2016 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 114about this part
- Share
- 5%of 2,463 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,650miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 114 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 2,463 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,650 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since early october 2016, I've had a near-constant exhaust smell, similar to what natural gas or sulfur smells like, in the cabin of my vehicle that is resulting in headaches (literally) for my entire family. Dealership has made multiple attempts to repair and has been unsuccessful. The exhaust fumes are coming into the cabin when the engine is started and vehicle is parked or moving. In my online research, I've found that Ford is under investigation by NHTSA for this issue for 2010-15 models, but I believe my 2016 model is affected as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10943721, filed 2017-01, 25,900 miles“Car has an awful smell when using the climate control, dealer said there was an exhaust leak into the turbo, they replaced the turbo and the smell still persist. Car has been at dealership for a month now. Smell is strongest when driving and climate control is on.”
NHTSA complaint #10936374, filed 2016-12, 8,500 miles“Water pump leaking and needs to be replaced. Can cause engine failure and lead to being stranded on highway. Multiple forums have people with the same issue. No warning lights have come on. I took the vehicle in for another issue and they pointed out the leak to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11559601, filed 2023-12“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle to allow the engine temperature to return to normal. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11600195, filed 2024-07, 174,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for a routine oil change, the mechanic discovered that fluid was leaking from the water pump. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11522304, filed 2023-05, 110,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V183000Mar 31, 2016Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford…Covers: Ford Explorer 2016, Lincoln MKC 2015–2016
Related service bulletins
- 10251952Mar 6, 2024For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak…
- 10222454Sep 1, 2022Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission Powertrain Control Module Reprogram Submitting Owner Letters
- 10212177May 26, 2022Exhaust odor in vehicle
- 10201085Aug 19, 2021This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the high-speed cooling fan relay and respective electrical terminals, if affected, to ten (10) years of service or…
- 10194428May 24, 2021Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022…
- 10184634Dec 10, 2020Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE. The vehicle may also…
- 10180428Sep 25, 2020Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket…
- 10169895Dec 20, 2019Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
- 10164422Aug 27, 2019Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
- 10162412Jun 24, 2019Customer Satisfaction Program 19N05: Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concern
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 29 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 114 | 5% |
| 2015 | 66 | 4% |
| 2014 | 67 | 4% |
| 2013 | 67 | 3% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 21 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 164 | 26% |
| 2005 | 29 | 6% |
| 2004 | 71 | 5% |
| 2003 | 69 | 6% |
| 2002 | 163 | 5% |
| 2001 | 39 | 10% |
| 2000 | 90 | 9% |
| 1999 | 100 | 7% |
| 1998 | 189 | 10% |
| 1997 | 198 | 11% |
| 1996 | 81 | 6% |
| 1995 | 45 | 5% |
| 1994 | 74 | 6% |
| 1993 | 55 | 6% |
| 1992 | 64 | 10% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Explorer
591 complaintsSteering
532 complaintsOther or unknown
434 complaintsEngine
382 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
215 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsFuel system
112 complaintsAir bags
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 complaintsSuspension
73 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
68 complaintsWheels
50 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology