The 2016 Ford Explorer is an SUV with a price range of $20,924 to $32,499. It’s an affordable choice, but one buyers should avoid since it has more problems than other years.
2016 Ford Explorer: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2016 Explorer include an updated exterior, an optional four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, improved audio controls, and a power liftgate.
- Reliability ratings are worse than average according to J.D. Power. It has more problems reported than other years.
- Three engines are available. The four-cylinder EcoBoost is the most efficient, and the EcoBoost V6 in the Sport and Platinum models is the most powerful.
- Fuel economy is good, ranking 2nd out of 8 full size SUVs. It gets up to 22 miles per gallon combined.
- Safety scores are above average for its class, earning a five-star rating in government crash tests.
- The 2016 Explorer ranks low in its class based on owner reviews. It has a lot of updates, but is still part of the fourth generation, originally released in 2011. With the lower-than-average reliability ratings, it’s a better choice to buy another model year, or a different SUV.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2016 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2016 Ford Explorer problems like exhaust odor and leaking water pump issues are amplified by lack of recalls. The 2016 Explorer has more problems than the 2015 and 2017 models. It also has more issues than other full-size SUVs.
Engine problems are the most common issue reported with the 2016 Explorer. Owners complain that the wrench light turns on, and the most common cause is throttle body failures. Replacing the throttle body can cost over $500.
Steering problems, including complete power steering failure are mentioned by owners as well. The only way to fix it is to replace the entire steering rack or power steering assembly depending on what fails.
Paint issues are also common on the 2016 Explorer, with reports of paint bubbling and peeling on panels. The only solution is to repaint the affected panels.
There are 11 recalls affecting the 2016 Explorer, worse than average for a car its age. Recalls include the parking brake, fuel tank straps, engine block heater, driver seat, wheel hub bearings, suspension toe links, and roof rails. Most serious are the suspension toe links since it increases the chance of an accident if they break.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2016 Ford Explorer is more affordable than other full size SUVs, with a price range of $20,924 to $32,499 depending on the mileage and model. When new, it had a retail price of $31,050 to $52,970. It depreciates at an average rate in the current market, losing about 35% of its value in the first five years of ownership.
- Base is the entry-level model with cloth seating, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 4.2-inch Sync infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a power driver seat.
- XLT is above it in the lineup with unique 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, push button start, keyless entry, and satellite radio.
- Limited adds some luxury with heated and cooled leather seats, 20-inch wheels, hands-free liftgate, an eight-inch touch screen with navigation, and a 12-speaker Sony stereo system.
- Sport focuses on performance with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, an upgraded suspension, and accent stitching on the leather seating.
- Platinum is the flagship model with a dual-panel sunroof, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, Nirvana Leather seating, active park assist, and a lane-keep system.
How Long Will the 2016 Ford Explorer Last?
A 2016 Ford Explorer should be able to last over 200,000 miles when properly cared for, average for its class. There are more mechanical problems with the Explorer compared to other SUVs, making it more expensive to keep running. Repair Pal estimates maintenance costs to be about $685 per year.
It is been very dependable. There have been some recalls that ford has fixed but I have had no other issues outside of normal maintenance.
I have not experienced any problems with my explorer. My only issue would be that it is 2 wheel drive. One would think that all explorers would be 4wd.
Driver side heated seats not working as of right now. It has a loud wind noise in the window. And has several recalls.
Yes it has been reliable so far. I drove it for an 850 mile road trip and it drove and handled very well. I went through rain, ice, wind, and snow and it did great with all of that. It was comfortable to sit in for that long drive as well and wasn't cramped even with 5 of us (2 of which have car seats) and luggage.
Very reliable. I have had to take it into the shop to get some minor things fixed but other than that there have been no issues.
Yes reliable. So far no problems. Everyday it starts up fine and I haven't needed to visit a garage.
Only issue we've had is something electrical draining our battery. Other than that nothings else has broken down.
It has been very reliable, although on occasion the electrical diagnostic feature has been too accurate, indicating the battery was low when, after having it checked, was not the case.
2016 Explorer Walkaround and Road Test
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is good in the 2016 Explorer compared to other SUVs, with a standard touchscreen infotainment system.
- Base technology includes a 4.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Upgrades include a larger eight-inch infotainment system, a 12-speaker stereo, and navigation.
- For safety, there are airbags, antilock brakes, a rearview camera, traction and stability control. Optional upgrades include lane-keep assist, parking assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2016 Ford Explorer engines, two 3.5L V6s and an EcoBoost I4 are relatively problem-free powerhouses. Performance is good in the 2016 Explorer compared to other SUVs. The EcoBoost V6 engine goes from 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds, which is quick for a vehicle its size. Towing capacity is lower than other full size SUVs, though, with a range of 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine.
- The base engine is a 3.5L V6 producing 290 horsepower
- An optional 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder is the most efficient, and has 280 horsepower.
- The upgraded 3.5L EcoBoost V6 found on the Sport and Platinum models makes 365 horsepower.
What Colors Options are Available?
How Big is the Explorer?
The 2016 Explorer is not quite as large as some of its full size rivals. There is room for up to seven people, but with the second row captain’s chairs it drops to six. It has good passenger space in the first two rows, but the third row is cramped and designed for children. Cargo space is smaller than its competitors. It has 21 cu. ft. of room behind the third row of seats, 43.9 behind the second, and increases up to 81.7 cu. ft. with all the seats folded flat. It’s more than enough room to haul five suitcases with the third row up.
How Does the 2016 Ford Explorer Compare to Other SUVs?
The 2016 Explorer ranks 6th out of 8 full-size SUVs based on owner reviews. At the top of the lineup is the GMC Yukon, which is much more expensive than the Explorer. The Yukon focuses heavily on luxury and passenger space with a larger cabin, better interior materials, and more powerful engine choices. Where the Explorer wins out is with much better fuel efficiency, and higher safety ratings. The two SUVs are targeted at different buyers, if you need more room and will be towing then the Yukon is better.
Another competitor is the Dodge Durango, which is close in price to the Ford. The Dodge has a better infotainment system, and higher quality interior materials. Where Ford wins out is with better handling, safety, and fuel economy. The two are very close in overall reliability, and a lot of the choice comes down to brand preference. If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, it’s a good idea to test drive both to see which you like driving more.
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a Good SUV?
Based on our research on 15 government and automotive websites and 849 owner reviews, we conclude, no, the 2016 Explorer is not a good SUV. The 2017 model is a better choice with fewer problems. Some benefits include fuel-efficient engine choices, and a comfortable suspension. Where it falls short is with too many mechanical problems, and the infotainment system is unresponsive. Overall, if you want an SUV, there are better choices, including newer Explorer models.
