Recommended Maintenance & Wear Parts for a 2016 Ford Explorer
The common service parts a 2016 Ford Explorer needs — typical replacement intervals, what to watch for, and where to buy each one. Confirm exact fitment by VIN before purchasing.
Ford’s maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford Explorer lists the oil filter every 5,000 mi, engine air filter every 5,000 mi, cabin air filter every 5,000 mi, spark plugs every 60,000 mi and serpentine belt every 150,000 mi. The other 10 parts below have no interval in that schedule and are replaced on condition; the ranges shown for them are general guidelines for all cars. NHTSA also lists 15 safety recalls for this model, most often for the structure (4) and suspension (3).
Last updated: · Specs: NHTSA vPIC · Recalls: NHTSA
2016 Ford Explorer maintenance & wear parts
Intervals marked OEM are manufacturer-recommended for this vehicle; the rest are typical guidelines. Your real schedule still varies by engine, trim and driving conditions — Always follow your owner's manual and confirm the exact part by VIN before buying.
| Part | System | Interval | Common signs | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Pads | Brakes | General: Every 40,000–70,000 km | Squeal, grinding, longer stops | Shop → |
| Brake Rotors | Brakes | General: With pads / if warped | Pedal pulsation, deep scoring | Shop → |
| Oil Filter | Engine | Every 5,000 mi OEM | Replaced with the oil | Shop → |
| Engine Air Filter | Engine | Every 5,000 mi OEM | Low MPG, weak acceleration | Shop → |
| Cabin Air Filter | HVAC | Every 5,000 mi OEM | Weak airflow, musty smell | Shop → |
| Spark Plugs | Ignition | Every 60,000 mi OEM | Rough idle, misfires | Shop → |
| 12V Battery | Electrical | General: Every 3–5 years | Slow crank, dim lights | Shop → |
| Alternator | Electrical | General: As needed (no fixed interval) | Battery light, dimming lights | Shop → |
| Starter Motor | Electrical | General: As needed (no fixed interval) | Click on start, no-crank | Shop → |
| Wiper Blades | Exterior | General: Every 6–12 months | Streaking, chattering | Shop → |
| Headlight Bulbs | Lighting | General: As needed (when dim or out) | One side dim or burnt out | Shop → |
| Serpentine Belt | Engine | Every 150,000 mi OEM | Squeal on cold start, cracks | Shop → |
| Fuel Filter | Fuel System | General: 50,000–100,000 km (or lifetime in-tank) | Hard start, hesitation | Shop → |
| Radiator | Cooling | General: As needed (leaks / overheating) | Overheating, coolant leak | Shop → |
| Water Pump | Cooling | General: Often done with the timing belt | Coolant leak, whine, overheat | Shop → |
2016 Ford Explorer specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Explorer |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 5040 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 2000 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1770 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2870 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2146 |
| Front Bumper to Windshield Base (mm) | 1200 |
| Side Glass Height (mm) | 400 |
| Side Glass Base to Rocker Panel (mm) | 950 |
| Roof Width Between Side Rails (mm) | 1270 |
| Front Overhang (mm) | 980 |
| Rear Overhang (mm) | 1190 |
| Front Track Width (mm) | 1700 |
| Rear Track Width (mm) | 1700 |
| Weight Distribution, Front/Rear (%) | 54/46 |
| Models Ford offered in 2016 | 36 |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Canadian Vehicle Specifications. Linear dimensions in mm; weight in kg. Your exact build may vary by trim — decode your VIN to confirm.
Open recalls on the 2016 Ford Explorer (15)
The NHTSA database lists 15 safety recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer, affecting: SUSPENSION, WHEELS, SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, PARKING BRAKE. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer. Check whether yours is affected by your exact VIN.
| Component | Summary |
|---|---|
| SUSPENSION · REAR | 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. |
| WHEELS · HUB | 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 Fo… |
| SEATS · FRONT ASSEMBLY | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insuffic… |
| SEATS | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly… |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · STORAGE | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, … |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · ENGINE | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufa… |
See all recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer → · Source: NHTSA. Confirm by VIN before assuming a recall applies.
Find the exact part by VIN
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Decode my VIN →Frequently asked questions
How often should parts be replaced on a 2016 Ford Explorer?
Ford’s maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford Explorer lists the oil filter every 5,000 mi, engine air filter every 5,000 mi, cabin air filter every 5,000 mi, spark plugs every 60,000 mi and serpentine belt every 150,000 mi. Parts not in that schedule, such as brake pads, are replaced when inspection shows wear.
What maintenance parts does a 2016 Ford Explorer need?
The recurring service and wear parts are brake pads and rotors, the engine oil, air and cabin filters, spark plugs, the 12V battery, wiper blades, headlight bulbs and the serpentine belt; the alternator, starter, radiator and water pump are replaced when they fail.
Where can I buy parts for a 2016 Ford Explorer?
Each row links to marketplace listings for that part on this 2016 Ford Explorer. Confirm fit before buying: a VIN lookup resolves the engine and trim that decide which part number is correct.