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, Jan 14, 2020
I HAVE A 2016 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW 3.5 YEARS AGO. IT HAS 55K MILES ON IT, WHICH ISN'T WHAT I CONSIDER MANY MILES, AND IS DRIVEN BY MY WIFE 90% OF THE TIME TO AND FROM WORK AND WE USE IT FOR LONGER DRIVERS WITH OUR 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. I JUST RECEIVED WORD, AFTER I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, THAT THE STEERING RACK AND GEAR HAS FAILED. I HAVE SEEN OTHERS TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS A VERY BIG SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION. IF THIS THING FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY AT A FASTER SPEED AND MY WIFE AND CHILD WERE IN THE CAR AND SHE HAD LIMITED STEERING CONTROL IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS AND TRAGIC. I SEE ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM I AM THE 165TH CASE OF THIS HAPPENING. I WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS AND HOPEFULLY YOU CAN MAKE THE 3RD RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE (HAD 2 ALREADY) PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jan 12, 2020
AT SLOW SPEEDS 20 MPH AND LESS THERE IS SIGNIFICANT NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR TRANSITIONS. AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL THE STEERING WILL GET STUCK OR HESITATE AND MAKE A CLUNKING OR POPPING SOUND. SEEMS TO BE STABILIZER BAR RELATED. ITS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. I ALSO HAVE AN ENGINE SURGING ISSUE AT SLOWER SPEEDS OF 30 MPH OR LESS.
Steering, Dec 27, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT THERE IS A DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE BLOGS WHERE MANY SIMILAR STORIES ARE BEING TOLD AND IT SEEMS THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE STEERING GEAR EXPIERENCING INTERNAL FAILURE PREMATURLY. OWNERS ARE SAYING THEIR VEHICLES WILL DRIFT IN THE LANE AND THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE. FORD DEALERS ARE CHARGING $2,500 TO REPLACE THE PARTS CAUSING THIS EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED NOW, WHO CAN AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON SOMETHING THIS CRITICAL. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE IN AT 56,000 AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. AT 68,326 MILES WE TOOK IN AGAIN BECAUSE IT GOT WORSE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT AND I HEAR IT AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING OR JUST RIGHT TURNS.
Steering, Dec 23, 2019
I WENT ON VACATION WITH MY FAMILY FOR A WEEK. WE TOOK MY CAR TO AIRPORT AND PARKED IT FROM 11/8-11/16. I HAD NO PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE TO THE AIRPORT, BUT WHEN WE CAME HOME, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE (STILL STATIONARY) I HEARD A RUBBING NOSE COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN. DUE TO MY SON'S ALWAYS BEING IN THE VEHICLE I DIDN'T WANT TO CHANCE ANYTHING SINCE IT SEEMED TO BE STEERING RELATED. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO ENDED UP TELLING ME THAT IT WAS MY STEERING RACK. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT ON THE YEAR'S BEFORE MINE THEY HAD TO ISSUE A RECALL DUE TO SIMILAR ISSUES AS MINE. I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL THAT STILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT ISN'T A RECALL ANYMORE FOR SOME REASON. LUCKILY I CAUGHT MINE BEFORE IT CAUSE A SERIOUS ISSUE, BEING THAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID THIS CAUSES THEIR STEERING TO COMPLETELY LOCK UP.
Steering, Dec 19, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT THERE IS A DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE BLOGS WHERE MANY SIMILAR STORIES ARE BEING TOLD AND IT SEEMS THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE RACK AND PINION. OWNERS ARE SAYING THEIR VEHICLES WILL DRIFT IN THE LANE AND THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE. FORD DEALERS ARE CHARGING AT LEAST $2000.00 TO REPLACE THE PARTS CAUSING THIS EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I KNOW OF THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION BUT THIS IS VERY DIFFERENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED NOW, WHO CAN AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON SOMETHING THIS CRITICAL. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. MY VEHICLE HAS 65,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT AND I HEAR IT AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING OR JUST RIGHT TURNS.
Steering, Dec 18, 2019
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, APPROXIMATELY 45MPH, THE CAR STARTED TO JAR, THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS LOST, MOMENTS LATER THE DASH LIT UP WITH A SLEW OF TRACTION AND STEERING WARNINGS.LESS THAN A MILE FROM HOME I WRESTLED IT HOME. NO LEAKS OBSERVED, MY HUSBAND STARTED IT, AND TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL, SEIZED COMPLETELY. TOWED IT TO NORTHHAMPTON FORD IN MASSACHUSETTS THE FOLLOWING MORNING. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THE STEERING RACK AND COMPUTER CONTROL HAS TO BE REPLACED. $2800+ TO REPAIR. FORD KNOWS OF THIS, PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL..HELP..
Steering, Dec 16, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT THERE IS A DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE BLOGS WHERE MANY SIMILAR STORIES ARE BEING TOLD AND IT SEEMS THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE RACK AND PINION. OWNERS ARE SAYING THEIR VEHICLES WILL DRIFT IN THE LANE AND THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE. FORD DEALERS ARE CHARGING AT LEAST $2000.00 TO REPLACE THE PARTS CAUSING THIS EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I KNOW OF THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION BUT THIS IS VERY DIFFERENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED NOW, WHO CAN AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON SOMETHING THIS CRITICAL. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. MY VEHICLE HAS 65,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT AND I HEAR IT AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING OR JUST RIGHT TURNS.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 6, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I GOT ERRORS SAYING MY ADVACE TRAC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. ALSO THAT MY POWER STEERING FAILED AND I NEEDED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER SAFELY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65MPH AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT!. I HAD TO TAKE AN OFFRAMP SHORTLY AFTER (I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK) AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS!
Steering, Nov 19, 2019
I STARTED TO FEEL STRAIN ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND SINCE I STARTED FEELING THAT TENSION ON NOV. 5TH, IT HAS INCREASED TO A HEAVIER TENSION THAT WHENEVER I MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL TO TURN IN MY CAR, SOMETHING IS HAPPENING TO MY WHEEL, AND IT IS GRINDING TOGETHER. THE STEERING RACK AND PINION SEEM TO BE THE THING THAT IS GRINDING TOGETHER TO MAKE MY STEERING WHEEL HAVE TENSION AND BE UNSAFE.
Steering, Nov 17, 2019
MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WHEN I HEARD AN ODD NOISE. I STOPPED AND DECIDED TO MOVE ONLY TO HEAR A GRINDING NOISE ANY TIME I TURNED STEERING TO LEFT OR RIGHT. WENT TO THE CHANTILLY FORD DEALERSHIP IN VIRGINIA. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A STEERING RACK PINION PROBLEM WHICH COST JUST OVER $2000
Steering, Nov 14, 2019
THE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERATIVE WHEN STATIONARY AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN MY GARAGE AND TEMP WAS BELOW FREEZING. THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP AND YOU COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES (TRYING TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL BACK & FORTH) IT WOULD LET YOU THEN TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT DID THIS 3 TIMES AND I HAD A FORD DEALER CHECK IT OUT. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING SECTOR AND IT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE TIMES THE STEERING LOCKED UP IT ALSO WAS BINDING WHEN I STARTED MOVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I FEEL IF THE STEERING SECTOR FAILED IN ABOUT 4 YEARS IS SAFETY ITEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND OWNERS REFUNDED FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. IT COST ABOUT $2300.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. IF THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING I WOULD HAVE LOST 100% OF THE STEERING.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 14, 2019
ISSUES STARTED WITH SEVERAL ELECTRICAL GLITCHES THAT OCCURRED AND STILL OCCUR CONSISTENTLY WITH NO RESOLUTION. BATTERY WAS "FRIED" AND REPLACED, SYNC MODULE WAS REPLACED, NOW THE GLITCHES INCLUDE A FROZEN STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING AND A "CHARGING SYSTEM SERVICE NOW" LIGHT THAT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING. ALSO PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR GETS STUCK OUTWARDS, INTERIOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. TRUCK IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM TIRED OF PAYING $150 DIAGNOSTIC FEES WITH NO RESOLUTION.
Steering, Nov 14, 2019
STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN SAFELY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD IF GOING AT HIGHER SPEED OR AROUND A CURVE. WAS ABLE TO STOP AND REALLY FORCE WHEEL TO TURN A BIT. DEALER STATED I NEEDED TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION. $2500, BUT MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME
Steering, Nov 4, 2019
LOUD KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING TURNS. ASSUMED IT WAS THE SWAY BAR BUSHING NEEDING REPLACEMENT BASED ON SEARCHES, HOWEVER AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE A WEEK THE DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT IT IS A FAULTY STEERING GEAR. I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT SO THAT THERE ARE MORE OF THESE DOCUMENTED OUT THERE. MY VEHICLE WAS STILL OPERATIONAL WHEN I TOOK IT IN, HOWEVER READING SIMILAR STORIES AND PROBLEMS OF OTHER OWNERS, IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE AND RESULTED IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. ADDITIONALLY WHEN TALKING WITH FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT THEY SAID AT 37,500 THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT. I'M CONCERNED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE THERE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE RISK TO OTHER OWNERS.
Steering, Oct 29, 2019
VEHICLE LURCHED INTO ADJOINING LANE ON INTERSTATE WHILE GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT ABOUT 70MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE ADJACENT LANE OR I ALMOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME THAT I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK (ABOUT A MILE), BUT THE STEERING WOULD 'STICK'/PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHEN TURNING SUCH THAT I HAD TO FORCE IT BACK TO CENTER (WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN). LIMPED HOME AT ABOUT 10 MPH. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHO DIAGNOSED A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR AND STEERING RACK. THEY SAID THEY'VE SEEN THIS A FEW TIMES WITH 2016 EXPLORERS. THE FORD TECHNICIAN WAS SHOCKED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVE-ABLE AT ALL GIVEN THE DAMAGE TO THE FAILED STEERING GEAR/RACK. HE EXPLAINED THAT I COULD HAVE EASILY LOST ALL STEERING AND HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN NO ACCIDENTS OR HAD ANY OTHER INCIDENTS THAT COULD ACCOUNT FOR THE FAILURE. THE FORD TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE OEM PARTS. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR COST APPROXIMATELY $2,100.
Steering, Oct 28, 2019
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH 56,000 MILES. ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR FAILED. LOST POWER STEERING. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT NEAR HOME - NO ACCIDENT. $2,200.00 REPAIR COST; NO WARRANTY COVERAGE.
Steering, Oct 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AN INDEPENDENT TOWING COMPANY TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. ARUNDEL FORD (1561 PORTLAND RD, ARUNDEL, ME 04046, (800) 889-7171) WAS CONTACTED AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
Steering, Oct 21, 2019
THE FIRST TIME MY STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WAS ON 09/13/2019 WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ON A CITY STREET. IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF, AND THE STEERING FAULT HILL START AND TRAC LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE WHEEL WHICH CAUSE ME TO GET ONTO OF THE SIDE WALK ALMOST HITTING A TREE. I HAD TO HIT MY BREAKS IN ORDER TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT. MY KIDS BODY JERK BACK AND FORTH REALLY HARD. I TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS WORKING AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY. THE SECOND TIME THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WAS ON 10/05/2019. WHILE ON THE A CURVE OF RAMP TO GET OUT OUT THE FREEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF AGAIN, AND THE STEERING FAULT , HILL START AND TRAC LIGHTS WENT ON AS WELL. ONCE AGAIN I HAD TO HIT THE BREAKS HARD IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE RAIL, AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRY TURNING MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN TO SEE IF THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD WORK AGAIN BUT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. I HAD TO CALL MY HUSBAND TO COME AND PICK ME UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE POWER STEERING EQUIPMENT WHICH COST ME A TOTAL OF $2350.39.
Steering, Oct 21, 2019
AT AROUND 75K MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKING POPPING/GRINDING NOISES. THE SOUND RESOLVED WITHIN THE SAME TRIP AND STOPPED. IT'S BEEN TWO MONTHS AND THE GRINDING SOUND RETURNED WHILE DRIVING THIS WEEKEND ON A WINDING ROAD WITH MY TWO YEAR IN THE BACK SEAT. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AT MODERATE SPEED (35-40 MPH), THE STEERING WHEEL BRIEFLY STUCK AND BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE EDGE OF THE PAVEMENT BEFORE I GAINED CONTROL AGAIN. THE STICKING PERSISTED AROUND CORNERS AND WHILE TURNING BOTH DIRECTIONS. ONCE UNSTUCK, THE STEERING FELT LOOSE AND NEAR UNPREDICTABLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHO CONFIRMED IT'S A RESULT OF RACK AND PINION FAILURE AND QUOTED AROUND $2500 TO REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THIS IS COMMON IN EXPLORERS. MY RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS HUNDREDS OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS EXACTLY AS MINE, OFTEN IN FRIGHTENING AND LIFE THREATENING CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE IS SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR FATAL OUTCOMES WITH THE NATURE AND FREQUENCY OF THIS MALFUNCTION.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN SEIZED AND THE STEERING COLUMN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, PRESSED THE "OK" OPTION ON THE MESSAGE BOARD, AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL DRIVING. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE "OK" BUTTON AND THE WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS, STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW, AND SERVICE TRACK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT VARIOUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE "OK" BUTTON AGAIN AND THE WARNING INDICATORS DISAPPEARED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUNNYVALE FORD (650 E EL CAMINO REAL, SUNNYVALE, CA 94087, 408-215-9949) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $400. AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATION WAS LINKED TO A FAULTY BATTERY. THE DEALER WANTED TO TEST THE VEHICLE'S TRAILER HITCH CABLE TO DETERMINE IF THAT CABLE WAS LINKED TO THE FAILURES. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE SYSTEM FAILURE AND THE DEALER PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Steering, Oct 9, 2019
THE POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED AT 41,000 MILES. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE VEHICLE STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE. YOU TURN THE WHEEL, BUT IT MAY NOT STRAIGHTEN BACK OUT. AFTER REVIEWING SOME MESSAGE BOARDS, THIS SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2016 EXPLORER BETWEEN 40K AND 50K. THIS IS A SERIOUS FLAW, AND SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO ONLY RUN INTO PROBLEMS AT LOWER SPEEDS. HOWEVER IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE CAR, THERE IS NO TELLING HOW HORRIBLE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN. NOT TO MENTION THE POSSIBILITY OF HITTING OTHERS ON THE ROAD DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. SEEING HOW THERE ARE MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I BELIEVE THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL.
Steering, Oct 5, 2019
MY VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED 'STEERING FAULT. SERVICE NOW' MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD. UNFORTUNATELY AT FIRST, I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT SINCE IT HAPPENED SO INFREQUENTLY AND THE STEERING WASN'T TOO NOTICEABLE. HAD I KNOWN THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW, I WOULD HAVE RECORDED IT THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED. IT WASN'T UNTIL I HIT AROUND 25,000 MILES THAT THE STEERING WAS SLIGHTLY DIFFICULT. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH MY TOWN AND FOUND IT NOTICEABLY HARDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AROUND CORNERS. THE SAME WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASH, TO WHICH I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO BE SERVICED FOR THE PREVIOUS RECALL, I REQUESTED FOR THEM TO LOOK INTO THE MESSAGE. TURNS OUT I HAVE A FAULTY EPAS IN MY VEHICLE, ESTIMATING AROUND $2,200 TO REPLACE. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY REVIEWED MY CASE AND DENIED ANY COVERAGE FOR THIS REPLACEMENT.
Steering, Oct 2, 2019
WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING. FORD HAS STATED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN PHOENIXVILLE, PA STATED ON 9/25/19 THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH C200D CODE FOR MOTOR ROTATION ANGLE SENSOR. THEY GAVE AN ESTIMATE THAT THE PART IS 1500 AND LABOR 500.
Steering, Sep 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION MOTOR WAS SEIZING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Sep 29, 2019
2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR FAILURE. HAS 82,000 KMS ON IT. $1900 FOR PART. TOTAL REPAIR QUOTED AT $2700 + TAX IN CANADA.