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, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering and the steering wheel turned all the way to the right inadvertently, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle spun out. The contact depressed the brake pedal, which caused the vehicle to stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,400. Estimate from the dealer confirming that the problem is rack and pinion, otherwise known as the power steering rack.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
I have a 2016 ford explorer and like most of the other complaints on locked up steering. My explorer steering wheel has lock up with now warning lights and no codes. My ford dealership to get my vehicle in the mechanic bay had to call a tow truck. Luckily my vehicle was already at ford for other unrelated issues. After reading all of these incidents. Ford is really lucky no one has been killed or seriously injured.
Steering, Jan 20, 2022
On January 4, 2022, while driving my children to school at 55pmh, my steering rack failed. I was able to get the vehicle parked before the steering wheel completely froze up. Multiple messages showed up on the dashboard, including a steering failure message. The vehicle was towed to my local mechanic, and he has determined that the steering rack needs to be replaced, at an estimate of $2200.00. The repair is scheduled to be done on 2/10/22.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2022
My rack and pinion steering column and power steering pump went out causing a hefty cost to replace and it is starting to fail again creating hazardous conditions while driving. I do believe there is a steering issue in these models. Also my power lift gate in the back closes without stopping automatically while I’m loading the rear or unloading. There is NO STOPPING SAFETY SENSOR, I HAD THE BACK CLOSE ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALMOST CRUSH ME. there is no safety sensor to stop the power lift gate from closing on you, I have had to crawl in my rear end to avoid being crushed by my liftgate! This is not safe!
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was starting the vehicle, the “Steering Assist Fault-Service Required” and “Service Advance Tract” and “Hill Start Assist Not Available” warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact’s father met his wife at the scene and was able to drive the vehicle to the residence driving the vehicle in manual steering mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Steering, Jan 13, 2022
My wife was driving to work and the steering wheel just locked up on her and almost caused a serious accident out of nowhere
Steering, Dec 22, 2021
Steering gear assembly completely failed, causing a total lock up of the steering wheel and loss of control. Happened at highway speeds, could barely pull off to side of road. Nearly crashed as there was no warning or indication of total steering loss. Ford dealer replacement cost of $3000. I was told this is a common issue with the Explorer, but there was no remedy offered by Ford.
Steering, Dec 10, 2021
I was driving down the highway at approximately 60mph when my steering wheel became extremely stiff and hard to turn. The vehicle became very hard to handle. The steering wheel ended up locking up completely and I had to have it towed to the dealership. After diagnostics it was determined that the entire steering gear had failed. The cost to fix is $2200.00. Keep in mind that there is only 26,000 miles on the odometer! There were also no warning lights on the dash. No recall or warranty coverage.
Steering, Nov 22, 2021
About 2 weeks ago I heard a noise and from that point it sounded like my steering wheel was grinding. Steering is tight at slower speeds and it is making that same grinding noise. I took it to a dealership to get checked out and was told the steering gear had failed and that it needs to be repaired however the parts are on back order with no foreseeable ship date, but that it was ok to drive, just may be a little hard to steer at low speeds. This morning my steering wheel was totally locked up and could not turn in either direction. There are no warning lights or other indication of an issue. My concern is could this have happened while driving? What caused it to break in the first place and why did it ultimately seize up completely after being told it could be driven?
Steering, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the steering gear replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Steering, Nov 14, 2021
Steering rack failure on 2016 and 17 Explorers at 55,000 mile, haven't had the vehicle in a month due to acquiring parts because there are so many of these parts failing and was told by ford they can't release the vehicle until its repaired because the steering could lock up and it is also a $3000.00 dollar repair. Wouldn't this be a recall due to the low mileage, amount of failures and and result of the failure
Steering, Nov 8, 2021
When I turn right there is a popping noise. Sometimes the steering wheel gets stuck and I have to pull it hard to go back straight. It’s very scary, especially going around a curve.
Steering, Nov 6, 2021
My steering felt very out of control had to have car towed to dealer and they replaced rack and pinion there was internal damage to steering rack they had to replace it
Steering, Nov 1, 2021
On October 17, 2021 the steering system on my 2016 explorer completely shutdown. The ABS, Hill Assist and Service Advance Trac lights all went on. The steering wheel would not turn either way. Luckily, this incident occurred in a parking lot and no injury or damage happened. I had AAA tow the car to Porter Ford, Newark DE.
Steering, Oct 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact’s wife stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Steering, Oct 22, 2021
Driving at 20mph, going through a moderate turn and lost Power Steering. No warning lights, no noise, just total loss of Steering and I felt as if I couldn't overpower the steering until 2 seconds later I regained power steering. The same problem occurred at 10mph while coming to a stop. Once again I did not have the ability to overpower the wheel and straighten it when I tried. Luckily once again power came back and I was able to control without issue. Several complaints on the same issue and NO RECALL has been issued by Ford. If the same issue occurs at highway speed I don't know what I'll do. Ford had a Service Bulletin out for 2013-2016 Explorers that stated they would simply reprogram the module. They did not extend the coverage beyond 2018 nor did they actually replace a faulty steering rack with the coverage. This is a severe safety concern and one that should have a recall out as it puts the driver and all other motorists at risk. If you can't steer your car, then everyone is at risk.
Steering, Oct 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, he heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the steering wheel and the steering wheel locked up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated as he veered to the side of the road, he was able to steer the steering wheel with no issues. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Steering, Oct 8, 2021
Complete loss of basic steering of the car while under operation.
Steering, Oct 8, 2021
Beginning of day; felt like I was in a major windstorm & in a constant battle with the car steering. Middle of day: Power Steering Fault light came on and feeling like I was in a major windstorm & in a constant battle with the car steering GETTING WORSE. End of the day: Then Power Steering Failure "Pull over Safely" came on.. I didn't just lose power steering. I lost TOTAL STEERING capability at 57,400 miles... Car is at dealership now. Had my 90yr old mother been driving there would have been an accident. This is gonna get someone killed. I had just dropped off my Grandson before I lost total control.
Steering, Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with steering rack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Steering, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle without warning. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they informed her that the electrical rack and pinion needed to be replaced, followed by an alignment. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Steering, Aug 30, 2021
At approximately 102,000 miles, vehicle started making loud grinding noise when turning the steering wheel in either direction, very noticeable both inside and outside the vehicle, both when stopped and when driving. The steering wheel sticks in certain positions while driving, requiring extra force to maintain the vehicle's direction. Issue is worse at highway speeds, creating a dangerous condition that was getting progressively worse. Made it to a Ford dealership who indicated that a new rack and pinion assembly is required at $2,900. They also recommended not driving the vehicle in that the condition was unsafe.
Steering, Aug 30, 2021
Ecoboost Base 76k miles had a steering rack failure . Over looking all other complaints, looks like I’m not the only one with the 2500$ bill . Ford dealership acknowledged that it was a very common issue and was easy to diagnosed . I was met with light flashing on dash then would disappear after I restarted the SUV . Until I turned it on one day at a sonic drive in and would not steer . I’ve read reports where people are driving on the freeway when it happens and I could only imagine how that would’ve been like especially since I drive with my child onboard . Dash says “ Advance Track Failure; Hill Assist Needs Maintence “ . It was quickly diagnosed over the phone but still took it to get looked at, at Ford . 100% should be a recall at such a low mileage, just thought since police use them in their fleet they had to be reliable . For it to be a 300$ core as well, sounds like it’s still a valuable part broken
Steering, Aug 29, 2021
Lost steering all at once could not turn wheel luckily i was in my drive way when it happened i paid yes ford 1600.00 dollars for a new rack and pinion on 8-13-21 was given a release date on part for 8-24-21 then 8-25-21 and now 9-3-21 this is an emergency order thru ford they was quick to take my money but cant deliver part.I have turned in a complaint to ford and it has not helped no calls back from ford. Looks like this is a huge problem ford has with its explorer rack and pinion failure I guess there waiting on somebody to get killed with faulty racks before they do anything. My explorer has 65000 miles on it and it looks like this is a common failure for this vehicle.
Steering, Aug 25, 2021
Power Steering Assist Failure indicator appeared on dashboard resulting in inability to steer car. Vehicle was towed to dealership and reprogramming was attempted with no success. Requires replacement of EPS steering.