Ford

Explorer (4th)

2006-2010 · Midsize SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
1,137 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
15 Fire Reports
43 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

VQ35DE

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

INFINITI Q45 (2002-2006)GMC Yukon (2007-2014)NISSAN 350Z (2003-2008)NISSAN Quest (2011-2017)INFINITI Q60 (2006-2006)INFINITI Q50 (2007-2013)INFINITI Q70 (2011-2019)FORD Fusion (2006-2012) +39 more

ISB

3.0L 6-cyl / 201 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Excursion (2000-2005)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)FORD Explorer (2006-2010)HONDA Accord (2000-2002)

Recalls (7)

10V161000Apr 19, 2010serious
Seats

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

10E043000Mar 8, 2010serious
Equipment

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

07V453000Sep 25, 2007serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.

07V181000Apr 24, 2007serious
Steering

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.

07E104000Nov 11, 2007serious
Visibility

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

05V520000Sep 10, 2005serious
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.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2010 Ford Explorer problems?

The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer has accumulated 1,137 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Explorer engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2010 Ford Explorer a good used car?

The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,137 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2010 Ford Explorer have?

The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer has 1,137 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2010 Ford Explorer?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2010 Ford Explorer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Explorer?

Before buying a used Ford Explorer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,137 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver