2016 Ford Explorer Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
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 Ford and even they said "yes that part will go out without any warning at all and will shut the engine down completely". When this sensor went out, it also caused pressure to build up in the engine which in turn has led to several other components that now need to be replaced. I have a had a mechanic look at it, and it now requires a turbo intake hose and a new turbo because the pressure that was built up in the engine due to the crankcase sensor going out burst the turbo intake hose and prevented the turbo from working correctly. It's approximately $4,000 in repairs due to a $150 part going out.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough while shifted into drive or reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally while moving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2271; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
2nd time in two years I have to fix the water pump
Torque converter issue causes shuddered, can cause driver to unexpectedly adjust speed rapidly.
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 replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Engine stalls out when accelerating, coolant is leaking into the motor. Got it checked out my mechanic, needs new engine due to improper manufacturing issue
Took the family SUV in for a standard oil change and 100k service to Ford dealership. Upon performing a coolant flush, the water pump began leaking. It was found that the internal water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced along with the primary timing chain and tensioner items. There were no warning lamps or indicators to let us know this was an issue. The dealer service center replaced the internal water pump, refilled system and test drove. It was re inspected and leak has been corrected. However, this cost us $4, 366.80 for an issue Ford knows is a reoccurring issue in this model of SUV and a huge hazard for families.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. After the failure, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined there was water in the engine oil. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 55-60 MPH, the engine started to overheat, and there was fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was oil in the coolant overflow tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
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 mileage was 116,000.
Coolant intrusion in the cylinder walls
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the exhaust odor entered the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal and was constant. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 17-0044; and the recommended that the repair be performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
At around 50,000 miles the Turbo on the engine was leaking oil. Dealer replaced the turbo and kept the part. It needed to be replaced to avoid a catastrophic failure of the turbo which in turn could cause severe engine oil loss resulting in engine failure and oil contamination of the catalytic converters O2 sensors and possibly a car fire. There was no warning but was caught during a routine oil change. Unknown if the dealer reported it.
Water pump failure, like many others. Caused engine to overheat, lose AC. Issue caught before complete engine failure. INTERNAL WATER PUMP CAN GO OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY CAUSING THE POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL ALL AT ONCE AND LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH IN TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT WHILE THE DRIVER STRUGGLES TO MAINTAIN CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE TO THE ROADSIDE OR EMERGENCY LANE . WHILE FORD HAS KNOWN OF THIS FLAW IN THE ENGINE DESIGN FOR YEARS AND DID NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
water pump failure at 60K miles on a 2016 ford explorer, this model has the most reported water pump failures on record. this is a 15 hour repair job at the dealer, and the same complaint litters the internet. The failure on my vehicle was confirmed by dealer, $4k to fix. Not to mention the mess in my driveway where the coolant expelled without notice. If I drive it, the engine will be damaged, and there goes my car. In 2020 NY and MI class action lawsuits over this issue were settled & closed WITH payment to plaintiffs, yet no recall. WHY? too expensive for Ford? We see safety recall on clips yet nothing on an admitted engine problem than causes stalling or engine damage while running? There's a class action in Canada. Ford is dodging a known defect. Please do something about this.
A engine getting hot light came on in our Explorer and we checked the coolant levels and most of the coolant had leaked out. We filled the coolant but the check engine light was still on.A mechanic did a thorough assessment and found 3 codes were being thrown. He discovered that the coolant was leaking into the combustion chamber. After much research online, we found that there was a class action lawsuit on other ecoboost Ford engines that had the same issue. Out particular Model was not included, but it was the same safety issue. The engine could become overheated and start on fire or the engine could fail and seize up while driving. We personally experienced a few times where the engine would hesitate and almost not go forward but we thought it was a spark plug issue. It was a little scary while driving in traffic and could have caused a rear end situation. We called Ford and they offered no solution. Case #CXH-02862684-P9D9B2
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started indicating that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump, resulting in engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
The water pump failed causing coolant to leak into the oil pan causing my vehicle to die suddenly and without any warning lights or messages on a high speed, heavy traffic metropolitan interstate/highway (35W in Minneapolis). I was commuting home from work. It was completely dark. I was in the far left lane and had to quickly maneuver across 4 lanes to the right shoulder narrowly missing being slammed into by other cars before the vehicle completely died. I waited for a towing service in the dark while other vehicles including semis sped extremely close to my vehicle with only my hazards to warn them I was there. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and they confirmed the water pump failed and coolant leaked into the oil, ruining the engine. I've been researching online and am reading that this is a very common and known issue with lawsuits. My vehicle only had 132k miles. This issue put me in a dangerous, potentially life-threatening situation that could have caused harm to me and the many other drivers and their passengers on the highway - and it needs to be addressed and dealt with - for me and apparently the many others that have been affected by this manufacturers defect.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle to allow the engine temperature to return to normal. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and was informed that the failure was related to Manufacturer Recall Campaign Number: 21N01 for the High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
in 2021 my check engine light came on. My Vehicle was just 5 years old, but 14K miles out of the manufacture warranty. My Engine failed and I had pay out of pocket to get another one. It's all documented by my mechanic and in Ford's system. I know there is an investigation of a possible recall for the engine failures and FORD is saying one is not needed because all the engines were fixed under warranty. Well, mine was not. My vehicle hardly drove and had no power. I had to come out of the pocket $6,000 dollars and at the time Ford would not cover it or help in any way financially. I believe the #4 in the engine failed. Coming up with the money was very difficult and I am still paying the engine cost off on top of my car note.
The water pump failed causing all loss of antifreeze. After doing extensive research, this is a known issue and ford refuses to fix the issue. To fix the issue a large part of the engine has to be torn down to access the water pump.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact installed a carbon monoxide detector in the rear of the vehicle and was alerted by the carbon monoxide detector of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Check engine light came on. Took it to the shop and found out that the Cadillac converter needs to be replaced which will be more than 2000.00. I found that there was a recall in 2021 for the same problem.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact became aware of wet spots on the driveway and later discovered that fluids had started to leak from the water pump. One day while the contact's wife was driving the vehicle, the engine overheated with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was HOT. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall for the water pump failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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Quick Summary
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 292 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.