2016 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
337 owner complaints · median failure at 37,404 miles · typical repair $3,100
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 337 owner complaints about engine problems filed with NHTSA, typically reported around 37,404 miles with a typical repair estimate of $3,100. Related reports include 2 alleged fires, 11 alleged injuries.
Failure profile
| Complaints filed (NHTSA) | 337 |
|---|---|
| Failure mileage — 25th percentile | 10,000 mi |
| Failure mileage — median | 37,404 mi |
| Failure mileage — 75th percentile | 82,700 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $3,100 |
| Severity rating | Moderate |
| Related serious reports | 2 alleged fires, 0 alleged crashes, 11 alleged injuries |
What this means for owners
- Check open recalls first. A manufacturer recall covering this component means the repair is free at a dealer — the 2016 Ford Explorer recall list is on the model year page.
- Reported, not proven. These are unverified owner complaints. Volume shows a pattern worth checking with a dealer or mechanic, not a confirmed defect in every vehicle.
- Mileage is a guide, not a schedule. Half of the reported failures happened before the median mileage and half after — maintenance history and driving conditions move that point a lot.
- Compare within the model line. If this component also fails early on adjacent model years, the pattern is stronger than a single-year spike.
People also ask
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have engine problems?
Owners have filed 337 engine-related complaints for this model year, most commonly around 37,404 miles. Complaints are unverified owner reports — check open recalls and service bulletins before assuming a defect.
When does the 2016 Ford Explorer fail in this area?
The median failure mileage for engine issues on this model year is 37,404 miles (25th percentile 10,000, 75th percentile 82,700).
How much does the repair cost?
The typical repair estimate for this failure pattern is $3,100. Actual costs vary by shop, region and whether the part is repaired or replaced.
Other components on the 2016 Ford Explorer
body & exterior (559) · steering (530) · powertrain / transmission (199) · electrical (95) · airbags & restraints (80)
Related OBD-II diagnostic codes for engine issues: P0300 · P0171 · P0128
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint data. Owner complaints are unverified. See Data Sources & Methodology. VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.