The Lemon Index2016 Ford Explorer.
The 2016 Ford Explorer is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 888 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 407, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 15 recalls, and it gets 18 to 22 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Lemon alert. 4.1× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2008
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, 25.8M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Cooling system1.2M views
How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & moreC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE · 1.2M views - Windows, doors & mirrors669K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Water In The Floors and Here is Why - Sunroof Drain CleaningFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 148K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors668K views
2019 ford explorer tire pressure sensor reset procedureGearhead slick · 277K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension485K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 2011-2019 Ford ExplorerTRQ · 168K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical416K views
Ford Explorer - A/C COMPRESSOR FUSE & RELAY LOCATION (2011 - 2015)QuiteAlright · 131K views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door390K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Cabin Air filter - How To Change Remove Replace - A/C AC Filter LocationPYR Automotive · 390K views - Death wobble & steering371K views
2013-2015 Ford Explorer. Hard electronic power steering/Electronic failure module/motorKilmar Grease Monkey · 259K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring361K views
2011-2015 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Replacement & How to Replace Head Light Bulbs XLT XLS LimitedWorkingWithWimberley · 240K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 5th Generation 2011-20191A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.3M views
Common problems with the Ford Explorer from 2011 to 2015.El papá de los autos · 304K views
Top 5 Problems with the FORD EXPLORER | 5th Generation 2011 - 2019Alex The Car Doctor · 288K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 2,462 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 83K miles on the car (1,502 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 50K–110K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 42K–80K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 7K–52K miles
Recalls 15
- body structure 2026
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- equipment 2025
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- body structure 2025
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Show all 15 recalls
- body structure 2024
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- suspension 2021
Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- body structure 2021
The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
- suspension 2021
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- suspension 2019
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- seats 2017
Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
- wheels 2017
These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- seats 2016
The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems.".
- engine 2016
The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened.
- parking brake 2015
The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 199 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some vehicles transmission will experience, after a cold soak or an extended period with…
- Some 2015-2016 f-150, c-max, edge, mks, taurus, and flex and 2016 expedition, explorer,…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedWindshield trim molding item detachment2023–2024
- ClosedExhaust odor in passenger cab2017–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Randomly, car began making a grinding noise when turning one day. Took care into shop and discovered that steering rack needs to be replaced. Car only has 70k miles and will cost $2,300 to repair.
2016 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 11182551
More owner reports
Driving and lost full power steering control of vehicle. Ford had to replace power steering with only 47,900 miles on vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11246226
Rotten egg sulfer smell during acceleration up hills or fast acceleration, had Ford recall upgrades and smell still there
NHTSA complaint 11162772
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 4.1× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 407; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), steering (20%) and fuel or ev drive system (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
15 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Explorer get?
18 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,500 and 83,000 miles. The middle report was at 48,800 miles, from 1,502 complaints.
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works