CarRecallDB

2006 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

1 recall and 630 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Explorer.

1
recalls
630
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
7
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 Ford Explorer recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 05V520000 · reported November 9, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 199,942 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 27, 2025 · Power train

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…

Nov 5, 2024 · Engine · 150,000 miles

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…

Jul 26, 2023 · Power train

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!!

Mar 31, 2023 · Unknown or other

Transmission

Jun 6, 2022 · Electrical system

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…

Explorer model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 21,1316010
2004 01,3045815
2005 0497226
2006 1630137
2007 1208115
2008 114863
2009 03350

Across all years, the 2002 Explorer has the most complaints (3,295). All Ford Explorer years →

Questions

Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Ford Explorer, the most recent reported on November 9, 2005 (Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Explorer?
Owners have filed 630 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (296 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (164).
How many 2006 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 630 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 27, 2025.