U.S. vehicle reference
2006 Ford Explorer MPG, Fuel Cost and Recalls
2006 Ford Explorer MPG and annual fuel cost by engine, with EPA ratings and NHTSA recall records below.
At a glance
2006 Ford Explorer reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
2006 Ford Explorer MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 16 mpg across 4 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Engine / transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cylinderAutomatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| 4.6L 8-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| 4.0L 6-cylinderAutomatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| 4.6L 8-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2006 Ford Explorer annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 4.0L 6-cylinder, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.
2006 Ford Explorer recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E049000
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
EQUIPMENT · 10E043000
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR · 05V520000
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
2006 Ford Explorer NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2006 Ford Explorer gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 16 mpg across 4 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Explorer?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2006 Ford Explorer have recalls?
NHTSA returned 4 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05Last updated