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2016 Ford

Explorer AWD

Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2016 Ford Explorer AWD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2016.

PhotoRichard SmithCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
474 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
198 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
79 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
113 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,557 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
14
Owner complaints
2,411
Reported injuries
58

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • STRUCTURE19%
  • STEERING18%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER14%
  • ENGINE13%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 2,972 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE23001opened Jan 27, 2023STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Windshield trim molding Item detachment

  • EA17002opened Jul 27, 2017STRUCTURE:BODY

    Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

183 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 9, 2026ENGINE25B51

    Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER25N17

    Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

  • Feb 24, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54601

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applica

  • Nov 12, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54366

    Some 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, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

  • Jan 24, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERTSB 25-2005

    "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"

  • Oct 10, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERSSM 53040

    While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmis

  • Apr 24, 2024EQUIPMENTSSM 52476

    All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer

  • Mar 6, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSSM 52335

    For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes sh

  • and 175 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.