Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
2006 Ford Explorer eddie baurer- within 12 hours of purchasing the car, the starter caught on fire, car was out of service 1 week. Transmission hesitated from a cold start especiallly bad when pulling out into traffic. Engine roared at times, sounded like a jet taking off. Dealer said this was normal, it was the engine fan ???? Car lurched forward when starting on several occasions. At first service dept agreed there was a problem with 8 cylinder transmission and that they were no fixes but then the Ford rep got involved and suddenly they couldn't find any problems with the car. They suggested that our only recouse was to go thru the lemon law which we did. It was a long drawn out process but after 6 months of dealing with the situation, the lemon arbitration rulled in our favor and Ford was required to buy back the Explorer. …
Transmission failure resulting from Michelin incorrectly marking tire sizes: I had four Michelin cross terrain p235/70r16 tires on my SUV. Two wore out and where replaced with Michelin latitude p235/70r16 tires as the cross terrain model was discontinued. The SUV then started having transmission problems especially when accelerating and the transmission failed and had to be replaced. The new transmission immediately started having similar transmission problems also. After multiple specialists examined the SUV, the problem was isolated to the 4x4 module engaging the transfer case during acceleration. It was determined by measuring the tires that the vehicle in fact had sets of tires with different circumferences, even though the tires were marked as being the same size. …
Went out to driveway to start it heard a loud noise like a backfire then gurgling transmission fluid running out all over driveway. .m..no previous warnings nothing but a clunking noise sometimes when shifting which dealer told me was nothing to worry about. .....vehicle has had all scheduled maintenance... I am beyond angry ......just paid this off..... Turns out Ford knew about the issue with these transmissions ......there should have been a recall. .......I have driven guards for seventeen years ..... . Never again. ... No more Ford's.........I tried to buy American........at what cost to me.......I'm looking for a Toyota.........you want my business...... Give me a decent product .......the Cadillac eldorado I had nineteen years ago did the same thing at 67,000 miles........I do not drive hard.........or jackrabbit or do fast starts.......tired of paying for trying to buy American. …
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.
I have a major problem with my 2006 Explorer. It lunges, jolts, doesn't engage and sometimes the transmission slams into gear so had that it feels like I just got rear ended with a big bang! Ford does not take accountability that this is a real problem with the 06' Explorer despite hundreds upon hundreds of complaints regarding it as a safety issue. It is a major safety issue! I was almost hit by oncoming traffic when I tried to cross an intersection an the transmission wouldn't engage. At various times my vehicle wouldn't engage when I was stopped at an intersection or when it did engage it would jerk. Another time I slowed at a yield and when I pressed the gas the vehicle wouldn't move but when I took my foot off the gas it accelerated very quickly with jerking motion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park with the engine on and the vehicle rolled away as the contact attempted to exit the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a tree, injuring the contact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified and was in the process of assisting the contact with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,500 and the current mileage was 96,934. Updated 07/13/12 the consumer stated when she stepped out of the vehicle, with the engine still running, she was knocked on the ground by the door. The vehicle rolled down the street backward and hit a tree. Updated 07/31/12
Consumer complaint: odi case number: 10185415 in follow-up to the above case, I have been reading the subsequent complaints and read with disgust that alot of those people writing now bought the 2006 Explorer as used. We were fortunate to have turned ours in under the lemon law for all of the same reasons listed in the other complaints but within a day or two of turning the vehicle in, there was a big colored picture of my Explorer in mathews currie Ford's used car ad. My problems were just being resold to some unsuspecting customer who thought they were getting a deal on a good low mileage car. It's is a shame that Ford is still allowed to sell those explorers and they take no responsibility for selling defective vehicles.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 296 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Ford Explorer, 47% of the model year's 630 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (114 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Ford Explorer, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.