Problems · by component

2016 Ford Explorer engine and engine cooling problems

114 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer cite engine and engine cooling, 5% of all 2,464 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
114
5% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in traffic, a trim piece detached from the vehicle. The TPMS and check engine warning light were illuminated. The dealer sent a tech to the contact’s place of employment, but the tech was unable to complete the recall repair due to the bolt not being available. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that the turbocharger had been replaced on three occasions. Upon investigation, the contact had linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Structure, TiresODI 11691665
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge had increased to high with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 116,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11670869
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after coming from a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the water pump had previously been replaced twice, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in engine and the water pump needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11668820
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon engaging the parking brake, the parking brake failed to remain engaged. Additionally, the contact stated that upon activating the A/C, the A/C was blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken to a Mazda dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a blockage in the engine block heater. The dealer informed the contact that no authorization was provided to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2025Parking brake, Engine and engine coolingODI 11666501
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the exhaust odor entered the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal and was constant. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 17-0044; and the recommended that the repair be performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11658284
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. After the failure, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined there was water in the engine oil. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11657308

Showing 6 of 114 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

Engine and engine coolingReported Mar 31, 2016NHTSA 16V183000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

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