2016 Ford Explorer engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V183000Mar 31, 20161,543 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

  Risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026INElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately…

   NHTSA complaint #11769014 · source
2. Filed Sep 8, 2026MIEngine

   I am writing to report a severe, inherently dangerous engineering defect regarding the internal water pump design on the 2016 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine.On September 8, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic primary seal failure of the internal water pump while operating. The vehicle immediately began dumping large quantities of engine coolant onto the ground from the designated engine block weep hole located on the lower…

   NHTSA complaint #11762805 · source
3. Filed May 17, 2026FLEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-3.5L VIN: [XXX] rchase: January 20, 2026 Odometer at Purchase: 70,929 miles (fraudulent — true mileage approximately 123,779 miles) Dealer: Drive Time Car Sales Company LLC, DBA Drive Time, 8805 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, FL 33619-3525 Narrative — Copy and Paste Into NHTSA Online Form: On January 20, 2026, I purchased a 2016 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-3.5L (VIN: [XXX] ) fr [XXX] Sales Company LLC, located at 8805 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, Florida 33619-3525. At…

   NHTSA complaint #11738362 · source
4. Filed Apr 29, 2026CAEngineOther / Unknown

   When acceleration hot air blows through dashboard fogging front driver windows. Weather strips in doors are coming apart.

   NHTSA complaint #11734466 · source
5. Filed Apr 27, 2026NCEngine

   Coolant leak in the cylinder head grooves that builds up on the seal and leaking into cylinders. Causing coolant loss, white smoke and engine overheating. This issue has left me stranded on the interstate and in danger with potential engine fires. These incidents have exposed myself and the general public to unnecesary safety hazards.

   NHTSA complaint #11734112 · source
6. Filed Jan 10, 2026MOEngine

   While driving the crankcase sensor malfunctioned and caused my vehicle to stall without warning, this is a safety issue because of you are driving at highway speeds this will prevent the vehicle from being controlled properly to get to the side of the road. This sensor does not give any engine codes suggesting that it needs replaced until it goes out completely. The check engine light did not come on until after the component failed. I ordered a new part directly through…

   NHTSA complaint #11710090 · source
7. Filed Oct 14, 2025CABody & StructureEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that rainwater was leaking inside the vehicle and standing water had accumulated on the carpet. The water was leaking from the front door, the roof near the…

   NHTSA complaint #11693457 · source
8. Filed Oct 6, 2025ILBody & StructureEngineWheels & Tires

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in traffic, a trim piece detached from the vehicle. The TPMS and check engine warning light were illuminated. The dealer sent a tech to the contact’s place of employment, but the tech was unable to complete the recall repair due to the bolt not being available. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11691665 · source
9. Filed Jul 21, 2025CAEngineOther / Unknown

   Good Morning, I’m reaching out in regards to my 2016 Ford Explorer. I’ve been trying to get the necessary recall repairs completed, but unfortunately, I’ve been unable to locate the required pillars for the repairs. I recently brought my vehicle back to the dealership, but was told that no work can be done until both parts are available. I was also advised to try sourcing one of the parts from another Ford dealership on my own, which I’ve had no luck with. To be honest, I’m…

   NHTSA complaint #11674977 · source
10. Filed Jul 2, 2025116,000 miCAEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge had increased to high with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11670869 · source
11. Filed Jun 24, 2025177,000 miNCEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after coming from a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the water pump had previously been replaced twice, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in engine and the water pump needed to be…

    NHTSA complaint #11668820 · source
12. Filed Jun 12, 2025VABrakesEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon engaging the parking brake, the parking brake failed to remain engaged. Additionally, the contact stated that upon activating the A/C, the A/C was blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken to a Mazda dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a blockage in the engine block heater. The dealer informed the contact that no authorization was provided to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11666501 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology