF THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. THE TELL ME THEY WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION. THIS DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED AND AS OF TODAY WILL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, AS THEY STATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259390

32,100 miles · Jan 28, 2009
Power TrainCrash

WHILE IN PARK VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN INCLINE ALMOST STRIKING PERSON AT BOTTOM OF DRIVEWAY LUCKILY HE JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY AND IT STRUCK SIDE OF HIS TRUCK CAUSING DAMAGE, DRIVEWAY HAD BEEN SNOW COVERED BUT CLEARED DOWN TO ASPHALT, HAD BEEN PARKED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING . THIS HAS SINCE OCCURR…

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WHILE IN PARK VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN INCLINE ALMOST STRIKING PERSON AT BOTTOM OF DRIVEWAY LUCKILY HE JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY AND IT STRUCK SIDE OF HIS TRUCK CAUSING DAMAGE, DRIVEWAY HAD BEEN SNOW COVERED BUT CLEARED DOWN TO ASPHALT, HAD BEEN PARKED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING . THIS HAS SINCE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES IN VARYING WEATHER CONDITIONS, INCLUDING RAINY, SNOWY, AND SUNNY WITH DRY PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS ROLLED FORWARD AND BACK, WITH AND WITHOUT THE PARKING BRAKE SET, WHICH THE PARKING BRAKE IT TAKES LONGER AND ROLLS SLOWER; EACH TIME THERE AFTER STRIKING VEHICLE PARKED CLOSELY AS A PRECAUTION, WHEELS GET CHOCKED NOW WHEN PARKED ON INCLINE TO PREVENT SUV FROM ROLLING. FORD HAS CHECKED MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOT FOUND ANY ISSUES AND FIXED OR REPLACED NOTHING SAYING IT IS BECAUSE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NOT A CONTAINING LIMITED SLIP GEARING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10256672

45,000 miles · Jan 14, 2009
Power Train

SHIFT HANDLE FREQUENTLY "STICKS" IN THE PARK POSITION. MANUAL DISABLING OF THE SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM WAS REQUIRED TO ALLOW ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE INTERLOCK DISABLING PROCESS WAS PERFORMED SUCCESSFULLY IN EACH INSTANCE (AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL). IN EACH CASE, THE DRIVER WHO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE W…

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SHIFT HANDLE FREQUENTLY "STICKS" IN THE PARK POSITION. MANUAL DISABLING OF THE SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM WAS REQUIRED TO ALLOW ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE INTERLOCK DISABLING PROCESS WAS PERFORMED SUCCESSFULLY IN EACH INSTANCE (AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL). IN EACH CASE, THE DRIVER WHO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE THE PROCESS AND REQUIRED THE ASSISTANCE OF ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER WHO WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255091

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2009
Power Train

THE SHIFT HANDLE FREQUENTLY IS "STUCK" WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO GEAR FROM THE PARK POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253655

50,000 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Power Train

APPARENT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM LEAD TO DISCOVERY OF BLOWN RADIATOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250257

64,000 miles · Nov 18, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

FAILURE #1--GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE FROM PARK; DEALER SAID FORD REDESIGNED, BUT NOT COVERED BY THEM. FAILURE #2--LEAK IN SEAM OF RADIATOR (BETWEEN PLASTIC & ALUMINUM). AGAIN, NOT COVERED BY FORD OR BY EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249083

30,000 miles · Oct 15, 2008
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 10,000 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A KICK IN THE TRANSMISSION AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REAR ENDED. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR REPAIR. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER FOR THE TIMING IN …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 10,000 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A KICK IN THE TRANSMISSION AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REAR ENDED. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR REPAIR. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER FOR THE TIMING IN THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER BLAMED THE CONTACT'S DRIVING AS THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WORSENS IN COLD WEATHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #10245610

10,356 miles · Aug 31, 2008
Power Train

WHILE RETURNING HOME FROM A ROUTINE SHOPPING TRIP WITH MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE DIED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD WENT DARK, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED RUNNING AND AS USUAL WHEN THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING THE STEERING AND BRAKES TYPICALLY DON'T WORK TOO WELL. LUCKILY THE EMERG…

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WHILE RETURNING HOME FROM A ROUTINE SHOPPING TRIP WITH MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE DIED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD WENT DARK, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED RUNNING AND AS USUAL WHEN THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING THE STEERING AND BRAKES TYPICALLY DON'T WORK TOO WELL. LUCKILY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKED LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED SINCE WE WERE GOING DOWN HILL AT THE TIME. I COULDN'T EVEN TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS (WHAT'S THE POINT OF THOSE WHEN YOU CAN'T USE THEM TO LET OTHERS KNOW YOU'VE NOW BECOME A HAZARD)? I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE OR TWO HAD LAPSED AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE ONWARD TO OUR DESTINATION. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM 2ND GEAR TO 1ST GEAR AND GOING AT A SLOW SPEED ONLY 20MPH. HAD THIS HAPPENED WITH MY WIFE DRIVING I'M POSITIVE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT! THIS IS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER BOUGHT BRAND NEW OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR AND ONLY HAS 10,356 MILES ON IT. PRACTICALLY STILL BRAND NEW! I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS ISN'T AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO FOUND A FEW PLACES THAT MENTION THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE AS A THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION. I'M LOOKING TO FIND IF REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY RESOLVES THE ISSUE. IF THE ISSUE IS THIS COMMON WHY HASN'T FORD BEEN PROACTIVE AND REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS? OUR CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR IS NOW GONE AND WE'RE AFRAID TO TAKE OUR CHILDREN ANYWHERE IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10240363

12,600 miles · Jul 18, 2008
Power Train

MY 06 EXPLORER HAS BEEN LURCHING EXTREMELY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND VICE VERSA. IT'S TO THE POINT THAT WHEN STOPPING, I AM COMING LITERALLY WITHIN AN INCH OF HITTING ANOTHER CAR. THE SUV STOPS AND THEN LURCHES FORWARD. I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WHILE DRIVING MY SUV. THE WE…

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MY 06 EXPLORER HAS BEEN LURCHING EXTREMELY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND VICE VERSA. IT'S TO THE POINT THAT WHEN STOPPING, I AM COMING LITERALLY WITHIN AN INCH OF HITTING ANOTHER CAR. THE SUV STOPS AND THEN LURCHES FORWARD. I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WHILE DRIVING MY SUV. THE WEBSITE CARCOMPLAINTS.COM SHOWS THERE ARE 73 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 EXPLORER MODELS. FORD IS NOT TAKING ANY PROCEDURES INTO GETTING THE VEHICLES RECALLED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY TRUCK; I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL. THE TRUCKS ARE STILL CONSIDERED VERY NEW AND YET THEY ARE LURCHING AND HAVING A HUGE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE FORD DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM, EVERYTHING IS WAS FINE! SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE TO GET THESE TRUCKS OFF THE ROAD. WE ARE DRIVING HAZARDS JUST WAITING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT!! I FEEL THAT IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER INCIDENT (LIKE THE FIRESTONE TIRE ONE) BEFORE FORD WILL COME OUT AND DO SOMETHING!!! MY TRUCK IS JOLTING WORSE THAN EVER AND I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234756

45,500 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Power Train

I OWN A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE . ON 7/7/08, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR (REVERSE) TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I DROVE IT A COUPLE OF BLOCKS WHILE KEEPING ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE OTHER ON THE ACCELERATOR. AT THAT POINT, I CALLED FOR A TOW TO A FORD DEALER. ON 7/8/08, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBL…

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I OWN A 2006 FORD FREESTYLE . ON 7/7/08, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR (REVERSE) TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I DROVE IT A COUPLE OF BLOCKS WHILE KEEPING ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE OTHER ON THE ACCELERATOR. AT THAT POINT, I CALLED FOR A TOW TO A FORD DEALER. ON 7/8/08, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST OR THE FIRST OF SEPTEMBER. OBVIOUSLY, THIS PART IS IN GREAT DEMAND OR IT WOULD BE AVAILABLE PRIOR TO THAT ANTICIPATED DATE. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED, IT COULD HAVE A TRAGIC ENDING. HOW MANY OTHER FREESTYLES HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM? HOW MANY WRECKS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE OF A PART? MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES, AND IT WAS PURCHASED 8/06. I AM REQUESTING FORD PROVIDE ME WITH A VEHICLE (AT NO EXPENSE TO ME) TO DRIVE UNTIL MY CAR IS REPAIRED. THE REPAIR IS GOING TO COST ME $650. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM STILL HAVING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THE CAR. FORD HAS OFFERED ME 10 DAYS OF RENTAL WITH THEM PAYING ONLY $27 PER DAY. IT IS ONLY FAIR THEY PROVIDE ME WITH A COMPARABLE CAR RENT FREE. OBVIOUSLY THIS PART IS IN GREAT DEMAND--BUT I PERCEIVE THAT TO BE FORD'S ISSUE--NOT MINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234181

Official recalls

1

05V520000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Nov 9, 2005

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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