What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2006–2010) Explorer?

Explorer owners have made 1,117 complaints about the 2006–2010 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 86th out of 94 Ford generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and cooling system concerns.

Compare With Other Explorer Generations

Common 2006-2010 Ford Explorer Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Explorer owners have to deal with.

  1. Why Do Ford Hoods Corrode So Easily?

    Cars are prone to rust, unfortunately that's just the way it is. This is especially true for those who live in rust belt states where salt is used to clear ice from roads. We can fight the onslaught with regular washes and waxing ... unless…

    Continue reading article "Why Do Ford Hoods Corrode So Easily?" A large patch of hood paint is missing right above the grille, revealing the hood's bare metal.

  2. Spark Plugs Stuck in Triton Engine

    Replacing spark plugs in cars has been a relatively simple task since Henry Ford mastered the assembly line, that is unless you have a Ford V8 engine from 2004-2008. Those 3-valve engines hold on to their spark plugs like an anaconda choki…

    Continue reading article "Spark Plugs Stuck in Triton Engine"

  3. Spark Plugs Ejected in Triton Engine

    Ford Triton engines are spitting out spark plugs like sunflower seeds, but the suits in Detroit act like there isn't any problem. They're wrong. We believe this defect affects the following 2-valve engines: Triton 4.6L V8, 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10…

    Continue reading article "Spark Plugs Ejected in Triton Engine"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2006–2010) Explorer Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,117 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 86th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 94 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 4th Generation Explorer Owners

  • Dismissed

    Cavette, et al., v. Ford Motor Company

    1. Dismissed

      Court documents don't go into much detail, but the plaintiffs say their claims in this matter pending against Ford Motor Co. (Defendant) have been resolved to the satisfaction of Plaintiffs and Defendant.

    2. Case Filed

      A Ford Explorer hood rust recall allegedly should have been ordered long ago, or so says a plaintiff who filed a proposed class action lawsuit about aluminum hoods.