2006 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 164about this part
- Share
- 26%of 630 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,776miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 164 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Ford Explorer, 26% of the 630 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,776 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. It is a known issue that this radiator is faulty and still there is no resolve. Please open an investigation and read all the complaints regarding the radiator for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10525284, filed 2013-07, 38,000 miles“I have had to change the radiator three times and getting ready to do it again the second time the truck ran hot and ruined the motor. I then put another motor and new radiator and it has not been 40000 miles and with no warning at all it done it again with all of the complaints that has been posted online this should have been addressed to every one that has this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10448370, filed 2012-02, 130,000 miles“Thermostat/radiator failed causing entire engine failure. There has been several other complaints like this about the Explorer. My children and I were in the vehicle when it malfunctioned without any warning a big cloud of smoke and the vehicle shut off in the middle of heavy traffic this could have caused a very serious accident. This issue with the radiator needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10452441, filed 2012-03, 66,000 miles“Radiator started leaking for no reason in 2006 Ford Explorer have been told by repair shop and other owners that this is a common thing the repair shop said that because this is a design flaw to expect it to happen again in a year I do not have 600. Dollars to put out every year on a vehicle that is not paid for should I let it go back.”
NHTSA complaint #10305358, filed 2010-02, 67,875 miles“While driving the vehicle, the smell of antifreeze started coming into the car. My fiance' checked the radiator and overflow bottle and found out it was gas mixed with the antifreeze. My car's mileage is 80100. I do not believe the car should have this issue at only 5 years. This problem/complaint should be investigated and damages should be covered by the dealership or manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10434223, filed 2011-11, 80,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10029205Jun 1, 2009Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation, loss of rpm on deceleration, difficulty starting, and/or idle rpm less…
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes…
- 10021040Feb 26, 2007Calibration update 4.0l - various symptoms - surge, hesitation, torque converter cycling, no up shift after forced downshift, and poor a/c performance.
- 10020792Jan 16, 2007Diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0340, p0344, p0345, p0349. Are found.
- 10019911Apr 13, 2006The lower radiator hose clamps may develop cracks or break due to a concern with the clamp coating. Customer satisfaction program 06b38 - lower radiator hose clamp replacement…
- 10019010Jan 1, 2006Mil on with dtc p2004 through p2008, p151a, p2015, p202 - 4.6l 3v.
- 10018936Jan 1, 2005Coolant leak -- heater hose connections.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 29 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 114 | 5% |
| 2015 | 66 | 4% |
| 2014 | 67 | 4% |
| 2013 | 67 | 3% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 21 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 164 | 26% |
| 2005 | 29 | 6% |
| 2004 | 71 | 5% |
| 2003 | 69 | 6% |
| 2002 | 163 | 5% |
| 2001 | 39 | 10% |
| 2000 | 90 | 9% |
| 1999 | 100 | 7% |
| 1998 | 189 | 10% |
| 1997 | 198 | 11% |
| 1996 | 81 | 6% |
| 1995 | 45 | 5% |
| 1994 | 74 | 6% |
| 1993 | 55 | 6% |
| 1992 | 64 | 10% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2006 Ford Explorer
296 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsElectrical system
39 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