2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
"Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on
- 48owner reports
- 8,400median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Oct 10, 2025 · checked Sep 29, 2026
1179 of the 2,453 complaints on this car are about the engine. 48 of those describe transmission warning light.
Tick what matches of 48 reports
Transmission warning light 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, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
This sheet is for a "Service Transmission" message, a transmission fault warning or a wrench light. Owners say it often shows up with lost power, a stall or a car that won't accelerate, and sometimes clears on the next start.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
4 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 support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
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.
Rear axle bolt failure. Closed feb 15, 2024, led to recall 23V-675.
Exhaust odor in passenger cab. Closed jan 17, 2023.
Ford explorer exhaust odor. Closed sep 12, 2017.
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Vehicle rollaway allegations. Closed feb 12, 2013.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Stuck engine throttle. Closed nov 2, 2005.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Accelerator pedal. Closed mar 9, 2000.
Vehicle hesitation/stalling. Closed feb 22, 2000.
Throttle sticking. Closed feb 9, 2001, led to recall 00V-422.
Fuel line damage from jump starting. Closed nov 15, 2000, led to recall 98V-060.
Throttle sticking. Closed jan 7, 1999.
Parking pawl. Closed apr 1, 1999, led to recall 91V-189.
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.
Auto trans prndl misalign. Closed jul 29, 1994.
Throttle sticking. Closed jan 6, 1994.
Auto trans.prndl misalign. Closed jan 29, 1993.
Park pawl bending. Closed nov 8, 1991, led to recall 91V-189.
Throttle release failure. Closed apr 10, 1992.
Throttle release failure. Closed jul 22, 1991.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 6,250 and 17,680 miles, from the 45 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Crossing busy intersection with children in vehicle, vehicle lunged and wrench symbol came on dash, and as crossing intersection vehicle wouldn't go more than 5mph, this could possibly cause a serious accident injury wife and child or possibly death, this vehicle had approximately 60000 miles.”
Filed Nov 1, 2022 · 60,000 miles
“The engine shut off when driving on the highway at 65 and the wrench light came on ... I could not navigate the vehicle...took it to the Legacy Ford dealership and was informed that the Electronic Throttle Body needed to be replaced...I believe ford had that on a recall back in 2017 but not for my VIN....The dealership said that my VIN does not qualify for the recall to my surprise”
Filed Aug 5, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 48 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 373 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 141 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
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports