Problems · by component
2006 Ford Explorer power train problems
301 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Ford Explorer cite power train, 47% of all 635 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
301
47% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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]”
“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!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER. I NEEDED THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AND PAID AAMCO ALMOST $4,000. NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE RE-BUILT AGAIN BUT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. BACK IN MARCH 2019, I TOOK IT BACK TO AAMCO AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AUGUST 2019, I WENT BACK TO AAMCO AND THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID PACK IS WHAT I WAS TOLD. NOW, NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE SUV JERKS WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AND IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOMEONE REAR ENDED ME. THE TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY BY THE MANUFACTURER, FORD! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION OF THIS YEAR EXPLORER WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! IT'S NOT RIGHT THAT CONSUMERS HAVE TO SHELL OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIS PIECE OF JUNK THEY MANUFACTURED WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS! SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE.”
Showing 6 of 301 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.