2016 FORD EXPLORER Engine Problems

375 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Engine Complaints — Page 2

#11548330 |
November 1, 2022 my car went to the dealership because the check engine light came on. We had it towed to our local repair shop and they suggested it go to the dealership as it appeared that there was a crack leaking fluid into the engine. It was at that time I was notified that I was going to need a new engine and it was suggested that I go through Ford Motor Company for assistance to cover the replacement. They agreed to covering 60% of the repair. I waited until July for an engine to be available. I picked up my car on 7/16/23 and on 8/15/23 it was towed back to the dealership and determined that the new engine had failed. Another new engine ordered and we are still waiting to get my car back. Possibly it will be back next week.
#11548056 |
2016 Ford Explorer V6 Ecoboost with only 63,000 miles, the water pump is leaking. This is a well known failure with hundreds if not thousands of complaints. The repair is extensive and costly for a $70 part that is known to fail. A water pump seal and/or rubber gasket failure will result in water leaking into the engine and the engine either going into limp mode or shutting down. The occupants of the vehicle can be put in an unsafe situation anytime there is an engine failure, for example, an engine failing in an intersection, or on a long drive in adverse weather in the middle of nowhere, or in the dark on an unlit highway. Ford is VERY AWARE of this problem and this water pump design should be on a recall list. I expect NHTSA to require Ford to fix this major problem. I haven't taken it to...
#11547318 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was released; however, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine and the power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the insurance company later informed her of Ford Campaign Number: 20B27, which she related to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Campaign. The manufacturer...
#11546656 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately, a year and half later the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle had not been repaired a second time. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
#11545882 |
Hello, I have a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited with VIN [XXX] . I have 90k miles on it and my water pump failed like it did for many many people for this model. This is a systemic issue at this point and I don't understand how there is not a recall for this issue with Ford. The cost to repair this issue is at more than $4k. This is a basic design issue that must be addressed by Ford. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11543526 |
water pump blew up at 120k miles, motor locked up leaving me in the middle of the road
#11542698 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the engine was misfiring. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
#11542288 |
Water pump is leaking. Since it’s in the engine I can’t find any mechanic to work on it. The dealership will be Atleast 3k to replace a water pump.
#11541109 |
3.5 Duratec 3.5 Water Pump has failed by leaking fluid. Fluid may have entered oil system. If this is not a design flaw, I don’t know what is. Just stupid!
#11539772 |
The water pump failed. The engine overheated and the coolant leaked, causing the engine to overheat. This resulted in the vehicle stalling out in traffic which could have led to an accident. Also, the AC was not working properly which might have caused overheating of passengers. The problem has been diagnosed by an independent service mechanic, they are replacing the water pump, which is an extensive and expensive repair. They informed me that Ford Explorers in this year are known to have this common defect. The engine overheating alert came on while driving. But at this point, this damage was already done.
#11538829 |
On 7/26/2023 the vehicle started a little rough in the morning. At start up the engine light came on. The vehicle was driving fine except for rough morning start. I took the vehicle to a Ford Dealer but was told I'd have to schedule appointment. At the time I was told that if the engine message wasn't flashing it wasn't too serious. After I left Ford I made a quick stop at Jiffy Lube just to get confirmation. They put the computer on the vehicle and spark plug #3 was misfiring and just needed a tune up. On 8/04/2023, a tune up was performed by a local mechanic. Vehicle seemed fine for the next day or two. On Monday 8/7/2023 the engine light came back on. The vehicle was taken back to mechanic on 8/8. The mechanic could not determine cause but believed it may be a fuel pump issue...
#11537417 |
Water pump failure
#11536097 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the internal water pump was leaking and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.
#11535753 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
#11533678 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be operating normally; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that after a week with the check engine light remaining illuminated, the vehicle was driven to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 - Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
#11531010 |
Coolant, water pump, and timing chamber. Last year I had it replaced for $1,800 not knowing this is a common issue for the make and model. Never received any info concerning a recall about this issue or other recalled issues. In 1yr the water pump has malfunctioned again causing the engine to overheat and oil leakage.
#11526511 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into park(P), the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). An independent mechanic flipped an unknown switch, and the contact was able to drive her vehicle to her residence; however, when the contact attempted to shift the transmission into park(P), the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). The contact's son flipped the switch, and the contact was able to shift the transmission into park(P). Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
#11522752 |
The waterpump of the vehicle causes excessive leaking which causes the vehicle to overheat.
#11521119 |
I was driving my vehicle only a month after getting oil change and service. I was confident my vehicle was in good condition as it had passed the inspection. I suddenly noticed the temperature needle was rising. I immediately pulled over and asked for help and was told i needed water. My water pump was not working.
#11520850 |
Coolant leaking, could be water pump issues? Also foul order inside vehicle. I just bought this so I don't know when these problems started. I have not taken it to a shop yet
#11518316 |
Everytime my ac/heat is on it affects my engine as I’m driving. My speedometer fast jumps. As soon as I turn it off it seems to run better. I made a complaint a week ago about something going on with my fuel and fan running high speed. I have a foul smell in my car. I thought for awhile it was something outside but now I believe it’s coming from my car. It smells like fuel/rubber/sewer if that makes sense.
#11517050 |
Took 2016 Ford Explorer in for an oil change. Was informed that there is an Engine Water Pump leak and needs replacement. There were no warning lights or notifications. Concerns are a malfunction of only vehicle available to me and my family.
#11516956 |
My fuel evap pump check engine light keeps coming on. I’ve owned this vehicle since July 2022 and I have paid for the evap pump 3x’s. My fan constantly runs in the engine. My engine has a stutter when I press the gas. Ford absolutely dropped the ball with this vehicle. I have already paid thousands of dollars (water pump, evap pumps and more) please help on getting this car serviced. I still owe like 20k on this car. I cannot afford to keep getting it fixed. I have 121k miles on it.
#11514308 |
Defective water pump. Water pump is leaking coolant , this could lead to engine damage. Repair is extremely costly.
#11513593 |
This model has a defective water pump. When it goes the engine stops even if in the middle of a busy intersection.
#11512992 |
Informed that the water pump on my 2016 Explorer is going out. This seems to be an ongoing problem that Ford is not addressing.
#11512178 |
My Ford Explorer was idling roughly and unsafely hesitating in traffic. The check engine light came on. I had to drive it to the Ford Dealership to be evaluated. On the way to Bill Collins Ford in Louisville KY, my vehicle hesitated in traffic several times, and I feared that I would be hit by other vehicles. I was informed that it had a catastrophic engine failure. The head gasket was blown. The service manager informed me that replacing the head gasket would not resolve the issue due to the DESIGN FLAW with the engine. This design flaw that is inherent to this engine family has caused vehicles to unsafely hesitate in traffic and catch fire. There are currently no engines available due to the number of engines that are failing. My vehicle cannot be repaired at this time.
#11510925 |
The water pump is located inside the motor to repair is over $3,000 just to simply change a water pump a leaking water pump will lead to a motor lock up from what could of been a $100 do it your self job turns into a $3000 job for a dealership or locked up motor and motor replacement or a crash
#11510978 |
This is a known issue with the 2018 Explorer. A warning came on the dash with a wrench that says, see manual along with the airbag light. The vehicle lost all power, went into a safe mode and would only idle rough. The shop diagnosed this as a known issue with the throttle body malfunctioning. I called Ford and although there was a min extension done to the warranties for this car, it expired. This needs to be recalled. Had this of happened at interstate speed, myself and my entire family could have been severely injured or killed.
#11509110 |
My touch screen isn’t working properly and I have brand new converters in there is smoke coming out of my tail pipes, also I have to jump my vehicle every time I want to go somewhere.
#11508720 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, he was made aware that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the water pump, head gasket, and timing belt needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was advised to have the repairs completed at a local dealer. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
#11508545 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then lost motive power while coming to a stop at a stop signal. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
#11508573 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved a fault code for a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The mechanic stated that either the engine or gasket needed to be replaced, and the contact was advised to have further diagnosis and repairs completed at a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11507987 |
The heater stopped working but it seemed a benign problem-- until we had someone look at it. It was apparently leaking coolant due to a faulty design and water pump failure, and the mechanic told us the engine could have just seized up on the freeway putting us in danger. Ultimately cost over 3000$ and nearly 2 weeks to repair
#11507751 |
Water pump, leaking coolant, ticking engine
#11507234 |
2016 Ford Explorer. Wife was sitting in running vehicle, in line waiting to pick up our kids from school. Warning lights came on and engine sputtered out. Was checked by personal mechanic said coolant was empty but no leaks on ground at school. Said signs of past leakage. I filled with antifreeze and it ran fine with no visible leaks. @ months later i noticed reservoir low. Brought to ford for the luggage rack recall and had them check coolant issue and do oil change. Water Pump. We had only owned the car for six months. How many thousands of people need to have issues with the water pump failing before we get any help. For god sakes its becoming a meme. Ok another couple thousand after i just had the water pump on my lacrosse replaced. Kids can go without food again. At least we weren't traveling down the...
#11506338 |
2nd failed/leaking water pump since purchasing the vehicle. The water pump was replaced on 9/30/20 at 121,948 and now at less than 100,000 additional miles on 2/9/23 (210,826) the water pump is leaking again. $3000+ is an expensive repair for a $154 part.
#11506424 |
The water pump failed and dumped coolant into the oil and seized the engin
#11503562 |
Purchased vehicle used in November 2022 that had been inspected by the dealer i bought it from. On January 20, 2022 I had routine and recommended service completed, along with multi-point inspection at local Ford dealer. All components tested ok and was told vehicle is in good condition. One of the recommended services I had performed was a coolant flush due to mileage of 105,500. I drove home approx. 18 miles from where I had it serviced. I did not notice a leak when i picked it up because the vehicle was brought out too me from the service bay and i got in the driver's seat and drove off. I didn't notice anything wrong until the next day (Saturday) when i noticed an oily spot on my driveway. I thought during the oil and filter change the day before that oil had spilled on the frame and had dripped...
#11499220 | Crash
Water pump failed at 80,000 miles and cause the car to stall mid intersection putting out life at risk. This is a known issue that should be recalled . Not to mention the repair is $4,000-$6,000 mostly labor to fix. Whole motor has to be taken out to replace the water pump.
#11497213 |
Out of nowhere, my engine starting running hot and did not give me any warning. I had to take it to a local repair shop, where they stated that the air compressor quit working and blew the head gasket, resulting in a purchase of a new air compressor and a used engine. I have two daughters and our safety was put at risk because I had no indication that anything was low, I check the gauges all the time and nothing ever showed low. My car got really hot and when it was basically too late, a light came on to tell me that my car was hot. There were not messages or anything that came up prior to that. The problem has already been corrected, out of my own pocket. I can send in any paperwork needed to confirm there was a problem. The vehicle was not inspected by...
#11494837 |
Water pump failed.
#11494869 |
The water pump has failed causing me to breakdown going down the road. The car has less than 100k miles and did not alert me to any kind of mechanical issue before hand.
#11493086 |
Unknown system or components, smells like propane or exhaust odors inside the cab. Mostly when driving slow or at a full stop. It is a police interceptor suv with 65k miles. No warning lights or other symptoms appeared prior to odor. Odor gives me a headache/nausea.
#11490874 |
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle intermittently started shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer at lower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed; however, several weeks later, the contact noticed an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, she noticed that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who contacted the manufacturer...
#11490199 |
It has a known problem of that the water pump leaks into engine and causes engine failure. It's all over the google. Today, car dealer called me and told me, I would be better replace the water pump before it fails. It is not failed yet, but they said they saw the symptom, which will cause fatality if I don't change it. And it will cost me not to die from that design failure. Is this not a matter for a car manufacturer to cover by recalling it? When I searched on google, there is a law suit going on, and many many forum of people who's having the exact same issue with multiple ford and lincoln model. Please help people on this matter...
#11489523 |
The contact's father-in-law owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that an unknown fluid was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was discovered that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact paid for the repair; however, soon after the repair, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
#11489398 |
The water pump failed and is available for inspection. i was driving and my engine began smoking to the point of visibility loss and suffocating air fumes. I was forced onto an edge of the highway with a drastic drop into the road and had to evacuate my 5 and 2 year old daughters from their car seats. Had i not noticed the smoke im sure a fire would have put me and my kids at fatal risks. i had it taken to the dealer to check into the highspeed cooling fan. the service technician told me that he knew without checking that it was the water pump because ford knows that they have been faulty with issues up to catastrophic engine failure since their 2011 series ford explorer up to the current 2019 with the duratech 3.5 engine. it was inspected by the ford dealership. and i saw no...
#11487554 |
Water pump failure, leaking antifreeze all over my brand new concrete
#11485322 |
During inspection the dealership noted that the water pump was leaking coolant into the engine and must be replaced before catastrophic failure profit failure. The cost of the replacement is an excess of $3000

Other 2016 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas

Steering 498 complaints Unknown Or Other 409 complaints Structure 340 complaints Power Train 195 complaints Structurebody 186 complaints Electrical System 114 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 103 complaints Air Bags 97 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 73 complaints Suspension 68 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 59 complaints Wheels 49 complaints Seat Belts 39 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 35 complaints Seats 31 complaints Visibilitywiper 29 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 18 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 18 complaints Service Brakes 17 complaints Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners 15 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systempump 10 complaints Tires 10 complaints Steeringelectric Power Assist System 8 complaints Visibilitywindshield 8 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter 7 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 6 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 6 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 5 complaints Lane Departure Assist 5 complaints Structurebodydoor 5 complaints Structurebodyroof And Pillars 5 complaints Back Over Prevention 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control 3 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 3 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate 3 complaints Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 3 complaints Visibility 3 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 2 complaints Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 2 complaints Exterior Lighting 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm 2 complaints Steeringrack And Pinionrack 2 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut 2 complaints Tirestreadbelt 2 complaints Traction Control System 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasparking Assistsensors 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiring 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 1 complaint Equipment Adaptivemobility 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalengine Block Heater 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Dynamic Brake Supportbrake Assist 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemthrottlebodymanifold 1 complaint Fuel System Other 1 complaint Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesfuelingcharging Doorhatchportlatchlock Release System 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 1 complaint Power Trainaxle Assembly 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 1 complaint Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 1 complaint Seatscritical Fasteners 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 1 complaint Steeringsteering Wheel Handle Baryawangle Sensor 1 complaint Structurebodydoorhandleexterior 1 complaint Structureinterior Panelsdoor 1 complaint Suspensionfronthub 1 complaint Suspensionfrontshock Absorber 1 complaint Suspensionrear 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 1 complaint
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