Exhaust/Carbon Monoxide Fume Intrusion into Cabin
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $500
Popular pick
2016 Ford
ExplorerSUV
3.5L V6 Ti-VCT · SUV
The 2016 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV built on a unibody platform, carrying on Ford's best-selling family hauler nameplate into its second generation of the modern, car-based design. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT as its base engine, it delivers a solid blend of passenger capacity, cargo room, and available 4WD capability for Wisconsin's mixed-terrain winters. The 2016 model year carried over largely unchanged from the refreshed 2016 lineup, offering a comfortable interior, Ford's SYNC infotainment, and a wide range of trims from base to Platinum. The standard 3.5L V6 is a proven, low-stress engine that avoids the turbocharger complexity of the optional 2.3L EcoBoost or the 2.0L four-cylinder. That said, this generation Explorer has a well-documented exhaust fume intrusion issue tied to body sealing and HVAC fresh-air intake design — Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin and eventually a recall. Buyers and owners should be aware of this before committing to a purchase.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Explorer 2WD FFV — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
4WD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
17 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
7
Doors
4
Body
SUV
MSRP
$31,660
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2016 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV built on a unibody platform, carrying on Ford's best-selling family hauler nameplate into its second generation of the modern, car-based design. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT as its base engine, it delivers a solid blend of passenger capacity, cargo room, and available 4WD capability for Wisconsin's mixed-terrain winters. The 2016 model year carried over largely unchanged from the refreshed 2016 lineup, offering a comfortable interior, Ford's SYNC infotainment, and a wide range of trims from base to Platinum. The standard 3.5L V6 is a proven, low-stress engine that avoids the turbocharger complexity of the optional 2.3L EcoBoost or the 2.0L four-cylinder. That said, this generation Explorer has a well-documented exhaust fume intrusion issue tied to body sealing and HVAC fresh-air intake design — Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin and eventually a recall. Buyers and owners should be aware of this before committing to a purchase.
Known for
- Three-row seating for up to seven passengers
- Available 4WD with Terrain Management System
- Comfortable, well-appointed interior across trim levels
- Strong towing capacity (up to 5,000 lbs with 3.5L V6)
- Exhaust/carbon monoxide fume intrusion concern (TSB/recall era)
Best for
- Families needing occasional third-row use
- Drivers who want a capable but car-like SUV ride
- Light off-road or snow-season driving with 4WD
- Towing a small trailer or boat
Watch for
- Exhaust fume intrusion into cabin — verify recall completion before purchase
- Phase 2 PTU (Power Transfer Unit) oil starvation on AWD models leading to premature failure
- VVT (variable valve timing) system wear on higher-mileage examples
- Transmission shudder or hesitation, especially on early 6F50 units
- Rust on underbody and rear hatch area from road salt exposure
Common issues by mileage
6 knownPTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure — AWD/4WD
high- Typically appears
- 60,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,200
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid / Oil Control Valve Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80,000–150,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder / Harsh Shifting
medium- Typically appears
- 50,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $3,500
Oxygen Sensor / O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80,000–130,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Rear Hatch / Liftgate Strut Failure and Rust
medium- Typically appears
- 60,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $400
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–7,500 miles or 6 months Engine oil change — use 5W-30 full synthetic
VVT solenoids and cam phasers are oil-pressure actuated. Clean, fresh oil is the single best thing you can do to prevent P0012/P0015/P0022/P0025 codes and avoid costly timing system repairs.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles — do not skip PTU (Power Transfer Unit) fluid service
Ford did not include this in the standard service schedule, which contributed to widespread PTU failures. The PTU holds only about 10 oz of fluid and cooks it fast. Independent shops in the Midwest see this frequently.
- 3 Every 30,000–45,000 miles Rear differential fluid change (AWD/4WD models)
Pairs with PTU service. Neglected rear diff fluid accelerates bearing and gear wear, especially with cold Wisconsin starts.
- 4 Every 40,000–60,000 miles Transmission fluid change
Ford marks the 6F50 fluid as 'lifetime,' but in real-world use — especially with towing or stop-and-go driving — fresh fluid dramatically reduces shudder and shift hesitation complaints.
- 5 Every 15,000–20,000 miles or annually Cabin air filter replacement
Given the exhaust intrusion concern on this generation, a clean, properly seated cabin filter and a functioning HVAC recirculate mode are worth keeping up with.
- 6 Annually or when purchasing used Inspect body seals, HVAC fresh-air intake, and rear hatch area for exhaust intrusion
This is the single most important safety check on this generation Explorer. Verify that the relevant Ford recall was completed. Look for gaps in body seals around the rear liftgate and tailpipe routing.
- 7 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement
The 3.5L V6 uses iridium plugs with a long service life, but worn plugs can stress the ignition coils and mask mild VVT symptoms.
- 8 Every fall, before Wisconsin winter Battery test and terminal cleaning
Cold cranking demand spikes below 0°F. A marginal battery that starts fine in October will leave you stranded in January. Budget $150–$220 for a quality replacement at an independent shop.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$700 – $1,600
Fuel
At ~20 MPG combined and 15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,700–$2,100/year at current Midwest gas prices. The V6 requires regular 87 octane.
Insurance
Midsize SUV; expect $1,200–$1,800/year for a typical Lake Geneva-area driver with a clean record, depending on trim and coverage level.
The 2016 Explorer is a middle-of-the-road ownership cost vehicle. Routine maintenance is affordable, but the PTU and transmission are budget wildcards. If the PTU hasn't been serviced, budget $800–$2,200 for that repair in the near term. A well-maintained example with confirmed recall completion is a reasonable long-term value; a neglected one can turn expensive fast.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Verify battery cold cranking amps each fall — sub-zero starts in Lake Geneva will expose any weakness. Replace proactively if the battery is 4+ years old.
- Switch to full synthetic 5W-30 if not already running it; it flows faster at startup in extreme cold, protecting VVT components.
- Check and top off HVAC washer fluid with a -40°F rated formula — standard fluid will freeze solid in the reservoir and lines.
- Inspect underbody annually for road salt corrosion, especially the PTU mounting area, brake lines, and rear subframe. Rinse the undercarriage after heavy salt exposure.
- Confirm 4WD / AWD system is functioning before first snowfall — don't discover a PTU problem in a blizzard.
- Replace wiper blades with winter/beam-style blades rated for ice and snow before November.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI per 10°F temperature change, so summer heat can mask slow leaks.
- Inspect the A/C system for refrigerant leaks and proper cabin cooling; the 3.5L V6 runs warm under load and a weak A/C system will be noticeable quickly.
- Check coolant level and inspect hoses for cracks — heat cycling after a Wisconsin winter accelerates hose degradation.
- If towing a boat or trailer to area lakes, verify transmission fluid condition and trailer hitch hardware before the season starts.
Comparable vehicles
2016 Chevrolet
Traverse
Same three-row family SUV mission, similar price point. The Traverse offers more interior volume and a smoother V6, though it's heavier and slightly less fuel-efficient.
2016 Toyota
Highlander
The Highlander is the reliability benchmark in this class. Higher resale value and fewer known powertrain issues, but it costs more to buy and the third row is tight.
2016 Honda
Pilot
Redesigned for 2016, the Pilot offers comparable three-row space with a strong reliability record. AWD is available and it's easier on fuel.
2016 Jeep
Grand Cherokee
A solid alternative if you primarily need two rows and stronger off-road capability. Better 4WD systems than the Explorer, but gives up the third-row option.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any open Ford recalls not completed — especially the exhaust/CO fume intrusion recall. Run the VIN through Ford's recall lookup before buying.
- No record of PTU fluid changes. If it hasn't been done, assume it needs to be done now and factor in the cost.
- Transmission shudder or hesitation during a test drive — particularly noticeable at light throttle between 30–50 mph.
- Smell of exhaust inside the cabin at any time, especially with windows up and A/C or heat running.
- Rust on the rear underbody, subframe, or around the rear hatch hinge area — common on Wisconsin/salt-belt vehicles.
What to inspect
- PTU (power transfer unit) — check for leaks, noise, and service history.
- HVAC fresh-air intake and body seals around the rear liftgate for the exhaust intrusion issue.
- Transmission fluid condition — should be pink/red and not burnt smelling.
- VVT solenoid screens — a quick oil change history review and scan for P0012/P0015/P0022/P0025 codes will reveal neglect.
- All four oxygen sensors for codes or sluggish response — P0030/P0031/P0032/P0036 indicate heater circuit wear.
- Underbody brake lines and rear subframe for salt corrosion — bring a flashlight.