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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,571 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #328

Oct 112023

Explorer

  • miles

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

Last night check engine light turned on. I called the dealer to get an appointment first thing next morning to get it checked. In next 2 minutes engine coolant over temperature sign turned on. i got scared and stopped the car immediately and got it towed to the dealer right away. got a call from the dealer saying that the engine blew up and needs to be replaced. to my question how this could be the case for the engine to blow up within 2 ninutes of the furst check engine sign turning on, i was told by the dealer representative that the engine damage was done before even warning lights got on. This is unacceptable and extremely dangerous! Car failed to provide proper warnings which caused very dangerous to the safety and ireversable damage to the car. Ford denied any liability although the car mileage is still under 50,000 miles. This is clearely Ford liability and very serious question of safety. This needs to be addressed on a very urgent basis. I am not even talking about the high quote of $12000 repair quote for the engine replacement that i have to face at the dealer for the defective vehicle manufactured by Ford! This is unacceptable!

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #327

Oct 082023

Explorer

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle accelerator pedal was stiff. The contact pulled over and noticed abnormal noises coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a defect in the motor. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Wareham, MA, USA

problem #326

Sep 122023

Explorer

  • miles
My check engine light came on and began blinking. I had the car towed to a local shop to avoid any additional damage to the engine. The shop determined the car had significantly overheated due to a faulty water pump and the engine would have to be replaced. Leading up to this my check engine light never came on and the temperature gauge never spiked; there was no indication it was over heating. After being quoted $9k to replace the engine, I called the dealership looking for help. They are aware of the extensive issues I-??ve had with my vehicle but were unable to help me because I-??m over 100k miles (I opted for the extended service plan) and suggested I call the Ford Customer Service line in hopes they could assist. I was denied a claim due to my mileage and instructed to write a letter to the Ford Customer Relationship Center to escalate my case. I was told my Case would remain on file and I would be notified if a recall was issued at a later date. I asked if a recall was issued would I still have to be in possession of the vehicle to receive any monetary reimbursement, she advised that I would need to have my original receipt from the purchase of the vehicle AND the recall would have to specifically state that they would reimburse those who paid out of pocket to get their vehicles repaired. I am without a car until I figure out how to pay for the repairs or buy a new vehicle; I was not expecting my trade-in value to be $0 and Ford couldn-??t care less.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #325

Oct 302022

Explorer

  • miles

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

November 1, 2022 my car went to the dealership because the check engine light came on. We had it towed to our local repair shop and they suggested it go to the dealership as it appeared that there was a crack leaking fluid into the engine. It was at that time I was notified that I was going to need a new engine and it was suggested that I go through Ford Motor Company for assistance to cover the replacement. They agreed to covering 60% of the repair. I waited until July for an engine to be available. I picked up my car on 7/16/23 and on 8/15/23 it was towed back to the dealership and determined that the new engine had failed. Another new engine ordered and we are still waiting to get my car back. Possibly it will be back next week.

- Georgetown, MA, USA

problem #324

Sep 262023

Explorer

  • miles
2016 Ford Explorer V6 Ecoboost with only 63,000 miles, the water pump is leaking. This is a well known failure with hundreds if not thousands of complaints. The repair is extensive and costly for a $70 part that is known to fail. A water pump seal and/or rubber gasket failure will result in water leaking into the engine and the engine either going into limp mode or shutting down. The occupants of the vehicle can be put in an unsafe situation anytime there is an engine failure, for example, an engine failing in an intersection, or on a long drive in adverse weather in the middle of nowhere, or in the dark on an unlit highway. Ford is VERY AWARE of this problem and this water pump design should be on a recall list. I expect NHTSA to require Ford to fix this major problem. I haven't taken it to the shop as I know exactly what is wrong, and I want Ford to fix this problem before I am put in an unsafe situation. There were no warning signs other than the coolant under my vehicle, the vehicle heated up, and I had to add coolant. I was almost that victim with a catastrophic engine failure.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #323

Sep 232023

Explorer

  • 121,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was released; however, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine and the power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the insurance company later informed her of Ford Campaign Number: 20B27, which she related to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Campaign. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

- Sandy Springs, GA, USA

problem #322

Dec 262021

Explorer

  • 90,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately, a year and half later the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle had not been repaired a second time. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Pembroke, NC, USA

problem #321

Sep 212023

Explorer

  • miles
Hello, I have a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited with VIN 1FM5K8F8XGGC20884. I have 90k miles on it and my water pump failed like it did for many many people for this model. This is a systemic issue at this point and I don't understand how there is not a recall for this issue with Ford. The cost to repair this issue is at more than $4k. This is a basic design issue that must be addressed by Ford. Thank you, Andrzej Bazula

- Mount Prospect, IL, USA

problem #320

Aug 062023

Explorer

  • miles
water pump blew up at 120k miles, motor locked up leaving me in the middle of the road

- Three Rivers, MI, USA

problem #319

Jan 152023

Explorer

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the engine was misfiring. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #318

Aug 122023

Explorer

  • miles

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

Water pump is leaking. Since it-??s in the engine I can-??t find any mechanic to work on it. The dealership will be Atleast 3k to replace a water pump.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #317

Aug 182023

Explorer

  • miles
3.5 Duratec 3.5 Water Pump has failed by leaking fluid. Fluid may have entered oil system. If this is not a design flaw, I don-??t know what is. Just stupid!

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #316

Aug 112023

Explorer

  • miles
The water pump failed. The engine overheated and the coolant leaked, causing the engine to overheat. This resulted in the vehicle stalling out in traffic which could have led to an accident. Also, the AC was not working properly which might have caused overheating of passengers. The problem has been diagnosed by an independent service mechanic, they are replacing the water pump, which is an extensive and expensive repair. They informed me that Ford Explorers in this year are known to have this common defect. The engine overheating alert came on while driving. But at this point, this damage was already done.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #315

Jul 262023

Explorer

  • miles
On 7/26/2023 the vehicle started a little rough in the morning. At start up the engine light came on. The vehicle was driving fine except for rough morning start. I took the vehicle to a Ford Dealer but was told I'd have to schedule appointment. At the time I was told that if the engine message wasn't flashing it wasn't too serious. After I left Ford I made a quick stop at Jiffy Lube just to get confirmation. They put the computer on the vehicle and spark plug #3 was misfiring and just needed a tune up. On 8/04/2023, a tune up was performed by a local mechanic. Vehicle seemed fine for the next day or two. On Monday 8/7/2023 the engine light came back on. The vehicle was taken back to mechanic on 8/8. The mechanic could not determine cause but believed it may be a fuel pump issue since the cold start seems to prompt engine light warning. I picked up the vehicle on 8/9/23, the mechanic told me to take it to a Ford dealer. On 8/10, I called Ford Dealership, they scheduled appointment for Monday 8/14/2023. Dealershiper called me and informed me I needed a new long block, fuel pump and pressure test. I did not approve the $15,000 repair. The dealership informed me coolant was leaking into engine.

- Drexel Hill, PA, USA

problem #314

Aug 012023

Explorer

  • miles
Water pump failure

- Sioux Falls , SD, USA

problem #313

Aug 022023

Explorer

  • 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the internal water pump was leaking and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.

- Hudson, WI, USA

problem #312

May 062023

Explorer

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

- Inver Grove Heights, MN, USA

problem #311

Jul 112023

Explorer

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be operating normally; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that after a week with the check engine light remaining illuminated, the vehicle was driven to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 - Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

- North Potomac, MD, USA

problem #310

Jun 012023

Explorer

  • miles
Coolant, water pump, and timing chamber. Last year I had it replaced for $1,800 not knowing this is a common issue for the make and model. Never received any info concerning a recall about this issue or other recalled issues. In 1yr the water pump has malfunctioned again causing the engine to overheat and oil leakage.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #309

Jun 112023

Explorer

  • 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into park(P), the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). An independent mechanic flipped an unknown switch, and the contact was able to drive her vehicle to her residence; however, when the contact attempted to shift the transmission into park(P), the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). The contact's son flipped the switch, and the contact was able to shift the transmission into park(P). Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

- Oconee, IL, USA

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