2016 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 2,452 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 39 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 59 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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 September 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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
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.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
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.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
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.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
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 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.
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.
Campaign 20V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
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.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsNov 29, 2017
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.
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 17V767000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
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.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerJun 28, 2016
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 seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2016
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.
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 16V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingSep 28, 2015
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.
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 15V605000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeJul 24, 2015
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 15V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
114 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR WITHIN THE CABIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED OR WHILE ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PLACED AN EXHAUST FLOW METER IN THE VEHICLE AND THE RATINGS FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS HIGH SPEEDS. ARSENAL FORD OF NEW IBERIA, LOUISIANA WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE EXHAUST WAS REPLACED IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND AN EXHAUST OPENING WAS SEALED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL HYDROGEN SULFIDE ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HAYFORD FORD LOCATED AT 1330 301ST AVE NW ISANTI, MN 55040 763-689-5555), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: CAS12775863. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000. ..UPDATED 08/22/17 *BF UPDATED 09/28/2017*JS *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A SULFURIC, EGG-LIKE ODOR ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR WAS NOTICED OVER A DOZEN TIMES, ESPECIALLY DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION OR DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ASTORG FORD IN PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA WHERE THE O2 SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO ISSUES WERE FOUND WITH EITHER OF THEM. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN TSB THAT APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE THAT CAME OUT IN MAY OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, May 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SHARPE MOTOR DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUME ODOR REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE SOURCE OF THE FUMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, EXHAUST FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TOO HARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR AFTER EXTENDED OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 8, 2017
SINCE EARLY OCTOBER 2016, I'VE HAD A NEAR-CONSTANT EXHAUST SMELL, SIMILAR TO WHAT NATURAL GAS OR SULFUR SMELLS LIKE, IN THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE THAT IS RESULTING IN HEADACHES (LITERALLY) FOR MY ENTIRE FAMILY. DEALERSHIP HAS MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR AND HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE EXHAUST FUMES ARE COMING INTO THE CABIN WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED AND VEHICLE IS PARKED OR MOVING. IN MY ONLINE RESEARCH, I'VE FOUND THAT FORD IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA FOR THIS ISSUE FOR 2010-15 MODELS, BUT I BELIEVE MY 2016 MODEL IS AFFECTED AS WELL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2017
FORD EXPLORER - I KNOW THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR 2011-2015 EXPLORERS HAVING AN EXHAUST FUME LEAK THROUGH THE AC. HAS THE ISSUE BEEN FIXED ON THE 2016 MODEL? WHAT HAS BEEN DONE DIFFERENTLY IN THE 2016 MODEL TO ENSURE THIS ISSUE DOES NOT EXIST? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
CAR HAS AN AWFUL SMELL WHEN USING THE CLIMATE CONTROL, DEALER SAID THERE WAS AN EXHAUST LEAK INTO THE TURBO, THEY REPLACED THE TURBO AND THE SMELL STILL PERSIST. CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP FOR A MONTH NOW. SMELL IS STRONGEST WHEN DRIVING AND CLIMATE CONTROL IS ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE PARKED, THERE WERE STRONG EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON EXTENDED TRIPS, EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES MADE THE CONTACT FEEL NAUSEOUS TO THE POINT OF PASSING OUT. WHEN DEPRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ABNORMAL FUME ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,034.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 28, 2016
2016 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE AND POWERTRAIN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT VARIOUS TIMES AND ACCELERATOR MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD, HE HEARD A LOUD THUD ACCOMPANIED BY AN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY LOST SPEED AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS IDLING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE SAFELY OUT OF TRAFFIC AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THERE WAS A RECURRING ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT HE EXPERIENCED IN JANUARY 2016 WITH THE FIRST MONTH OF DELIVERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS DUE TO DEAD BATTERIES. *JB