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2006 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

The 2006 Ford Explorer has 1 safety recall and 630 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
630
Crashes / fires
13 / 7
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Ford Explorer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Ford Explorer recalls

Recall 05V-520: Visibility

Reported Nov 9, 2005 · 199,942 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train301
Engine and Engine Cooling169
Engine58
Electrical System39
Vehicle Speed Control28
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Unknown or Other22
Fuel System, Gasoline18
Visibility15
Service Brakes14
Structure11
Seats11

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 114
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 75
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 18
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 17
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 5
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported May 27, 2025
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…
Engine · at 150,000 miles · reported Nov 5, 2024
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 · reported Jul 26, 2023
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!!
Electrical System · reported Jun 6, 2022
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 · at 135,000 miles · reported May 1, 2021
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…

Other Ford Explorer years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Ford Explorer: 05V-520 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Explorer?

Owners report power train problems most often (301 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (169). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.