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: structure
585 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim dislodged from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was also unsecured and loosened. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
Structure, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior middle trim panel had dislodged from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and explained that the failed part was not listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Structure, Mar 4, 2024
The roof rack on the left side of the vehicle became unattached in transit, and flew off into traffic.
Structure, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The rear driver's side door applique trim was impacted by the detached trim. The rear driver's side door applique trim was damaged. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,040.
Structure, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle emitted a loud bang that came from the passenger’s side of the front windshield. Once the contact was able to park the vehicle, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact became aware that the trim on the passenger’s side of the front windshield had detached. The same failure occurred on the driver’s side of the windshield about a week later while driving at approximately 55 MPH. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Structure, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side front door panel became loosened due to failed adhesive exposing wiring in the door. The front door lights remained illuminated while the door was closed. The contact stated that the rear door failed to open however, the door ajar light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and tape was placed on the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Keyless entry door panel and actuary for the rear door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
Visibility, Air bags, Structure, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was windy sound coming from the front passenger's side door while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water accumulated between the front driver's side door and the body of the vehicle, which caused water to pour inside the vehicle while opening the door. The contact also noticed that water was leaking from the driver's side of the windshield during inclement weather. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound while making a left turn. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Structure, Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side window trims had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local body shop where the trims were replaced. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed MPH, the roof rack rails detached from the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed the entire roof rack rails had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was previously repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program recall 21S22. The contact stated the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated the dealer informed him he must pay for the repairs because the vehicle had been previously repaired under the recall program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Structure, Feb 10, 2024
Trim piece on passenger side broke in half while driving and hit another car. No damage reported but it almost caused accident. Confirmed this is the recalled piece.
Structure, Feb 10, 2024
On 1/28/24 We were traveling 50-60 mph when all of a sudden we heard a popping noise and noticed the trim on drivers side was loosening. We were able to slow down and pull over which was when the trim then blew off. My husband retrieved the trim (which we now know is referenced as the a-pillar) off the side of the road. obviously this could have been worse if it had struck another vehicle /caused someone to swerve. I then contacted the ford dealership as we learned this was part of a recall. They came out and ended up fixing the roof rack of which that was not my complaint. Clearly there was a miscommunication on what my problem was when called in. I then took it into dealership for them to observe. He printed out a quote to fix pillar at 400-500$ but could not guarantee reimbursement by Ford. I called Ford motor company who gave me a case number and corresponded with local dealership. Essentially I have been told bc this is an advanced notice recall there is nothing that can be done to fix current situation. I will now be driving my vehicle without the trim and also concerned how long til the passenger side blows off as there was no loosening or sign of defect prior to this event. How will weather affect the exposed trim and windshield/aerodynamics. I just hope Ford will expedite the process of repair for safety first but also the look of the vehicle as this is a reflection of their company . My case number is CA547669778 approx mileage 123,000
Structure, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud popping sound coming from the driver's side window trim panel detaching from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Structure, Jan 25, 2024
I REPORTED A PROBLEM 1/23/24 CONCERNING THE TRIM BLOWING OFF BY THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, I SAW ON THE NEWS THAT THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE BUT I ALSO THINK THAT THE COWLING WHERE THE WIPERS ARE ATTACHED SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO, THIS PIECE IS FALLING APART AND WHEN DRIVING THE WIND GETS UNDER THE TRIM PIECES CAUSING IT TO BLOW OFF.
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
I was driving down the interstate and heard a tapping/clicking sound from the right side of my windshield that got progressively worse. Before I could stop at the next exit to examine the cause, I noticed an object falling to the ground in my rearview mirror just as the noise stopped. After exiting and looking at the area where the noise was coming from, I noticed a trim piece missing. I later identified the missing trim piece as the passenger side Windshield Outer A-Pillar Trim Molding. Our 2016 Explorer was purchased new in 2015 and has never been in an accident or suffered any damage that could have caused the trim piece to detach. Since replacing the trim piece, I can hear faint fluttering from the same area. The trim piece appears slightly loose, although I've been told it's as secure as it can get. This happened around a year ago. I didn't think to report it until I read an article earlier about a recall for a loose trim piece on Ford Explorers. My first thought was that it was going to be about the same issue I experienced, but it was for a trim piece on the roof rails. I decided to submit this report in case this has happened to others with similar generations of our Explorer.
Structure, Jan 23, 2024
We were driving down [XXX] between Houston and San Antonio on [XXX], when we heard a loud noise but felt nothing. When we were ready to leave our destination, the front-driver's side windshield panel was gone. It had blown off going down the road. There was no warning that the panel was loose nor any warning that it was gone. We could have been seriously hurt or killed if the part had come through the windshield. We are thankful that it did not hit and or kill a motorcyclist or cause a wreck where someone else could have been hurt or killed. There is no way to know if a later travelling car received damage due to the part being in the freeway or if it caused a wreck. I am also concerned that the windshield will leak since there is nothing covering the edge of the windshield. My car is available for inspection, but I do not have the panel. I spoke with Mia at Ford Customer Service (800-392-3673) on January 22, 2024. There is nothing that Ford is doing at the time to help car owners. Mia said to keep all paper work incase Ford decides to do some repairs in the future. I will get my car fixed but not at Ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jan 18, 2024
The cowling where the windshield wipers are attached is falling apart this caused the pillar molding bracket to blow off on I-95 may have struck another vehicle. The ford dealer estimated it would cost $1223.72 to repair.
Structure, Dec 29, 2023
The windshield Trim panel flew off at highway speed.
Structure, Dec 19, 2023
The windshield trim on the drivers side and passenger side has come off while driving 70+ mph on the interstate. The drivers side flew off and hit my windshield. A few weeks later the passenger flew off and the car behind me had to swerve to avoid being hit by it. This is dangerous for me as the driver of the vehicle because it could have cracked my windshield while I was driving and it puts the other drivers in danger from flying objects.
Structure, Dec 5, 2023
Passenger-side A-Pillar Molding Windshield Outer Trim flew off while driving on the highway.
Structure, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water was accumulating in the rear driver’s side cupholder. In addition, the contact also stated that water was leaking through the rear speakers as well. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a crack in the driver-side roof rack panel which was repaired out of pocket. The contact was assured by the dealer that water pressure tests were performed on the vehicle which showed that there were no present leaks on the vehicle. Upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that the passenger’s side of the vehicle had experienced the same failure. The failure was later linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Nov 15, 2023
I was driving on the highway and heard a loud noise didn’t know what it was until I got home and realized my windshield trim on passenger side was not on there anymore. It had flown off while driving down the highway.
Structure, Nov 8, 2023
In 2021, driving down the highway, our driver side windshield trim partially broke free and started smacking against the driver side window before breaking off and flying behind the vehicle. Then in July 2023, the passenger side windshield trim broke free on the highway. Appears the rubber seal disintegrates allowing the wind to grab it and rip the plastic trim piece off the vehicle. Currently, the rubber seal on the engine cowl windshield trim is disintegrating also.
Structure, Nov 4, 2023
Passenger Side windshield molding Trim flew off on the highway speed.
Structure, Oct 20, 2023
The driver side panels on my front windshield flew off while driving on the highway and then the passenger side broke and the lining ripped out slapping the side window. I know at least 4 other people whose Explorers have done the same and see them all the time driving around broken and gone. How is this ok? It could have hit another car or person when it flew off.
Structure, Oct 18, 2023
The windshield trim on the passenger side of my 2016 Ford Explorer came flying off my car while I was traveling at about 70mph. The piece flew upwards and backwards. I was not able to see if it hit any of the cars behind me. I was not able to stop to retrieve the piece. I've included a picture below. My car is available for inspection upon request. The safety of the drivers behind me was obviously put at risk having to dodge the flying part. I have not brought the car in for the repair yet, so they have not inspected it, nor has the police or insurance company. I just wanted you to know about it. There were no symptoms before the incident occurred.