2006 Ford Explorer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 6%of 630 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 630 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving we turned on the AC and we herd a big pop. Then the passengers leg got warm. Then we felt around it kept getting hotter. It followed the dash then smoke rolled off under the dash. I threw it in park we jumped out the flames consumed the vehicle. We were on a road.”
NHTSA complaint #10884298, filed 2016-07, 170,000 miles“Same as a bunch of complaints about transmission lunges hard jolt when shifting, wrench light comes on and off regarding the 2006 Ford Explorer, now they are telling me that I need to get a new transmission that will be $3500.00 aprox. I have done some research and there are a lot of complaints on this issue. Please do something!! I can't afford this an have to borrow family money to get back on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10532224, filed 2013-07, 100,000 miles“Ford special message #15773 my 2006 Explorer has twice tried to start itself, running the battery down so low that a vehicle charge was not sufficient. Ford dealer stated they were completely unaware of the problem, until I showed them the special message no. They still are not willing to fix the vehicle as noted in the message.”
NHTSA complaint #10260711, filed 2009-03, 60,000 miles“I have a 2006 Ford Explorer xlt which now has 21 thousand miles last year I had the dash cluster replace because the truck would not start. Then the shift lever wouldn't move out of park. (still happening) not the ABS. Traction and wrench lights have come on. This truck has been nothing but problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10264339, filed 2009-04, 21,000 miles“The gear shift light on my 2006 Ford Explorer has burned out. The service department of my dealer said I have to buy an entire shift unit and was too embarrassed to even check the price. I believe this is a potential hazard since people won't replace the entire unit due to cost and will place the car in the wrong gear at night leading to injury. Don't know how many others have this problem, but found a few on line.”
NHTSA complaint #10294512, filed 2009-12, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10055318Mar 1, 2014Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor is…
- 10021038Feb 26, 2007Mil on with p0463 or erratic fuel gauge operation.
- 10020078Jan 1, 2006No start with instrument cluster inoperative.
- 10019378Jan 1, 2006Diagnostic trouble codes p0340/p0344/p0345/p0349 - 4.6l 3v and 5.4l 3v.
- 10018739Nov 14, 2005Ignition diagnostics. To include lincoln zephyr 2006.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 21% |
| 2025 | 23 | 22% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 39 | 14% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 188 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2018 | 58 | 8% |
| 2017 | 94 | 6% |
| 2016 | 129 | 5% |
| 2015 | 93 | 5% |
| 2014 | 100 | 6% |
| 2013 | 163 | 7% |
| 2012 | 64 | 8% |
| 2011 | 95 | 8% |
| 2010 | 12 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 38 | 26% |
| 2007 | 25 | 12% |
| 2006 | 39 | 6% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 55 | 4% |
| 2003 | 54 | 5% |
| 2002 | 148 | 4% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 78 | 8% |
| 1999 | 92 | 7% |
| 1998 | 114 | 6% |
| 1997 | 80 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 55 | 7% |
| 1994 | 75 | 6% |
| 1993 | 45 | 5% |
| 1992 | 45 | 7% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2006 Ford Explorer
296 complaintsEngine cooling
164 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology