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2016 Ford Explorer engine complaints

Page 3 of 17: complaints 41 to 70 of 483, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 Ford Explorer engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Engine · AL

The water pump failed on my way home from work. A light in my vehicle started blinking rapidly and a warning alarm started sounding in the vehicle cabin unexpectedly. My vehicle suddenly overheated in the middle of a busy intersection causing me to stop unexpectedly to assess the situation before proceeding to safety. I (middle aged female) had returned from a long trip with two toddlers 800 miles round trip which extended late into the night on remote stretches of road without assistance available for several miles only a few days earlier. Had this happened a few days earlier, during that trip, I would have been stranded with two toddlers, alone after dark in a remote location. An independent service center made the diagnosis and performed a repair. They stated I was lucky the leak did not enter my oil reservoir based on the location of the water pump, locking up the engine and leaving the car completely inoperable in said intersection. The location of the water pump, and the fact it failed around 100,0000 miles seemed premature for similiar vehicles and the design/placement of the water pump is significantly more difficult to troubleshoot and repair. The cost of the repair was ultimately $3825.69 plus an additional cost to procure a rental vehicle while for the week my vehicle was being repaired.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Engine · 97,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was not able to exceed 50 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated for over 3 years. t uThe vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed the engine needed to be replaced due to the rear turbo causing damages to the front turbo and the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the turbos needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however; the contact was informed that the vehicle was nonder recall and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Engine · TX

The water pump failed causing all loss of antifreeze. After doing extensive research, this is a known issue and ford refuses to fix the issue. To fix the issue a large part of the engine has to be torn down to access the water pump.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Engine · 137,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact installed a carbon monoxide detector in the rear of the vehicle and was alerted by the carbon monoxide detector of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Engine · 174,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle to allow the engine temperature to return to normal. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and was informed that the failure was related to Manufacturer Recall Campaign Number: 21N01 for the High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Engine · 75,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact became aware of wet spots on the driveway and later discovered that fluids had started to leak from the water pump. One day while the contact's wife was driving the vehicle, the engine overheated with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was HOT. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall for the water pump failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Engine · 98,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting him to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to allow the engine to cool down. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Engine · 78,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Engine · MA

water pump failure at 60K miles on a 2016 ford explorer, this model has the most reported water pump failures on record. this is a 15 hour repair job at the dealer, and the same complaint litters the internet. The failure on my vehicle was confirmed by dealer, $4k to fix. Not to mention the mess in my driveway where the coolant expelled without notice. If I drive it, the engine will be damaged, and there goes my car. In 2020 NY and MI class action lawsuits over this issue were settled & closed WITH payment to plaintiffs, yet no recall. WHY? too expensive for Ford? We see safety recall on clips yet nothing on an admitted engine problem than causes stalling or engine damage while running? There's a class action in Canada. Ford is dodging a known defect. Please do something about this.

Filed Jun 7, 2024 · Engine · MA

Check engine light came on. Took it to the shop and found out that the Cadillac converter needs to be replaced which will be more than 2000.00. I found that there was a recall in 2021 for the same problem.

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

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.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Engine · 108,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact indicated that when she took the vehicle in for a routine service at an independent mechanic, the technician became aware that the water pump was leaking, and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was also taken to a local dealer where the previous diagnosis was confirmed. The contact stated that before taking the vehicle for the routine service, she noticed a burning odor while exiting the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed May 16, 2024 · Engine, Suspension · FL

My car has 84000 miles on it. The car recently over heated, I checked the coolant level, and it was low. I filled it to the required level and the warning went away. 2 weeks later it came back, I brought it to the mechanic and was told that the engine needs to be replaced. That it is recycling exhaust from the engine back through the coolant system and that cylinder 3 is misfiring. I spent over an hour on the phone with Ford who repeatedly stiff armed me on any sort of assistance with the issue or information on expected or estimated failure rates for these issues. The car is currently at the mechanic where I have an estimate with a $12,000 price tag on it. To make this worse, in October of last year I was driving down [XXX] and when I went to exit the highway, there was a loud clunk and the car revved up real high before it started to move. This put me and all the drivers exiting this very busy off ramp in danger. At 74,000 miles I needed a new transmission because that loud clunk was me losing actual gears in the transmission. That repair cost right around $10,000 and again, Ford does not care. There were no warning lights with this issue, it just happened and left me in a very precarious predicament at a very busy intersection. The transmission has since been replaced for roughly a $10,000 price tag and now I am looking at another $12,000. All I want is Ford to do what is right. I could have been killed in that intersection or my car could have caught on fire recently with the engine issue. The financial strain of having to do 2 major repairs on a car that is relatively new and only had 74,000 for the transmission and 84,000 for the engine is unbelievable and unacceptable. Through research I feel that this transmission issue should be covered under an extension of the Customer Satisfaction Program #20B27 or #20N07 as the transmission issue fits the descriptions nearly perfectly. Built "Ford Tough" is apparently just a sales pitch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S

Filed May 3, 2024 · Engine · 60,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the heater was turned to the on position, it blew out cold air. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the water pump was leaking, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Bill Currie Ford (5815 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Engine · 194,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware there was coolant leaking onto the floor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a water pump malfunction. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2024 · Engine · MI

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Mileage: 93,000 Complaint: I am reporting recurring turbocharger failures in my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport. The first failure occurred at 50,000 miles and was covered under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing the same issue at 93,000 miles. Ford Customer Service has denied assistance, and a Ford dealership quoted a $5,500 repair cost. I believe this premature and repeated turbocharger failure suggests a possible design flaw in the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport's EcoBoost engine. This issue has caused significant financial hardship and raises safety concerns. Request: I urge the federal safety agency to investigate potential design defects with the turbocharger system in 2016 Ford Explorer Sport models. I also request that the federal safety agency review Ford's handling of customer complaints regarding this issue.

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Engine · 125,900 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was stalling because oil was leaking onto the crank case-control sensor. The contact changed the crank case-control sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a front engine compartment, gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 125,900.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · 137,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and mostly occurred while driving up an incline. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine · AL

Driving on [XXX] when the engine began smoking (fogging) and I was unable to see. I stopped and could not go any further. Two cars nearly hit me. It took 10 minutes or longer for the car to cool down and the computer to allow me to move the vehicle 20' to get off the busiest street in Alabama. The car has 106,000 miles on it and the Ecoboost engine is blown. Ford refuses to do anything about it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine · UT

The at the engine is built the coolest is leaking into it. This causes the engine to seize while driving and is very dangerous. If you catch it early it’s an expensive fix if you catch it late it’s a new engine you’ll need/ there is no warning signs for it.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Engine · SD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, there was a burnt hydraulic fluid odor inside the vehicle when the vehicle shuddered and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the engine mount was replaced. The failure recurred; however, there was a rotten, sulfur like odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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 Ford should have set the timing for oil change notifications more frequently if this is what is needed by the engine to keep it in good repair. It literally indicates the % of time before the oil needs to be changed.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 14,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was making an abnormal grinding sound. The ABS, air bags, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NV

The explorer started having issues with the heater not working when stopped. After some research it recommended that we check the coolant level. The coolant was low. Then we refilled it and then it happened again 3 weeks later and the coolant was low. This made us believe there was a coolant leak. After removing the bottom cover under the car it was saturated with coolant with drops coming from various areas on the passenger side. We took it to a mechanic and then transferred to a dealer and both confirmed it was the water pump. Ford negligently designed the water pump within the engine with the timing chain. If enough of the coolant mixes with oil it will cause the engine to seize and the car to shut off. I have two little kids that are in the car with me. This negligent placement can lead to cars seizing in unsafe areas. It was confirmed by a private mechanic and a ford dealer and there were no warning lights. Other than the heat not functioning properly there we no other signs or lights of water pump failure.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Engine · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred 4 years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 14, 2024 · Engine, Suspension · TX

Subject: Urgent Vehicle Safety Complaint Regarding Defective Water Pump in Ford and Lincoln Vehicles I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety concern affecting numerous Ford and Lincoln vehicles worldwide, specifically those equipped with Cyclone (Duratec) engines. The issue at hand revolves around a defective water pump, which has manifested in various models, including but not limited to: - Ford Edge - Ford Explorer - Ford Flex - Ford Fusion - Ford Taurus - Lincoln Continental - Lincoln MKT - Lincoln MKX Owners of these vehicles are experiencing a significant and alarming risk of stalling in traffic, posing a severe threat to both driver and passenger safety. The potential consequences, including the increased likelihood of accidents and fatalities, demand immediate attention and action from Ford Motor Company who has been sued multiple times and is avoiding to respond to the judgements against them trying to use any excuse not to pay. It is imperative to address this widespread concern promptly, as the safety and well-being of Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners are at stake. I urge your organization to conduct a thorough investigation into the defective water pump issue, implement a comprehensive recall, and provide a reliable solution to rectify the problem. Your commitment to prioritizing the safety of consumers is paramount, and I trust that Ford Motor Company will take swift and decisive action to remedy this situation. By addressing this issue promptly, you not only ensure the protection of current owners but also uphold the reputation of Ford and Lincoln in the automotive industry. It's impossible to say that it is a mere coincidence that thousands of Ford vehicles have the same defect with exactly the same engine and symptoms. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter, and I anticipate a proactive response that prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners.

Filed Feb 9, 2024 · Engine · MN

The water pump failed causing coolant to leak into the oil pan causing my vehicle to die suddenly and without any warning lights or messages on a high speed, heavy traffic metropolitan interstate/highway (35W in Minneapolis). I was commuting home from work. It was completely dark. I was in the far left lane and had to quickly maneuver across 4 lanes to the right shoulder narrowly missing being slammed into by other cars before the vehicle completely died. I waited for a towing service in the dark while other vehicles including semis sped extremely close to my vehicle with only my hazards to warn them I was there. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and they confirmed the water pump failed and coolant leaked into the oil, ruining the engine. I've been researching online and am reading that this is a very common and known issue with lawsuits. My vehicle only had 132k miles. This issue put me in a dangerous, potentially life-threatening situation that could have caused harm to me and the many other drivers and their passengers on the highway - and it needs to be addressed and dealt with - for me and apparently the many others that have been affected by this manufacturers defect.

Filed Feb 6, 2024 · Engine · MS

My engine sounded strange at startup in the mornings so I asked the ford dealer to look at it because Firestone could not find anything wrong with it and I had two recalls needing addressed. I took it to the dealership in diberville, MS first and scheduled the current recalls to be fixed. I was told my engine needs to be replaced because there is evidence of coolant in the cylinder head causing a random misfire but couldn’t tell me if that was it for sure without breaking down the engine to diagnosis properly. I bought an extended warranty policy incase there was an issue in the future. I was actually told by one dealer to “clear the code and trade it in immediately or wait till the engine blows up”. They didn’t even fix the recall because they had to order the parts… The same problem kept happening randomly this time with the engine light coming on and then going off while I am waiting parts to come in, it was a “cold start” type of engine sound when starting up first thing in the morning. I then took it to the dealership in Gulfport,ms and they said they thought they knew what the problem was and my extended warranty would cover it. Turns out they do not cover the block and that is what the mechanics said the issue was, because it is not a moving part and it seems to be a manufacturer quality of the block. Since it was not caused by moving part damage. How can I get this addressed by ford? I have seen that a similar engine from ford had a recall for this and my engine has the same block as that one. (2.0 ecoboost ford escape) I have the 2.3 ecoboost ford explorer. I also have knowledge of another explorer with the same issues and a total engine replacement through diberville MS dealership. My car still runs but the cylinder no longer builds or sustains the pressure for the engine to run properly causing a safety risk during operation.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine · TN

Water pump went out and water and oil mixed started smoking and loss of power then engine just shut off now wont turn over

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