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2006 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

547 reports with mileage · 83 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 296 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports7 fire reports10 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

39 reports
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42,000 miles · Sep 7, 2010
Electrical System

2006 FORD EXPLORER WITH 42,000 MI HAS JUST STARTED TO DIE. DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT QUITS RUNNING IN TRAFFIC ,NO BRAKE LIGHTS , SO TRAFFIC BEHIND DOES NOT EXPECT YOU TO STOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354354

55,000 miles · Jun 9, 2010
Electrical System

I OWN A 2006 FORD EXPLORER, IN 2009, THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT 3X WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. MY MECHANIC AFTER REVIEWING THE VEHICLE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD 2 CORRODED SENSORS WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIRING THE SENSORS WITHIN THE HARNESS, MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARNESS SY…

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I OWN A 2006 FORD EXPLORER, IN 2009, THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT 3X WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. MY MECHANIC AFTER REVIEWING THE VEHICLE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD 2 CORRODED SENSORS WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIRING THE SENSORS WITHIN THE HARNESS, MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE STALLING OR OTHER SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD HAPPEN IN THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE RECOMMENDATION WAS THAT I SHOULD PURSUE FORD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS OF THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. I TOOK MY COMPLAINT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THEIR SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND THE HARNESS WAS REVIEWED BY THEIR AREA MANAGER OF NORTHEAST DEALERSHIPS. FORD REPORTED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE HARNESS BUT WOULD OFFER LITTLE RE-IMBURSEMENT TO ME AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS REQUESTING THAT FORD REPLACE THE FAULTY HARNESS FREE OF COST TO ME AS IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FORD DISAGREED AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH ANY ADDITIONAL RESOLUTION. IN THE LAST YEAR- I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AS I CANNOT AFFORD REPLACEMENT DUE TO EMPLOYMENT LAYOFFS- THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED REPEATEDLY; ON HIGHWAYS, SUBURBAN AND URBAN ROADWAYS, ALL PUTTING MYSELF AND FAMILY IN HARM'S WAY. I RECENTLY CONTACTED FORD AGAIN WANTING A WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT- FORD'S ANSWER WAS THE SAME AS IT WAS IN 2009, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE HARNESS UNLESS I PAY FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD CORRECT. I AM NOW BECOMING FEARFUL THAT IF NOT CORRECTED SOON, THAT IT WILL CAUSE HARM TO MYSELF AND FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335425

69,000 miles · Feb 22, 2010
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

2006 FORD EXPLORER XLT WOULDN'T START DEALERSHIP REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COST $544.00. STILL HESITATES TO START (TURN KEY NOTHING... NO CLICKING TAKES A FEW ATTEMPTS) TOOK BACK DEALERSHIP SAYS STARTER IS BAD. NOW ABS+TRACTION LIGHT +WRENCH LIGHT ON. TAKING BACK TOMORROW. HOW CAN ALL THESE PROBLEMS SURFACE AT ONCE AND NO…

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2006 FORD EXPLORER XLT WOULDN'T START DEALERSHIP REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COST $544.00. STILL HESITATES TO START (TURN KEY NOTHING... NO CLICKING TAKES A FEW ATTEMPTS) TOOK BACK DEALERSHIP SAYS STARTER IS BAD. NOW ABS+TRACTION LIGHT +WRENCH LIGHT ON. TAKING BACK TOMORROW. HOW CAN ALL THESE PROBLEMS SURFACE AT ONCE AND NOT BE RELATED???? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10312654

32,714 miles · Feb 20, 2010
Electrical System

2006 FORD EXPLORER DIES WHILE DRIVING. LOOSES ALL POWER, SIMPLY GOES DEAD ELECTRICALLY AND MECHANICALLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO FIGHT MANUAL STEERING AND BRAKING TO PULL OVER. TURNED KEY OFF AND BACK ON AND IT RESTARTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10312403

25,800 miles · Dec 9, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, OR DECELERATE, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER OVER FIVE TO SIX TIMES FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND THE POWER TRAIN MODULE . NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, OR DECELERATE, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER OVER FIVE TO SIX TIMES FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND THE POWER TRAIN MODULE . NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,800. UPDATED 1/25/10 *CN UPDATED01/26/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10295046

17,000 miles · Dec 4, 2009
Electrical SystemInterior Lighting

THE GEAR SHIFT LIGHT ON MY 2006 FORD EXPLORER HAS BURNED OUT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY DEALER SAID I HAVE TO BUY AN ENTIRE SHIFT UNIT AND WAS TOO EMBARRASSED TO EVEN CHECK THE PRICE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD SINCE PEOPLE WON'T REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT DUE TO COST AND WILL PLACE THE CAR IN THE WRONG GEAR AT NIGHT…

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THE GEAR SHIFT LIGHT ON MY 2006 FORD EXPLORER HAS BURNED OUT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY DEALER SAID I HAVE TO BUY AN ENTIRE SHIFT UNIT AND WAS TOO EMBARRASSED TO EVEN CHECK THE PRICE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD SINCE PEOPLE WON'T REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT DUE TO COST AND WILL PLACE THE CAR IN THE WRONG GEAR AT NIGHT LEADING TO INJURY. DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, BUT FOUND A FEW ON LINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294512

40,000 miles · Dec 2, 2009
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE WITH THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE WITH THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR $700. THE CONTACT IS AWARE THAT HIS EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 01/15/10. *LJ UPDATED 01/19/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10294240

50,000 miles · Jul 27, 2009
Electrical SystemPower Train

2006 FORD EXPLORER SPORADICALLY DOES NOT SPEED UP WHEN YOU HIT THE ACCELERATOR. FORD APPARENTLY KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAS A SOFTWARE FIX IN PLACE THAT YOU MUST PROACTIVELY CONTACT THEM ON...IN OTHER WORDS, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM ON THE ROAD AND CALL THEM BEFORE THEY WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT OCCURS EVERYTIME WE …

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2006 FORD EXPLORER SPORADICALLY DOES NOT SPEED UP WHEN YOU HIT THE ACCELERATOR. FORD APPARENTLY KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAS A SOFTWARE FIX IN PLACE THAT YOU MUST PROACTIVELY CONTACT THEM ON...IN OTHER WORDS, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM ON THE ROAD AND CALL THEM BEFORE THEY WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT OCCURS EVERYTIME WE DRIVE THE CAR, HOWEVER, IT IS NOT CONSISTENT WHEN IT OCCURS OR HOW OFTEN...AT TIMES IT HAPPENS THE ENTIRE TIME THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT YOU CAN BE DRIVING 10MPH OR 70MPH AND WHEN YOU HIT THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ENGINE WILL REV UP MUCH LIKE YOU WERE SITTING IN NEUTRAL (I.E. IT DOES NOT SPEED UP) AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS WILL KICK INTO GEAR/ENGAGE AND START SPEEDING UP. THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU WERE NOT EXPECTING THIS TO OCCUR AND WERE TRYING TO PASS A CAR WITH POSSIBLE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS ISSUE SHOULD REQUIRE FORD TO RECALL THE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS INJURED, IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10278401

21,000 miles · Apr 7, 2009
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2006 FORD EXPLORER XLT WHICH NOW HAS 21 THOUSAND MILES LAST YEAR I HAD THE DASH CLUSTER REPLACE BECAUSE THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. THEN THE SHIFT LEVER WOULDN'T MOVE OUT OF PARK. (STILL HAPPENING) NOT THE ABS. TRACTION AND WRENCH LIGHTS HAVE COME ON. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264339

74,000 miles · Mar 18, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE OCTOBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED AND THE ACCELERATOR BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTS OFF. THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE OCTOBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED AND THE ACCELERATOR BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES REGARDING THE BRAKE FAILURE AND STALLING, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHE WOULD LIKE THE FAILURE INVESTIGATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,000. UPDATED 10/21/09 *BF UPDATED 10/21/09*JB

NHTSA ODI #10262383

Official recalls

1

05V520000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Nov 9, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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