2006 Ford Explorer Problems: Transmission / driveline (622 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2006 Ford Explorer is Transmission / driveline (42% of 622 owner reports). There are 4 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 622 complaints · 4 recalls

What problems show up on the 2006 Ford Explorer?

260 of 622 filings named Transmission / driveline (42% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (179 reports).

There are 4 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2005 has 494 reports on file; this year has 622. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2006 Ford Explorer

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 4 campaigns on file below.
  2. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Brakes. Have a shop check pads, rotors, fluid and whether the pedal feels firm.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Transmission / driveline. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Transmission / driveline 260 complaints · 41.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 13
  • Fires 7
  • Injuries 12
  • Deaths 0
All Ford Explorer years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) appears in 260 of 622 owner complaints (41.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 260 complaints, 41.8% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 4 crash reports 1 fire reports 260 · 41.8% Engine (ENGINE): 179 complaints, 28.8% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 3 fire reports 179 · 28.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 28 complaints, 4.5% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 2 crash reports 28 · 4.5% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 21 complaints, 3.4% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 21 · 3.4% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 20 complaints, 3.2% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 2 fire reports 20 · 3.2% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 20 complaints, 3.2% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 2 crash reports 20 · 3.2% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 11 complaints, 1.8% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 1 crash reports 11 · 1.8% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 9 complaints, 1.4% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 crash reports 9 · 1.4% Steering (STEERING): 8 complaints, 1.3% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 8 · 1.3% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 304 complaints, 48.9% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 7 crash reports 4 fire reports 304 · 48.9% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 260 41.8% 4 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 179 28.8% 0 crashes · 3 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 28 4.5% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 21 3.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 20 3.2% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 20 3.2% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 11 1.8% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 9 1.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 8 1.3% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 304 48.9% 7 crashes · 4 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 2005; the first recall shown was reported in Nov 2005. 2005-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2006-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2006-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2006-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2007-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2007-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2007-Q3: 13 owner reports 13 2007-Q4: 13 owner reports 13 2008-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2008-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2008-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2008-Q4: 13 owner reports 13 2009-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2009-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2009-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 2009-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2010-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 2010-Q2: 25 owner reports 25 2010-Q3: 19 owner reports 19 2010-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2011-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2011-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2011-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q4: 22 owner reports 22 2012-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2012-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2012-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2012-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2013-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2013-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2013-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2013-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2014-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2014-Q2: 19 owner reports 19 2014-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2014-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2015-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2015-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2015-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2015-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2016-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2016-Q2: 12 owner reports 12 2016-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2016-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2017-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2017-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2017-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2018-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2018-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2019-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2021-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Oct 2005 Apr 2025 Recall campaign 05V520000 ◆ Recall campaign 05V520000 Recall campaign 06E049000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E049000 Recall campaign 07E104000 ◆ Recall campaign 07E104000 Recall campaign 10E043000 ◆ Recall campaign 10E043000
  • Campaign 07E104000 was reported 176 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2005-Q4 Owner reports 1
2006-Q1 Owner reports 1
2006-Q2 Owner reports 4
2006-Q3 Owner reports 14
2006-Q4 Owner reports 11
2007-Q1 Owner reports 11
2007-Q2 Owner reports 13
2007-Q3 Owner reports 13
2007-Q4 Owner reports 13
2008-Q1 Owner reports 8
2008-Q2 Owner reports 11
2008-Q3 Owner reports 10
2008-Q4 Owner reports 13
2009-Q1 Owner reports 22
2009-Q2 Owner reports 14
2009-Q3 Owner reports 18
2009-Q4 Owner reports 24
2010-Q1 Owner reports 33
2010-Q2 Owner reports 25
2010-Q3 Owner reports 19
2010-Q4 Owner reports 17
2011-Q1 Owner reports 18
2011-Q2 Owner reports 16
2011-Q3 Owner reports 14
2011-Q4 Owner reports 22
2012-Q1 Owner reports 14
2012-Q2 Owner reports 14
2012-Q3 Owner reports 10
2012-Q4 Owner reports 16
2013-Q1 Owner reports 18
2013-Q2 Owner reports 9
2013-Q3 Owner reports 20
2013-Q4 Owner reports 7
2014-Q1 Owner reports 12
2014-Q2 Owner reports 19
2014-Q3 Owner reports 10
2014-Q4 Owner reports 6
2015-Q1 Owner reports 10
2015-Q2 Owner reports 5
2015-Q3 Owner reports 8
2015-Q4 Owner reports 8
2016-Q1 Owner reports 8
2016-Q2 Owner reports 12
2016-Q3 Owner reports 9
2016-Q4 Owner reports 2
2017-Q1 Owner reports 3
2017-Q2 Owner reports 4
2017-Q3 Owner reports 7
2018-Q1 Owner reports 1
2018-Q2 Owner reports 6
2018-Q3 Owner reports 2
2018-Q4 Owner reports 3
2019-Q3 Owner reports 1
2019-Q4 Owner reports 1
2020-Q2 Owner reports 2
2020-Q3 Owner reports 1
2020-Q4 Owner reports 2
2021-Q1 Owner reports 1
2021-Q2 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q1 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 1
2024-Q4 Owner reports 1
2025-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 05V520000
Recall campaign 1 06E049000
Recall campaign 1 07E104000
Recall campaign 1 10E043000
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (4)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras.

  1. Recall campaign 05V520000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 06E049000

    Safety recall 06E049000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 07E104000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 10E043000

    Safety recall 10E043000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 622 complaints · page 1 of 25
2025-05-27LANE DEPARTUREUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11663104
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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)
2024-11-05Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11623728
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-07-26Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11534558
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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!!
2023-03-31Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11514883
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Transmission
2022-06-06Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11467756
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-05-01Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11414743
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-02-23Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 11397509
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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!
2020-12-18Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11384004
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2020-10-28Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11366820
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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!
2020-08-26Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11351312
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.

Ford Explorer Complaints by Year

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2006 Ford Explorer?

Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 260 of 622 reports (42%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2006 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2006 Ford Explorer?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources