2016 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 112about this part
- Share
- 5%of 2,464 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 112 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 2,464 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,350 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“The vehicle without warning , just shuts off. Even while going 65 MPH on a highway. If your lucky, you can coast off the highway before you are hit . Ford refused to fix even though under warranty. So I had to sell it so I wouldn't be killed. Hundreds if not thousands have complained about the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #11377948, filed 2020-12, 68,000 miles“I drive my 2016 Ford Explorer more than 80 miles a day, mostly in interstate traffic. I have noticed a strong odor that resembles mercaptain or burning fuel. I have dismissed this as traffic related and switched the A/C to recirculate but often have to vent by rolling down windows. This is most common when driving with the A/C on during hot weather conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11012823, filed 2017-08, 22,000 miles“2016 Ford Explorer accelerates while driving. My vehicle has been in and out of dealership since 12/26/17. I am currently in a loaner vehicle. Receive update first week of feb 2018 that the transmission dept was behind and that they will let me know as soon as possible if I need a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11072766, filed 2018-02, 70,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11516956, filed 2023-04, 117,658 miles“My check engine light keeps reading a evap code. I have replaced the evap throttle 3x’s. My car smells of a gas leak coming from somewhere. I have taken it to Ford, and to two other mechanics. They claim that the check engine code is wrong and they cannot find where the fuel smell is coming from without the proper code. My check engine light turns on and off with the same error everytime. The evap code is not the problem. I have made a complaint months ago, and still nothing. Not sure what else I can do.”
NHTSA complaint #11524738, filed 2023-05, 122,490 milesRelated recalls
- 15V605000Sep 28, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During…Covers: Ford Explorer 2016, Taurus 2015, Lincoln MKS 2015
Related service bulletins
- 10204987Feb 5, 201649 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C
- 10204986Feb 5, 201649 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Explorer
591 complaintsSteering
532 complaintsOther or unknown
435 complaintsEngine
382 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
215 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsEngine cooling
114 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 28, 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