Is the 2006 Ford Explorer reliable?

As the first year of the 4th gen generation, 2006 cars carry the highest early-build risk. Reliability holds up well when the known problems are addressed proactively: Timing chain issues on 4.0L SOHC (rare but expensive); 5R55 transmission failures on higher-mileage cars; Rear differential seal leaks.

Should I buy a 2006 Ford Explorer?

The 2006 model can be the cheapest way into the 4th gen generation, but you're accepting first-year build risk. If the car checks out on a pre-purchase inspection, a 2006 Ford Explorer is a defensible used purchase.

What are the common problems on the 2006 Ford Explorer?

Timing chain issues on 4.0L SOHC (rare but expensive); 5R55 transmission failures on higher-mileage cars; Rear differential seal leaks

Is the 2006 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?

Expect Explorer maintenance costs typical of the 4th gen generation. Engines: 4.0L SOHC V6 / 4.6L 3V V8. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic / 6-speed automatic (V8). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2006 Ford Explorer are cheap and widely available.

What's new for the 2006 Explorer?

2006 launched the 4th gen generation. Key changes vs the previous generation: Body-on-frame, revised suspension, refined V6/V8 options.

What engines and transmissions did the 2006 Ford Explorer come with?

Engines: 4.0L SOHC V6, 4.6L 3V V8. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic (V8).

What should I inspect on a used 2006 Ford Explorer?

Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Rust: Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.

Who is a 2006 Ford Explorer best for?

Buyers who want the newest tech in the generation for the lowest price and are willing to shop carefully.

Should I consider a different year instead?

Consider the 2007 Explorer — one more year of running fixes usually pays off.

Buying Guides

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Buyer's Guide · Ford Explorer · 3-row midsize SUV

Used Ford Explorer Buying Guide

3 min readUpdated July 15, 2026

The 5th-gen Explorer (2011–2019) had documented water-pump, PTU, and exhaust-manifold issues. The 6th-gen (2020+, RWD-based) is a much better long-term ownership pick.

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Overall

★★★★★3.7/5

The 6th-gen Explorer (2020+) is a genuine reset — RWD-based platform, 10-speed automatic refined via updates, much fewer of the 5th-gen ownership headaches. The 5th-gen is serviceable but needs records-based buying.

Reliability

★★★★★3.6/5

Maintenance

★★★★★3.6/5

Parts availability

★★★★★4.8/5

Ownership cost

★★★★★3.7/5

Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2021+ (6th gen, post-2020 build-quality fixes)

Refined platform; 10AT much improved.

Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2011–2019 (5th gen)

Water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (expensive); PTU (power-transfer-unit) failures; exhaust-manifold cracks.

2020 (first-year 6th gen)

Early build-quality complaints — later production much better.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

✓
Water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (5th gen)
✓
PTU (power-transfer-unit) failure on AWD 5th-gen
✓
Exhaust-manifold cracks (5th gen)
✓
10-speed automatic early shifting issues (6th gen, addressed via software)
✓
Interior electronics quirks

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Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

5th-gen Explorer ownership costs are elevated by the water-pump and PTU repair patterns.

6th-gen ownership is dramatically closer to F-150 for cost and predictability.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Engine

5th-gen 3.5L: verify water-pump condition (weep from timing cover).

PTU (AWD)

Check for leaks and fluid-service history.

Exhaust

Listen for ticking (manifold cracks) on 5th gen.

Transmission

10AT: smooth shifts, verify software updates on 6th gen.

Rust

Rear subframe and rockers on Northeast examples.

Living with it

Ownership Experience

• Comfortable, spacious, well-equipped — a proper family SUV.
• Real-world 18–22 mpg highway.
• 6th-gen ride quality is a step up over the 5th-gen.

The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Ford Explorer?

Prefer 2021+. 5th-gen only with documented PTU and water-pump condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Ford Explorer?

Our scoring puts the Ford Explorer at 3.6/5 for reliability. The 6th-gen Explorer (2020+) is a genuine reset — RWD-based platform, 10-speed automatic refined via updates, much fewer of the 5th-gen ownership headaches. The 5th-gen is serviceable but needs records-based buying.

Which Explorer years should I avoid?

2011–2019 (5th gen) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.

What are the best years for the Ford Explorer?

2021+ (6th gen, post-2020 build-quality fixes) are the strongest years to target — Refined platform; 10AT much improved.

How long does a Ford Explorer last?

A well-maintained Explorer from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.

Is the Explorer expensive to maintain?

5th-gen Explorer ownership costs are elevated by the water-pump and PTU repair patterns.

What should I inspect before buying a used Explorer?

Focus on: Engine, PTU (AWD), Exhaust, Transmission. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.

What are the most common Explorer problems?

Water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (5th gen); PTU (power-transfer-unit) failure on AWD 5th-gen; Exhaust-manifold cracks (5th gen); 10-speed automatic early shifting issues (6th gen, addressed via software)

Is 150,000 miles too much for a Explorer?

Not on its own. A 150k-mile Explorer with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Explorer's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.

Should I buy a used Ford Explorer?

Prefer 2021+. 5th-gen only with documented PTU and water-pump condition.

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