Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 4th Generation 2006-2010 

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I feel like I can give a different look on this car because I am a 18yr that thinks it’s a race car🤣 I take my 2007 V6 to the car meets every weekend and I have pushed it to its limits time and time again. I am at 160k and it’s had some issues, I rebuilt my transmission two years ago for 3k and I definitely have the ticking noise talked about in the video. Sometimes when I floor it you definitely smell the burnt oil, it gets 9 miles per gallon and It’s missing enough bolts to scare just about anybody into not getting in but this truck has been a amazing vehicle and surprisingly capable of anything you need it to do from pulling a buddy out of a ditch to doing donuts in the pit this thing will fr do it all. With the back seats down the back turns into a apartment, there is plenty of room for two people to sleep comfortably, play a mf board game back there and honestly I can live out of the back of this car. The original rims started to discolor and look nasty so I spray painted them with black chalkboard paint and the weird chrome grill is pealing and cracking so I think that’s next.😂 this truck has been through a lot with me behind the wheel and the little V6 sounds still put a smile on my face every time it shifts with a little bit of love this truck will be anything you need it to be. 9/10 review from me this thing can be a lot of fun.

I'm running smooth at 260k miles, which is so ridiculous that it makes me anxious that there is something wrong that I'm missing. I do the oil and filter when the message center tells me to, and the only thing I had to replace was the starter.

I bought an air intake hose from you guys recently and you did a vid on how to do it. The part was great quality and I did it and felt amazing I saved 900$. You guys were even the cheapest online for parts. I don't know why you guys are underrated, you guys are amazing. Unless I need something yesterday I will always order from your site. Thank you so much.

I'm at 160K on my 2006. I bought it at 115k for $3500. First thing I did was the T-stat assembly. 2nd was the rear wiper motor. I've replaced both AC hoses and currently needs new actuator and possibly low side pressure switch. The valve cover gaskets are leaking so I'll have to replace those along with the Intake gasket and while I'm there, the 2 small heater hoses. Overall, it's been a great truck and I just came back from a 1600 mile trip with my airstream camper. Luckily there was no need for AC on the trip, but the defroster wasn't hitting the glass because the actuator broke so I had to use Rain X defogger. Surprisingly great truck, just swallows gas.

I have a 2010 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the V8 engine. I love mine!! 153k and no issues that can't be fixed. I have the automatic/digital climate control system, dual zone as well, and have never had issues with the blend door actuator. The only other issue I have from this video is the seized up rear wiper motor, and that seems to be one of the most common issues on these. I would also argue that the V8, even the 3v 4.6, is more reliable than the 4.0 V6. It is a simpler design, it doesn't have 3 timing chains, it is FAR less stressed than the V6, and it gets the same fuel economy, I average 17 mpg in mine. Plus, it has 292 horsepower, and it MOVES the thing when you floor it. The V6 in these was over-stressed and that means that not only do you get worse fuel economy, but it will break more.

No transmission dip stick, heater control valve leaking, dash cluster lights are dead, egr problems. Just some significant ones off the top of my head

Only one of those problems I've had is the Blend door actuator. Yeah, it's a pain to get to. Then I had to do it twice because the replacement part was defective. Don't worry, it wasn't you. The trick to getting the top bolt of the actuator out is to put a long extension on your ratchet and go in the long way from next to the steering column. I'll tell you the problem I had with the thermostat housing that left me dead on the road. See that plug on top of the t-stat housing? Next to the temp sensor? Well, I had the retainer clip fail and the plug blew out. Good luck finding that part. I keep a spare on hand now.

Thanks! I've been wondering what that ticking noise was at startup that sounded like a lifter. The car is still under warranty - you just saved me a bundle!

The problems that are shown in the video, those are the ones I have right now on my 2007 ford explorer. Thank you for that great info.

Great things to know and some commenters have great knowledge also. This video had great audio volume.

Awesome videos. I love the explanation associated with the part and repair. Keep up the great work!

This should also be for the 2006-2010 Mercury Mountaineer. Same as the Explorer, just different grille, headlights and taillights. Also side fenders. A vehicle that I have owned since it was brand new. I have the Premier trim. Just went through the exhaust manifold being replaced on the driver's side. As far as the A/C and Heat, mine is digital. So far, it's been working fine.

Rear wiper can seize up. Just disassemble clean rust, add lube good to go.

Thanks for the video. Well done. I have a 4th gen Explorer Limited with 330K. I’ve done lots of work on her myself but she’s reliable and strong for summer trailer pulls as well. I have had that annoying ticking as the blend door actuator tries to move the blend door. I’ve changed both side’s blend door actuator motors in an ‘uneducated’ attempt to fix but that did not work. Must be the door that is getting caught up on something… going to be a pain to pull everything apart to get at it….oh well…. Another issue I had was that I couldn’t get her out of park, without reaching my little finger in the cut out that is hidden under the rubber liner of the front cup holder. Now there are lots of videos on line about taking the console apart and replacing the little white ‘servo’ (or whatever it’s called). I did that twice, no make that THREE times but no luck. I finally replaced the entire shifter assembly (found at local junk yard for $25). That did the trick! Must have been some piece of plastic had bent a bit over time…. Oh, I also replaced the brake pedal switch - the one that send the signal to the shifter that then allows the finger switch on the shifter to be squeezed….this didn’t help either….

Spot on. at 141k miles, ours has had #1, #2, and #5. Thankfully, no intake or exhaust manifold problems ... yet.

Que buen video la verdad muy informativo gracias por compartir con nosotros 😊😉

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

You fail to mention the wire harness in late 06 + - thru early 08 +or- becoming brittle from the heat and disintegrating often inside the wire loom and always at or near a connector . This will cause a vehicle to give all kinds of crazy codes and have you trying to fix everything that isnt broke. Save your self alot of time and trouble and if you find your wires are like that just go ahead and replace the harness and be done with it but like a later model harness

Great job explaining with simplicity. Thank you.

great video, I just bought one of these as a Utility Vehicle and 4 out of the 5 with the same symptoms.

Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Thank you for your excellent information Ford explorer potential problems. Great job

For me the only 2 real problems are engine and transmission dies fast. Other than that it’s not a problems. If the vehicle goes 200-300k miles without engine/transmission issues it’s a good car.

Excellent. What a great Tech. Thank you!

Rear wiper motor, wheel bearings front and rear, blend doors, ABS control module (real fun one since its no longer available, oh and requires a dealer level computer to program it & bleed it). So far those are the 4 issues I've had with my 08 Explorer with the 4.6L V8. Relatively low miles on my vehicle 132k, but all these issues are apparently due to piss poor quality. I'd get rid of it but right now the cost to replace it is way too high.

I have a 2007 Ford Sport Trac. It is running down the battery if not driven every day. I had thi9s problem once before and it was the cluster. I have taken out the battery and slow charged it and it test good. Its not that old. Its an Interstate battery. I see lots of ways to check for a draw. Can you give me your advice on this. Thanks in advance Don Graham

My Husband and I have a 2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer for over 9 years and the best SUV Ford Explorer besides our 2005 Ford Explorer Limited had over 2 years and our Ford Explorer s are definitely never a disappointment to us I will only own Ford Explorer s 2005 to 2010

Wow explaining about the exhaust manifold is enlightening. I inherited a 2007 Mercury mountaineer for my father-in-law when he passed and it had that ticking noise and a friend said that's common in Ford explorers and mountaineers and you explained exactly what I hear my son has got the vehicle now and he said it's irritating so we're going to check it out and see if there's a crack in the exhaust manifold. Thank you for that information it's very helpful also can the manifold crack be sealed somehow or does it have to be replaced?

This breakdown is fantastic!

Great video! Question; if having manifold issues of any kind, would it throw a code for diagnostic? thank you for your help 🙏🏻

Gracias por el video, super! Saludos

Thermostat housing needs to be replaced with an aluminum housing, Motorcraft or aftermarket version, otherwise they just keep leaking, horrible design. Wheel bearings & rear glass hatch latches were 2 items definitely needed to be added to this top 5, 7, 10....

Ya one other thing my man, the heat on my Ford Explorer does take I bit of time to heat up, I do notice that on the basis of what u explained on this video! I have had my '06 Ford Explorer about 2 years now, October 27, 2020, it's Chocolate Brown w/ Beige Interior!

I have 2010 adrenaline sport Trac awd with the 4.0 v6 SOHC version. Currently at 266,000 miles. Hope I can make it to 300k and beyond. Original trans and engine.

Thanks for all the info but what about the v8 model 4.6 is it better or same problems

w just bought a 2007 explorer today at used car lot and i heard a ticking under the hood and thought it might be a valve ticking but now you changed my direction on thinking and as i was bringing it home the front end is roaring real loud and i dont know what it is yet but will find our an the rear blower is constantly blowing even when off half of the warning lights are on and the fuel gauge is not working and low fuel indicator is on / there is more problems but will solve in time

Never heard of an exhaust manifold issue with the 4.0 V6 in block cam OR the SOHC, but the 4.6 V8? Oh yeah, that and the 5.4 (not used in the exploders, but the same block as the 4.6). MY '07 had the rear wiper motor fail, plus the thermostat housing leak. Also had tranny issues - wouldn't hold overdrive...kept shifting back and forth rapidly, had to lock it out of O/D for a while. Replaced the servos with ones that have an O ring on the shaft...kind of a "band aid" so to speak. So far so good, but I know I'll have to put a new one in it at some point. Haven't experienced the other issues (knock on wood) so far. Oh yeah, it seems the ignition switch likes to fail on these years too...hit a bump and the dome light comes on. Other than that, they're fine cars.

I have a 06 explorer. Died on the road. Replaced throttle body and crank sensor. Still have a crank no start. Do I have to recalibrate the com or ecm?

Just wondering what's the exhaust manifold crack the problem with recent newer Ford Explorers. Police interceptors

2006 4.6, Just replaced right side manifold for the second time.

Do I need a Heater Line on the Heater Control Valve and the heater core? Can I do without it?

Does that apply to the Sport Trac from 2006-2010 as well?

Thanks

Thank you

Hey, I can't find the Cabin Air Filer on my 2007 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L...Pls. show me. It is not under the Passenger Side.

Muy buenos videos amigo 👌👌 gracias por la info

Спасибо за обзор...

Any advice for the rear windshield wiper not spraying? Nice videos!

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and only when I started my car kind of rocks back and forth and that's it it doesn't do it anymore it's just when I started you have any idea what this might be

great help. Your the best

Thank you so much for that video really helped.

amazing keep rocking 1a auto

2010 XLT V6 ...275,000 miles - to get here - Wheel Bearings (6) Jaspers replacement engine after the timing chain failed - two transmissions- Transfer case bearing - Radiator - Alternator - Peeling Chrome on gearshift knob - New struts - still my daily driver. Make sure you flush the radiator and trans yearly and learn how to replace the wheel bearings yourself. Recent is a thump out of the rear end. Ford dealership could not identify yet told me to drive it until it fails, ugh.

I have a question. A friend gave us a 2007 Ford explorer that has 4WD and when switching from 4H to 4L it takes alot of trickery to make it switch. We found that it is easier make it switch in when in neutral and after a few pumps of the breaks. And going to 4x4 auto is nearly impossible but can be done after a few minutes. I was wondering, is this a huge issue and if so what is general idea solution? Any help is greatly appreciated. Additional info in case it's needed, the buttons respond just fine, its just hard to make it switch from 4H to 4L (or vise versa) even to 4x4 auto from either one.

Awesome...great video

Third brake light on 07 sport trac doesn’t work. What fuse controls it. I have no power on the brake light

2007 ford explorer major vehicle issues, mice made a major nest under the intake manifold, no ac, no air coming out of dash vents, transmision not going to second gear.. found vacumn lines eaten, repaired, found head manifold heat sensor wires eaten, found a few harness wires eaten,,fix all and all systems work great.. cost 5 dollars for soder and wire!!!

I wish Ford didn’t get rid of the modular

I love the looks of the 2006-2010 Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer and all I do is put money into it fixing this fixing that. I have always had great luck with Fords until I bought a 2006 Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer and I even bought it with 67,000 miles on it and paid 9,400 which they were asking over 10,000 but the used car lot didn't make sure the Vehicle had good tires on it and there were some blemishes and I pointed them out. Its black with Gold trim I really like the color 4.0 V6 Fully loaded with DVD player how ever I have probably put another 10,000 over a period of time. That includes 1,800 on fixing the reverse in the transmission. At less then 100,000 the timing chain guide broke which filings got in the engine instead of overhauling the engine I decided to buy a crate engine from Advanced Auto parts which my brother put the new engine in for me and while he was doing all that I had him replace the plugs and wires, New Alternator, New Starter, New Belt. Every thing new so a guy doesn't have any problems down the road. That cost me over $4,200. Someone side swiped my vehicle which I had full coverage and had the entire Left side fixed that cost 5,000 because the guy that stole a vehicle that had blown tire side swiped me and he didn't have any money. Later I had some more work done I had the air conditioner all redone that cost me 900.00 including labor the following year it was blowing hot air turns out I need a new computer that cost me about 1,200 including labor so now I decide I am going to upgrade my suspension and brakes so I get a good deal on strut assembly with new coil over springs for 50.00 brand new well the labor on that with new brakes that includes adding new front upper A arms with grease certs I spent 2,500 to 3000 a new Fuel Pump and filter was part of that 3000.00 billI paid the body shop a additional 1,200 because the other mechanic only put one A arm instead of 2 on the front along with new wheel hubs. This year I had the rear axle bearings go bad that set me back 1,200. Now add it all up. I could probably bought 3 of the same vehicle for that. Nothing but a money pit. Now my torque converter is slipping when you get it up to 65-70 Mph so Looks like that will cost me 3,400 to get it rebuilt Looks great drives great. I use it a lot and travel a lot it now has 165,000 on it. I take great care of it. Keep the oil changed and new tires on it. I will also need to probably get a new exhaust pipe and muffler put on it later. I also put a new stereo in it 300.00 the digital clock stopped working on the factory unit. I really don't like the newer Explorers not enough room in the cargo area and the floor pans are lower. My son bought a 2014 Durango which I don't mind the looks of them. Blazers are ugly I don't like square wheel wells. Bigger SUV's are all ugly they are all to square and they are gas hogs. Certain years of Ford escapes look good but not enough room in the cargo area. The 2002-2010 Explorer is just right for the right look and room which is easy to park and get out of tight situations but the upkeep sucks on them. Maybe I bought I lemon and got scammed from shitty use car lot. I know others that had better luck then I had.

Mines a 2008 Explorer sport Trac 4.0 V6 SOHC awd limited. Currently hit 200,666 miles. Running like a champ, only issue is for some odd reason, coolant leaks at the bottom of the radiator but it’s newly replaced 6mths ago so I’m lost. Rad cap is new, t-stat + housing is new upgraded metal one. No coolant mixing in oil so I’m lost. Some say these Explorers are regular for coolant loses or leaks. I don’t know. It does overheat, no issues otherwise, maybe I’ll try to see if there’s a nicer metal radiator out there versus the OEM plastic ones. But then again if OEM lasted over 200k, maybe this new OEM just has an issue/defect. Some even say the drain plug on the radiator somehow breaks or pops off, any input or related issues? 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😞🤔 wish me luck, I call my truck Ghost! 👻

Problem Number six... I had spongy breaks at 100k i had Midas, replace the Power Booster/Master Cylinder, Both front brake Calipers, and hoses.. Still have spongy Breaks.. Any ideas here? TIA

broken exhaust manifold studs? sounds fun!

otherwise is this 2008-2010 Sport trac 4x4 a solid vehicle ? Reliable ? I am considering one as a 2nd odd jobs off beat n path vehicles. finding them with 200k to over 300k kms from $6-$10k in Cda

What about the air suspension on the 2006 Explorer? This one isn't holding its height.

Dude you just told me everything that had already happened with my 03 Ford explorer, everything you just said happened to me, right now I'm having problems with rear wiper and ac blend for acculater

This is a problem I have with my blend door.

I have an 2008 and got code P0658 any ideas where to start

Was thinking of buying one with 233kms but I keep reading they have transmission issues? The one I’m looking at is 2006.

My mom has half a million miles in her Ford Explorer and we had a lot of issues 😂

What is the malfunction of the driver's seat in a 2008 Ford Explorer?

I keep getting a check engine light with the same code after numerous repairs (p0401) . Now when i turn on the car the radio wont turn on or front wipers. Then after a few minutes they work. Not sure whats the problem or what keeps causing the same code. Any advise please

Also 3rd row seats the gears are plastic and don't last - fix is to replace the whole seat frame (yikes!) Stereo display goes blank common to many Fords of that era, fix is to resolder inside the stereo (videos online). Radiator is plastic and fails. Some models coil fuses to spark plug. Sway bar connectors simply fall off. O/D button breaks. Etc., etc. So much plastic these days nothing lasts.

Question I got a 2008 ford explorer looks just like that. Mine is stuck on hot air and they said I have to replace the whole unit

I am surprised front wheel bearings weren't top of this list. Also wonder if items 2,3 and 4 are more less prevalent on the v6 vs the v8.

video on how to remove the front differential on the 2005 ford explorer all wheel drive 4.0 xlt?

Can the thermostat being bad cause the fan to kick on when driving and cause the temp gauge to shoot up?

Hello prof please I have ford explorer 2009 and suddenly won’t move even I press gas pedal and the gear already in “D” 😢 Idont know what’s the problem exactly one mechanic guy he say the clutch it’s broken… and I need to change the gear !! It’s that true please I need your help

How do I find an air leak in my 2010 ford explorer?

I keep getting the same code ( p0401 ) after replacing the egr valve 3 times, intake manifold gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets . Not sure what else could be causing this ongoing issue.

The intake gaskets on this 4.0 engine is not one piece as you show! It is six individual rubber washer types. This is a kind of hard job to replace them, but doable if you are devoted to getting into tight spaces and getting your hands cut up a little.

I literally have everyone of these with my explorer lol

Rsc light on alarm goes and comes is this a sensor issue on wheel hub

they forgot to mention.... wheel bearing assemblies at 100k, the timing chain cassette breaking at about 100k, and of course the transmission........ kinda more serious than what was in the video.................

My 2010 explorer looked good 70k miles when I bought it two years ago. After two years everything broke at once. Transmissions,key fobs, thermostat, week hub, starter, like it was built to literally crumble. Never again anything ford for me.

Rear axle bearings on this model also tend to wear out...

had a 2005 xploder blow the thermostat housing on its 3rd day... just picked up a 2010 2 days ago and it blew the thermostat before I made it home.

Why did 1A Auto NEVER put out a video on the top 5 problems of the 2nd Generation Ford Explorer? Got one, there are PLENTY of them on the road just in my town of 13000! Or are you saying they don't have a top 5 problems? You got all the rest of them to the 5th gen. Do like your videos though!

I've had to replace the thermostat housing on my 2006 Explorer about every 25,000 miles. I was charged $450 for the first two times it was replaced, by local "discount" car shops. After that, I watched a vid on youtube, and I do it myself in 40 minutes, with just a few tools for under $100. The auto repair shop "book" says it's a two hour job. Ford should of made it out of metal.

1st and 2and gen Expedition please!

2008 explorer 4.0 bought at 86k now at 90.5 k so far ive changed the thermostat and the water pump. right now its a rough idle some times mostly when first started up after it warms up its great and has bogged down and lost power on me 2 times in the past 9 months I've had it, code read that a fuel injector is clogged which is usual 100k mile maitnace. also a control module needs to be replaced so every once in a while after running 10 hours on the hiway it'll shift hard and up shift and then Ill pull over and stop and rest for 30 mins and it didn't do it again. i bought for 800$ from a old lady only 1 owner. so it was taken care of... except the minor t bone she got into so the back door has a good bent up section but still works and doesn't leak or anything gonna change that next. other than that I couldn't ask for a better car for the price I mean this thing is a little beast. makes me want to get a new explorer from how good this one treated me

Transmission will slip when going up a over pass n high r pm when starting out from a dead stop .Help tom

Never had any problems like this with my 2009 explorer

Oh my 2007 Ford Explorer sports track my interior lights do not come on when I open the door any door

Fuel pressure senor under thr intake (4.0) Key wont come out of ignition because the gear shifter doesnt think it is park because the pin backed out for the microswitch

Interesting I have exhaust manifold issues.

You left out the most important issue and thats the timing slides that are made to break.Can you tell me when this happens does it ruin the heads or valves?Thanks

Didn’t mention spark plugs ... they’re a nightmare on these explorers

BMW air conditioning leak gas, because it was fixed four-month ago and the air is blowing warm again. Apparently is leaking under the dashboard coil. No ideas.

I just did the blend door actuator and the thermostat housing on my 08. Hopefully I don’t have those manifold issues any time soon. I have to ask: at the start of the video while showing the air controls, just above them there are two switch panels. (Info system on left and 4x4 on right) I need to get replacements for both. What are they called, part numbers or where do I look to buy them? Thanks!