2006-2010 Ford Explorer — Photo: IFCAR, public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Explorer 2006–2010 Parts

4th generation (U251) · 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl · RWD / 4WD

70 common parts
3 with factory part numbers
7 recall campaigns
1,134 NHTSA complaints

YearPrice links search Amazon for Ford Explorer 2008. Confirm fitment for your engine and drive.

Engine 6

Timing kit
Chain or belt depending on the engine. Check your engine size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Valve cover gasket
Oil seeping around the top of the engine or a burning-oil smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Oil pan gasket
Oil drips under the engine. Some engines are sealed with RTV instead of a gasket.
Not used on the selected year
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Engine mount
Vibration at idle or a clunk when shifting into gear.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission mount
Clunk on acceleration or when shifting between drive and reverse.
Not used on the selected year
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PCV valve
Rough idle, oil leaks or whistling from a stuck valve.
Not used on the selected year
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Cooling 7

Water pump
Coolant leak at the front of the engine or overheating.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator
Leaks, clogged fins or overheating in traffic.
Not used on the selected year
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Thermostat
Temperature gauge stays low or climbs high; weak heat.
Not used on the selected year
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Upper radiator hose
Soft, swollen or cracked hose; coolant smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Lower radiator hose
Check clamps and the hose for leaks at the radiator outlet.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator cooling fan
Overheating at idle or with the A/C on.
Not used on the selected year
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Coolant reservoir
Cracked tank or a cap that no longer holds pressure.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel 4

Fuel pump
Long cranking, stalling or loss of power under load.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel injector
Misfire on one cylinder or a fuel smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel filter
Some models use a filter built into the in-tank pump module.
Not used on the selected year
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Gas cap
A loose or worn cap can turn on the check-engine light (EVAP leak).
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition 4

Spark plugs
One plug per cylinder; the EPA lists 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines for this generation. Check your engine before ordering.
OEM ref: 4.0L V6: AGSF-24N-X4.6L V8, 2006–08: PZK-1F-X
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition coil
Misfire codes, rough idle or a flashing check-engine light.
Not used on the selected year
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Camshaft position sensor
Check-engine light, hard starting or stalling.
Not used on the selected year
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Crankshaft position sensor
No-start or stalling when hot.
Not used on the selected year
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Brakes 10

Front brake rotors
Pulsing pedal or steering wheel shake when braking.
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake pads
Squeal from the wear indicator or a grinding noise.
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake caliper
Car pulls to one side or a pad wears unevenly.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake rotors
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake pads
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake caliper
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake drums If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake shoes If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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ABS wheel speed sensor
ABS or traction-control light on; front and rear sensors differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Brake hose
Cracked or swollen rubber lines; a soft pedal.
Not used on the selected year
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Suspension 7

Front shock absorber
Bouncing, nose-dive when braking or leaking fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear shock absorber
Bouncy rear end or uneven tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Front lower control arm
Clunk over bumps from worn bushings.
Not used on the selected year
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Ball joint
Clunk or wander; check for play with the wheel off the ground.
Not used on the selected year
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Sway bar link
Rattle or knock over small bumps.
Not used on the selected year
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Front wheel bearing
Humming noise that changes with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear axle bearing
Humming or grinding from the rear that rises with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering 3

Outer tie rod end
Loose steering or uneven front tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Inner tie rod
Clunk when turning; replace in pairs and align.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering gear
Leaks, play in the wheel or a knock when turning.
Not used on the selected year
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Electrical 6

Battery
Slow cranking or electrical warnings. Check group size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Alternator
Battery light on, dim lights or a dead battery.
Not used on the selected year
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Starter
Click or slow crank when you turn the key.
Not used on the selected year
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Blower motor
Weak or no air from the vents on some fan speeds.
Not used on the selected year
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A/C compressor
Warm air from the vents or a noisy clutch.
Not used on the selected year
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Tire pressure sensor
Required on all US vehicles from the 2008 model year; earlier years may not have sensors.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust 5

Upstream oxygen sensor
Check-engine light and higher fuel use.
Not used on the selected year
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Downstream oxygen sensor
Monitors the catalytic converter; often codes P0420/P0430.
Not used on the selected year
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Catalytic converter
Rattle, sulfur smell or catalyst efficiency codes.
Not used on the selected year
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Muffler
Louder exhaust, rust holes or rattles underneath.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust manifold gasket
Ticking noise on cold start or exhaust smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Drivetrain 8

Front axle shaft 4WD only
Clicking when turning or a torn boot.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear axle shaft
Clicking or vibration from the rear axle shafts.
Not used on the selected year
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Driveshaft
Vibration at speed or a clunk when taking off.
Not used on the selected year
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U-joint
Clunk when shifting or a squeak at low speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear differential
Whine or howl that changes with speed; check fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Transfer case 4WD only
Trouble shifting into 4WD or a fluid leak.
Not used on the selected year
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Front differential 4WD only
Noise from the front axle in 4WD.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission fluid
EPA lists: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic. Use the fluid type in your owner's manual.
Not used on the selected year
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Body & Lighting 5

Headlight assembly
Hazy or yellowed lenses. Housings vary by year and trim; confirm fitment.
Not used on the selected year
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Headlight bulb
Check the bulb number on your old bulb or in the owner's manual. LED units have no bulb.
Not used on the selected year
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Tail light assembly
Cracked lens or moisture inside the housing.
Not used on the selected year
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Side mirror
Choose the side and features (heated, power fold, signal).
Not used on the selected year
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Wiper blades
Replace every 6–12 months; driver and passenger lengths differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Filters & Maintenance 5

Oil filter
Change with every oil service.
OEM ref: 4.0L V6, 4.6L, 5.0L V8: F1AZ-6731-BD
Not used on the selected year
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Engine air filter
Check every oil change; replace when dirty.
OEM ref: 4.6L V8: 6L2Z-9601-AB
Not used on the selected year
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Cabin air filter
Weak airflow or musty smell from the vents.
Not used on the selected year
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Serpentine belt
Squeal or cracks across the ribs. Some engines, including many hybrids, have no accessory belt; check yours.
Not used on the selected year
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Belt tensioner
Replace with the belt if the arm shakes or the pulley is noisy (belt-driven engines).
Not used on the selected year
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Icons are generic illustrations made for this site and do not show the exact part. Parts that depend on engine, drive or powertrain are marked using EPA data for this generation; confirm fitment with your VIN before ordering. Factory part numbers are shown as a reference when available; confirm the number with your old part or VIN before ordering. Price links search by part name and vehicle.

About the 2006–2010 Explorer

Overview

The 4th generation (U251) Ford Explorer covers the 2006–2010 model years in the US. The EPA lists 2 powertrains for this generation: 4.0L 6-cyl (2006–2010) and 4.6L 8-cyl (2006–2010). Drive types: RWD / 4WD. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic.

The parts list above covers items commonly replaced on these vehicles, grouped by system.

Engines & specs

Engine	Years	Drive	Transmission	EPA MPG
4.0L 6-cyl	2006–2010	RWD / 4WD	5-speed automatic	RWD: 14 city / 19–20 hwy / 16 comb. 4WD: 13 city / 18–19 hwy / 15 comb.
4.6L 8-cyl	2006–2010	RWD / 4WD	6-speed automatic	RWD: 13–15 city / 19–21 hwy / 15–17 comb. 4WD: 13–14 city / 18–19 hwy / 15–16 comb.

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov vehicle data.

Common problems reported to NHTSA

Mention in complaint	2006–07	2008–09	2010
Transmission problems	265 / 838	26 / 181	11 / 115
Brake problems	112 / 838	25 / 181	31 / 115
Stalling or loss of power	75 / 838	11 / 181	4 / 115
Coolant leaks or overheating	62 / 838	8 / 181	0 / 115
Steering problems	37 / 838	23 / 181	5 / 115
Check-engine light	41 / 838	12 / 181	7 / 115
Electrical or battery problems	21 / 838	11 / 181	3 / 115

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1,134 for 2006–2010), counted by words in the complaint text. One complaint can mention several issues; the second number is all complaints for those years.

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Top components in complaints
2006	4	630	Power Train, Power Train:Automatic Transmission, Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2007	3	208	Power Train, Engine, Seats
2008	3	148	Electrical System, Power Train, Seats
2009	1	33	Vehicle Speed Control, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2010	2	115	Power Train, Seats, Vehicle Speed Control

Source: NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recalls and complaints data, retrieved November 2026.

Recalls (7 campaigns)

Visibility: Windshield Wiper / Washer, Motor (2006, NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting (2006, NHTSA 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.
Visibility: Glass, Side / Rear (2006–2008, NHTSA 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 …
Equipment (2006–2010, NHTSA 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.
Steering (2007, NHTSA 07V181000)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission, Cooling Unit And Lines (2008, NHTSA 07V453000)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQ…
Seats: Front Assembly, Recliner (2010, NHTSA 10V161000)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WIT…

Source: NHTSA. Check open recalls for your vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.