2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 45owner reports
- 60,000median miles
- $4,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
483 of the 2,455 complaints on this car are about the engine. 45 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 45 reports
Engine failure 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, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (40 reports), the timing chain (4 reports) and the turbo (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 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.
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 cooling fan cracks. Closed aug 31, 1994.
What owners paid
11 of the 45 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,500 to $5,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 77,000 miles, from the 24 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The at the engine is built the coolest is leaking into it. This causes the engine to seize while driving and is very dangerous. If you catch it early itâs an expensive fix if you catch it late itâs a new engine youâll need/ there is no warning signs for it.”
Filed Apr 2, 2024
“Water pump leaking and needs to be replaced. Can cause engine failure and lead to being stranded on highway. Multiple forums have people with the same issue. No warning lights have come on. I took the vehicle in for another issue and they pointed out the leak to me.”
Filed Dec 11, 2023
“My Explorer engine blew a head gasket while I was driving and I had to maneuver quite a bit to avoid having multiple accidents. I had it towed to a shop and they said the engine was bad and caused by a known problem with Ford Ecoboost engines.”
Filed Nov 12, 2023
“The heater stopped working but it seemed a benign problem-- until we had someone look at it. It was apparently leaking coolant due to a faulty design and water pump failure, and the mechanic told us the engine could have just seized up on the freeway putting us in danger. Ultimately cost over 3000$ and nearly 2 weeks to repair”
Filed Feb 18, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 45 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
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
- Check engine light or misfire 81 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
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports