- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- The risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Vehicle safety record
2016 Ford Explorer Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2,466 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (597) and the steering (531). Those complaints describe 39 crashes, 14 fires and 59 injuries. It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in July 2026 for the body. For comparison, the 2015 has 1,821 and the 2017 has 1,716.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Explorer year, for its age
#1 most complained-about 2016 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2,466
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes
- 39
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 59
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems
Share of all 2,466 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2016 Ford Explorer recalls 15
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- The risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
- The risk
- Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- The risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- The risk
- A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
- The risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- The risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- The risk
- The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
- The problem
- 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 restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
- The problem
- 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 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- The risk
- A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- 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 insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- The risk
- The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
- The problem
- 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 manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
- The risk
- Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
- The problem
- 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, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
- The risk
- If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- The risk
- If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
What owners say
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2,466 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 99.
The B pillar, that has a recall for it for almost 2yrs while waiting for the part to be available, fell off while driving on the freeway. The piece was barely holding on when we pulled over on the freeway. With that piece falling off it has tripped the electrical with the rear lift door now not working and forever now have the warning light on the dash that shows the door not closed and to lock the vehicle is difficult and the lights won't shut off for over 20min which is now affecting the vehicle battery. Ford has...
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been called and still will not fix the issue which has progressed to affecting other parts of the vehicle unless we pay out of pocket with quotes over $2,000!! There is a recall and it's close to 2yrs waiting for the "part" but now the part has actually fallen off it's causing more electrical and costly issues. Ford needs to pay for these repairs now with no more excuses. I need help please.
On approximately June 13, 2025, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport on the highway, the driver's-side exterior B-pillar trim appliqué came loose. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms before the failure. The trim did not completely detach because it remained connected by the exterior keypad wiring. The failure created a risk to other motorists because the trim could have completely detached at highway speed and entered the roadway. I stopped at a gas station and temporarily secured the...
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loose component with black duct tape to prevent it from completely detaching. Just a few days after the incident, I received Ford's recall notice involving this same B-pillar trim condition, Safety Recall 25S53/NHTSA Recall 25V347. The rear liftgate also stopped operating immediately following the incident. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for service. Ford repaired the liftgate issue, but the dealership was unable to complete the permanent recall repair for the failed B-pillar component. As of November 7, 2026, nearly 17 months after the recalled component actually failed while I was driving, Ford still has not completed the permanent recall repair. Ford's recall information continues to show Recall 25S53 as incomplete and states that Ford has a remedy but parts are not available. The failed recalled component remains temporarily secured to the vehicle with black duct tape because Ford has been unable to provide the permanent recall remedy. I have contacted and escalated the matter with Ford seeking a permanent resolution. The vehicle and failed component remain available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The dashboard cover has separated from the dash just under thr windshield close to the bottom of the windshield but just in front of the air vent. The separation has caused the covering to draw up exposing white insulation foam underneath to cause a glare on the windshield that creates a visibility issue during the day. I have received repair estimates in the $3,000.00 Range but after researching this it seems this is an often reported issue that I believe ford should address. There was no warning as one day I noticed the glare and realized what happened.
The b pillar is coming apart and may cause an incident. They put out recall in May of 2025 but still no remedy. .
2016 Ford Explorer, Falling pedal to the floor. acceleration of high speed. No physical obstuction. Noted that 2016 Ford Exployers have been highly documented for widw spread issue, which involves a defective EIB. Noted that automobile will be sent to dealership.
manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. They have only repaired 1 side of the trim. Dealer states driver side is on back order
On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I...
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later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting that this be reviewed as a possible recall-repair-related safety issue. The PCM failure and associated engine/electrical problems could affect drivability and the vehicle's ability to operate safely. The vehicle and related repair records are available for inspection.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that at the time of inspection the recall repair was not necessary. The contact stated that the vehicle should be repair since the failure had occurred after the inspection. The failure mileage was 135,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [[redacted]] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires were flat. Believing it was unsafe...
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to continue at normal speed, I proceeded cautiously and drove the vehicle slowly to my service center for diagnosis. After examining the vehicle, the service center informed me that the rack and pinion steering assembly was the cause of the problem I experienced. At the time of the incident, I had an extended warranty/service contract that provided powertrain coverage. However, I was informed that because the rack and pinion system in my vehicle is electronically assisted, the repair was not covered under the terms of the policy. Given the sudden loss of steering control and the potential safety risks involved, I am seeking a review of this matter by your team. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by Insurance agent who declined my insurance claim. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No prior symptoms. Approximately first week of September 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver's and front passenger's side B-pillar trims were fractured. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair.
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim had become loosened and pieces of the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle while driving. The contact had used a glue-like substance to secure the A-pillar trims on both sides; however, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming...
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from the pillars while driving at various speeds. In addition, the passenger's side B-pillar detached from the vehicle while at a car wash. The contact ordered the part online and had a family member attach the part to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Driver door B Pillar detached and fell off while driving last week. This repair has taken a significant amount of time to find a resolution. We would highly encourage pressure on the manufacturer to solve this issue in a more timely manor.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trim...
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detached while I was driving and was flapping against the vehicle. There was a risk that the part could have completely separated from the vehicle and struck another vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the roadway. I was also distracted while attempting to manage the situation and find a safe place to stop. Operating a vehicle with components coming apart created an unsafe condition for me and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. A Ford dealership observed the detached trim and temporarily secured it with tape. The trim was later repaired; however, the same component has detached again, demonstrating that the problem has recurred. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The component was inspected by a Ford dealership, which temporarily secured the trim and later repaired it. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages before the B-pillar trim detached. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured, the vehicle began exhibiting additional symptoms, including a malfunctioning security system, inability to open the tailgate, and failure to shut off completely.
The driver's side A Pilar keeps coming off. Dealerships state they do not have the replacement part and are unable to fix the issue until the parts are in stock. I'm afraid it will fall off on the freeway and create a safety hazard to other drivers. This is one of the reasons I do not drive this car on freeways or highways making life difficult.
There was a recall issued on [redacted] for Exterior A-pillar appliqué molding inspection campaign 24S02/24V031. There was a Ford dealership Stivers Ford South in [[redacted]] that claims they performed the recall on my vehicle. I live in [[redacted]] and take my car to Bob Allen Ford in [[redacted]] to be serviced. I was driving home from a long road trip when the passenger A-Pillar came off this happened on Friday [redacted]. I called my dealership on Saturday [redacted] to schedule for the recall, however, I was...
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told another dealership had already completed the recall. I called Ford customer service who then informed me I would need to call the Ford dealership in [[redacted]]. I called the Ford dealership in [[redacted]] on Saturday [redacted], I was told a service manager would give me a call back. I did not receive a call that day. I called on Monday as well with no response from anyone. I called Ford customer service on Tuesday [redacted] and filed a fraud complaint about the dealership. I was told the service manager was looking into it and would give me a call on Tuesday. It is now Friday [redacted], and I have not heard from the service manager or service director at the dealership in [[redacted]]. The Ford customer service informed be I should hear back by early next week. I want to get my car repaired as it is damaged from the recall. The A-Pillar applique came off when I was going down the highway. I don't feel safe driving my car until I can get this fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side A-pillar trim unexpectedly detached. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim on the front passenger's door unexpectedly detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that...
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parts were not yet available and that the parts were anticipated to be available in March 2027. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
I am scared of this in fix recall for my family and kids I travel a lot for my son football on the freeway and road. If this was unsafe they should have been fix for us. Thank you I do not want to deal with trying to fix anymore.
B-Pillar door trim came off of 2016 Ford Explorer. There has been a recall on this problem since May 2025. This problem is still listed as no repair or parts available. It is now Sept. 2026. 1 1/2 years is too long for a company to delay in solving this safety problem and/or providing parts for said problem.
As I was driving down the highway, my A pillar trim began to get loose and flew off and hit the car behind me. It forced them to swerve yet they gained control of their car and approached me letting me know what happened. They were highly upset because it damaged their front windshield. I had no choice but to pay for the person's windshield to get repaired. This issue was recalled almost a year before this happened and every time I went to the dealership I asked them about it and they said the recall part was not...
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in stock for repair and that they would call me when it is. I have yet, to receive a call regarding this. Now there are 2 additional recalls on my vehicle and they are all stating the same thing. That the part is unavailable.
Approximately 3 years ago, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on a [[redacted]], warning chimes sounded and a power steering/steering assist fault message appeared. Electric power-steering assist then stopped functioning and the steering became extremely difficult to operate. I slowed down and was able to maneuver safely off the freeway. I shut the vehicle off, opened the driver's door, waited approximately 45 seconds and restarted it. Normal steering assist returned. Shortly afterward, I took the vehicle to...
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Oakdale Ford in Oakdale, CA and reported the problem. I was advised that further diagnosis/investigation would involve approximately 5,600 in costs. I declined due to the expense, and no repair was performed. The cause of the failure remains UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains available for inspection. During the approximately 3 years since, the vehicle has unexpectedly lost electric power-steering assist at least a dozen additional times, at different speeds and on different types of roads. Sometimes warning chimes/messages occur without loss of assist; other times assist is actually lost. Shutting the vehicle down, opening the driver's door, waiting approximately 45 seconds and restarting has restored steering assist each time, but the problem later recurs unpredictably. I live in a mountainous area and regularly drive narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs and limited or no guardrails. Sudden loss of steering assist while negotiating a curve makes the vehicle significantly harder to control and creates a serious risk of leaving the roadway. No crash or injury has occurred to date. The failure is intermittent, unpredictable, repeatedly occurs while driving, and has not been repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to report a severe, inherently dangerous engineering defect regarding the internal water pump design on the 2016 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine.On September 8, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic primary seal failure of the internal water pump while operating. The vehicle immediately began dumping large quantities of engine coolant onto the ground from the designated engine block weep hole located on the lower passenger side. Because Ford engineered...
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this specific engine with the water pump hidden entirely behind the front timing cover and driven directly by the engine's timing chain, any mechanical failure of the pump poses an immediate, severe safety risk to the driver and occupants. If the secondary pump seal fails or the weep hole becomes obstructed, coolant dumps directly into the engine crankcase, mixing with the engine oil. This sudden loss of lubrication can cause the internal pump bearings to seize rapidly, leading to the timing chain snapping or jumping tracks.The consequences of this design create two distinct, critical safety hazards:Sudden Engine Stall at Speed: A seized water pump or broken timing chain will cause an instantaneous, un-commanded engine shutdown while traveling at highway speeds. This immediately cuts off the vehicle's power steering assist and power brake booster, placing the driver at extreme risk of a high-speed collision. Passenger Cabin Hazmat Hazard: A major coolant dump underneath the engine bay onto hot exhaust components generates blinding steam and toxic chemical fumes that can enter the vehicle's HVAC system, severely impairing driver visibility and breathing.This internal, chain-driven water pump design is a known, systemic manufacturing defect that forces vehicle owners to pay between 3,000 and 5,000 in preventative labor to fix an auxiliary cooling component before it destroys the entire engine block. I urge the NHTSA to open a formal safety investigation int
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact reached out to the local dealer and stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim was taped to the door; however, after the tape lost the stickiness, the trim became loose and was hanging down by the electrical wiring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle and the contact were informed that the B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and that only half of the B-pillar trim could be replaced. The dealer stated that the remaining part needed to be provided by the manufacturer. The...
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dealer informed the contact that parts might to available April of 2027. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Transmission is company. Was driving and it bucked forward SO bad I had a panic attack with my kids in the back and had to have it towed home. Sounds like a computer issue because no me manic can figure out what's wrong with it. Dealership had put in a 'brand new' transmission when I bought it in 2021.
Ford Explorer: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,254 | 33 | F |
| 2019 | 303 | 6 | F |
| 2018 | 735 | 7 | F |
| 2017 | 1,716 | 14 | F |
| 2016 | 2,466 | 15 | F |
| 2015 | 1,821 | 9 | F |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 7 | F |
| 2013 | 0 | 12 | B |
| 2012 | 0 | 7 | A |
2016 Ford Explorer vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 2,466 | 15 | F | |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1,263 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Ford Edge | 932 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 643 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 313 | 9 | A | Compare |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa FE | 238 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2016 GMC Acadia | 236 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Dodge Durango | 161 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2016 Buick Enclave | 142 | 4 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2016 Ford Explorer
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer: body (July 2026); engine block heater (October 2025); body (May 2025); roof and pillars (January 2024) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (597), steering (531), engine & cooling (483).
How many complaints has the 2016 Ford Explorer had?
2,466 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 18, 2015 and the latest on November 9, 2026. Of these, 39 describe a crash and 14 a fire, and together they report 59 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 0 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Explorer year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most complaints?
2002 (3,613), 2016 (2,466), 2015 (1,821). See every Ford Explorer year compared.
What should I do if my 2016 Ford Explorer has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data