2016 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 112 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer, 5% of its 2,451 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 10,675 miles. A related recall (15V605000) covers loose fuel tank attachment bolts, though most owner reports describe sudden throttle/power loss rather than fuel leaks.
- Fuel System complaints
- 112
- 5% of 2,451
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 10,675 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Sudden loss of throttle response and power at highway speeds, with RPM and speed dropping sharply while the vehicle remains running.
- Vehicle enters 'limp mode' after a dashboard wrench-light warning, cutting acceleration and forcing a slow pull to the roadside.
- Fuel or exhaust odor entering the cabin during acceleration, sometimes paired with a check engine light.
- Lurching or stalling at stops and during low-speed driving, in some cases diagnosed as a defective throttle body.
- One report describes a crash followed by a fire near the fuel system, with visible smoke and flame from the engine bay.
When 2016 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 10, 2016, latest Jul 27, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 15V605000Sep 28, 2015Fuel System203 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Fuel System complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 112 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 Explorer, representing 5% of the 2,451 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 15V605000 covers fuel tank attachment bolts that may not have been properly tightened during production on vehicles built July 24, 2015.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2016 Explorer is 10,675 miles.
- Are the fuel system complaints linked to crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash, 1 fire, and 7 injuries among the reported fuel system complaints for this model year.
- How does 2016 compare to other Explorer years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2016 Explorer's 112 complaints and 5% share are close to 2013 (153 complaints, 7%) and 2015 (94 complaints, 5%), both higher than most other model years listed.