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

These are the top 5 problems with the 4th generation Ford Explorer! In this video, Len explains the most common problems that you might face with the 4th generation Explorer, which is available as model years 2006 to 2010. He also explains how these problems happen, and what you can do to prevent, or repair them!

Check out these other great videos for more expert advice from our mechanics!

0:00 Top Problems Ford Explorer 4th Gen 2006-2010
0:16 Temperature Control
2:18 Thermostat Housing
3:12 Intake Manifold Gasket
4:45 Exhaust Manifold
6:46 Rear Wiper Motor

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[yosif]

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.

[foffanthony]

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.

[kakiwav]

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.

[isaac]

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.

[old_romans]

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.

[RCLBWD]

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

[Greg-ptur]

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

[gordonreeder]

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.

[dreamhousetile]

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.

[billiejeankulp]

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

[J_M-]

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.

[johnschwider]

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!

[therealloudmerc]

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.

[DR]

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

[atoiler]

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….

[grantw.whitwam]

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

[THEGOODRIDE]

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

[Jamalfresh]

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.

[keltechindustries]

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