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: other or unspecified
430 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2026
The driver’s side A Pilar keeps coming off. Dealerships state they do not have the replacement part and are unable to fix the issue until the parts are in stock. I’m afraid it will fall off on the freeway and create a safety hazard to other drivers. This is one of the reasons I do not drive this car on freeways or highways making life difficult.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2026
There was a recall issued on XXX for Exterior A-pillar appliqué molding inspection campaign 24S02/24V031. There was a Ford dealership Stivers Ford South in [XXX] that claims they performed the recall on my vehicle. I live in [XXX] and take my car to Bob Allen Ford in [XXX] to be serviced. I was driving home from a long road trip when the passenger A-Pillar came off this happened on Friday XXX. I called my dealership on Saturday XXX to schedule for the recall, however, I was told another dealership had already completed the recall. I called Ford customer service who then informed me I would need to call the Ford dealership in [XXX]. I called the Ford dealership in [XXX] on Saturday XXX, I was told a service manager would give me a call back. I did not receive a call that day. I called on Monday as well with no response from anyone. I called Ford customer service on Tuesday XXX and filed a fraud complaint about the dealership. I was told the service manager was looking into it and would give me a call on Tuesday. It is now Friday XXX, and I have not heard from the service manager or service director at the dealership in [XXX]. The Ford customer service informed be I should hear back by early next week. I want to get my car repaired as it is damaged from the recall. The A-Pillar applique came off when I was going down the highway. I don't feel safe driving my car until I can get this fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2026
I am scared of this in fix recall for my family and kids I travel a lot for my son football on the freeway and road. If this was unsafe they should have been fix for us. Thank you I do not want to deal with trying to fix anymore.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2026, crash
As I was driving down the highway, my A pillar trim began to get loose and flew off and hit the car behind me. It forced them to swerve yet they gained control of their car and approached me letting me know what happened. They were highly upset because it damaged their front windshield. I had no choice but to pay for the person's windshield to get repaired. This issue was recalled almost a year before this happened and every time I went to the dealership I asked them about it and they said the recall part was not in stock for repair and that they would call me when it is. I have yet, to receive a call regarding this. Now there are 2 additional recalls on my vehicle and they are all stating the same thing. That the part is unavailable.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2026
Transmission is company. Was driving and it bucked forward SO bad I had a panic attack with my kids in the back and had to have it towed home. Sounds like a computer issue because no me manic can figure out what’s wrong with it. Dealership had put in a ‘brand new’ transmission when I bought it in 2021.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2026
25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the Summer of 2024 and 2025 both the A-pillar and B-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2.5 years now I have driven a duct taped windshield on both drivers and on the passenger sides windows and on the tops of the door frames. The windshield rattles on the interstate--I feel this is dangerous. I have now recieved my 3rd factory recall: 25N17 Every day I drive this duct taped FORD, it is cemented in my mind that I will never purchase another Ford or Ford related product.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2026
We received the recall 25S53/25V347 on XXX. Then on XXX; [XXX], sent me a picture of the trim / rubber coming off the front windshield. I contacted the dealership Gary Yeomans Ford [XXX] & sent them the pic. They said they don't have the parts & didn't know when they would be available. They recommended us to contact a glass repairer and have them to fix it. And then us to send the bill to the Ford Dealership for reimbursement. The trim / rubber was flapping and making noise on passenger side. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2026
Lost all power in the transmission while driving down the road. Transmission is not fixable. Could barely get the car off the road
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2026
The piller on the passenger side flew off the vehicle driving down the interstate. It’s a recall that has been open for awhile but Ford never had the parts/remedy when I call.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall on my 2016 Ford Explorer that remains unrepaired despite repeated attempts to have it fixed. I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in 2024. At the time of purchase, the dealership did not disclose any outstanding safety recalls. Within a few weeks of purchasing the vehicle, I noticed the exterior trim panels were loose and beginning to separate from the vehicle. I returned to the dealership, where I was told that replacement parts were not yet available but should be available soon. Ford’s recall notice stated that parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. However, that representation has proven inaccurate. I have now been waiting more than two years for this safety recall to be repaired. During that time, I have contacted the dealership regularly, often weekly, seeking updates and a resolution. No repair has been offered, and no meaningful timeline has been provided. The unrepaired condition has created significant safety hazards. Because of the loose trim panels, my windshield frequently fogs on the inside, making it extremely difficult or impossible to properly defrost during cold weather. This severely limits visibility while driving. I have experienced multiple near-collisions while transporting my children because I could not adequately clear the windshield. More recently, the situation escalated when a trim panel from the driver’s side door detached while I was driving. The panel flew off the vehicle and struck my daughter in the face while she was seated in the rear seat with the window down. Fortunately, her injuries were not more severe, but the incident demonstrates the serious danger posed by this unresolved recall. As a single mother of four children, I rely on this vehicle for daily transportation and cannot simply replace it. I have made every reasonable effort to obtain the recall repair, yet I continue to drive a vehicle with a known safety defect that has alrea
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 2, 2026
I have been put off every month for over a year to have this fixed. It is a safety risk. Not only does the recall state the trim can come off and cause a crash, the rubber around both sides also keep coming loose and flapping on my windshield which causes interference with my view of the road. I am not sure why a safety recall was issued in 2024 but has still not been able to be resolved by 2026. They say the parts are not available but they should be making them available for any issue that can cause crashes and harm people.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2026
The A pillar piece has been on recall since 2024. I have been trying to get this fixed for almost 2 years and Stevens Ford in Milford has been telling me the pieces are on back order since then. The piece became loose recently when driving on highway and I called them (Ford dealer) to notify them. They said they were still waiting on parts and were not going to have them until August. I called Ford corporate number two times and then received a call back for scheduling my recall repair. The recall was on the driver side and passenger side A pillar. They only repaired the side that was missing that flew off on highway. I explained to them the risk of safety to myself and others if the other side was not repaired in a timely manner. Kait Brudecki service advisor told me in person today when I picked up my car, that they have no control over the parts they receive and that they only get one part delivered to them every 6 months and that this recall has cause them a lot of grief. This piece that flew off of my car on highway caused me to swerve because I thought something hit my car, it then hit the car behind me causing them to swerve as well. I am scared that if this other piece on driver side is not replaced this will happen and end up in an accident. I drive for work and do home health care and frequent the highway. Please help!
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2026
Roof rail covers, exterior A and B pillar trim have not been fixed. I was told at the time of purchase the recall (1) was fixed. The rubber trim in the pillar trim flaps in the wind and I was told to buy the parts on Amazon and that it isn’t hard to install. Along with the A/C not working a week after I bought the SUV. dealership is uncooperative.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2026
Ford has failed to remedy this issue and has been pending for more than 1 month
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2026
Whenever it rains or I go through a car wash, water leaks in around the back lift gate hatch. And it goes in into the spare tire wheel well and there ands up being several inches of water in there. It’s also covering whatever electrical component or plug that is the bottom of the wheel well. PLEASE HELP!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2026
When acceleration hot air blows through dashboard fogging front driver windows. Weather strips in doors are coming apart.
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2026
I am writing to formally request your assistance regarding an unresolved recall part issue affecting my 2016 Ford Explorer (VIN# [XXX] ). On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] , the exterior A pillar trim on the front windshield unexpectedly detached, creating a significant safety hazard for myself and other motorists. Following this incident, I scheduled an assessment at Frontier Ford in Santa Clara, CA on 4/9/2024. During the visit, I was advised to contact Ford’s complaint line, after which I returned to the dealership. The required replacement part was ordered, but I have now been waiting for over two years, as it remains on back order. Despite several follow-up calls, visits, the issue remains unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2026
When it rain outside, my passenger side floor has a puddle of rainwater. This happened at least 4 times over the life of my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2026
This is the 3rd time I've notified NHTSA about this concern. The remedy for this "safety recall" is still unavaiable. This recall is for the 'B Pillar' appliques; however, as I mentioned in my previous concerns/complaints to NHTSA the 'A Pillar' applique on the driver's side of my 2016 Explorer was loose and I was afraid that it would blow off. Well, on April 2, 2026 while driving on I-75 that applique broke loose and flew off at 75 mph smacking against the side of my vehicle and narrowly missing the vehicle travleing behind me. What has (is?) NHTSA going to do about this hazardous -safety issue?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle equipped with red and blue emergency lights, excessive auxiliary lights prohibited by law, facilitates color of law violations, poses a risk to general public regarding harassment, impersonation of police officer, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purchase agreement with buyer, and can be liable for crimes committed by others as a coconspirator.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2026
The driver side B pillar applique is loose and I fear it may become completely dislogdged or blow off during high speed highway travel and cause some sort of accident. This recall has been open since May of 2025 and Ford Motor Company still has no remedy or fix for it yet. In addition -and not included in this recall- the driver side A piller applique on the windshield has also come loose and may also fly off during travel. This too should be fixed. Can you help?
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
2016 FORD Explorer EXTERIOR A-PILLAR & B-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP THIS MAY RESULT IN THE B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUES DETACHING WHILE DRIVING. A B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUE THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford Dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? No warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2026
Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2026
Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2025
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.