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, Sep 25, 2019
MY 2016 EXPLORER JUST REACHED 85,000 MILES WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR A POPPING SOUND FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE, WHILE I WAS PARKING, THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS TURNING ONTO A CITY STREET THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR A SECOND FOLLOWED BY A LOUD POP. I TOOK THE CAR TO SANDERSON FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED ME, MY RACK AND PINION NEEDS REPLACED. ($2,500) REPAIR COST
Steering, Sep 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS OR SLIGHTLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER FOR IT TO TURN. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL QUICKLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. *BF *TP
Steering, Sep 19, 2019
AT JUST 36,300 MILES THE ELECTRONIC STEERING RACK HAS FAILED. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS NUMEROUS FORD VEHICLES WITH THIS ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM HAVING ISSUES WITH AS MANY OR LESS MILES. OF COURSE IT IS OUT OF THE BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE AT THIS POINT. THE STEERING MECHANISM FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS A MANUAL STEERING SYSTEM WHEN IT FAILED AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. THE WHEEL DOESN'T RETURN TO CENTER AFTER TURNING AND NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT BACK MANUALLY. I'M GLAD THIS DIDN'T RESULT IN A CRASH BUT EASILY COULD HAVE. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. AT A COST OF OVER $2000 DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIR, I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD IT AND HAVE HAD TO RELY ON OTHERS TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK.
Steering, Sep 18, 2019
TRAVELING SOUTH ON HWY65 IN ALABAMA, WE STOPPED AT A REST STOP. WHEN WE STARTED THE EXPLORER BACK UP, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON AND WE DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING AT ALL. WE DROVE TO ANOTHER EXIT AND TURNED OFF THE EXPLORER AND THE ERROR MESSAGE WAS GONE AND WE HAD POWER STEERING BACK. WE TRAVELED BACK HOME AND I CALL MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS JUST INFORMED THAT I NEED A NEW ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR AT $2500. MY 2016 EXPLORER HAS ABOUT 47,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE A POWER STEERING ISSUE ON AN EXPLORER WITH LOW MILEAGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH FORD AND THE EARLIER RECALLS OF THIS SAME ISSUE WITH EXPLORERS. ACCIDENTS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN, WHICH WILL BE TRAGIC KNOWING FORD COULD RECALL AND REPAIR THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED WHEN THEIR POWER STEERING JUST GOES OUT!
Steering, Sep 16, 2019
2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 86000 MILES. STEERING STICKING WHILE TURNING LEFT/RIGHT WHILE TRAVELING AT ALL SPEEDS. THERE IS ALSO A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. AFTER INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND THE IS A RACK & PINION PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO RECALL. MANY INSTANCES OF STEERING WHEELS LOCKING WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY BE FATAL. REPAIR COSTS FOR REPLACEMENT ARE $2000-$3000. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, AND DEFINITELY NOT TO AMOUNT OF VEHICLES THAT ARE SHOWING THE SAME ISSUE. CONSUMER SAFETY IS DEFINITELY NOT BEING TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR THIS DEFECT. IT APPEARS MONEY IS THE DRIVING FORCE FOR NOT RECALLING THIS ISSUE BY FORD.
Steering, Sep 10, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER, THE POWER STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND MAKING A GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A STEERING RACK ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FORD MOTOR CO WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS BEING DIAGNOSED, TWO ADDITIONAL FORD EXPLORERS WERE BROUGHT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND MAKE THESE SAFETY REPAIRS. PRIOR TO BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO FORD FOR DIAGNOSTICS I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE DAMAGE AND THE GRINDING SOUNDS IN THE FRONT END.
Steering, Sep 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A BUZZING NOISE OCCURRED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED "SERVICE NOW". IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT PRESS THE OK BUTTON AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITHOUT POWER STEERING TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT CALLED GROVE CITY FORD (1 TAYLOR PLAZA, GROVE CITY, PA 16127, (724) 748-4790) AND BUTLER COUNTY FORD (400 S MAIN ST, BUTLER, PA 16001, (724) 287-2766) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CRS242007579. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,110.
Steering, Sep 6, 2019
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN A BUNCH OF ERRORS STARTED POPPING UP INCLUDING STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, SERVICE HILL DESCENT, ETC. THE STEERING ON MY CAR IMMEDIATELY LOCKED UP AND HE COULD BARELY GET THE CAR TURNED OFF THE ROAD BEFORE IT SHUT DOWN. IT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS WE WERE NEARLY REAR-ENDED. I TRAVEL THE INTERSTATE DAILY AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE INSTEAD OF A CITY STREET IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A DEADLY ACCIDENT. I USE THIS CAR TO TRANSPORT MY INFANT AROUND AND IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. AN ERROR LIKE THIS COULD KILL MY WHOLE FAMILY.
Steering, Sep 5, 2019
MY STEERING STARTING MAKING NOISE AND HESITATING WHEN TURNING DURING CITY TYPE DRIVING. THE NEXT DAY DRIVING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT STEERING ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT CONTINUALLY GOING BACK AND FORTH IN MY LANE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL AND ALL SORTS OF ERROR DISPLAY MESSAGES STARTED. SAYING STEERING FAILURE, STOP AS SOON POSSIBLE, TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE AND MORE. MY EXPLORER IS ONLY 3YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. IF THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. FORD IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. ONLY THING I COULD GET THEM TO TELL ME IS THAT IT WAS BEING LOOKED IN TO. ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS SHOW THIS IS A VERY COMMON IN THE 2016 EXPLORERS AND EVEN REOCCURS SOMETIMES AFTER BEING 'FIXED'. SEEMS FORD DOESN'T HAVE A HANDLE ON THE ISSUE AND THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP. SEARCHING ONLINE ALSO SHOWS SEVERAL LAWSUITS IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. I'M UNSURE WHY THIS IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED WHEN IT'S CLEARLY A MAJOR, MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.
Steering, Sep 4, 2019
MY VEHICLE HAS 48,950 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT THE LOUD CLUNKING SOUND MY VEHICLE MAKES WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, IS DUE TO THE STEERING GEAR AND HARDWARE THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SEEN MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT STEERING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. IT IS CONCERNING TO ME THAT THIS MAY AFFECT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE AND TO BE TOLD THAT THIS REPAIR WILL COST OVER $2000 IS UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS POOR MANUFACTURING AND NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ITEM, AND CERTAINLY NOT AT 49,000 MILES.
Steering, Sep 3, 2019
I WAS PARKED, WHEN A LOUD SOUND CAME FROM THE MOTOR AREA OF MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK AND THE STEERING FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING, EVAN THAT ONLY HAD 32, 000 MILES IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE EXPIRES A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND IS GOING TO COST $2,230.00 FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR. THE DAY BEFORE I WAS WITH ALL MY FAMILY HAVING FUN AND DRIVING AROUND, I'M THINKING IF THIS PART BREAKS WHILE WE WAS AT INTERSTATE 70, THAT THE SPEED LIMITS IS 70MPH, AND YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT WILL BE A REALLY BAD OR FATAL ACCIDENT. THERE BEING A LOT OF REPORTS WITH THIS ISSUE. WHAT FORD AND THE NHTSA ARE WAITING TO TAKE ACCION, THAT MORE INCIDENT OCURRED OR PEOPLE DIED TO DO A RECALL. LIKE THEY ARE DOING WITH THE AIR BAGS AFTER A MANY PEOPLE DIED. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY, DON'T WAIT UNTIL IS TO LATE.
Steering, Sep 1, 2019
WE EXPERIENCED POPPING NOISES ON THE FRONT END WHILE TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS, PULLING IN AND OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PARKING SPOTS. DUE TO HAVING TO REPLACE WORN TIRES AT 32K, WE TOOK TO LOCAL QUICK LANE AT OUR ST JOSEPH FORD DEALERSHIP. WE REPORTED THE POPPING NOISES AT THIS TIME AND REQUESTED IT BE LOOKED AT WHILE THEY REPLACED TIRES. THERE WERE NO FINDS AT THIS TIME REGARDING WHAT WAS MAKING THE NOISES. WE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE OCCASIONAL POPPING NOISES WHILE TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS, PULLING IN/OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PARKING SPOTS. ON 8/8/19, WE TOOK TO SAME DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO PERFORM FSA19S17, A RECALL WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK WAS REPLACED AT 38205MI. A 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS ALSO DONE AT THIS TIME. ON 8/23/19, WE NOTICED THE POPPING HAD GOTTEN WORSE. ON 8/26/19, THE STEERING BRIEFLY SEIZED ROUNDING A CORNER AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35MPH. IT SCARED MY WIFE, AS SHE FELT A BRIEF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ON 8/28/19 WE DROPPED IT OFF AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED THAT POPPING WAS WORSE AND THE STEERING HAD SEIZED. AFTER THE TEST DRIVES AND ASSESSMENT THEY CALLED TO REPORT THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS FAILING AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. THEY QUOTED $2900.00 FOR REPAIRS. WE HAVE NOT AGREED TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. WE HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE BY FORD AND OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. WE ARE REPORTING IN HOPES THAT FORD WILL RECALL TO RECTIFY THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
Steering, Aug 31, 2019
MY STEERING PROBLEM STARTED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH BEGAN WITH A POPPING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP AND THEN A GRINDING NOISE WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT AROUND 30 MPH. I HAD TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND MANAGED TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST GARAGE. THIS SAME GARAGE WAS VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER AND REPAIRED MY VEHICLE AT A COST OF $2417.74. FROM THE TIME THE STEERING PROBLEM BEGAN TO THE TIME THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN WAS LESS THAN FOUR HOURS. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR IT ASAP!!.
Steering, Aug 29, 2019
AT APPROX 65K MILES I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMING STIFF AND A NOISE OF PLASTIC RUBBING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. TODAY AT 67K MILES I TOOK VEHICLE INTO FORD DEALER FOR ANOTHER RECALL TO BE TOLD THE RACK IS BAD. SEEING AS THIS IS SUCH AN ABUNDANT ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES, I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW THIS ISN'T A SAFETY RECALL. IF THIS PART FAILS WHILE DRIVING IT COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC CRASH. HONESTLY I'M AFRAID TO HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE IT WITH AN IDENTICAL PART SINCE THERE IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE WITH THE PART IS IT IS CURRENTLY BEING PRODUCED.
Steering, Aug 24, 2019
DRIVING AND LOST FULL POWER STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. FORD HAD TO REPLACE POWER STEERING WITH ONLY 47,900 MILES ON VEHICLE.
Steering, Traction control system, Aug 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT RACK AND PINION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST, INCLUDING TOWING, WAS $2,300. FORD OF HIBBING (2627 E BELTLINE, HIBBING, MN 55746, (218) 262-3881) STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE WARRANTY RECENTLY EXPIRED; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,060.
Steering, Aug 23, 2019
EXPLORER SPORT 57800 MILES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISES WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT ALSO HAPPENS WHILE BRAKING THE POPPING IS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL AS IN THE FLOOR BOARDS ON BOTH FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS EXHIBITED EXTREME VIBRATION ENOUGH TO MAKE THE OUTSIDE DRIVER REVIEW MIRROR SHAKE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS ALSO BEEN STUCK IN THE LEFT TURNING POSITION TWICE WHILE TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN WHEELS BACK OUT. DEALER WANTS $2,500 TO REPAIR IT. THEY ALSO CHARGE ME $140 TO TELL ME IT NEEDED TO BE FIXED.
Steering, Aug 20, 2019
AT 40,906 MILES THE STEERING TOTALLY FAILED. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND LOST ALL STEERING CAPABILITY, THE WHEEL EFFECTIVELY LOCKED UP. TOWED TO DEALER. A STEERING MODULE INSIDE THE GEARBOX FAILED. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE EPDS SYSTEM. THE ENTIRE GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED FOR A TOTAL OF $2,234.22 WITH LABOR. AFTER OVER A DOZEN DIFFERENT CALLS TO FOMOCO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY AGREED TO COMPENSATE ME A TOTAL OF $525.00 THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND I AM CONCERNED IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
Steering, Aug 19, 2019
WHILE TAKING A 250 MILE TRIP UP THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA, WE STOPPED FOR GAS. WHEN THE 2016 FORD EXPLORER WAS TURNED BACK ON, A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND I REALIZED I NO LONGER HAD POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING NEVER RETURNED AFTER THAT. I HAD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE 250 MILES BACK HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, AND I WAS TOLD THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY SINCE MY VEHICLE NOW HAS JUST OVER 50,000 MILES ON IT. I AM WAITING FOR THE ESTIMATE ON THE REPAIRS.
Steering, Aug 18, 2019
I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. IT WAS VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND CONTROL THE CAR. I COULD OF EASILY CRASHED AND KILL MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. I HAD JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THEN A WEEK BEFORE AND I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT COVER IT AND I HAVE TO PAY OVER $2000 TO GET IT FIXED.
Steering, Aug 17, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR THE POWER STEERING STARTING FLASHING ON MY DASH AND MY STEERING LOCKED UP. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THE GARAGE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND THE RACK AND PINION ARE WHAT NEEDS REPLACING AND IT'S $1950.00. I'VE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE'S STORIES ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME THING HAPPENING TO THEM AND COSTING THEM ANYWHERE FROM $2-$4000 TO FIX. AND IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENING WHEN THE VEHICLES ARE AROUND 20-40,000 MILES AND IT'S ALWAYS BEEN FORD EXPLORERS 2016-2018 MODELS. MY EXPLORER IS AT 102,000 MILES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THIS HAPPENING!
Steering, Aug 15, 2019
STEERING STARTED MAKING A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. COULD NOT FEEL ANYTHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN IT HAPPENED. POPPING CHANGED FROM A SINGLE POP WHEN TURNING RIGHT TO MULTIPLE POPS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER. FORD SAID NOT TO DRIVE AS THE STEERING COULD LOCK UP CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. FORD REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR AND SAID THIS WAS A KNOWN AND FREQUENTLY OCCURRING PROBLEM.
Steering, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND DROVE TO PURVIS FORD LINCOLN (3660 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540) 898-3000). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 23972804. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2019
STEERING RACK/STEERING GEAR FAILURE CAUSING CAR TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN OFF ROAD INTO SHOULDER/DITCH. ALLOY WHEEL BENT WITH RUNNING OFF ROAD. NO INJURY OR BODILY HARM AS THIS OCCURRED IN A LOW TRAFFIC AREA AT ABOUT 30MPH. STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK INTO TURNS. CAR STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO TURN CAR UNCONTROLLABLE AT ANY HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY OR RECALL. MILEAGE AT FAILURE: 53257 PART # FB5Z*3504*V GEAR ASY- STEERING COST $1310.40 AFTER LABOR AND TAX REPAIR TOTAL CAME TO $1826.60
Steering, Aug 8, 2019
HAD JUST RETURNED TO BATON ROUGE,LA FROM BILOXI MS, STOP TO DROP OFF OUR TRAVELING GUEST AT THEIR HOME RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND A STEERING ASSIST ERROR CODE APPEARED ALONE WITH TWO OTHER CODES UPHILL START AND ONE FOR TRACTION. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION SOMETHING WAS WRONG