Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 629 of 630 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 531 of 630 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
301 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION SLAMS HARD ON A FAST TAKE OFF, THEN AT 45 OR ABOVE CYCLES GEARS AND WON'T STAY IN OVERDRIVE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
227 complaint records3 fire reports
"2006 FORD EXPLORER XLT #RD RADIATOR GOING IN TODAY. FORD KNOWS ABOUT PROBLEM AND STILL LETS CUSTOMERS PAY FOR ISSUE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
39 complaint records2 fire reports
"2006 FORD EXPLORER WITH 42,000 MI HAS JUST STARTED TO DIE. DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT QUITS RUNNING IN TRAFFIC ,NO BRAKE LIGHTS , SO TRAFFIC BEHIND DOES NOT EXPECT YOU TO STOP. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V520000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005356 2005-11-10 | Other | 13,581 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 51909 Sep 2023 | Power Train | When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| DOR-S3J9G-11 Oct 2018 | Steering | This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. | |
| SSM 47331 Jun 2018 | Equipment | Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The 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 diagnose possible ETB concerns. |
Show 34 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASI-44429 Mar 2014 | Electrical System | FORD/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 KEY. 2006-2010 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. *PE | |
| TSB-12-7-4 Jul 2012 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE | |
| TSB-08-18-2 Jun 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/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 THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *PE | |
| TSB-08-19-3 May 2009 | Power Train | FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE | |
| TSB-08-9-5 Oct 2008 | Power Train | FORD/MERCURY: 4.0L/4.6L HARD START/ROUGH RUNNING; AFTER LONG HOT SOAK/DIP IN RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP; BUILT ON OR BEFORE 4/2/08. MAY EXHIBIT A DIP IN RPM BELOW NORMAL IDLE LEVEL OF 600 RPM ON DECELERATION. *PE | |
| 08-2-8 Feb 2008 | Service Brakes | IMPROVED BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND FIRMNESS. *NJ | |
| 07253 Dec 2007 | Fuel System | FUEL FILL--SLOW OR EARLY SHUT OFF--BUILT BEFORE 11/28/2007. *NJ | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 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 F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| SI-20005 Oct 2007 | Power Train | FORD/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6R60 TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE ISSUES. WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER TRANSMISSIONS, SOME OF THE SHIFT CHARACTERISTICS ARE DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS MODELS DUE TO THE 100% SYNCHRONOUS DESIGN OF THE 6R60. *PE | |
| 0720 Mar 2007 | Unknown Or Other | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) MAY NOT ILLUMINATE AND DIAGNOSITC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) MAY NOT BE SET WHEN A CERTAIN SENSOR OR NETWORK FAILURES OCCUR. *KB | |
| 0638 Apr 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE 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. *TT SUPPLEMENT I. *TT | |
| 05252 Jan 2006 | Trailer Hitches | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 052515 Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL ON WITH DTC P2004 THROUGH P2008, P151A, P2015, P202 - 4.6L 3V. *TT | |
| 0612 Jan 2006 | Visibility | LIMITED OR RESTRICTED INWARD MOVEMENT OF EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR GLASS. *TT | |
| 05236 Jan 2006 | Power Train | HARSH OR DELAYED 1-2, 2-1 AND/OR 3-2 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 052317 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0340/P0344/P0345/P0349 - 4.6L 3V AND 5.4L 3V. *TT | |
| 05213 Jan 2006 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH PCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0463 AND/OR IC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1201 - FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY OR SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *TT | |
| 06215 Jan 2006 | Service Brakes | BRAKE DRAG CONDITION. *TT | |
| 0637 Jan 2006 | Tires | LOW TIRE INDICATOR ON - TPMS SYSTEM SENSOR WAKE UP. *TT | |
| 0645 Jan 2006 | Power Train | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 0669 Jan 2006 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM / TRACTION CONTROL / ROLL STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR (ABS / TC / RSC) WARNING LAMP ON WITH DTC C1440. *TT | |
| 05235 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | NO START WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 05225 Nov 2005 | Electrical System | IGNITION DIAGNOSTICS. TO INCLUDE LINCOLN ZEPHYR 2006. *TT | |
| 042115 Oct 2005 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *EH | |
| 05253 Jan 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT LEAK -- HEATER HOSE CONNECTIONS. *TT | |
| 052624 Jan 2005 | Wheels | VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS - TIRE/WHEEL RUNOUT. *TT | |
| 19070 | Service Brakes | ABS LIGHT WITH DTC C1440. *TT | |
| 061912 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0340, P0344, P0345, P0349. ARE FOUND. *KB | |
| 061710 | Electrical System | MIL ON WITH P0463 OR ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION. *KB | |
| 061713 | Power Train | CALIBRATION UPDATE 4.0L - VARIOUS SYMPTOMS - SURGE, HESITATION, TORQUE CONVERTER CYCLING, NO UP SHIFT AFTER FORCED DOWNSHIFT, AND POOR A/C PERFORMANCE. *KB | |
| 06167 | Fuel System | MIL ON WITH DTC P0463 OR ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION. *KB | |
| 0773 | Seats | FRONT SEAT MANUAL LUMBAR INOPERATIVE. *KB | |
| 0782 | Visibility | THUMPING/LOUD FLUTTER - BEHIND DASH IN DEFROST MODE - LACK OF AIRFLOW TO FLOOR - MANUAL A/C. *KB | |
| 062414 | Steering | LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT POP/CLUNK NOISE. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Explorer →