PROBLEM GUIDE

2006–2010 Ford Explorer Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated April 2026

148

complaints filed for the 2008 model year

2006–2010

Model years affected

$150 – $1,650

Typical repair cost, by problem

A distinctive and safety-relevant problem on this vehicle: a faulty ignition switch/key cylinder can cause the driver's seat to move automatically when the key is turned off — described in NHTSA data as seat movement that can push the seat back far enough to block pedal access while driving. This is corroborated by 4 documented repair cases, not just a single complaint. Separately, a genuine NHTSA-reported pattern of unintended acceleration and inability to accelerate (Vehicle Speed Control complaints, roughly 12 of 148) has not been independently corroborated and lacks cost detail, so it is not listed as a common problem below. See the recall notice on this page.

Quick Scan: 18 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Ignition switch / key cylinder failure — can move the driver's seat unexpectedly

Interior lights staying on, key very loose, automatic seat reverse when key turned off

Check engine light: Off

A distinctive and safety-relevant problem: a faulty ignition switch/key cylinder can cause the driver's seat to move automatically when the key is turned off. This has been documented at least 4 separate times ($150-$582, 36,000-49,000 mi), and NHTSA separately describes seat movement triggered by the same ignition malfunction that can push the seat back far enough to block pedal access while driving — a genuine loss-of-control safety concern. This is an electrical/mechanical switch fault, not one that triggers a check-engine light.

$150 – $58236,000 – 49,000 mi

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Exhaust manifold failure

Loud ticking/"putt putt" sound during cold start

Check engine light: On

Exhaust manifold failure (broken studs) causing a loud ticking or "putt putt" sound on cold starts, documented 3 separate times. We've widened the one specific cost figure ($509) into a range. An exhaust leak like this can trigger an emissions-related check-engine code.

$407 – $56039,000 – 48,300 mi

Reported 3 separate times, though only one specific cost figure was given.

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Spark plug / ignition coil failure

Vehicle lurching/bucking at highway speeds

Check engine light: On

Vehicle lurching/bucking at highway speeds. One owner reports replacing spark plugs first without resolution, then ignition coils, which fixed it. One documented repair came to $670. A misfire like this triggers a check-engine light.

$536 – $737124,000 mi

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Accessory belt / idler pulley wear

Excessive noise from front of engine

Check engine light: Off

Worn idler pulley bearings (two replaced in one documented case) causing excessive noise from the front of the engine. We've widened the documented figure into a range. A belt/pulley fault on its own typically doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

$407 – $56049,000 mi

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Head gasket replacement

Not detailed beyond the repair itself

Check engine light: On

One documented head gasket replacement at 59,000 miles. A head gasket failure typically triggers a check-engine light.

59,000 mi

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PCM (powertrain control module) replacement

Not detailed beyond the repair itself

Check engine light: On

One documented powertrain control module replacement at $1,500 at 109,500 miles. A PCM fault triggers a check-engine light.

$1,200 – $1,650109,500 mi

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Cosmetic Crack May Develop on the Liftgate

A cosmetic crack develops on the liftgate

Check engine light: Off

A cosmetic crack develops on the liftgate. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 707 owner reports on file.

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Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting, Broken Heater Blend Door

Heater stuck on its hottest setting due to a broken heater blend door

Check engine light: Off

Heater stuck on its hottest setting due to a broken heater blend door. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 423 owner reports on file.

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Worn Timing Chain Cassettes, Rattling Noise From Engine

Rattling noise from the engine caused by worn timing chain cassettes

Check engine light: Off

Rattling noise from the engine caused by worn timing chain cassettes. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 323 owner reports on file.

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Plastic Intake Manifold Cracks, Coolant Leak

Cracked plastic intake manifold causing a coolant leak

Check engine light: Off

Cracked plastic intake manifold causing a coolant leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 230 owner reports on file.

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Rough Idle and Stalling

Rough idle and stalling

Check engine light: On

Rough idle and stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 218 owner reports on file.

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Problems With 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Reliability problems with the 5-speed automatic transmission

Check engine light: Off

Reliability problems with the 5-speed automatic transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 187 owner reports on file.

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Loss of oil pressure while driving, fluctuating gauge + engine noise

Loss of oil pressure while driving, a fluctuating gauge, and engine noise

Check engine light: Off

Loss of oil pressure while driving, a fluctuating gauge, and engine noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 171 owner reports on file.

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Rear window wiper fails to fully contact glass / rear wiper motor failure

Rear window wiper not fully contacting the glass, or the rear wiper motor failing outright

Check engine light: Off

Rear window wiper not fully contacting the glass, or the rear wiper motor failing outright. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 83 owner reports on file.

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Loud rear-end noise, whining/grinding from differential at various speeds

Loud whining or grinding noise from the differential at various speeds

Check engine light: Off

Loud whining or grinding noise from the differential at various speeds. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 82 owner reports on file.

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Loud howling noise from air intake, possibly Idle Air Control Valve

Loud howling noise from the air intake, possibly the idle air control valve

Check engine light: Off

Loud howling noise from the air intake, possibly the idle air control valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 78 owner reports on file.

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AC Fan Speed Changing Constantly

AC fan speed changes constantly on its own

Check engine light: Off

AC fan speed changes constantly on its own. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.

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Radiator leaking, frequent failures + overheating

Radiator leaking, with frequent failures and overheating

Check engine light: Off

Radiator leaking, with frequent failures and overheating. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 42 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a confirmed powertrain/transmission recall (Campaign 07V453000) — but multiple NHTSA complaints note that VINs with identical transmission-failure symptoms were NOT included in the recall. The same gap is reported on the Infiniti G37. Separately, owners report unintended acceleration and inability to accelerate (roughly 12 of 148 complaints), not tied to any confirmed campaign. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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