2006 Ford Explorer
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3294 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1196 |
| 2012 | 824 |
| 2013 | 2229 |
| 2014 | 1674 |
| 2015 | 1771 |
| 2016 | 2443 |
| 2017 | 1677 |
| 2018 | 720 |
| 2019 | 291 |
| 2020 | 1198 |
| 2021 | 412 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 106 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 95 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
48% of complaints: power train — 301 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY 2006 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. AT 4:30 IN THE MORNING IT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE ACROSS THE STREET. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN PARK AND THE DOORS WERE LOCKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140603
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120330
UPON RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE CAR ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND OVER MY LEGS. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060214
Also filed under PARKING BRAKE
27% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 169 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and radiator assembly.
FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: engine — 58 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC HOWEVER WITHIN MOMENTS, FIRE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120817
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241105
6% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and solenoid.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180409
6% of complaints: service brakes — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LIN
Campaign 05V520000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VE
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.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (301 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (169 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (58 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V520000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Explorer have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.