2016 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 214 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer, 9% of all complaints that year, linked to 6 crashes and 4 fires. A related recall (20V692000) covers a front drive axle halfshaft bracket issue on 2014-2016 Explorer models. Median mileage at failure is 47,075.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 214
- 9% of 2,451
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 47,075 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the power transfer unit (PTU) leaking fluid onto the exhaust, sometimes igniting a fire underneath the vehicle.
- Some describe a loud pop or explosion sound from the transmission area followed by smoke, with mechanics finding the PTU, transfer case, or differential had failed.
- Owners report sudden loss of acceleration or power while driving, including at highway merging speeds, sometimes with the check engine light and a wrench-shaped warning light coming on.
- Some describe the vehicle rolling out of park unexpectedly after being parked, leading to a collision.
- Owners report hard shifting, slipping, loss of reverse gear, and jerking into gear during normal driving.
When 2016 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed
First complaint May 10, 2016, latest Jul 27, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 20V692000Nov 10, 2020Transmission & Powertrain15,587 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Risk: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 214 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2016 Explorer, which is 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 20V692000 covers 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus, and 2014 Edge vehicles with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive, addressing the support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft. Ford replaces the link shaft bracket free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2016 Explorer transmission problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 47,075 miles for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2016 Explorer.
- Have there been fires linked to 2016 Explorer transmission issues?
- NHTSA records 4 fires and 6 crashes associated with transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2016 Explorer, several tied to power transfer unit fluid leaking onto the exhaust.