DrivetrainHigh
Power transfer unit (PTU) overheating/failure on AWD models.
Head gasket / cooling system repair£900–£2,600
Inspect · Ask about PTU fluid service; listen for whine and check for leaks.
2016–2019 Ford Explorer · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this Ford Explorer typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £900–£2,600
- Top three risks, from
- £2,050
- Worst case, everything
- £11,550
The single priciest documented job on the 2016–2019 Ford Explorer is head gasket / cooling system repair at £900–£2,600. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £2,930–£11,550 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
CoolingHigh
Internal water pump on the 3.5L NA V6 (behind the timing cover).
Head gasket / cooling system repair£900–£2,600
Inspect · Check coolant loss history — replacement is labor-intensive.
BodyworkMedium
Bubbling or blistering paintwork on the front leading edge of the bonnet.
Body & corrosion repair£250–£1,800
Inspect · Run your fingers along the front lip of the bonnet, both underneath and on top, feeling for raised, bubbling paint or visible white powdery aluminium corrosion.
ElectricalMedium
Infotainment screen goes black, freezes, or sat-nav loses GPS tracking.
Infotainment repair or software fix£120–£1,200
Inspect · Turn on the ignition and ensure the SYNC 3 screen boots up promptly. Test the touchscreen responsiveness and cycle through the radio and sat-nav menus to check for severe lag.
SuspensionHigh
Rear-end sway at speed, clunking over bumps, or severe inner tyre wear.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · Kneel behind the rear wheels to visually inspect the rear suspension toe links for heavy corrosion. Check the inner edges of both rear tyres for excessive, uneven wear.
ExhaustHigh
Exhaust fumes/carbon monoxide entering the cabin (subject to investigation and TSBs).
Exhaust / emissions component£200–£950
Inspect · Smell for exhaust odor under acceleration with the AC on recirculate; confirm any sealing TSB.
TransmissionMedium
Harsh or delayed shifts.
Routine repair£180–£700
Inspect · Test-drive for smooth engagement.
SteeringHigh
Heavy steering or sudden loss of power assistance with dash warning.
Door / window mechanism£130–£600
Inspect · Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock whilst stationary. Feel for notches, listen for clunks, and ensure no 'Steering Fault' messages appear on the dash.
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a Ford Explorer this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.