Problems · by component

2016 Ford Explorer fuel/propulsion system problems

104 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer cite fuel/propulsion system, 4% of all 2,464 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
104
4% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Gas filler neck is loose, making it difficult to fill the gas tank without spillage. I don't recall how long this has been an issue, but it has been a problem for multiple years. There have been no incidents that preceded this problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 7, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11703582
“On June 14, we drove our 2016 Ford Explorer from Tallahassee, FL to Boone, NC without issue. However, on [XXX], upon starting the vehicle, we noticed a gasoline smell. Concerned for our safety, we checked the car before leaving the neighborhood and discovered fuel pouring from the front. We parked the vehicle in a safe location and coordinated a tow to the local Ford dealership and were informed our fuel line had ruptured. The vehicle had 41,000 miles at the time of the incident. We were not given a clear explanation for the fuel line rupture, leaving us apprehensive about the safety and reliability of Ford vehicles. The ordeal cost $4,000 in repairs, and the service experience made us feel taken advantage of after we were routinely asked if we were local. Our Ford mechanic in Tallahassee later mentioned that labor charged by the Boone dealership seemed excessive. Additionally, they refused to replace the gasoline-covered cabin air filter and engine cover, raising further concerns about the service provided. The rupture of the fuel line posed a severe safety risk as it could have led to a fire or explosion, endangering the lives of the occupants and others…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2024Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11596120
“The power transfer unit is broken. Symptoms are vehicle shuddering, vehicle sounds like it is going to stall. This could cause a major accident at any moment.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 6, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11592838
“In August 2023, my vehicle began to make a popping noise and began to lose power when attempting to accelerate. It was diagnosed by the repair shop as a turbo going bad. I repaired the turbo. In December 2023, the check engine light came on. The repair shop indicated that the lifters and cam shafts were bad and caused scoring to the engine block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The repair shop asked if I had been changing the oil regularly. I indicated that I did change the oil per when the vehicle would notify me it was time. The repair shop noted that I changed the oil every 10k miles. Per the repair shop, not changing the oil regularly (because the Ford vehicle system designed to tell me when to change the oil) ultimately caused me to need to replace the turbo and the engine. All because the oil was not changed more frequently 3-5k miles per the repair shop. I've spent $15k in repair costs since August 2023 because I was relying on the Ford vehicle's notifications as to when it needed oil. The vehicle is not even worth this much blue book. For a 8.5 year old vehicle that has been well cared for, I do not think these parts should have failed and I think…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11578895
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 31, 2023Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11524738
“Everytime my ac/heat is on it affects my engine as I’m driving. My speedometer fast jumps. As soon as I turn it off it seems to run better. I made a complaint a week ago about something going on with my fuel and fan running high speed. I have a foul smell in my car. I thought for awhile it was something outside but now I believe it’s coming from my car. It smells like fuel/rubber/sewer if that makes sense.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2023Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11518316

Showing 6 of 104 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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