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2006 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Ford Explorer has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission hard shifting and failure to engage.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Ford Explorer.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission hard shifting and failure to engage

POWER TRAIN

95 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2023-07

“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!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534558
“COMPLETE AND TOTAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING IN MY CAR WITH MY FAMILY WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSIVE BANG FROM UNDER OR CAR. I SHOOK MY WIFE AND SCARED MY CHILDREN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853496
“WOW!!!! $2700, THATS WHAT MY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION IS COSTING ME @ ONLY 69K MILES. WHO WANTS TO START A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD? I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2006 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER IN LAS VEGAS AT FRIENDLY FORD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10735363

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank filling and venting malfunction

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2017-07

“ON MY 2006 EXPLORER I AM UNABLE TO FILL THE TANK WITH GASOLINE. IT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BACKS UP THE FILL TUBE AND TURNS THE FUEL PUMP OFF. IT'S BEEN TO MANY MECHANICS WHO HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE FUEL TANK ITSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011392
“FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FUEL TANK FILLING ISSUES SINCE THEY ISSUED AN INTERNAL TSB IN 2007. PROBLEM CAUSES FUEL TANK TO FILL WITH PRESSURE, AND NOT ACCEPT FUEL. AS A RESULT, FUEL IS SPRAYED ALL OVER VEHICLE AND THE PERSON FUELING VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10511550
“THEE HAVE BEEN ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM DATING BACK TO 2009 FUEL SYSTEM SOLENOID AND VENT. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST THREE TO FOUR TIMES FOR THE EXACT SAME REPAIR AND THE SAME PARTS EVERY TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520478

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2021-02

“CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. ALWAYS AT SPEEDS UNDER 40 MPH AND ALWAYS WITHIN 3 MINUTES OF TURNING THE CAR ON. THERE'S NEVER ANY WARNING OR SMELL OR SOUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903906
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993179
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397509

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator leaks and engine overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

14 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2020-06

“RADIATOR FLUID EXPLODED ALL OVER ENGINE AND FLOOR MASSIVE LEAK . SEARCHED IT UP ON INTERNET AND SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE . I STARTED VEHICLE AND FLUID STARTED GOING EVERYWHERE .I DROVE MAYBE 10 FEET AND SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY . *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327903
“THE RADIATOR IN THE 2006 FORD EXPLORER LEAKS, AND A RECALL IS MANDATORY. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2007, USED, AND I AM NOW FACED WITH REPLACING THE RADIATOR FOR THE 4TH TIME IN 7 YEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10525284
“WHILE DRIVING TO FLORIDA FROM MISSOURI, TO TAKE MY KIDS TO DISNEYWORLD, WITH A CAR THAT WAS WELL KEPT AND RELATIVELY NEW, ON THE HIGHWAY A FEW MILES AFTER PENSACOLA, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED, SO WE HAD TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10496898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2018-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WAS DEACTIVATED EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908718
“AT START UP IN COLD WEATHER THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT GLOWED ON DASH AND STAYED ON UNTIL NEXT START UP WHEN ENGINE WAS WARM IT HAPPENED A LOT BUT IS FINE IN WARM WEATHER. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10605549
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED; HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888640

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake seizure and pedal failure

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2015-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT FIVE MINUTES LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10605139
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE AND SUNK INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10548415
“BRAKES SHUTTERED AND MAKE AWFUL RACKET WHEN TRYING TO STOP. ABS AND ESC LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO FORD HOUSE AND WAS TOLD A REAR "EXCITER RING" HAD BROKEN AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT $380. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10496168

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

113 crashes 1990–2024

How the 113 occupant deaths break down

78

driver deaths

35

passenger deaths

113

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Ford Explorer reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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