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: steering
529 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 24, 2020
I WAS TURNING INTO A GAS STATION AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNINGS OR ISSUES.
Steering, Aug 14, 2020
STEERING WAS GETTING DIFFICULT WHILE MAKING TURNS. TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE RACK & PINION NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $2,560 AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FORD IS NOT COVERING THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A FAULTY PART ON THEIR END AND SHOULD BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 12, 2020, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 65 IN HAM LAKE, MN SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE LUNGED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO FISHTAIL IT BACK ONTO THE ROAD, ALMOST ROLLED THE VEHICLE AND BARELY KEPT IT UNDER CONTROL. I GOT OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND CALL THE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF FOR ASSISTANCE. A DEPUTY ASSISTED BUT I DON'T BELIEVE A FORMAL POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THIS WAS SUNDAY JULY 19TH. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT THE FOLLOW DAY AND DETERMINED THAT THE TOE CONTROL LINK HAD BROKEN. THEY REPAIRED IT WITH A NEW PART FROM THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED FINE. LAST NIGHT THE NEW PART THAT THEY INSTALLED BROKE AS WELL. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PART, THE TOE CONTROL LINK ON 2011-2017 FORD EXPLORERS. I CHECKED THE VIN ON THE NTSB WEBSITE BUT IT INDICATES THAT OUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WE HAD BROUGHT THE CAR INTO METROPOLITAN FORD IN EDEN PRAIRIE EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR OTHER RECALL ISSUES. HAD THE RECALL BEEN COMPREHENSIVE, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED. AT 65 MPH, MY DAUGHTER AND I SHOULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILLED IN THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT. IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE (NEAR) ACCIDENT AND WE ARE STILL SHAKEN UP BY IT. FORTUNATELY, LAST NIGHT'S INCIDENT WAS AT MUCH SLOWER SPEED. I AM FEARFUL THAT THERE ARE OTHER FAMILIES WHOSE LIVES IN DANGER AS WELL. I HAVE A PHOTO THAT I TOOK OF THE CURRENT (SECOND) BREAK THAT OCCURRED THAT IS ATTACHED.
Steering, Aug 10, 2020
I INITIALLY HAD 'STEERING FAULT' ALERT A FEW MONTHS AGO. JUST TODAY A 'TERRAIN MAINTENANCE FAULT' ALERT CAME UP WITH A FEW ALERTS ICONS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE STEERING FROZE TO THE POINT I COULD ONLY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AN INCH WHILE MUSCLING IT TO A STOP. APPARENTLY, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. THEY HAD ME RESTART THE SUV AND THAT TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE ISSUE, BUT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AT ANYTIME. THE DEALERSHIP SAID, IF THE ISSUE ISN'T OCCURRING WHEN I BRING THE SUV IN THEY CAN'T SPECIFICALLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT MORE THAN LIKELY THE STEERING GEAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACE FOR ~$2K. AS I AM READING OTHERS, THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT COULD PUT DRIVERS IN DANGER AND HAVE FOR OTHERS. I WAS IN MARSHFIELD, MA WHEN THIS HAPPENED, DRIVING 30 MPH APPROXIMATELY 2PM ON PLAIN STREET.
Steering, Aug 8, 2020
THE FLUIDITY OF THE STEERING IS DETERIORATING. WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND OF METAL ON METAL. INTERMITTENTLY I HAVE TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A TURN WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE AS I TYPICALLY AM TRAVELING WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. THE PROBLEM HAS ARISEN IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND THE MECHANIC I UTILIZE, WHO DOES NOT REPAIR STEERING RACKS, REPORTED THAT THE COST OF ADDRESSING THE ISSUE COULD EXCEED $1000. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH A 2016 MODEL THAT JUST WENT OVER 50,000 MILES AND IS NOT SUBJECTED TO ROUGH, EXTENDED DRIVING BUT RATHER MOST DAYS ARE A 28 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR WORK.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 7, 2020
49000 MILES, ELECTRONIC STEERING IS STARTING TO GO OUT. WHEN DRIVING MODERATE SPEEDS CAR MAKES LOUD AUDIBLE NOISES ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. RACK AND PINION WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD TOLD ME IT WAS 100% SAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SAID THE EXACT OPPOSITE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE IT GOES OUT HEAVEN FORBID AT HIGH SPEEDS.FAMILY OF 4 YOUNG KIDS, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE, FAMILY CAR. FORD IS PUTTING A LOT OF FAMILIES AT RISK NOT RECALLING THIS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 49K MILES. THEY ARE LOSING LOTS OF RETURN CUSTOMERS BY NOT HANDLING A SAFETY ISSUE PROPERLY. I HOPE NO DEATHS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO BRING MORE SEVERITY TO THIS PRESSING ISSUE. IF YOU HEAR A CLICK WHEN STEERING, GET THE CAR INSPECTED ASAP! CLICKING OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND IS MORE INTENSE WHEN DRIVING. IT COULD GO OUT AT ANY MOMENT.
Steering, Aug 6, 2020
OUR 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 50K MILES STARTED TO HAVE VERY STICKY STEERING AND IT WOULD MAKE SOME CLUNKING NOISES WHEN TURNING. THIS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE WHILE MY PREGNANT WIFE USED THE SUV AS A DAILY DRIVE UNTIL ONE DAY SHE SAID SHE NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE FORD AND HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO HAROLD ZEIGLER FORD IN LOWELL, MI AND THEY SAID THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THAT MEANS REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY WHICH IS A $2,200+ REPAIR. THAT IS WAY TO SERIOUS OF A REPAIR TO HAPPEN SO OFTEN AND THIS EARLY. BASED ON THE MANY SIMILAR ISSUES I HAVE READ ABOUT REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THE FACT THAT FORD ALREADY HAD A SIMILAR RECALL FOR EARLIER YEARS OF THE EXPLORER, THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. SOMEONE WILL GET HURT AND FORD IS JUST TRYING TO SAVE MONEY BY NOT ADDRESSING IT. THE WORST PART IS THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN IN 50K MORE MILES.
Steering, Aug 5, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, THE WHEEL JERKED AND I ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD. THEN THE STEERING MADE GRINDING NOISES. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $1500 FOR THE PART AND JUST AS MUCH OR MORE FOR THE LABOR, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 77000 MILES ON IT.
Steering, Aug 3, 2020
THE RACK & PINION MOTOR FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE AFTER ONLY APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. IN THIS INSTANCE IT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE MOTORS ARE FAILING AT A RELATIVELY HIGH RATE AND STEERING COULD LOCK UP IN THESE VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP OR WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOZARD FORD LINCOLN (540 OUTLET MALL BLVD, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32084, (904) 824-1641) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE STRUT TOWER AND STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 78,105.
Steering, Jul 28, 2020
OUR 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH 44K MILES IS MAKING KNOCKING SOUNDS WHILE TURNING. THE SOUND WAS INTERMITTENT AT TIMES SO NOT ALL TURNS MADE THE KNOCKING SOUND.WE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE RACK AND PINION STEERING IS GOING OUT. HE EXPLAINED IN MORE DETAIL, BUT THE GIST OF IT IS A REPAIR COST OF $2K ON A VEHICLE THAT'S NOT PAID OFF AND EXTREME HAZARD TO DRIVE. THIS IS A CRITICAL CONCERN FOR MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS THAT HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
Steering, Jul 20, 2020
STEERING FAULT LIGHT CAME ON TWICE IN TWO DAYS, BOTH INSTANCES HAPPENED AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOPLIGHT. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY READ THE CODES AND IT CAME BACK THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS FAILING. THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE STEERING COULD GO OUT ANY MINUTE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 57K MILES ON IT BUT OF COURSE ISN'T COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. AFTER GOOGLING THE ISSUE, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP CONVENIENTLY HAD THE A STEERING ASSEMBLY IN STOCK. NOT SURE WHAT THE HOLD UP IS FOR FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL! THIS COULD KILL SOMEONE.
Steering, Jul 14, 2020
WE OWN A 2016 FORD EXPLORER, AND HAVING MAJOR ISSUE WITH STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. WHICH MEANS NEW RACK SYSTEM AT $2,100 +. I'VE READ SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM, AND EVEN WITH PAST EXPLORERS WITH RECALLS. WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED THIS PROBLEM AS THEY DID WITH PAST EXPLORERS?? IT'S A DEATH TRAP, AND YOU WILL LIKELY WRECK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I'M THE LUCKY ONE THIS TIME..
Steering, Jul 8, 2020
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WE NOTICED OVERTIME A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS WE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD MAKING TURNS AND BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. WE HAVE READ ABOUT INSTANCES OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM DRIVING AND TRYING TO STEER THE CAR AND IT LOCKING PREVENTING STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED TEMPORARILY TO US SO I AM REPORTING IT AS IT CAN BE WORSE DOWN THE ROAD AS A SAFETY HAZARD TO US AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING THESE TYPES OF ISSUES SO EARLY AND OWNERSHIP. WE DRIVE THE VEHICLE LESS THAN 10000 MILES PER YEAR.
Steering, Jul 7, 2020
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT MULTIPLE WARNING SENSORS WENT OFF AND WE LOST ALL POWER STEERING ONCE WE STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS 53K MILES ON IT. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY ROAD, IT WOULD HAVE PUT ALL OF US IN EXTREME DANGER. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNINGS, IT JUST WENT.
Steering, Jul 6, 2020
THIS IS A POLICE VEHICLE AND WHILE RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY CALL, THE STEERING FAULTED WITH A STEERING FAULT WARNING ON THE DASH. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITH VERY LITTLE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT DOWN AND RESTART THE VEHICLE AS I WAS ON A STRAIGHT AWAY! THIS RESET THE COMPUTER AND STEERING RETURNED. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE THIS OCCURRED, THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE!
Steering, Jun 30, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (65 MPH SPEED LIMIT) MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. AT THE HIGH SPEEDS I HAD VERY LITTLE CONTROL OF STEERING. I WOULD TURN THE CAR OFF & THE POWER STEERING WOULD COME BACK, THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER WOULD GO OUT AGAIN UNTIL THE POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE GARAGE WHERE THEY SAID THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS OVER $2100 REPAIR ON A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE AND SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. THE GENTLEMAN AT THE GARAGE ALLUDED TO IT BEING A DEFECTIVE PART BUT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. IT IS 100% ON ME TO GET REPAIRED. IT WAS VERY SCARY & LUCKY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED WITH THE SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE GARAGE WAITING FOR THE PART TO BE SHIPPED. *TR
Steering, Jun 29, 2020
OUR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS ALSO A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN WE WOULD TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT THE STEERING GEAR HAD GONE BAD AND WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT OF POWER TRANSFER FLUID. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT WE DID AS DRIVERS TO CAUSE THE PTU TO LEAK. WE HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS ABOUT THE STEERING GEAR PROBLEMS IN THE YEAR AND MODEL OF OUR VEHICLE. THE COST TO REPAIR THE STEERING GEAR AND THE LEAK WAS OVER $5000.00.
Steering, Jun 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITH THE TRAC CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 22, 2020
SATURDAY JUNE 20TH 2020 THE HILL ASSIST MESSAGE CAME ON AS DID THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THERE IS NO POWER STEERING AND BOTH AXLES ARE MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS THE RACK AND PINION ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. EPAS UNIT HAS FAILED. LUCKILY IT WAS IN MY CUL DE SAC TURNING AROUND AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY. MY WIFE PREDOMINANTLY DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. THE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT. IS THIS A PRIVATE RECALL? I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A COUPLE OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS THAT FORD "TOOK CARE OF IT" FOR THEM. I HAVE ORDERED THE PART, BUT IT WILL NOT BE THERE FOR A WEEK. THIS CAR IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS NORMALLY DRIVEN ON CITY STREETS AND OCCASIONALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Steering, Jun 22, 2020
6/21/20 - STOPPED FOR GAS AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES ON THE INTERSTATE. CRANKED CAR AND STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. DASH NOTICES: STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED; SERVICE ADVANCETRAC; HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE; TRACTION LIGHT SHOWING OFF. DROVE CAR HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING. CALLED SELLING DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD PROBABLY COST AROUND $2000 TO REPAIR. SEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BUT NO RECALL FROM FORD. PURCHASED NEW AND NOW HAS ONLY 61K MILES. RIDICULOUS! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jun 15, 2020
I STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING WAS VERY LOOSE, WHEN I TURNED RIGHT AT FIRST AND ON OCCASION TO THE LEFT MECHANIC SAID IF I HAD GONE MUCH FURTHER IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN ALL THE WAY AND I WOULD HAVE LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE SUV. *TR
Steering, Jun 13, 2020
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MY FORD EXPERIENCE WITH MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION THAT WAS BOUGHT FROM HIGLEY FORD. AT 64,000 MILES... YES 4,000 OVER MY WARRANTY MY COMPUTER MODULE FRIED AND I HAD TO REPLACE THAT... $1500 OUT OF MY POCKET... THEN LAST SUMMER MY AC QUIT WORKING FOLLOWED BY MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER AND MIRROR ON MY VISOR... THEN HERE RECENTLY I COULD SMELL SOMETHING LIKE BURNT RUBBER AND FOUND OUT SOME SEAL POPPED OFF SO OIL WAS LEAKING.... WHICH IS IN A SPOT THAT YOU CAN'T GET TO UNLESS YOU TAKE THINGS APART...THEN NOW JUST FOUND OUT MY RACK AND PINION WENT OUT... THE STEERING (PART ALONE COSTS $1500)!!! I WAS TOLD I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THAT WAS ALL I GOT. REALLY!!!!!!! ESPECIALLY THE RACK AND PINION! HOW THE HELL DOES THAT GO OUT...I'M A NIGHT NURSE THAT DRIVES TO WORK AND BACK AND THAT'S ABOUT ALL! I'VE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, IN THE DITCH AND I DON'T TEAR AROUND IN MY CAR. I CAN UNDERSTAND MAYBE A COMPUTER THING HAPPENING BECAUSE WELL... COMPUTERS ARE COMPUTERS... BUT ALL OF THOSE THINGS GOING WRONG WITH 1 VEHICLE! AND IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A NICE VEHICLE!!! LET ME JUST SAY... I FEEL VERY SCREWED. *TR
Steering, Jun 10, 2020
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER ON MY LAST LEFT TURN TO MY HOUSE THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP I WASN'T ABLE TO STEER MY VEHICLE I HAD TO PUSH THE SUV BACK TO THE HOUSE.THERE WAS 3 LIGHTS CAME ON COME ON THE DASH BOARD WITH THESE MESSAGES.. 1 HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE..(I DON'T THINK THAT ITS EQUIPPED WITH THIS FUTURE) PRESS THE OK BOTTOM.SECOND LIGHT.. SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK THIRD LIGHT..STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED.CANT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY MORE. NOW THERE ARE 203 COMPLAINS JUST ON STEERING MOST ARE ALL ABOUT STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP.THIS IS SOMETHING WAY SERIOUS MOST OF THIS SUV'S ARE THE WIFE CAR ALWAYS PACK WITH CHILDREN. THE NHTSA AND FORD SHOULD REALLY LOOK N TO THIS JUST BEFORE ONE OF OUR LOVE ONES IS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 75 MPH AND IT LOCKS ON THEM IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.NOW IF THE NHTSA AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST AND OR DAMAGE THAT MY OCCUR.IF THIS WAS SOMETHING SMALL AND CHEAP TO FIX THE OWNERS OF THIS SUV WOULD PROBABLY FIX IT BUT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT $2300-$3000 DOLLARS. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 4 YEAR OLD SUV WITH THIS KIND OF A PROBLEM ITS A $18000 SUV.. ITS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD WITH NO HESITATION SHOULD BE FIXING....PEOPLE PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR PROBLEMS LET THEM KNOW WE ARE THE CONSUMER THEY ARE WHO THEY ARE BECAUSE WE BUY FROM THEM THEY SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Steering, Jun 9, 2020
THE 2016 EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A CLUCKING SOUND AND THE STEERING WOULD HITCH WHILE TURNING AT APPROX 50K MILES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER BUT DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE. AT 60K MILES THERE WAS A CONSTANT CLUNKING AND STEERING STICKING WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REVIEW, DEALER CONFIRMED THE RACK AND PINION WAS FAILING AND WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THEY HAVE TO REPLACE MANY RACK AND PINIONS FOR EXPLORERS AND IT IS A PROBLEM BUT HEY CAN ONLY DO WHAT FORD INSTRUCTS. AFTER REVIEW ON THE NHTSA.GOV SITE, THERE ARE OVER 200 COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM THAT OCCURS FROM 30K TO 60K MILES. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING DEALT WITH BY THE MANUFACTURER AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SINCE MOST OF THESE VEHICLES ARE NOW HITTING THIS MILEAGE RANGE. *TR