How many engine complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 530 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer, which is 22% of the 2451 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall campaign 16V183000, reported March 31, 2016, covers the engine block heater; Ford dealers replace it free of charge and also perform an inspection.

At what mileage do 2016 Ford Explorer engine problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 23,500 miles.

Did the 2016 Ford Explorer engine issues cause fires or crashes?

NHTSA data tied to engine complaints for this model year lists 3 fires, 4 crashes, and 13 injuries.

2016 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 530 complaints, 22% of all 2451 complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Explorer. NHTSA lists a related recall (16V183000) for the engine block heater. Median mileage at failure was 23,500 miles.

Engine complaints: 530; 22% of 2,451
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 13
Median mileage: 23,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine compartment fires reported after smoke enters the cabin through vents while driving at highway speeds.
Sudden loss of power or 'limp mode' triggered by a faulty throttle body, sometimes with the gas pedal stop responding.
Loud popping noise followed by the vehicle jerking or stalling, in some cases linked to water pump failure near 80,000 miles.
Cooling fan bearing failures cause a high-pitched squeal at idle or low speeds, sometimes recurring after repair.
Unintended acceleration reported while parking, resulting in a crash into a fixed object.

When 2016 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 18, 2015, latest Sep 8, 2026.

530 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q3 (57).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 16V183000Mar 31, 2016Engine1,543 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201031 (27%)
2011113 (9%)
2012103 (12%)
2013316 (14%)
2014272 (16%)
2015299 (17%)
2016530 (22%)
2017317 (19%)
2018129 (18%)
201926 (9%)
2020162 (13%)
202169 (16%)
202238 (14%)
202313 (12%)
20241 (5%)
202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 530 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer, which is 22% of the 2451 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall campaign 16V183000, reported March 31, 2016, covers the engine block heater; Ford dealers replace it free of charge and also perform an inspection.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Explorer engine problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 23,500 miles.
Did the 2016 Ford Explorer engine issues cause fires or crashes?: NHTSA data tied to engine complaints for this model year lists 3 fires, 4 crashes, and 13 injuries.