2006 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2006 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 635 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2006 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2006 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2006 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Ford Explorer has 635 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 635
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2006 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2006 Ford Explorer?
The 2006 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2006 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2006 Ford Explorer are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine components, accounting for the majority of reports. Crash-related complaints are relatively low, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 301, the highest among all components.
- Engine problems account for 223 complaints, the second most reported issue.
- Unintended acceleration has 28 complaints, which may be related to drivetrain or engine faults.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported problem.
- Engine Problems are a recurring theme in the complaint data.
- Electrical Faults and Brake System issues each have 39 complaints, indicating potential secondary concerns.
All 2006 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 301 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 223 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 39 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 39 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 28 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 a…
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 …
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!!
Transmission
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 …
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…
DRIVING ON SPEED LIMIT I STOPPED AT A LIGHT, CAR ENGINE WENT DEAD. I TURNED KEY OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES, TURNED KEY ON, CAR STARTED AS NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE PRETTY NEW. DECIDED TO TAKE TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHAN…
THE UNIT HAS ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS. I CALLED THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY DON'T HAVE ANY RECALL CAMPAIGN REGARDING THIS ISSUE, AND NO GUARANTY CAN BE APPLY.
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 PROB…
I TOO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I WAS COMING TO A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION. AS I WAS DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN A WRENCH TOOL CAME UP AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I HAD TO PULL OFF IN A PARKING LOT BEFORE I GOT TO THE INTERSECTION. I DID NOT WANT MY VEHICLE TO STALL AND I TURNED THE VEH…
RADIATOR FLUID EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE AND FLOOR MASSIVE LEAK . SEARCHED IT UP ON INTERNET AND SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE . I STARTED VEHICLE AND FLUID STARTED GOING EVERYWHERE .I DROVE MAYBE 10 FEET AND SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY . *TR
STATIONARY-TURNED KEY ON,EXPLORER STARTED-PUT IN REVERSE- LIGHTLY TAPPED ACCELERATOR-EXPLORER WENT FULL THROTTLE.I APPLIED BRAKE WHITE TURNING KEY OFF. RESTARTED 3 TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS-THEN THE EXPLORER STARTED AND OPERATED IN A NORMAL WAY. 2 ACCIDENTS ONE WITH15,000 & ON…
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 2…
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 WR…
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED TO HAVE THE PARTS STORE GET THE CODES IT WAS THROWING OUT. TWO OF THE CODES HAVE TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG HAVING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. I HAVE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE SO TRYING TO TA…
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.
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 MONT…
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
ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10- 15 MILES WITHOUT NOTICE
TAKATA RECALL-2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS LOCKED UP. MY GRANDKIDS RIDE IN THIS AREA AND I DESPERATELY NEED TO GET THIS REPAIRED AND WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ANYONE ELSE
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Ford Explorer.
2006 Ford Explorer Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Ford Explorer. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2006 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 635 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (301 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (223 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 635 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2006 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.