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
2,452 reports, newest first.
Steering, Sep 8, 2020
STARTED DRIVING AND RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE SCREEN SAYING "STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW". LOTS POWER STEERING CONTROL. THANKFULLY WAS AT A LOW SPEED AND COULD STOP SAFELY BEFORE LEAVING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, POWERED OFF, POWERED BACK ON, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. VEHICLE HAS 56K MILES ON IT.
Steering, Equipment, Sep 4, 2020
WHILE MAKING TURNS EITHER AT SLOW SPEEDS OR AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE STEERING MAKES POPPING SOUNDS. STEERING WHEEL ALSO LOCKS FOR HALF A SECOND. TOOK VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND WAS ADVISED IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE AREA. THE VEHICLE IS A 2016 AND HAS 41K MILES. THIS ISSUE BEGAN MANIFESTING APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS PRIOR. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR IS $2500. ACCORDING TO VEHICLE FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL.
Structure, Sep 1, 2020
NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY WHEN THE DRIVER WINDSHIELD PILLAR MOLD FLYS OFF MY VEHICLE AND INTO TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. A FEW WEEKS OR SO LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS LOOKING ONLINE FOR PARTS AND NOTICED MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Sep 1, 2020
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE STEERING QUIT. IT WAS PULLING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND SHE ALMOST LOST CONTROL. STEERING FAILURE ALARMS WERE CONTINUING TO GO OFF. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND AVOID A CRASH.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2020
THE ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS CORROSION AND RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. IT SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. THIS ENTIRE SYSTEM IS VERY COSTLY. THERE IS A LEAK AT THE REAR EVAPORATOR HOUSING CONNECTION.
Steering, Aug 28, 2020
POWER STEERING WENT ON A 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 57001 MILES ON IT. CHARGED FOR STEERING RACK/BOX REPLACEMENT PLUS OTHER ASTRONOMICAL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH IT OUT OF POCKET. THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FAMILY CAR. IT IS UNSAFE AND HASN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE. CAR JUST GAVE OUT ON HIGHWAY WITH CHILDREN IN CAR. THE CAR STARTED TO ACTIVELY SWAY ALL OVER THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING. NO CONTROL. HAD TO PULL OVER. CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE AND THAN RESTARTED THE CAR TO HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHAT SO EVER. IT WAS WORSE THAN TRYING TO DRIVE A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. AS A FEMALE, I COULD NOT EVEN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. NO CODES CAME UP PRIOR; UNTIL THE RESTART OF THE CAR. ???? DEALER TOOK WEEK TO GET IT IN PLUS A DAY FOR PART AND THOUSANDS OUT OF MY POCKET DURING A WORLD WIDE PANDEMIC. WITH MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHY HASN'T IT BEEN RECALLED? THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS.
Steering, Aug 27, 2020
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. AT THIS POINT I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER IN MY TOWN WHICH IS WAS 2 HOURS AWAY. FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.WHICH IS INTEGRAL WITH THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. COST OF REPAIR IS 2400.00 OF COURSE I HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MOST PARTS INCLUDING FUEL PUMP, ENGINE ,TRANSMISSION BUT RACK AND PINION NOT CONSIDERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Aug 25, 2020
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. AT THIS POINT I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND HAD TO HAVE TOWED. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.WHICH IS INTEGRAL WITH THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 25, 2020
NOTICED PROBLEM WITH STEERING. WHEN I CHANGED LANES THE VEHICLE CONTINUED IN THAT DIRECTION UNTIL I CORRECTED IT. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK SO I WENT STRAIGHT TO MATT BOWERS FORD IN METAIRIE. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE MODULE REPROGRAMMED AND AN ALIGNMENT. I'VE SEEN QUITE A FEW RECALLS CONCERNING THIS BUT WAS NOT TOLD THAT MY VHEICLE VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED. I NOW SEE MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT CAREFULLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 25, 2020
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DROPPING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT DAYCARE AND I LOST THE POWER STEERING ON MY VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND I WAS DRIVING A STEADY SPEED DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD. MY DAUGHTER WAS NO LONGER IN THE CAR WITH ME AS THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT BUT THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH A LOT OF EFFORT INVOLVED. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE FORD SHOP AND I HAD TO HAVE MY POWER STEERING CORE CHANGED. $2500. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 37,000 MILES AND IS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. QUITE FRUSTRATING, DISAPPOINTING AND EXPENSIVE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO.
Tires, Aug 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER EQUIP WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2; TIRE SIZE: 255/50R20-108H AND THE DOT NUMBER: 5MNC 1A H0118. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE TIRES, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRES HAD EXPERIENCED CRACKING AND GUDGES ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES. THE FAILURE WAS PRESENT ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AUTONATION FORD LOCATED AT 7700 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244 WHO REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH THE SAME BRAND SIZE AND MODEL TIRES BUT APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES LATER THE SAME FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE FAILURE TIRE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 24, 2020
LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING. NEARLY CAUSED A 4 CAR COLLISION. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING 57 MPH. WAS BARELY ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL OFF TO THE SIDE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, HOWEVER AFTER THIS LAST TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL IS PERMANENTLY LOCKED. STEERING LOSS LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS.
Suspension, Aug 24, 2020
BROKEN TOE LINK. FORD REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A FAILURE UNDER FORD RECALL 19S17. THEY SAY IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER FORD RECALL 17S11. REAR DRIVER SIDE TOE LINK BROKE 7/25/20 WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING. OEM REPLACEMENT PART PURCHASED FROM FORD DEALER BROKE 8/24/20 TURNING GENTLY TO THE LEFT. ATTACHED PICTURE IS THE ORIGINAL LINK THAT BROKE 7/25/20. REPLACEMENT PART BOUGHT THROUGH FORD DEALER BROKE IN APPROXIMATELY THE SAME AREA.
Steering, Aug 24, 2020
I WAS TURNING INTO A GAS STATION AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNINGS OR ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON TRIPS OVER 30 MINUTES I EXPERIENCE HEADACHES, NAUSEOUS AND FATIGUE. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH FORD DEALER ON AUGUST 27, 2020
Engine, Aug 17, 2020
I OWN A 2016 FORD EXPLORER WHICH HAS 78,146 MILES AND WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM EVERETT FORD IN BENTON, ARKANSAS LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AND HAVE HAD NORMAL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED ACCORDING THE THE OWNERS MANUAL. AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK IT IS A RESULT OF A FAULTY WATER PUMP IN WHICH I WAS QUOTED $2500-$3500 FOR A REPLACEMENT IN ADDITION THE ENGINE WOULD BE SEVERAL THOUSAND. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE AND SO WHEN THE WATER PUMP FAILS IT DESTROYS THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING BY MIXING THE COOLANT WITH THE ENGINE OIL. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS FURTHER THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE AWARE OF THIS MECHANICAL DEFECT AND THE THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS THAT WERE AFFECTED BUT CONTINUE TO ADVERTISE 'BUILT FORD TOUGH'TO DRIVE SALES AND DID NOT WARN CUSTOMERS OR MAKE THEM AWARE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ALL OWNERS OF THE FORD DURATEC V6 ENGINE AND THERE SHOULD BE A FORCED RECALL BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT WAIT FOR THERE TO BE DEATHS FROM THIS MECHANICAL DEFECT BEFORE TAKING ACTION. FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF FORD BUT WILL BE GETTING RID OF MY VEHICLE AND MAKING SURE ALL FORD OWNERS ARE AWARE AND YOU CANNOT TRUST FORD WHEN THEY ARE AWARE OF A SAFETY RELATED MECHANICAL FAILURE AND THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OR EVEN NOTIFYING ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS!
Steering, Aug 14, 2020
STEERING WAS GETTING DIFFICULT WHILE MAKING TURNS. TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE RACK & PINION NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $2,560 AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FORD IS NOT COVERING THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A FAULTY PART ON THEIR END AND SHOULD BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.
Air bags, Aug 14, 2020
THERE IS AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. IT IS DUE TO A CIRCUIT FAILURE OR A BROKEN CORD LEADING TO THE DRIVER SIDE MIDDLE ROW SEATBELT AIRBAG. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BUT A SAFETY ITEM DESIGN BY FORD THAT HAS FAILED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT KNOW HOW THIS SAFETY FEATURE BROKE. IF WE WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE THE AIRBAG IS IN THIS STATE, IT WOULD NOT DEPLOY AND PUT MY PASSENGERS LIFE IN MORE JEOPARDY.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 12, 2020, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 65 IN HAM LAKE, MN SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE LUNGED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO FISHTAIL IT BACK ONTO THE ROAD, ALMOST ROLLED THE VEHICLE AND BARELY KEPT IT UNDER CONTROL. I GOT OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND CALL THE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF FOR ASSISTANCE. A DEPUTY ASSISTED BUT I DON'T BELIEVE A FORMAL POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THIS WAS SUNDAY JULY 19TH. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT THE FOLLOW DAY AND DETERMINED THAT THE TOE CONTROL LINK HAD BROKEN. THEY REPAIRED IT WITH A NEW PART FROM THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED FINE. LAST NIGHT THE NEW PART THAT THEY INSTALLED BROKE AS WELL. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PART, THE TOE CONTROL LINK ON 2011-2017 FORD EXPLORERS. I CHECKED THE VIN ON THE NTSB WEBSITE BUT IT INDICATES THAT OUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WE HAD BROUGHT THE CAR INTO METROPOLITAN FORD IN EDEN PRAIRIE EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR OTHER RECALL ISSUES. HAD THE RECALL BEEN COMPREHENSIVE, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED. AT 65 MPH, MY DAUGHTER AND I SHOULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILLED IN THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT. IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE (NEAR) ACCIDENT AND WE ARE STILL SHAKEN UP BY IT. FORTUNATELY, LAST NIGHT'S INCIDENT WAS AT MUCH SLOWER SPEED. I AM FEARFUL THAT THERE ARE OTHER FAMILIES WHOSE LIVES IN DANGER AS WELL. I HAVE A PHOTO THAT I TOOK OF THE CURRENT (SECOND) BREAK THAT OCCURRED THAT IS ATTACHED.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A FLUID LEAK WAS PRESENT BEHIND THE WATER PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER MCGOVERN FORD LOCATED AT 1212 WESTFORD ST, LOWELL, MA 01851 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V183000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2020
I INITIALLY HAD 'STEERING FAULT' ALERT A FEW MONTHS AGO. JUST TODAY A 'TERRAIN MAINTENANCE FAULT' ALERT CAME UP WITH A FEW ALERTS ICONS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE STEERING FROZE TO THE POINT I COULD ONLY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AN INCH WHILE MUSCLING IT TO A STOP. APPARENTLY, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. THEY HAD ME RESTART THE SUV AND THAT TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE ISSUE, BUT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AT ANYTIME. THE DEALERSHIP SAID, IF THE ISSUE ISN'T OCCURRING WHEN I BRING THE SUV IN THEY CAN'T SPECIFICALLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT MORE THAN LIKELY THE STEERING GEAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACE FOR ~$2K. AS I AM READING OTHERS, THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT COULD PUT DRIVERS IN DANGER AND HAVE FOR OTHERS. I WAS IN MARSHFIELD, MA WHEN THIS HAPPENED, DRIVING 30 MPH APPROXIMATELY 2PM ON PLAIN STREET.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2020
THIS CAR HAS EXTREMELY BAD SWAY IN THE REAR END, IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN OVER 40 MPH OR YOU WILL LOSE TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE
Steering, Aug 8, 2020
THE FLUIDITY OF THE STEERING IS DETERIORATING. WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND OF METAL ON METAL. INTERMITTENTLY I HAVE TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A TURN WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE AS I TYPICALLY AM TRAVELING WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. THE PROBLEM HAS ARISEN IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND THE MECHANIC I UTILIZE, WHO DOES NOT REPAIR STEERING RACKS, REPORTED THAT THE COST OF ADDRESSING THE ISSUE COULD EXCEED $1000. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH A 2016 MODEL THAT JUST WENT OVER 50,000 MILES AND IS NOT SUBJECTED TO ROUGH, EXTENDED DRIVING BUT RATHER MOST DAYS ARE A 28 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR WORK.
Structure, Aug 8, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM MOLDING FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER SIDE DOOR TRIM PANEL LOOSE.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 7, 2020
49000 MILES, ELECTRONIC STEERING IS STARTING TO GO OUT. WHEN DRIVING MODERATE SPEEDS CAR MAKES LOUD AUDIBLE NOISES ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. RACK AND PINION WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD TOLD ME IT WAS 100% SAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SAID THE EXACT OPPOSITE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE IT GOES OUT HEAVEN FORBID AT HIGH SPEEDS.FAMILY OF 4 YOUNG KIDS, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE, FAMILY CAR. FORD IS PUTTING A LOT OF FAMILIES AT RISK NOT RECALLING THIS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 49K MILES. THEY ARE LOSING LOTS OF RETURN CUSTOMERS BY NOT HANDLING A SAFETY ISSUE PROPERLY. I HOPE NO DEATHS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO BRING MORE SEVERITY TO THIS PRESSING ISSUE. IF YOU HEAR A CLICK WHEN STEERING, GET THE CAR INSPECTED ASAP! CLICKING OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND IS MORE INTENSE WHEN DRIVING. IT COULD GO OUT AT ANY MOMENT.