Engine Cooling System problems of the 2006 Ford Explorer - part 2

Radiator has failed at 51,000 mile. . Read more...

I believe the Ford Explorer 2006 radiators need to be recalled! first of all, let me just say that on carcomplaints. Com there are 47 complaints about radiator leaks and having to replace radiators. I believe this to be a safety issue because if it overheats. . . It could leave someone stranded on side the highway, or even explode or catch on fire! please look at carcomlaints. Com and review the complaints about Ford 2006 Explorer radiators! many people have gotten this same radiator replaced more than once! ok, now to me. . . I bought a 2006 Ford Explorer in January of 2006. In March of 2008, I was told that my radiator needed to be replaced. I couldn't understand why a vehicle with 40,000 miles on it, which get scheduled maintenance checks regularly with a mechanic could have such a problem. Well, needless to say. . . I got it repaired out of pocket because my 36,000 mile warranty had expired. It was very costly. Well,I continued to get my vehicle maintenance as scheduled. Well, just a couple of days ago or less than 23 months(less than 2 years) later, I experience the same problem. Another radiator leak! I hardly even go any where! the new radiator was yet again another Ford radiator! I could have been left on side the road or had some sort of explosion! I believe there are defects in these radiators and I believe that Ford motor company is issuing out faulty equipment. I believe that we, the consumer, or suffering the consequences due to their need to stay afloat. Afterall, they too needed a bailout and what agreat way to save money if radiators or builtto last only a short time,and people go to keep paying for new ones! please check on this. I believe a recall is needed!!!!!!!! p. S. While writing this letter, just received a phone call that a technical alert has been put out on 2006 Ford Explorer radiators, and because of the complaint . . . The model is not being made anymore! please check into this!.

First the check engine light came on and the thermostat was replaced within a week the radiator was leaking. This caused the vehicle to overheat again. The dealership said they were replacing several radiators on this vehicle due to a weak spot in the radiator. Ford refuses to acknowledge an issue without you confirming it first. Getting stranded on the highway with children is not pleasant, when you have your vehicle serviced regularly.

At 45,000 my radiator failed and Ford needed to replace it. I do not take the car off road, and keep all required maintenance. This is very early for a failure, and a very common problem for this vehicle.

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.

Our police department has a 2006 Ford Explorer that is going to have its 3rd radiator put in the vehicle.

In late December 2009 I noticed liquid pooling on my driveway from my 2006 Ford Explorer so I took it to my local Ford dealership. I was told the radiator was cracked and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. I had an after-market radiator installed due to the ridiculous price of the radiator from Ford. On February 19, 2010, I again noticed fluid pooling on my driveway and immediately took the Explorer back to the Ford dealership. I was told the o-ring leading into the radiator had "failed" and it was leaking transmission fluid. The dealership said yet another radiator would have to be installed if they could not order the o-rings individually. I was again told the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The o-ring was replaced on February 24, 2010 and I was spared the extra expense of another radiator. The vehicle has 55,000 miles and all regular maintenance is performed on time.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the radiator and water pump were replaced because the vehicle was over heating but the repair did not correct the failure. The contact consulted with his personal mechanic and was advised that the head gasket would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.

2006 Ford Explorer 4. 0 liter. Radiator started leaking at 42,000 miles and just short of 4 years old. Leaking from the lower tank seal. Must be replaced, can't be repaired. Ford will not take care of this known defect. This failure isn't due to corrosion, it is an engineering defect. Many Explorer owners complain about this known defect and can only get help if they are fortunate to still be within the 36k mile 3 year warranty.

Ford Explorer 2006- radiator leaks . Problem starts at around 40k. There are numerous postings on the internet with the same problem. Ford refuses in most cases to replace radiator. Replacement cost are approx. $450. 00.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the radiator leaked and failed. The radiator was replaced twice before and the dealer was replacing it for the third time at the time of the complaint. The manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT with the 4. 0 v6. I have the famous radiator problem that it seems 90% of 2006 owners have. Ford has issued a TSB, but no recall. I know people who have been through radiators every 5,000 miles. Mine didn't fail until about 75000 miles, but it still failed, spewing antifreeze all over the driveway, and causing a lot of hours of labor for me. The part was about $300, but I spent over 6 hours installing it, so I didn't have to pay the dealer $1,000 to do so. This is definitely a safety issue, especially if you are on the road when it fails. So many people have hadthis problem, and it should be a recall by now.

Radiator failure at 46,000 miles. Mechanic said no reason why failure occurred, just started leaking radiator fluid. Drove through rocky mountains, failure may cause engine failure due to overheating. Poor materials and workmanship.

I am currently having a problem with the vehicle the radiator is leaking, and I have to check the water level in the vehicle every two days to make sure that I do not completely run the vehicle hot and take the chances not having a vehicle by messing the motor up. This problem started just before I made my first payment on the 2006 Ford Explorer (may 25th) the vehicle began to making a loud noise like a fan continuously running whenever I would come to a complete stop and start moving again. Then one day the air conditioner just stop blowing cold air and the temperature gage started to rise to hot my husband checked the radiator and found that the vehicle needed water bad. We have noticed water under the truck but we thought that it from the air conditioner the water under the truck is due to the fact that the radiator has a leak. We have had to replace the battery on the car as well this cost $79. 00 this had me late for work as I did not find out the battery was dead until I was on my way to work one morning. I have check to see just how much this is going to cost me to have the radiator replaced and it is in the ball park of $400 -600.

I have a radiator failure on my 2006 Ford Explorer, 4. 0 l v6. This is now the second radiator I have had to replace in less than a year. I have done alot of research online and have come across hundreds of blogs and forums with people with the same problem. Ford will not acknowledge there is a problem. If so many of us are having the same problem there should be a recall. People are having to pay alot of money over and over for something that is a manufacturer defect.

Had to replace leaking radiator. Was covered under extended warranty.

2006 Explorer radiator leak.

Issue with the radiator. Replaced the radiator 7 months ago and now replacing it again.

Had a radiator failure the first year. Had a second radiator failure 36,000 miles later in the same spot on the same style radiator. Looking at the complaints on one of the Ford chat boards it looks like there are hundreds of us with the same problem from 2006. Dealer admitted they knew of the problem but that replacement was not yet covered by Ford and the radiators were currently on back order due to heavy demand.

2006 Ford Explorer eddie bauer - had leaking from the radiator -- took to a mechanic, he stated that there was a crack in the seam of the radiator and we would need to replace it at our cost of $650. 00 because Ford has not recalled the equipment but is more than aware there is an issue.

I have a 2006 Ford eddie bauer Explorer with 47k miles on it. I just had to have my second radiator put in. My first went around 20k miles and luckily was under warranty. Today, I had to spend over $600 to replace this. Based on the number of complaints I see and what has happened in my situation, there is clearly a problem with these radiators. Even my mechanic was aware of the issue prior to looking at my car. Ford needs to address this ASAP!.

As vehicle was being driven, engine died. No lights on dash to indicate problem. No smoke from engine at that time. Vehicle pulled over, hood opened, lots of smoke poured out. Had towed to closest dealership. Both head gaskets blown, heads warped, one piston broke. Needs entirely new engine - estimated cost $6000. Bought vehicle used with limited powertrain warranty. Per Ford a clamp on a hose to the thermostat missing caused breakdown and not covered by warranty. Did research, there was a TSB about clamps to radiator hoses (should include thermostat) for replacement due to faulty coating which could cause engine failure. Had my vehicle history researched and does not appear that mine were ever replaced. Neither Ford nor the dealership where purchased are doing anything to fix problem. Also do not understand how powertrain warranty can cover the thermostat but not the hoses and clamps that are part of it. Also believe that since no lights on dash to indicate problem that could also have prevented this from happening if the vehicle had been inspected properly prior to sale to me by dealership.

My wife noticed a large amount of liquid under the front of our 2006 Ford Explorer. We took the vehicle to town and country Ford. They diagnosed the problem as a leaking radiator. The radiator was replaced at a cost of $611. 69. I questioned survive advisor as to why a radiator would fail with approximately 46k miles. I asked if this is a known issue on this vehicle. He said no. By the way, my comprehensive extended Ford warranty expired two months ago. Ironic isn't it? I contacted Ford motor company customer relations on 2/27/09. I asked to be reimbursed the $611. 69 I spent to repair my vehicle. Based on that conversation with kevin I didn't get the impression that they were going to do anything to stand behind their product. I was informed that the dealership will be contacted and I should hear from someone within four business days.

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer that was leaking fluid on the front driver side. We took the vehicle in and were told there was a pin hole crack in the seam of the radiator. We had to replace the radiator. Cost $600. 00 there is 61,000 on the vehicle. I noticed many other complaints about this issue and brought it up to the repair department. They were not aware of the problem.

The radiator in my 2006 Ford Explorer - eddie bauer edition failed on 01/17/09 and the vehicle only had 21,800 miles on it. It's quite obvious that Ford should be recalling the radiators in the 2006 Explorers since it appears that many people are having the same problem. I had my new radiator installed under the manufacturer warranty, but I know others have had to pay out of pocket to have the radiators replaced.

2006 Ford Explorer, eddie bauer 4wd v6. Radiator failed at 45000 miles. Leaking from cracks along inside top seam. It is a manufacturing defect caused by poor design. Bought the new unit from a local Ford dealer and installed it myself. $303. 00 for the new radiator. This seems to be a very common problem with the year and model referenced. Ford needs to step up and admit there is a problem and assist the owners of these Fords.

Failure #1--gear shift selector very difficult to move from park; dealer said Ford redesigned, but not covered by them. Failure #2--leak in seam of radiator (between plastic & aluminum). Again, not covered by Ford or by extended warranty.

I bought a 2006 Ford Explorer used in Dec. Of 2006 about a year later I was having problems took it in and needed a new water pump it was covered under warranty. In June of 2008 the gear shift would stick when trying to get out of park also the engine would race and not shift gears it was also making a knocking noise in the engine. Took it in for a routine oil change and to have all problems looked at they said there were no problems and it was a glitch in the computer "its just not resetting itself" they said it was fixed on Nov. 08 again went in for oil change they said coolant was low and top it off didn't see any leaks in hoses or radiator. And 9 days later my engine blow now I got to pay 5,500. To get it fixed because the warranty is now expired. I was told the coolant was leaking into my oil tank and exhaust which when oil changes were done should have been detected.

Around the beginning of oct I noticed antifreeze leaking. On nov7 2006 I had to have the radiator replaced. My Explorer had 47,227 miles on it but the leak was discovered before the mileage got to 47,000. I have been told that it never should have happened. We have 2 other Explorers with about 120,000 and a 130,000 miles and never have a bit of trouble. The years on those are 1998 and 1999. Mine is a 2006. I am glad this was caught early. I have heard of other radiators leaking on Explorers of the same year. It cost me almost $400 to have it replaced. I feel that this needs to be looked into.

I noticed coolant leaking under the driver side of the radiator at around 37,800 miles. Dealer initially said it was a loose hose and "repaired" for $75 (9/30/08). Leak continued. Returned to dealer and was told that the radiator was cracked (10/12/08). I have done searches on the internet and this appears to be a very common problem with the 2006 Ford Explorer. Ford should put a recall on the radiator so that if the radiator experiences problems, the repairs are covered. Dealer quoted $630 to replace the radiator. Contacted Ford and customer service indicated they would arrange a "discount" for the repairs at my local dealer. This places the burden on the dealer, who is independent of Ford. Ford should furnish this part to the dealer free of charge and reimburse them for the labor in order to take the burden of a faulty part off of their dealers and the consumer. A radiator should not crack with 37,800 miles on the vehicle (1,800 miles out of warranty!). This is when I "noticed" the problem. It was probably happening prior to the warranty expiration.

I own a 2006 Ford Explorer which I purchased new from the dealer. In July of 2008 with 38,000 miles on it the radiator had to be replaced because it was leaking. Ford would not cover the cost because it was out of warranty. I now have 75,000 miles on the vehicle and the radiator is leaking again and will need to be replaced. I see other complaints in your database about the same issue and if this problem is searched on the internet many complaints can be found. I would like to state that this is a safety and environmental issue that Ford should address. From a safety standpoint, if the cooling system fails completely at highway speeds and the motor stalls or freezes up a crash could easily occur from loss of control. Environmentally, I wouldn't think the epa wants leaking antifreeze coming from hundreds (thousands?) of vehicles every day? environmentally, antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and puddles of it in on garage floors should make Ford want to take care of the problem?.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the radiator was replaced June of 2008, but the failure was not corrected. The vehicles coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test which determined that the failure was located in the radiator seal and caused the engine coolant to leak. Report 1320050701 was filed with the manufacturer and they will not assist with the repairs, because the vehicle warranty expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.

Leaking radiator in 2006 Ford Explorer at 40,000 miles. Dealership made my buy a new radiator.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the radiator was leaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the radiator would need to be replaced with an updated radiator and the computer would need reprogramming. The contact had to continuously apply antifreeze or water to the radiator so the vehicle would not over heat. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The VIN was not available.

My 2006 Ford Explorer which has 52,000 miles on it has a leaking radiator. From what I have heard this is normal on this year vehicle. This is shameful and Ford should man up and fix the problem.