2006 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Ford Explorer has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other Explorer years. Transmission & Powertrain (47% of complaints) and Engine (38%) are the top problem areas, with one recall for a wiper motor issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 630
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2006 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain296 (47%)
- Engine242 (38%)
- Brakes47 (7%)
- Electrical System41 (7%)
- Other34 (5%)
- Fuel System27 (4%)
- Structure & Body22 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (2%)
- Steering9 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles reportedly roll backward or forward after being placed in park, sometimes striking objects or people even after sitting parked for several minutes.
- Owners describe unexpected engine RPM surges while stopped or maneuvering at low speed, in some cases with the foot still on the brake.
- Transmission hesitation from a cold start and lurching forward during startup were reported, along with unusual engine roaring noises.
- Brake grinding noises preceded reported brake failure in at least one case that ended in a rear-end collision.
- A radiator failure was reported to have caused the engine to overheat and blow head gaskets without prior warning signs.
- Wheel separation was reported on multiple Explorer units, raising questions among owners about wheel design or recalled parts.
2006 Ford Explorer recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V520000Nov 9, 2005Visibility & Wipers199,942 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
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: 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.
2006 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Compared to other Explorer model years, the 2006 rates Good, with a complaint index of 35 and a rank of 14th worst out of 21 years tracked. It has fewer reported problems than most Explorer years from 2011 onward.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA complaints show Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 47% of complaints and Engine issues make up 38%. Brakes account for 7% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 65,725 miles.
- Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2006 Explorer, covering a windshield wiper motor that may have been built without grease on the output shaft gear. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the median mileage for transmission problems on the 2006 Explorer?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 60,460 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2006 Ford Explorer.
- How does the 2006 Explorer compare to the 2013-2017 Explorer years?
- The 2006 Explorer's complaint index of 35 is much lower than the 2013-2017 years, which range from 75 to 100 and carry Avoid verdicts. The 2006 model year has fewer complaints and only one recall by comparison.