2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 81owner reports
- 54,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
656 of the 2,455 complaints on this car are about the engine. 81 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 81 reports
Misfire on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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.
During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
All 15 recalls on the 2016 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Explorer
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Exhaust odor in passenger cab. Closed jan 17, 2023.
Ford explorer exhaust odor. Closed sep 12, 2017.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Fuel line damage from jump starting. Closed nov 15, 2000, led to recall 98V-060.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
Engine cooling fan cracks. Closed aug 31, 1994.
What owners paid
12 of the 81 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,000 to $12,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 64 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
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.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE.
In affected vehicles, the transmission torque converter may overheat in certain driving conditions. If the torque converter overheats it can lead to adverse NVH, rough idle, and low performance concerns.
6 more on the 2016 Ford Explorer page.
What owners wrote
“Coolant leak in the cylinder head grooves that builds up on the seal and leaking into cylinders. Causing coolant loss, white smoke and engine overheating. This issue has left me stranded on the interstate and in danger with potential engine fires. These incidents have exposed myself and the general public to unnecesary safety hazards.”
Filed Apr 27, 2026
“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 7, 2024
“My purge valve was stuck open and had strong fuel vapors leaking inside of the car cabin. I became lightheaded and went to the ER. This was before the check engine light came on. It was very concerning.”
Filed Sep 27, 2022
“Check engine light came on low engine oil pressure light come on made loud knocking noise regular maintenance 147k miles vehicle is at mechanic shop estimate total $1500-$2500 to fix do not have money for repairs”
Filed Aug 9, 2022 · 147,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 81 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 375 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 249 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 248 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 142 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 140 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 110 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 99 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 73 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 72 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 65 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 54 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 53 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 50 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 48 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports