2016 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 2016

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2016 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (22%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (16%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (16%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 37 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer.

2016 Ford Explorer repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (21%)

< $100 (67%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 24 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2016 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2017
Oct 2016

10700 mi
Replaced throttle body 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in California, United States
Oct 2015 - Jun 2022
Sep 2017

32000 mi
Noise in front suspension due to loose subframe bolt 
Jan 2019

60000 mi

US $2000
PTU replaced 
Mar 2020

60000 mi

US $200
Second PTU repair, previously replaced unit lasted exactly 13 months. Dealer initially wanted me to pay OOP ($2k), eventually Ford stepped in to cover this. 
Ford Explorer in British Columbia, Canada
May 2016 - May 2017
Sep 2016

12710 mi
parking brake lever failed, covered by warranty 
May 2017 fuel economy in the city was 2x worse than advertised, almost 26L/100KM 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Apr 2016 - Feb 2019
Sep 2017

23000 mi
Steering wheel was peeling 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Mar 2016 - Mar 2017
Nov 2016

20000 mi
Dealer replaced cowling to alleviate noise in windshield area. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Jan 2018 - Sep 2021
Mar 2018

39000 mi

US $1000
Replace front and rear brakes were pulsing. 
Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Jun 2016 - Oct 2020
Mar 2017

9000 mi
One of the key fobs stopped working. Had to be reprogrammed. 
Aug 2020

69000 mi

US $1100
Back breaks were completely worn out including rotors and the fronts are only 1/2 done? Seem odd to me. Tie rod and axle had play in them. Mechanic replaced some bushings and added a shim? There is a TSB out for this but I do not know what the number is. 
Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States
May 2016 - Jan 2017
Jul 2016

4500 mi
SD card fault for Navigation 
Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States
Sep 2016 - Dec 2017
Oct 2016

16000 mi
Complete Transmission rebuild. Dealer reported blown overdrive drum which was replaced. Also reprogrammed and replaced main drive valve to fix hard shifting after repair. 
Nov 2016

17500 mi
airbag light came on indicating there was an issue with the system. Dealer indicated it was something to do with the rear inflatable seat belts. They replaced a sensor and it fixed the issue. 
Apr 2017

28000 mi
Had a loud popping noise in the front end when going over bumps. Dealer said it was the transmission mount. That didn't fix the issue so they went over the front suspension and tightened everything up and it fixed the issue. They had no clue what specific part was loose. 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 280hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Dec 2016 - Jun 2022
Mar 2017

14000 mi
Gasket in sunroof loose. 
Aug 2017

31000 mi
Trans Axle Seal Leaking 
Jul 2018

65000 mi
Popping noise in front end and steering wheel occasionally freezes when making sharp turns. Problem NOT found and we will continue to drive until conditions worsens so they can find it. 
Sep 2018

72000 mi

US $100
Replace Water Pump - beginning to leak. 
Aug 2020

70000 mi
Transmission was grinding and shifting erractically. A complete rebuild was done. Complete transmission rebuild 
Jun 2022

138000 mi

US $2000
AC compressor failed. 
Ford Explorer in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2017 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022

77500 mi

C $55
Water pump leaking at shaft seal RR wheel bearing assembly Reverse shift solenoid. Problem was [repaired] under warranty at 95k, replaced and was fine up until now. Having issues again at 140k approx. Looking for part number and going to replace as it is very jarring when placed in reverse and requires increase in rpm to shift in reverse. My understanding the solenoid has a screen on it which plugs with transmission particals and need to increase pressure to flow fluid to shift.  

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Ford Explorer in Oklahoma, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2022
Sep 2017

29000 mi
Driver's side front door molding was separating and and cracked. 
Dec 2017

34245 mi
Rubber train on drivers door split 
Jun 2018

44000 mi
All shocks replaced 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Oct 2020 - Jan 2022
Jan 2021

72000 mi

US $150
Moonroof drain was clogged, causing water leak into passenger footwell. Clog cleared by dealer. 
Ford Explorer in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2022
Apr 2017

20000 mi
Throttle control module. Dealership indicated 2016 Explorers have this problem frequently. Coincidentally a recall notice for the problem was received just a few days later. 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Jan 2017 - Jul 2022
Jul 2018

49000 mi

US $150
Battery to alternator wire had a high resistance so it was swapped out 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2017 - Jan 2022
Feb 2018

32000 mi
Sunroof leaking slightly. Dealer cleaned out drainage tube 
Ford Explorer in Iowa, United States
Sep 2015 - Jul 2017
Mar 2016

15000 mi
Heat stopped working. They found no coolant so added coolant. 
Apr 2016

16200 mi
Coolant was low again. Found heater core was leaking so they replaced the heater core. 
Sep 2016

31000 mi
Radiator fluid smell coming through vents. Air filter replaced. 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

9000 mi
Leaky drain plug from factory. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2016 Ford Explorer Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2016 Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.