2016 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 215about this part
- Share
- 9%of 2,464 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,075miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 215 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 9% of the 2,464 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,075 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 4 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.
“My husband was driving to work and lost drive power and the underneath of the SUV was on fire, my husband pulled over ad called 911. The dealer stated the ptu cracked from pressure leaking all the oil onto the exhaust. Also stated all of my tires were good .. So we are unsure where the pressure came from>”
NHTSA complaint #11415784, filed 2021-05, 72,647 miles“I was driving on the high way yesterday and the car couldn't be moved with the gas pedal. I coasted to the next exit, turned off the car and back on and it worked again. Today the same thing happened, but this time it didn't work again. I had adac (here in germany) come and take a look at it. They reset the system and followed me to my Ford car garage shop.”
NHTSA complaint #11002947, filed 2017-07, 14,000 miles“I was driving up a hill when the vehicle lurched forward and then lost power. I was able to just make it to the top of the hill. I pulled over put it park and then put it in drive and was able drive home. However, now the car has no reverse. A transmission rebuild/replacement needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11321524, filed 2020-04, 63,080 miles“Was driving down a street, going about 40mph, the car immediately slowed to 5pmh and would not accelerate even when pushing the gas all the way down. I had to coast it home, drop the family off, and then coast it to the Ford dealership. Upon arriving, the dealership informed me that Ford was aware of the issue and that all parts are currently on back order.”
NHTSA complaint #10874209, filed 2016-06, 6,100 miles“On my 2016 Explorer limited 3.5 n/a v6 - under hard (getting on fwy) or extended acceleration (uphill climb) exhaust fumes can be noticed by the passengers in the vehicle. I know there is an open investigation on the 11-15 years but the 16 should be included as well. This has been the case from new to current 11k miles. This happened on my previous 2013 model as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10883515, filed 2016-07, 1,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V692000Nov 10, 2020Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel…Covers: Ford Explorer 2014–2016, Taurus 2014–2015, Edge 2014
Related service bulletins
- 11037788Sep 30, 202625E10-S1 Owner letter
- 11025611Nov 12, 2025Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022…
- 10251934Mar 1, 2024During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical…
- 10222455Sep 1, 2022Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission - Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage Updated Owner Letters…
- 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
- 10219034Aug 31, 2022Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine and 6F35 transmission; Powertrain Control Module reprogram. Supplement: Program terms will be…
- 10216459Jul 19, 2022Some 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 (D) or reverse (R). The vehicle may…
- 10214492Jun 16, 2022Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes…
- 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…
- 10187724Feb 5, 2021This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for twelve (12) months from the RO date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 502 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Explorer
591 complaintsSteering
532 complaintsOther or unknown
435 complaintsEngine
382 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsEngine cooling
114 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 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