2016 Ford Explorer — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2016 Ford Explorer

The 2016 Explorer's 3.5L EcoBoost V6 paired with the six-speed SelectShift automatic gives drivers genuine power—365 horsepower—without feeling like a gas station frequent visitor the way earlier V8 models do. Owners consistently praise the third-row legroom and the fact that you can actually fold it flat to haul plywood or a dog crate, unlike competitors that year. The leather trim on mid-to-upper trims feels less plasticky than the 2013 generation, and the MyFord Touch infotainment (while sometimes slow) finally responds to voice commands without requiring three tries.

Common complaints and known issues

Transmission shuddering or rough shifting between second and third gear shows up reliably around 60k–90k miles; dealers often need to reprogram the transmission control module, though some cases required full replacements costing $3,500–$5,000 out of warranty. The panoramic sunroof frequently leaks along the seal at 70k+ miles, and Ford's fix doesn't always stick. Paint peeling on the hood and roof panels is common by 80k miles, especially on silver and white examples. A few owners report spark plug blowout around 100k miles where the plug threads strip in the cylinder head.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $16,500–$21,000. 80k–140k miles: $12,500–$17,500. Over 140k miles: $9,000–$13,500. Trim (XLT vs. Limited), accident history, and whether the transmission has already been serviced account for most variance; sunroof-equipped models hold value slightly better in coastal regions.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.