2016 Ford

Explorer AWD FFV

Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain: All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission: Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain: GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel: Gasoline or E85EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl: 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration: Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system: NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City: 16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb: 19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr: $3,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂: 474 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score: 4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score: 5/10
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
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

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

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

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.