Most common 2006 Ford Explorer problems
Share of the 630 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
2006 Ford Explorer recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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.
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.
What 2006 Ford Explorer owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 296 →
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, [redacted]
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.
Engine & cooling all 221 →
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.
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.
Brakes all 41 →
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 …
Relates to design: many vehicles I have driven and never in one that I could put my shoe on both gas and brake pedal at the same time, and I am a very modest size man, not a large shoe size. I have experienced braking and the engine racing and found that my foot was on both pedals or stepping on gas and something holding back and realizing I was also on brake. I recently did a large amount of damage to three other vehicles and mine when braking to stop, my shoe was hitting both pedals. I attempted to slam on the brake and realize now I was also on the gas. While looking where I was going did not have time to realize this, get off the gas before hitting a parked vehicle with my foot down on the gas. I pushed a car into another car and pushed those two over to seriously damage a third. I can't imagine if a person had been there or people in the cars. …
2006 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford Explorer a good car?
Based on 630 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Explorer rates better than average: 45% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Explorer?
The transmission & drivetrain — 296 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (221) and brakes (41).
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Explorer have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Ford Explorer, the most recent from November 9, 2005 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2023 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013 and 2015. See the full Ford Explorer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.