FordExplorer2016Overview/ford/explorer/2016/base/

2016 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Explorer.

Body SUV

The 2016 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV built on Ford’s contemporary body platform and equipped with a powertrain that requires 5.7 qt of 5W‑30 oil, a capacity that underscores the vehicle’s relatively robust engine architecture. Across its model span, owners reported a total of 2,428 complaints for this year, with structural issues emerging as the most frequent concern and the model subject to 15 recalls, situating it well below the historic peak of 3,620 complaints recorded in 2002 yet above the minimal 12‑complaint baseline of the line’s inception in 1990. This placement indicates that the 2016 Explorer occupies a middle ground in the model’s reliability trajectory, offering a generally dependable platform while still reflecting lingering structural challenges that researchers should note.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tire size245/60R18OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length198.4 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height69.7 in
Wheelbase113 in
Curb weight4731 lb
Track (front / rear)66.9 / 66.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Explorer of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.0–8.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2016 Sport EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016Sport EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.00 sec14.60 sec365 hpAWD
2016Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.40 sec14.80 sec365 hpAWD
2016Limited 2.3L EcoBoost 2.3L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec280 hpAWD
2017Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.80 sec14.40 sec365 hpAWD
2017Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.50 sec15.00 sec365 hpAWD
2013Sport EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.90 sec14.50 sec365 hpAWD
2013Limited 3.5L V68.00 sec16.10 sec290 hpAWD
2012Limited 2.0L EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec240 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.7 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine Coolant Capacity11.6 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity11.6
Engine Oil5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity5.7 qt
Engine Oil5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts29.5
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Driveshaft Flange to Transmission83.0 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts111.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug9.0 if equipped with drain plug ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubInstall a new nut and torque to 258.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel HubInstall a new nut and torque to 258.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.032 - .038 ( GTDI) in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)51-67 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 53; Rear: 26 /; Front: 13 inch; Rear: 24 /
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 122; Rear: 76 /; Front: 122; Rear: 76 /
ABS Sensor Torque6.6 / NS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 13; Front: 14; Rear: 13; Rear: 14
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-8

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees; Bolt 945 degrees
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 7 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-18

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
236.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
336.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
436.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
690 degrees90 degrees
790 degrees; Bolts 19-2290 degrees
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-8

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees; Bolt 945 degrees
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The fifth-generation Explorer (2011–2019) shows a volatile complaint and recall pattern, with an initial spike in 2011, a dip in 2012, then a sharp rise to a peak in 2013 before a slight decline in 2014–2015. The 2016 model year, however, marks a second and higher peak: complaints surged to 2,428 (the highest in the generation) and recalls jumped to 15, matching the 2017 high, while TSBs climbed to 197. This places 2016 as the most complaint-heavy year of the generation, with structure and steering issues dominating the reports, alongside 38 crash and 14 fire complaints. In contrast, the years immediately following show a clear downward trend, with 2018–2019 complaints dropping to 710 and 285, and recalls falling to 7 and 6. The data implies that the 2016 model year concentrated a disproportionate share of quality and safety problems within the generation. Consequently, a used 2016 Ford Explorer appears to be a riskier choice compared to later model years like 2018 or 2019, which demonstrate significantly improved reliability metrics.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
197
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,428
Owner complaints
38 involved a crash · 14 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,428 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure511
Steering431
Unknown Or Other285
Engine208
Power Train129
Engine & Engine Cooling87
Air Bags60
Fuel/Propulsion System41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V435000Suspension:RearReported 10/06/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension. Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary…

17E048000Wheels:HubReported 28/08/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These… Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 197 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25B512026-05-08EngineCertain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model…
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
TSB 25-20052025-01-24Unknown Or Other"Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Explorer. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2016 Explorer take?

5.7 qt of 5W-30 meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2016 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.