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 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FLAGSHIP FORD (850 FERN DRIVE, BALDWIN, WISCONSIN 54002, (715) 684-4520) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.
Steering, Aug 31, 2018
OK LET'S START WITH THE FACT THAT WE'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES FROM THE START WITH THIS VEHICLE. WE PAID $700 TO FIX OR BAND AID THE PROBLEM LAST MONTH. SO, WHEN IT CAME TIME FOR OUR SUMMER VACATION WE ACTUALLY CONSIDERED RENTING A CAR BECAUSE WE STILL DIDN'T THINK IT WAS RIGHT. RENT A VEHICLE WHEN WE HAVE AN ALMOST BRAND NEW VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WITH A $500 A MONTH CAR PAYMENT?!?! AGAINST OUR BETTER JUDGMENT, WE TOOK IT FROM PA TO FL, WELL ALMOST. ALONG I-95 IN SOUTH CAROLINA AT ABOUT 11PM THE STEERING SEIZED WITH OUR FAMILY IN THE CAR. WE HAD TO GET A HOTEL ROOM, RENT A CAR AND LEAVE THE POS IN SC TO CONTINUE OUR VACATION. IT'S NOW ALMOST 3 WEEKS IN AND IT'S STILL IN SC. WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN FOREIGN CAR PEOPLE. WE HAD A HONDA PILOT FOR 12 YEARS, NEVER A PROBLEM WITH IT. IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM, IT WAS COVERED BY THE AWESOME WARRANTY OR IT WAS A RECALL. LOTS OF RECALLS, MANUFACTURER AND HONDA. WHICH, UP TILL NOW I THOUGHT WAS A PAIN IN THE ASS! NOW, I GET THAT AT LEAST THEY HAVE ENOUGH INTEGRITY TO HAVE RECALLS! FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS THE WORST WARRANTY AND 0 INTEGRITY! WE LOVED THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THIS VEHICLE. LOOKS DEFINITELY AREN'T EVERYTHING...LESSON LEARNED. WE WILL TAKE THE LOSS ON TRADING IT IN AND GOING BACK TO HONDA, TOYOTA OR NISSAN TO KEEP OUR FAMILY SAFE. I GUESS FORD IS WAITING FOR A FATALITY?!?!
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A BUSY PUBLIC STREET. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE SAFELY OFF THE ROAD.
Steering, Aug 28, 2018
THE PROBLEM STARTED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I CAN BEST DESCRIBE IT AS A "STICKINESS" AT ABOUT 5 DEGREES OFF CENTER. THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE "CATCH" WHERE IT WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND I WOULD HAVE TO FORCE THE WHEEL TO KEEP TURNING. THIS VERY DISTRACTING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS, THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE, TO INCLUDE INTERMITTENT SHUDDERING, THAT FEELS LIKE DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS, SQUEEKING AND CLICKING AT LOW SPEEDS, AND IF LOCKING THE STEERING OUT IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER THE WHEEL WILL "JUMP" BACK. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THIS SEEMS LINKED TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST, WHICH THOUGH IT HASN'T FAILED COMPLETELY, IS DEFINITELY FAILING. AFTER READING OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY THREE KIDS, AND AM NOT WILLING TO PAY THE $2,600 REPAIR PRICE FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 2 AND A HALF YEARS OLD. I AM NOW BACK TO DRIVING MY 12 YEAR OLD TRUCK, WHICH WHILE IT HAS IT'S OWN PROBLEMS, AT LEAST IT IS SAFE.
Steering, Aug 14, 2018
A WEEK AGO WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE "STEERING FAULT" ALARM CAME ON MY DASH, SO I STOPPED PUSHED THE OK BUTTON AND IT WENT AWAY. CONTINUED TO BACK OUT AND STEERING THE WAS FINE. THIS WEEK IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE AGAIN ALREADY. ONE TIME WAS WHEN I JUST STARTED THE CAR. I WONDERED WHAT COULD BE GONG SO I TRIED TO TURN STEERING WHEEL WHILE STILL PARKED AND IT WAS A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT AND I COULD HEAR A GRINDING TYPE NOISE. SO I THEN PUSHED THE OK BUTTON LIKE BEFORE AND THE STEERING STARTED TO WORK PROPERLY AGAIN. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. I JUST TURNED ONTO A ROAD AND WAS ACCELERATING THEN THE "STEERING FAULT" ALARM WENT OFF AGAIN. AS I SLOWED BACK DOWN AND TURNED TOWARDS THE SHOULDER I COULD FEEL THAT GRINDING IN THE STEELING WHEEL. WHILE STILL ROLLING TO A STOP I PUSHED THE OK BUTTON AND THE ALARM WENT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO WORK AGAIN. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 42,000 MILES ON IT. I FIND IT A BIT RIDICULOUS THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT EACH TIME IT HAPPENS IT WILL GET WORSE UNTIL EVENTUALLY I HAVE NO STEERING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I ASSUME THAT MOST PEOPLE, LIKE ME, BOUGHT THE EXPLORER BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT FAMILY CAR THAT IS SAFE. NOW I FEEL THAT I HAVE BOUGHT A DEATH TRAP.
Steering, Aug 10, 2018
STEER FAULT ASSIST LIGHT CAKE ON GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH WHILE ON VACATION. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE WILL BE REPAIRING THE STEERING. OUR VEHICLE IS A 2016WITH UNDER 40K MILES ON IT. RIDICULOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS!! WE ONLY OWNED FOREIGN VEHICLES IE. HONDA, TOYOTA AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A HEADACHE FROM THE START...WE LOVED THE LOOK AND FEATURES. HONESTLY, YOU CAN'T JUDGE A VEHICLE BUT IT'S LOOK WE SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER. ALSO, WE'VE OWNED HONDA'S AND THERE WERE RECALLS ALL THE TIME USUALLY SOMETHING SIMPLE AND EASY TO REPAIR BUT FORD MOTOR CO OBVIOUSLY HAS AN ISSUE WITH STEERING ON THESE VEHICLES AND THE ONLY RECALL WE HAVE IS SOMETHING WITH THE SEAT?!?! THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONING ON THE HIGHWAY IS A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN THAT. SO, WE WILL JUST IIGNORE AND LOSE CUSTOMERS TO FOREIGN VEHICLES. SMART FORD!!
Steering, Aug 7, 2018
AFTER REACHING 43,000 MILES. THE EPAS LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER SAFELY. 6 HRS FROM HOME. CURRENTLY GETTING REPAIRED TOTAL BILL IS $2000. I WAS DRIVING , PULLED OVER TO GET GAS, KILLED THE ENGINE, GOT THE FUEL, STARTED IT BACK UP AND THATS WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE IS MULTIPLE ISSUES ONLINE ABOUT THIS HAPPENED. A RECALL WAS CREATED ON EARLIER YEAR MODELS BUT NOT THIS ONE. WHY???
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE "STEERING FAULT" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC" MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TOMS FORD, 200 HWY 35, KEY PORT, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2018
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING MY EXPLORER. WAS DOING 70 ON THE HIGHWAY. 65,000 MILES ON VEHICLE ONLY HAVE HAD THE SUV FOR 2 YEARS. 2300 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE WERE DRIVING WHEN WE LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE (WIFE AND 3 KIDS UNDER 12)
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 26, 2018
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70MPH) POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS WENT OUT. DIAGNOSTICS FLASHED ONTO THE DASHBOARD - "STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT SERVICE ADVANCETRAC HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE" POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS WERE OFFLINE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOUSE FIVE MILES AWAY, BUT AM UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF IT'S PARKING SPOT.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 26, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (75 MPH), SEVERAL ALERTS POPPED UP OUT OF NOWHERE - HILL ASSIST ERROR, STEERING CONTROL ERROR, TERRAIN ASSIST ERROR, STABILITY ERROR. IT TOLD ME TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. ONCE I STOPPED MY CAR AND RESTARTED IT, MY POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER WORKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW - BOTH TIMES ON THE FREEWAY. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO HAVE STEERING GO OUT - I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRIC STEERING COMPONENT FOR $2,000. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT THE STEERING COMPONENT WOULD ALREADY NEED REPLACING.
Steering, Jul 25, 2018
NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN ABOUT 30 DAYS AGO. JUST IGNORED IT UNTIL THE STEERING STARTED TO STICK. GETTING READY FOR A ROAD TRIP AND DECIDED IT WAS TOO MUCH OF A SAFETY ISSUE TO IGNORE. FORD DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE POWER STEERING RACK AN PINION WITH A REPAIR COST OF $2100. IT HAS TO BE FIXED SO THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE ONCE AGAIN.
Steering, Jul 20, 2018
MY WIFE WAS BACKING HER 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN WARNINGS REGARDING POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY SHE WAS BASICALLY STATIONARY AT THE TIME. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS TYPE, AND UNLIKE OTHER REPORTS I HAVE READ, RESTARTING THE VEHICLE DID NOTHING TO RESTORE THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT THE EPAS ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM. WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT I THOUGHT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS TYPE ON A MAJOR SYSTEM WAS UNUSUAL IN A 21/2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING THEY HAD SEEN BEFORE AND NOT THAT UNUSUAL. THIS IS A MAJOR AND VERY COSTLY REPAIR, AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE REPAIR COST IS THE SAFETY CONCERN. READING OTHER REPORTS OF PEOPLE LOOSING CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS SYSTEM FAILS MAKES ME WONDER IF I SHOULD LET MY WIFE CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE REPAIR. THE SERVICE PERSONS AT THE DEALERSHIP ECHOED MY CONCERNS AND GAVE ME A NUMBER TO CONTACT FORD. IT APPEARS THERE IS NO UPDATE TO THE EPAS SYSTEM AND THE REPLACEMENT IS THE SAME AS THE OLD FAULTY ASSEMBLY. WE HAVE OWNED 3 FORD/MERCURY VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE AND IN THE PAST HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED. IT APPEARS FROM REPORTS THAT FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OTHER VEHICLES FROM OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR EPAS ISSUES AND FAILURE. UNLESS THERE IS A RECALL AND AN UPDATE TO THE STEERING SYSTEM I MUST CONSIDER REPLACING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY CONCERN.
Steering, Jul 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING FAULT SERVICE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, AND HILLSIDE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO A CIRCULAR RAMP OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AN HOUR LATER AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (VARSITY FORD, 3480 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR, MI 48106, (734) 996-2300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Steering, Jul 17, 2018
SECOND STEERING FAILURE INCIDENT. REF CPMPLAINT 11111323 INCHING UP TO STOP SIGN WHEN WHEEL FROZE. DASH ERROR AS FOLLOWS: "STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW(THIS WAS IN RED) "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAK" (THIS WAS IN YELLOW) PUT CAR IN PARK.TURNED ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED THEN REGAINED POWER STEERING.
Steering, Jul 14, 2018
MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL "FROZE" I WOULD DESCRIBE IT AS THE OLD MANUAL STEERING SYSTEMS. HE WAS DRIVING ON A STATE ROUTE GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO A CURVE WHEN IT HAPPENED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A LARGE GRAVEL LOT AHEAD FOR HIM TO STEER STRAIGHT INTO. I DON,T BUY FORDS' CLAIM THAT THE STEERING FUNCTIONS AND ONLY DIFFICULT. TELL THAT TO A FRIGHTENED YOUNG DRIVER OR AN ELDERLY PERSON. THE ERROR DISPLAYED BELOW IS WHAT WAS DISPLAYED ON DASH AND WHAT IS FOUND NUMEROUS TIMES FROM OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS. THE CONTINUED HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! WHILE I HAVE NOT FOUND AN FATAL INCIDENT RELATED TO THE ISSUE, I DO NOT MY FAMILY TO BE THE FIRST. PLEASE REVIEW THIS OCCURRENCE NATIONALLY AND I IMPLORE YOU TO ISSUE A RECALL. I AM OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE PINTO FUEL TANK, THE FIRESTONE 50 TIRES AND OF COURSE THE AIR BAG FIASCO. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION. THANK YOU [XXX] 1. TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT 2. SERVICE ADVANCE TRAK 3. HILL ASSIST ERROR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jul 13, 2018
I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE SHOP ON WEDNESDAY AND DROPPED IT OFF DUE TO NUMEROUS LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN DRIVING. THE LIGHT WOULD READ "STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC AND HILL START ASSIST NOT AVALABLE". I TOOK PICTURES OF THE LIGHTS WHEN THEY WOULD COME ON AND HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THAT. WHEN THE LIGHTS COME ON, I ALSO LOSE POWER STEERING AND AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT! WALDORF FORD JUST CALLED ME TO TELL ME I NEED A NEW STEERING GEAR AND THAT MY EPAS SYSTEM HAS GONE BAD AND THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $2100.00 TO FIX. MY TRUCK IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD, I HAVE MAINTAINED ALL SERVICE AS NEEDED SINCE OWNING, IT ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AT THE FORUMS AND SEE THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MANY EXPLORERS AND NOT JUST MINE. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!!!!! THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX THAT TO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING TO PAY FOR WHEN IT IS OCCURRING SO OFTEN. PLEASE, PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS AND PUT OUT A RECALL ON NOT ONLY THE 2016 FORD EXPLORER BUT THE OTHER FORDS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS MYSELF.
Steering, Jul 12, 2018
STEERING GEAR FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AT LOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2018
ORIGINALLY I HAD A LIGHT COMING ON WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SAYING "STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW" IT WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF OR OCCASIONALLY I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY TRUCK TO RESET. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK I STARTED HAVING MULTIPLE LINES COME ON AT ONE TIME FLASHING AT ME WHILE DRIVING SAYING "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC AND STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW". WHEN THESE LIGHTS COME ON I LOSE ALL POWER STEERING IN MY VEHICLE AND I'M UNABLE TO STEER AT ALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT HAS BECOME EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN WHILE DRIVING, BUT OTHER THAN THAT I SEE NO RHYME OR REASON OR OTHER FACTORS THAT ARE THE SAME WHEN THE LIGHTS HAVE CAME ON. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO MY MECHANIC TO LOOK AT AND HE FOUND ONLINE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE MANY PEOPLE ARE BLOGGING ABOUT AND COMPLAINING ABOUT. HE HOOKED MY TRUCK UP TO THE COMPUTER BUT COULD NOT GET ANY TYPE OF ERROR CODE TO COME BACK AND SUGGESTED I FOLLOW UP WITH FORD TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT BUT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT SOMEONE TO SEE IF THIS HAS SOME TYPE OF RECALL BECAUSE IN HIS WORDS "THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE". I HAVE CHECKED BUT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE AS OF NOW BUT DID SEE THERE WAS A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM IN THE 2011-2013 EXPLORERS AND A RECALL WAS MADE. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT THIS WEEK FOR MY TRUCK TO GO TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT BUT FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED NOW ON THE 2016 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE 2 YOUNG DRIVERS THAT OCCASIONALLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE, IF ONE OF THEM WERE TO DRIVE IT WHEN THE STEERING WENT OUT, I DON'T WANT TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IS TO SERIOUS TO IGNORE AND I SEE TO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT ONLY I AM GOING THROUGH. PLEASE RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND HAVE THIS CHECKED.
Steering, Jun 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALDEMAN FORD (2443 LEHIGH ST, ALLENTOWN, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,910. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jun 14, 2018
2016 FORD EXPLORER STARTED MAKING A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE STEERING BECAME JERKY AND DIDN'T WANT TO STEER. THIS WAS AT SOMEWHERE AROUND 38000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN I GOT HOME AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A RIGHT TIE ROD END. THE TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $200+. THE FORD EXPLORER CONTINUED MAKING A NOISE AT A LOW SPEED AND WIFE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS JERKY WHEN SHE DROVE IT. TOOK IT BACK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT A NUT HAD CAME OFF IN THE STEERING BOX AND THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT WAS SO AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT 40634 MILES. SO FAR THIS APPEARS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Jun 14, 2018
MY 2016 LIMITED FORD EXPLORER WITH ABOUT 38000 MILES BEGAN MAKING A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE STEERING WAS JERKY AND WOULD HANG. TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND THEY REPLACE THE RIGHT TIE ROD END AT A COST OF $200+. THE EXPLORER CONTINUED TO MAKE A NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. WIFE SAID THAT THE STEERING WAS JERKY WHEN SHE DROVE IT. TOOK IT BACK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT A NUT HAD COME OFF IN THE STEERING BOX AND IT NEEDED A COMPLETE STEERING RACK. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT WAS SO AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT. COST THIS TIME WAS $1685.67. THE EXPLORER HAD 40634MILES ON IT WHEN THIS WAS DONE. GOT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THE STEERING IS A RATHER COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD EXPLORERS.
Steering, Jun 6, 2018
THE STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT AT 38,000 MILES. THE MOTOR IS DEAD AND ENTIRE THING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, May 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JPS FORD (224 GAP FARMS RD, ARCADIA, LA 71001, (318) 263-2084) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACEMENT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Steering, May 4, 2018
STEERING IS MAKING GRINDING NOISE AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN, AT TIMES WHEN ENTERING CURVES OR DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK WHEN YOU HAVE TO FIRMLY GRASP IT AND IT THEN JERKS YOU EITHER DIRECTION. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE, IT'S LOSING STEERING CONTROL. GOING TO JERK ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR PULL ME OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY CAR TO DRIVE AND WE ARE AFRAID OF THE STEERING. IT HAPPENS ALSO JUST BACKING IN AND OUT . VERY STIFF TO CONTROL. SAFETY ISSUE IN ALL WAYS. I'VE TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A INTERNAL FAULT IN THE ELECTRIC RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY. ESTIMATED COST $2100, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED, IF ANYTHING THEY GET PLAY IN STEERING NOT FAILED OR BREAK, MAYBE IF CAR WAS OLD AND HAD 200K MILES. FORD HAS HAD ISSUES WITH STEERING ASSEMBLY ON EXPLORERS SINCE 2011 -2015 AND CLEARLY HAVE NOT FIXED THERE PROBLEMS. PROBLEM WITH STEERING IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION AND ON HIGHWAYS AND TURNING. HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. NEVER KNOWING WHEN IT MAY DECIDE TO STOP WORKING AND LOCK UP ON ME.