2016 Explorer Reliability?

Can I get some input on a 2016 Explorer’s reliability? I am thinking about buying one with 90k miles.

The 2016 Explorer has two main weak points:

  1. The internal water pump on the V6 engines. Failure is common between 100k-120k miles, and it can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  2. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on AWD models often fails due to underfilled fluid and claims of ‘lifetime fluid,’ which isn’t accurate. Regular fluid changes can help prevent issues.

The 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo engine doesn’t have the internal water pump problem like the V6 engines do.

I bought a 2016 Explorer with 104k miles and now have 142k miles on it. I’ve done maintenance like motor mounts, struts, and an AC compressor, but overall it’s been reliable.

I have a 2016 Platinum with 90k miles. It’s been reliable overall, but I worry about the water pump. Minor issues include rear AC line leaks and replacing brakes and a serpentine belt.

I had a 2016 Sport. At 98k miles, the turbos failed, then the PTU, and finally the water pump showed signs of failure. I traded it in before hitting 100k miles.

I own a 2016 Explorer XLT. As soon as it hit 90k miles, I’ve had constant problems. Consider carefully before buying.

I traded my 2016 Explorer in for a 2022 model. The water pump failed at 149k miles, and other problems followed. It lasted longer than expected, though.

I bought a 2016 Platinum with 130k miles and tuned it immediately. Now at 210k miles, I’ve only needed lower control arms recently. The PTU leaks a bit, but regular fluid changes have kept it running well.

The PTU and water pump failed within a month of each other at 110k miles on my 2016 Platinum.

The transmission is a weak point too. It may fail every 50k miles, so prepare to set aside around $7k for replacements.

Thanks everyone! Based on this feedback, I’m going to avoid this Explorer and the potential headaches.