Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Ford ExplorerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 2,464 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Most complaints involve structure (592) and steering (531). The EPA rates it 18–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18–22mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
15campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
2,464
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

15 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: body

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

StructureReported Jul 14, 2026NHTSA 26V448000

Equipment: engine block heater

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

EquipmentReported Oct 10, 2025NHTSA 25V685000

Structure: body

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

StructureReported May 23, 2025NHTSA 25V347000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2,464 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2015 – Oct 2026
  1. Structure592
  2. Steering531
  3. Engine382
  4. Power train215
  5. Electrical system128
  6. Engine and engine cooling114
  7. Fuel/propulsion system104
  8. Air bags99
  9. Vehicle speed control76

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,468
19971,789
19982,099
19991,465
20001,078
2001730
20023,613
20031,313
20041,408
2005568
2006635
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,197
2012830
20132,237
20141,684
20151,814
20162,464
20171,713
2018733
2019302
20201,247
2021452
2022271
2023113
202421
2025107
202644
Crashes reported
39
Fires reported
14
Injuries reported
59
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

592 reports4 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026StructureODI 11773644

Steering

531 reports10 crashes
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [XXX] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires were flat. Believing it was unsafe to continue at normal speed, I proceeded cautiously and drove the vehicle slowly to my service center for diagnosis. After examining the vehicle, the service center informed me that the rack and pinion steering assembly was the cause of the problem I experienced. At the time of the incident, I had an extended warranty/service contract that provided powertrain coverage. However, I was informed that because the rack and pinion system in my vehicle is electronically assisted, the repair was not covered under the terms of the policy. Given the sudden loss of steering control and the potential safety risks involved, I am seeking a review of this matter by your…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026SteeringODI 11768397

Engine

382 reports3 crashes3 fires
“On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11769014
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900410
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050428
Explorer 2WD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200452
Explorer FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200452
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162319$3,400474
Explorer AWD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162319$3,400474
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550490
  • Explorer FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer 2WD FFV
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD FFV
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 4, 2026Vehicle 10326Vehicle 10325
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Explorer questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

15 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 2,464 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (592), steering (531), engine (382). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Ford Explorer get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Explorer at 18–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 4, 2026