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8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
42,750 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace failed actuator on grill louvers (3 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. water pump replacement (1 reports)
2016 Ford Explorer cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2016 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #5

Jul 312021

Explorer Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,441 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on highway and noticed that my temperature gauge jumped above the halfway point. Turned off AC and the temp gauge dropped a little. Turned on AC and it started to overheat above midpoint again. Plugged in OBD2 and received DTC P05A1. This is apparently caused by the actuator on the active grille shutter not opening the grille vent. I visually inspected and the grille shutter is in the closed position and does not appear to change.

The fix is replacing the entire grill vent assembly. Some suggest checking the fuse but the AC is working and connects through the same fuse. Hoping the issue can be resolved with a new actuator and not the whole assembly.

Anyone repaired the actuator without replacing the whole fan assembly?

- Bryan S. S., Osprey, FL, US

problem #4

Jul 012020

Explorer XLT 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

The active shutter may have been broken since new.

The AC stopped blowing cold air. Checked, refrigerant was low. Added to correct, but found leak on high pressure side due to excessive pressure created by ACTIVE SHUTTER mechanism breaking.

Wedged louvers to stay open 100%.

Car runs cooler engine temps and AC works better than it ever has. If I had known to look at louver , I would have had fixed prior to warranty expiring..

- William B., Saint Joe, US

problem #3

Jan 162017

Explorer Platinum 3.5L-Liter V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150 miles

I purchased a 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum in January 2017. Had about 30 miles on it at the time. Within days of purchase car heat wouldn't work and was freezing winter in Mass. I called dealer and they didn't seem alarmed said I could bring in for service. The car was at a local dealership for 2.5 days in Plymouth Ma. They said the coolant seemed fine and couldn't find an issue. They filled the coolant and gave me back the car. Then next morning again, then car heat wasn't working and then started to overheat that afternoon after a quick errand. I drove home. Then called the dealer I bought the car from in Quincy MA, they said my engine is going into failure and not to use the car at all. They instructed me to tow it up to them and they would fix immediately. The coolant was leaking still and was a known issue. They replaced and fixed part the same day and I drove home.

- Teresa B., Plymouth, US

problem #2

Mar 242017

Explorer Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

2016 Ford Explorer began overheating about a month ago. Popped hood and noticed that my engine coolant was empty. Refilled. About 30 days later my Explorer started doing the same thing and so I took it to the Ford dealership and explained that I have just refilled the engine coolant about 30 days ago. Dealership noticed that I needed more engine coolant and so the topped off as they didn't have a loaner car and I need to get home. Currently my Explorer is being serviced for engine cooling problems and it was determined that they had to replace the water pump. Hope I don't have any more problems after this.

Update from Feb 13, 2018: Water pump replaced

- Alana S., Lathrop, CA, US

problem #1

Jul 222016

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,000 miles

traveling on interstate and engine overheating warning lights appeared on display, temp gauge cycling up and down continuously, took to Ford dealer and was diagnosed with failed actuator on grill louvers.

Possible other engine damage from overheating, oil leaking underneath, currently back at dealer to diagnose/repair Aug 12, 2016

- Steve C., Graham, NC, US

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