2006 Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2006 Ford Explorer. Newest first.
Marathon IS recalling certain seat covers, brand superhides with part numbers 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, and 630, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these seat covers are made of heavier thread and are not compatible with seats containing side airbags. the heavier seat cover could interfere with…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
Remedy
Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge. the safety recall began on september 14, 2010. owners may contact marathon at 1-800-735-2769.
Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "glazing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Remedy
Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
630 complaints13 involved a crash7 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Power train · Unknown or other
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…
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)
- Engine
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…
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.
- Power train
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!!
- Unknown or other
Transmission
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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.…
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.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
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 mechanic dealer, couldn't…
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 mechanic dealer, couldn't find anything wrong with the engine. Really? What if I was driving in a highway? Certainly I wouldn't be alive to report it!
- Seat belts · Seats
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.
- Power train
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!
- Unknown or other
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 vehicle off and put it…
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 vehicle off and put it into neutral and let it sit there. I then took it out of neutral and started it back up. I could feel the jerking and felt like I got rear ended in the back. My head jerked forward as I was driving while it kept jerking.
- Engine
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
- Unknown or other
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 & one 5,000 property damage. *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Wheels
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…
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 nor anyone, I feel bad for whoever this seller also lies to. And I am fully aware that someone could get their license revoked for stuff like this, if anyone with clear eyes can see this seller screws people over. I texted the guy about returning the vehicle and just to get my money back but yet again no answer.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Air bags
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 take precautions. The codes are b1884 and b2290.
- Power train
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.
- Power train · Visibility/wiper
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…
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.
- Power train
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
- Unknown or other
Engine shut down while driving approximately 10- 15 miles without notice
- Seat belts
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
- Unknown or other
2006 ford explorer, eddie bauer edition. The electronic throttle body (etb) fails, becomes defective, and has been replaced five times in less than two years. Without warning, the vehicle will display poor performance, erratic rpm's, loose power, and even stall. All indications point to the etb…
2006 ford explorer, eddie bauer edition. The electronic throttle body (etb) fails, becomes defective, and has been replaced five times in less than two years. Without warning, the vehicle will display poor performance, erratic rpm's, loose power, and even stall. All indications point to the etb; codes and mechanic experience suggest replacing etb, only to have save issue arise again in two to three months, if not weeks, or even days, after replacement. Often, but not always, the "wrench" icon (limp home) turns on, and, often, however, not always, the check engine light. A restart of vehicle, the "wrench" icon turns off, and vehicle will drive, however, continues to perform poorly. The above occurs in all kinds of weather, and times of day, or year, without warning, no matter the diving conditions. The problems are inconsistent and irregular. The symptoms may occur on first start in driveway, on busy street, or idling in school pick-up line. When the etb IS replaced, the vehicle drives as manufacture intended, demonstrating the issue IS with the etb, as numerous mechanics have diagnosed, from the ford dealership to many name-brand and local auto repair shops. The replaced-electronic throttle bodies perform well for inconsistent time periods no matter of the manufacturer. Oem etb do not seem to last any longer than after-market etb's.
- Unknown or other
Shift stuck in park and keys stuck in ignition
- Unknown or other
After placing the vehicle in park, after removing foot from brake, the car rolls forward. This happens each time it's being parked, more noticeable over the last 6 months. also frequently misfires when starting; diagnostics usually produce 8 - 13 codes, none of which produce a complete fix.
- Seats
Drivers power seat IS loose. Problem appears to be related to track. Seat feels loose and moves forward or backward depending on acceleration or braking. The biggest problem IS how distracting this IS. The amount of movement seems to be getting greater and greater.
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that various warning indicators flashed and the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fly by wire pedal and the throttle body were replaced, but the failure continued. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that various warning indicators flashed and the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fly by wire pedal and the throttle body were replaced, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243490When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10148819This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10143079Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10055318Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor IS key. 2006-2010 explorer, mountaineer, explorer sport trac.
- 10045340Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and engine idle rpm fluctuation and exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0505, p0506, p2111 and p2112.
- 10032229Ford/mercury: some vehicles equipped with 6R60 transmissions may exhibit various transmission performance issues. When compared to other transmissions, some of the shift characteristics are different than previous models due to the 100% synchronous design of the 6R60.
- 10029205Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation, loss of rpm on deceleration, difficulty starting, and/or idle rpm less than desired. The F53 motorhome chassis IS included.
- 10028736Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and IS often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
- 10026385Ford/mercury: 4.0l/4.6l hard start/rough running; after long hot soak/dip in rpm when coming to a stop; built on or before 4/2/08. May exhibit a dip in rpm below normal idle level of 600 rpm on deceleration.
- 10024323Improved brake pedal feel and firmness.
- 10023992Fuel fill--slow or early shut off--built before 11/28/2007.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10022296Lower steering column shaft pop/clunk noise.
- 10022287Thumping/loud flutter - behind dash in defrost mode - lack of airflow to floor - manual a/c.
- 10022284Front seat manual lumbar inoperative.
- 10021465Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may not illuminate and diagnositc trouble codes (dtc's) may not be set when a certain sensor or network failures occur.
- 10021052Mil on with dtc p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10021040Calibration update 4.0L - various symptoms - surge, hesitation, torque converter cycling, no up shift after forced downshift, and poor a/c performance.
- 10021038Mil on with p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10020792Diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0340, p0344, p0345, p0349. Are found.
- 10020078No start with instrument cluster inoperative.
- 10020006Anti-lock brake system / traction control / roll stability control indicator (ABS / tc / rsc) warning lamp on with dtc c1440.
- 10019947Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10019911The lower radiator hose clamps may develop cracks or break due to a concern with the clamp coating. Customer satisfaction program 06b38 - lower radiator hose clamp replacement. Supplement i.
- 10019816ABS light with dtc c1440.
- 10019384Low tire indicator on - TPMS system sensor wake up.
- 10019381Brake drag condition.
- 10019379Malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling.
- 10019378Diagnostic trouble codes p0340/p0344/p0345/p0349 - 4.6L 3V and 5.4L 3V.
- 10019029Harsh or delayed 1-2, 2-1 and/or 3-2 shift.
- 10019028Limited or restricted inward movement of exterior rear view mirror glass.
- 10019010Mil on with dtc p2004 through p2008, p151a, p2015, P202 - 4.6L 3V.
- 10018938Vibration diagnosis - tire/wheel runout.
- 10018936Coolant leak -- heater hose connections.
- 10018934Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements.
- 10018739Ignition diagnostics. To include lincoln zephyr 2006.
- 10013388Fuel gauge slow to update after refueling.
Every Ford Explorer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.