Owner complaint record
2016 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2016 Ford Explorer owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 2,441 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 2, 20262,441 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
Model year2016
- 202594No page yet
- 202419No page yet
- 2023104No page yet
- 2022256No page yet
- 2021411No page yet
- 20201,194No page yet
- 2019291No page yet
- 2018719No page yet
- 20171,677No page yet
- 20162,441
- 20151,770No page yet
- 20141,673No page yet
- 20132,230No page yet
- 2012822No page yet
- 20111,195No page yet
- 2010115No page yet
+38% vs 2015, most of any Explorer year
502 complaints, 21% of the total
half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before this
43 mention an injury, 14 a fire
The steering leads the 2016 Ford Explorer record at 21%, with engine close behind. Of the steering reports that give a mileage, half came before 58,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the electric power steering rack, $583 to $1,522 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Steering complaints split between warning lights, noise and lost power assist. Most structure complaints mention a recall.
2016 Ford Explorer overview
The 2016 Explorer came with a 2.3-liter turbo four and two 3.5-liter six-cylinders, one of them turbocharged, all with a six-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Owners filed 38% more complaints about the 2016 than the 2015 (1,770), and the steering leads both years. The 2017 drew 1,677, with body structure named most.
- Power
- 290 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 255 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 365 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 350 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 280 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 310 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Kelley Blue Book's spec pages.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer than about any other Explorer year, and the steering draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1stCompared with other Explorer years2,441 complaints, the most of 16 model years (next is 2013 with 2,230).By model year
- 21%The system named mostSteering, in 502 complaints. Half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before 58,000 miles.Problems by system
- 15Recalls15 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Ford Explorer.Recalls
- 38Crashes, injuries, fires38 complaints mention a crash, 43 an injury and 14 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2016 Ford Explorer problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 2,441 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Steering21%502 complaintsSteering that locks or loses assist, warning lights, noise
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What owners describe
I was driving my 2016 Ford explorer on a busy street when the engine light and the orange wrench light came on. The car stalled and would not accelerate.it lost all power. I am terrified of driving it now. It would not move faster than 5 miles per hour. The car has 6,000 miles on it.
Steering wheel not moving, not able to control it.milage on car 42,000. Car towed to a dealer. They found, that the rack and pinion is completely locked and needs to be replaced. Estimate repair at 2,400. Warranty does not cover it. A case was open with Ford.
MNVAKSIARead 4 more owner reports+4
Steering locked up while driving, was able to slow down safely but could have been really bad if going at higher speed or around a curve. Was able to stop and really force wheel to turn a bit. Dealer stated I needed to replace rack and pinion. $2500, but more of a safety issue to me
My vehicle was in motion, when I heard an odd noise. I stopped and decided to move only to hear a grinding noise any time I turned steering to left or right. Went to the chantilly Ford dealership in virginia. It was diagnosed as a steering rack pinion problem which cost just over $2000
While driving at 75 mph the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, the wheel jerked and I almost ran off the road. Then the steering made grinding noises. The dealership wants $1500 for the part and just as much or more for the labor, not covered under warranty and the vehicle only has approximately 77000 miles on it.
While moving the steering wheel there is a weird clunk/pop noise and feels a bit loose. So this is concerning 66,000 miles on my vehicle. Also the front suspension is very rough and I have taken very good care. Dealership was not sure what it was but stated it was safe
When it starts
Usually starts around 58,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,000 and 80,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and watch for a steering warning.
Engine16%380 complaintsWarning lights, leaks, stalling
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What owners describe
2016 police utility: was driving the vehicle down the highway while transporting a prisoner. Vehicle immediately lost power. Vehicle wouldn't accelerate. Vehicle had steering and brake only. Vehicle motor began to shake and misfire. Vehicle towed to Ford dealership.
I was driving my 2016 Ford explorer on a busy street when the engine light and the orange wrench light came on. The car stalled and would not accelerate.it lost all power. I am terrified of driving it now. It would not move faster than 5 miles per hour. The car has 6,000 miles on it.
FLNCMOPARead 4 more owner reports+4
Smell in cabin when driving even after 2 of Ford's technical service bulletins were performed. Problem still not resolved. Dealer says there is nothing more they can do, that is the only fix Ford can provide.
Purchased new vehicle 2/2016 and has been taken to the dealership 7 times due to engine/exhaust smell on heavy acceleration coming in the cabin of the vehicle while driving on the highway. Service invoices are attached with the exception of 1 that was done 3/2017 and no paperwork was given to me on that visit.
April 23, 2019 Ford explorer sport ecoboost engine timing cover oil leak at 56823 miles. Ford service advisor stated this is a common issue with the ecoboost engine.
My 2016 Ford explorer sport during acceleration smells bad from exhaust fumes that entering the car. Took the car to the dealership and all the repairs that were done are not helpful contact Ford motor company which didn't help either. At this point dont know what to do.
When it starts
Usually starts around 16,650 miles. Half of owners reported it between 7,100 and 52,000.
What to do
Look for oil and coolant leaks and watch the dash.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoBody structure15%371 complaintsRecall work, loose trim
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What owners describe
Whistle or buzz-type noise from front cowl panel grille cover. Ford dealership confirms this "body defect issue" but will not cover it under any warranty. Want $1,300 to fix. This is the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwc3-ptt3l0&t=49s
2016 Ford explorer xlt - while driving 70 mph on straight highway, the plastic outer pillar windshield trim on the passenger's side of the window shield detached without warning. The vehicle has not yet been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was ~38,000.
NYMDTXTXRead 4 more owner reports+4
The key pad on the driver door fell off while driving on a highway. Then an hour later, also while driving, the lift gate light came on. I was unable to open the lift gate by any means. Ford charged me approximately $450 for the door panel. It was $900 to repair both. It is unknown what caused both problems.
Both pieces that hold the windshield to the car on the left and right of the windshield have flown off on my car and several others I know who also own a 2016 Ford explorer.
Leak in roof due to body weld issues. Leak caused rain to enter. 3rd row seatbelt was wet, as well as electrical outlet in trunk.
2016 Ford explorer windshield pillar trim falling off. Ive read numerous post about others having the same problem. Flying off the vehicle while going down the highway. Danger of hitting the car behind or causing them to swerve and wreck. The dealership wants almost $1000 to fix this, thats outrageous and Ford should be paying for these repairs.
When it starts
Usually starts around 82,750 miles. Half of owners reported it between 50,000 and 109,750.
What to do
Run the VIN and look over the trim.
Powertrain8%200 complaintsLoss of drive, warning lights, rough shifts
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What owners describe
Interior of car began to smell of burning oil, warning message "4wd temporarily disabled". Leak from vent hose into ptu system. Ford (santa rosa, ca) says ptu must be replaced. 37k miles on car.
My husband was driving to work and lost drive power and the underneath of the suv was on fire, my husband pulled over ad called 911. The dealer stated the ptu cracked from pressure leaking all the oil onto the exhaust. Also stated all of my tires were good .. So we are unsure where the pressure came from>
MDMORead 2 more owner reports+2
When you drives slowly in between 15mph to 20mph 2nd to 3rd gear shifting it gaves tugg when it was in warrenty I bring to Ford delarship but they said everything is ok never recommend Ford it was my 1st experience with Ford but all crap cars and suvs
Ford exploer 2016 at low speed excelarator stick and engine reves up transmission in drive. Must put transmission in nutral to stop auto from moving fwd. Happened 3 times seperate days. Had to put transmission in nutural to get auto under control.
When it starts
Usually starts around 47,075 miles. Half of owners reported it between 9,000 and 85,000.
What to do
Drive through every gear and watch for a warning message.
Our guideCar Smells Like Burning: What Each One Costs, When to StopBody8%197 complaintsPillar and outer trim coming loose
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What owners describe
Whistle or buzz-type noise from front cowl panel grille cover. Ford dealership confirms this "body defect issue" but will not cover it under any warranty. Want $1,300 to fix. This is the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwc3-ptt3l0&t=49s
2016 Ford explorer xlt - while driving 70 mph on straight highway, the plastic outer pillar windshield trim on the passenger's side of the window shield detached without warning. The vehicle has not yet been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was ~38,000.
NYMDRead 2 more owner reports+2
The key pad on the driver door fell off while driving on a highway. Then an hour later, also while driving, the lift gate light came on. I was unable to open the lift gate by any means. Ford charged me approximately $450 for the door panel. It was $900 to repair both. It is unknown what caused both problems.
Both pieces that hold the windshield to the car on the left and right of the windshield have flown off on my car and several others I know who also own a 2016 Ford explorer.
When it starts
Usually starts around 82,750 miles. Half of owners reported it between 50,000 and 109,750.
What to do
Look over the pillar and outer trim for loose parts.
What repairs cost on the 2016 Ford Explorer
Part prices for the problems 2016 Explorer owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
For the 3.5L V6: SKP up to Melling, with Gates and Aisin between them.
Check water pumpsA remanufactured AAE rack up to a new Motorcraft one for the Sport, plus a core deposit of up to $500.
Check steering racksPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
3 owners name P2112 (throttle actuator stuck closed) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Engine complaints start earliest, typically around 16,600 miles. Body complaints start latest, around 82,800 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
2016 has the most complaints of any Explorer year. The steering is named most in 4 other Explorer years.
Show chartHide chart
2016 has the most complaints of any Explorer year. The steering is named most in 4 other Explorer years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer have kept arriving since 2015, with peaks in 2023 and 2025. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2016 Ford Explorer recalls
15 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Ford Explorer. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2016 Ford Explorer crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2016 Ford Explorer five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened two investigations that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2016 Ford Explorer’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 16% to 17%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2016 Ford Explorer
These checks follow what 2016 Explorer owners reported most: steering faults, engine warning lights and recall work on the structure. Run the VIN before you pay, because this model year has many recall campaigns.
- 1Turn the wheel lock to lock
Steering that locks or loses assist leads the complaints.
- 2Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.
- 3Look for leaks under the hood
Leaks come up in the engine complaints.
- 4Drive through every gear
Powertrain complaints describe warning lights, rough shifts and lost drive.
- 5Look over the pillar and outer trim
Body complaints describe trim coming loose.
Oil and service for the 2016 Ford Explorer
This is what Ford's manual says the 2016 Explorer needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The car tracks oil wear itself and shows an oil change message on the dashboard, but Ford says never to go past a year or 10,000 miles.
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 6.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 6.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 5.7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
Service schedule
From the Ford 2016 Explorer Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Owners name the steering most (502 complaints), then engine (380) and body structure (371).
Is 2016 a good year for the Ford Explorer?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the steering complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer: suspension (3), wheels, seats (2), fuel tank, engine and engine cooling, parking brake, structure (4), power train, equipment. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Explorer problems start?
Engine complaints start earliest, around 16,600 miles. Body complaints come later, around 82,800 miles.
Which Explorer years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2016 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2024 and 2025 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 7 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.