Of the 335 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Explorer,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
1 (100%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Ford Explorer we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 335.
Owners have filed 335 engine complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 335 complaints per campaign.
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
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 are reporting
3 most recent
engine · 24,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2016
Purchased a used 2016 Ford explorer w/24k on 8/23/16. Cab fills with carbon monoxide. Called dealership, we were 260 miles away, they said it was an easy fix, was told to turn off recycle for our trip back. Took vehicle back to dealership. They were aware of the problem and used tsb fix for this problem. I talked to the finance manager and he said he was in the process of backing out a deal…
engine
· filed 12/27/2024
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…
engine
· filed 12/27/2023
Coolant (water) pump leak, leading to replacement or eventual failure. As the pump is located internally of the engine, the effort to repair is quite extensive. This is a known issue for this engine, with previous versions under a recall. The pump location was relocated externally of the engine in future designs, further evidence of the knowledge of the issue.
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 335 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 230 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 10,000 and 82,700 miles, with the median around 37,404. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 82,700. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.