2006-2010 Ford Explorer: Top 5 (or 6) common problems 

Wow! Thank you so much for all the views everyone! Check all my top 5 videos ru-vid.com/group/PLibjtBi-Cv8OKD-BieGF6h4gVxYXI_1Yh

My '08 explorer it's about to hit 250k miles and I'm pretty happy with it, I bought it with 108k miles on it and imported it to mexico(I live there). I can list the issues I have had, the first one was a water hose(the one before the water pump) that was leaking a lot haha, just right after I bought it, after that I didn't have any issues till around 200k miles. Here I go with the list. . . . -Throttle body started failing and was quite dangerous, suddenly accelerating out of nowhere, turns out it gets dirty, just cleaned with a brake cleaner, do not take it apart because is balanced with the TPS(throttle positioning sensor), also I don't recomend replacing it with a new one(unless is a motorcraft) because most third party wont last even a year. -Heater: the blend door actuator broke down, I don't remember milega but was a quick fix, just took a driver side panel and couple bolts off. (110$ usd for the actuator) -A/C compressor (replaced it) (320$ usd) -Radiator break down recently and replaced it with a third party one, rebuilding it wasn't worth it. (~150$ usd) -Tie rods, replaced all of them twice, but I take it as a normal wear and tear -Interior: can't recline backseat(passenger side), not a big deal, I might fix it later haha -Stereo: stock stereo screen is failing, sometimes turns off(just the screen), found it in explorerforums that is just a matter of taking it appart and soldering the contacts but Im looking for a new aftermarket stereo -I guess thats it, engine and transmission are still pretty good, I change the transmission oil anually(transmission's mechanic charges me around 15$usd+ I buy the motorcraft mercon V synthetic oil) -whoevere is reading this, thanks for reading

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and we got it pretty cheap because it had a bad transmission…but now that we got it fixed up it is a great first car for me!!

I got a real lemon! Explorer 2007 xlt 285697 miles and 1 issue. Shift solenoid went bad at 201000 miles. Chrome is beginning to flake but Michigan rust will probably win the race, Also 2 catalytic converters, many brake jobs, dozens of tires, lost a skid plate off-roading, and 14-15 miles per gallon mileage. What a piece of work! I'll never buy another one unless I can get a winch mount for it.

Thanks for the info, had a few of them issues with the same vehicle/year

I have a V6, 2007 2WD with 120K miles. I've done front bearings, ball joints, sway bar links, alternator, radiator, and passenger side blend door. I had an issue with the transmission fluid because I had to put new cooler lines on when I did the radiator and I had a leak. Changing the transmission fluid isn't that bad; there are several good RU-vid videos about it. If you go online and get a new plug and the fitting to hook your pump up to, make sure you get and Ford one. Doorman makes a plug but the center fitting is smaller than the OEM one so you need a different adapter. For a pump, I just use a 2 gallon garden sprayer, adapted to fit the center of the plug. The most important thing I found was that the car needs to be level.

I've got the 2010 V8 and have found it to be overall pretty reliable. Like you, I've had to replace the front wheel bearings twice. It wouldn't be so bad, but where I live they use a lot of salt in the winter. Removing the bearings was the most difficult repair I've ever done. My Explorer has a rear climate system which means coolant lines running the whole length of the vehicle. For years, I found that I was having to add coolant every 3 months. Eventually, I traced the problem to the clamps on these lines. There are about 12 of them and all but one had rotted away. It was just friction holding the hoses in place. The salt also destroyed the hinges for the liftgate. My wife was opening the liftgate and the hinge snapped. The glass fell on her head and she literally received a concussion. I found that the aluminum hinge had turned into a white powder. There had been streaks of white previously on the glass. Now I know why. I also found the same issue occur on my 2011 Escape - so I guess this is a Ford thing. I agree that not having a convenient dipstick for the transmission is incredibly annoying.

Good video thanks for posting. I have a 2009 with 250K on it. Totally agree with the bearing issue, I've done my front drivers side 3 times. The rear bearings are a SOB to change as they are press fit and are a nightmare to get out. I think the 4.6 with the 6 speed is a little more durable than the V6 + 5 speed, my opinion of course. Haven't experienced the other issues.........yet! Had to replace the heater motor resistor which I believe is pretty common.

I have a 2007 Explorer XLT V6 4WD That I'm hoping to hang on to for another 5 years Because I really like it. I have no issues with flaking Chrome at all, but it does eat front wheel bearings fairly regularly. I too have had to replace the thermostat fairly early on as well as the alternator and the starter. I am also on my 3rd or 4th rear wiper motor! Last year I had a water leak that turned the passenger side floor area into a small pond but I managed to fix that myself after a while. I hope I don't run into the timing chain problem.

I replaced the plastic thermostat housing with Aluminium one which is available in markets now and works great its been 2 yrs already now

Throw in mine. Plastic T to the front and rear heater goes out. No need to replace all the hose assembly. 3/4 brass T from a hardware store and three hose clamps for about 7 bucks. To get out the remains of the plastic T just squeeze the hose ends with pliers to crush the stuck plastic while pointing the hoses downward so plastic bits don't fall in. Might need to cut plastic collars, use side cutters. And yeah, replace the heater valve when you do that too, it's going to be the next weakest component. Tip I read online was replacing the radiator cap, going from 20 PSI to a 16. Just get one for a late 90s explorer, same fit. Supposed to reduce strain on all those lovely plastic coolant components. And yeah, the transmissions can be real bad. Mine lasted only 80K, but better than new since the rebuild with better parts.

Its funny, I own a 2008 ford explorer that I really like, I bought it in 2013 it had 104,000 and now has 265,000 and I have had exactly the same repairs that you have mentioned lol.

06 Eddie Bauer V8 here - it all started with radiator, then head gasket, AC blend doors front and rear AC, driver’s seat motor, leaky taillights and driving lights, leaking rain water from map lights (found fine crack in weld in front of the sunroof) - most all of this was fixed under CarMax warranty. I bought it with 80,000 and it now has 225,000. Since these repairs at 150,000 I’ve did all the wheel bearings and hubs on the front and a knuckle on the back.

I got an 2010 Explorer 4.6L v8 with 238040 miles on it. So far I had a transmission and rear wheel hub assembly changed. I just keep the oil changed and tune up. I got it 7 years ago.

I have a 2009 XLT V8 2WD. Bought it about 4-5 years ago with 205k miles for $3,500. Now has over 225k so I dont drive it too much. I've had to replace the radiator and front wheel bearings. The chrome on the front is coming off but not too badly to where I want to spend the money to replace it. The rear parking brake assembly is a PITA and I could not for the life of me get that top spring back on after replacing a broken wheel stud so I had to pay the shop a crazy amount to muscle it in for me . Yes the transmission is a PITA too. There is a dip stick essentially built into the cap which uses a 19mm wrench to open but its TIGHT in there and right by the cat so do it when its could but then you can only refill when its running for proper level. Also one of the blend doors went out but i jerry rigged it with a zip tie somehow. Its been a few years so I forgot exactly what the issue was. The second row seat passenger side also got stripped and wouldn't fold so I had to find a new handle replacement from the junkyard and now its working OK'ish but Im more careful about using it and make sure to slam it back before lifting the handle to fold it. Same issue on the Ford Flexes and I did a lot of research on their forums to figure out the issue with mines. Overall its been a good run around town car which is what i use it for. It does have a tow hitch but I've never used it. I like it sits up high even for a 2WD. V8 has good get up and go. I'm glad I have the V8 as at least for 2009, V8's only made up about 10% of the Explorers. My understanding is that the V8's also have the better stronger transmission as well.

Forgot exhaust manifold leaks (at least with the V8) and 3rd row seating gearbox strips, need to replace the whole seat frame if you want to fix it. Also common to almost all Fords of the era, radio display quits working due to solder cracking. You can fix this if you are handy but it will happen.

Get the 4.6 v8 instead, you get more power and if need to do timing is lot easier.

That Chrome has used call it, is not actually Chrome it's just vapor deposition on the part in an oven. The sending unit almost always goes bad because back about 2004 2005 they took the sulfur out of the fuel which stopped much of the lubrication that was in the fuel that lubricated those parts. Including the fuel pump. You can treat that by putting about 8 to 12 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil into your fuel at least once a month to keep them lubricated. Works wonderfully, and it also keeps your injectors running pretty good. B&M Transmissions makes a dipstick that you can actually put on that vehicle. Proper lubrication of this engine, I've seen them run 300000 miles without having to change a timing set.

Lol....i just bought one 2 weeks ago. 2010 limited v8. Its gonna need 2k at least to get it running strong again. But i like it and i paid cash for it....ill keep it for a few years. Or until the new 6th gen 4 runners comes out.

Very useful video, watching at 1.5x speed is perfect for me.

I replaced the front chrome grill for a black one and the door handles and mirrors

With the exception of the transmission I have all the same issues. But my rear differential had to be replaced at $2400.00.

For me: Radiator housing cracks. Replacement isn't terrible, but OEM isn't much better than off brand. Seemingly #1 issue. 80k Harmonic balancer/Crankshaft pulley: falls apart, common. ~95k Wheel Bearings went out for me too, 100k miles. Thermometer housing: out at 110k Running boards corrode quickly if in rust belt (motor breaks).

wheel hubs, thermostat , sway bar links, blender door actuator

That plug next to the temp sensor can fail too. I had the retainer clip fail and the plug popped out. Good luck trying to find a replacement. I pulled one from a junk yard. Two actually, I wanted a spare. While we are on the subject of cooling systems; I'm surprised you didn't have to replace the radiator. That's it's own piece of hell. On mine, it's just a lot of piddly things that I'm constantly fixing: Blend door actuator, every door lock actuator, headlight switch assy, radio display, etc.

my 06 with 191,298 miles in Wisconsin, has no chrome issues other than the bottom of the front grill has little bumps.

Thanku about the transmission part I’m doing that right now with my exsplorer

I have the 2008 V8. 160k miles and still works fine.

Transmission lines I don’t like how it goes under the vehicle add to the front of the radiator on the backside of it that’s one thing I don’t like about the mercury mountaineer as a transmission lines goes towards the back of the radiator and comes out to the front bumper

Nice car

I am dreaming of a 2010 Adrenalin with V8 and navigation package. 💙😎👍👍

Never had any issue with chrome coming off my 06 Eddie Bauer. The only flow in that is a tad on the gear shift. It isn’t noticeable.

The 4.0L SOHC has been around since the late 90s. The timing chain issues were mostly solved by 2002. With regular oil changes the chains should last up to 300,000 miles, or about 1/2 the miles the in block cam 4.0s would go. There are actually 4 chains...crank to jack, jack to left bank, rear jack to right bank, and crank to balance shaft...just poor engineering, and yes, the engine has to be removed for rear chain replacement. The trannys were without the dipstick starting in '04 IIRC. Not too bad to service IF you have access to a lift, otherwise a real PITA. Noticed the chrome issue on the grille on my '07, but all else so far looks OK. The rear wheel bearings are indeed a PITA...I replaced 'em on an '04 without a press...not fun. In all, the 06-10 were considerably better than the 02-05s in reliability, especially when it came to the rear differentials.

Any one have issues with limp mode with this cars ? I believe that the water leak which falls from the wiper motor area right onto the coil 4 8 and 7s spark plug well causes the pcm to fry if you don't find the leak in time.

GREAT VIDEO,I HAVE THE SAME EXPLORER, REALLY LIKE IT. HOW OFTEN DO OR DID YOU CHANGE YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID ON YOUR EXPLORER?

Thanks for posting

Thank you sir!!

I had a 2006. I put 301,000 on it. The problems that I had, the chrome came off the shifter and the tranny lost reverse.

I have the 07 Explorer, I had to replace the shift solenoid last year. Now that horrible wrench light is on throwing code P0713 & B229B. I have been looking for TFT sensor info and cannot find the part anywhere. I've also gotten different answers on the location as well. Any info you may have to help would be greatly appreciated!

Had to replace the thermostat housing and the radiator in my 08. My biggest issue is my driver side floorboard is soaking wet! I’ve only had it for a year, but it only seems to get soaked in the winter time. I’ve taken it through a car wash and also through a heavy rain storm, and it has not gotten wet during those moments, but for some reason once temperatures dropped, it gets soaked after snow and all that fun stuff. Took it to a windshield place for a water test, and they ruled out the windshield. It has a new indoor seal, so that’s not it either. I’m just not sure what the problem is

I never would've bought a 2006 Explorer if I knew it didn't have a transmission dip stick

I have videos here on the channel about how to fix many of these common problems!

Especially your transmission lights when you’re trying to take that radiator off radiator and I hate how those lines run underneath the vehicle because it’s on the bottom of the radiator of a tended to accidentally lock those lines off and I lost all the transmission fluid because of the stupid lines being a terrible design I do not like that on that on that type of vehicle on the 2010 mercury mountaineer so yeah

Thanks definitely selling mine now

Got mines cheap wont even drive but runs good hopefully a new transmission will solve that i hope so

You can check the fluid. There is a dipstick on the transmission

I took 3 months without changing oil for Ford Explorer 2009 and my engine not starting, what can I do?

The first time I checked the Transmission fluid level and had to crawl under the explorer, I sold my Ford stock because to hell with their engineers.

Are these explorers gas tank supposed to fill up on 30 dollars ?

I'm having rear hatch problem my hatch keep opening

Was considering a 4th gen (when my 2nd gen finally wears out) BUT you lost me on the no-dipstick tranny. NOT going to the shop to check my tranny fluid level!

I have replaced my time chain aduster thrice now on my 2005 explorer

Damn... I just bought a really sharp lookin 08' explorer limited. I have the 05' Eddie bauer. My 05 runs really good, but I'm starting to hear the timing chain. So, am I gonna have the same issue with this new one I just bought?( 08' explorer limited)

Never liked the grille on these things, too much chrome those days of Ford.

I have a 2010 XLT sport, do all these explorer's seem like it takes takes a couple cranks to turn over ???

ford says you have to pull the engine to fix the timing

08 v8 having issue where i get no crank no starts just randomly even tho i replaced started and battery and then the a/c only works whenever it wants too randomly bought practically everything new, a/c compressor and everything else but it still somewhat seems to fail, everything is leading up to a faulty fuse box atm but tbh idk. Lastly it will randomly shut off when i would be driving very slow or idle. If anyone can help it would be very much appreciated.

You forgot about the radiator LOL

WELL I PURCHASE A 2007 V6 FORD EXPLORER FROM A BUY HERE PAY HERE 🤣 FEELING LIKE A FOOL , I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT THE NEXT MONTH..CAR LOT WON'T TAKE IT BACK , WON'T HELP ME FIX IT 😪 SO I TOOK IT TO THE WORST MECHANIC ON EARTH AFTER PAYING $2,000 IT'S RUNNING WORST THE LINING IS OFF TRACK WHERE U CHANGE GEARS , SOMETIMES IT WON'T CRANK . IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M DRAGGING SOMETHING, WHEN U PUT IT IN GEAR THE WHOLE TRUCK JUMPS .. I FEEL LIKE A COMPLETE FOOL BUYING THIS LEMON 🍋 WITH ALL THESE ISSUES .. AN IT'S HARD TO FIND A GOOD MECHANIC

I own a 2006 xlt model. WORST CAR I HAVE OWNED. the car shuts off at random times and when the car is not being accelerated the car will do a violent shake before it shuts off and indicates that the cars charging system failed. I have taken it in to countless places and have been told that the car is fine

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This the worst car in the whole world when it comes to the transmission.

l got v8 is beter