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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2020
WHEN SITTING IDLE AND STATIONARY, A STRONG ODOR OF ROTTEN EGGS/EXHAUST ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE A STRONG ODOR AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT WE HAD TO PARK IT FAR AWAY FROM THE HOUSE BECAUSE THE SMELL WAS COMING INTO THE HOUSE THROUGH THE GARAGE. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEM TELLING US IT WAS FIXED, I TRUSTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND TOOK MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO THE GROCERY STORE. IMMEDIATELY AT THE FIRST STOP LIGHT AND SITTING IN IDLE, THE ODOR WAS RELEASED INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR- NO DIFFERENT THAN PRIOR TO BEING "FIXED." WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD US WE HAD TO DRIVE THE SMELL OFF AND PUSH IT THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE SMELL CONTINUED WITHOUT RELIEF AND I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME (15 MINUTE DRIVE) WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN DURING AN OHIO WINTER OF 34 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT FOR MY HUSBAND TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON ARRIVING HOME, EVEN WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN I HAD A HEADACHE AND FELT NAUSEOUS. I WOULD HATE TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP'S ADVICE. OUR VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO US A SECOND TIME AND THE ISSUE WAS STILL UNRESOLVED. AT THIS MOMENT, OUR VEHICLE IS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH WHAT SEEMS LIKE NO END IN SIGHT. FORD HAS PUT US BACK INTO A FAULTY AND DANGEROUS VEHICLE TWICE NOW AND WE HAVE LITTLE TRUST OR FAITH THAT OUR FORD EXPLORER WILL BE RETURNED TO US AS A SAFE FAMILY CAR. ALSO TO NOTE, WE DID HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR RECALL RELATED TO CARBON MONOXIDE.
Steering, Mar 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND THE STEERING BECAME FIRM. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH SEVERAL ADDITIONAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO MOUNTAINEER FORD LOCATED AT (615 EISENHOWER DR, BECKLEY, WV 25801) AND AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Steering, Mar 6, 2020
ON FEBRUARY 4, 2020, MY WIFE'S 2016 FORD EXPLORER (VIN# [XXX]) HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 29,265 MILES WHEN SHE BEGAN TO NOTICE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS AFTER THE STEERING SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED WHILE TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS, DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING LOTS. DURING ONE INCIDENT, THE STEERING SYSTEM TEMPORARILY LOCKED UP AND MAKE A DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND; IT ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE TO HIT ANOTHER CAR DURING A LEFT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. SHE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE 99% OF THE TIME TO TRANSPORT OUR GRANDCHILDREN WHILE THE REMAINING 1% HAS INVOLVED MY COMMUTE TO WORK. OUR REYNOLDS FORD OF NORMAN DEALERSHIP FAILED TO DUPLICATE THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONS WE EXPERIENCED. THEY ALSO MADE IT KNOWN THAT OUR EXTENDED FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS RELATED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. ON MARCH 6, 2020, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HTTPS://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/VEHICLE/2016/FORD/EXPLORER/SUV/FWD, THERE WERE SEVEN RECALLS, ONE INVESTIGATION AND 918 COMPLAINTS ON THE 2016 FORD EXPLORER. OF THOSE 918 COMPLAINTS, 189 WERE RELATED TO THE SAME SAFETY RELATED STEERING PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY OUR VEHICLE. MANY OF THOSE 189 COMPLAINTS ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE OWNERS HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $2,200 TO $2,500 DOLLARS FOR A PREMATURE FAILURE OF STEERING SYSTEM COMPONENTS. FORD NEEDS TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBLE AND OWN UP TO THEIR PREMATURE/DEFECTIVE STEERING PROBLEMS TO PREVENT DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR DEFECTIVE/PREMATURE STEERING COMPONENTS. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE ZERO QUALITY AND SAFETY CONFIDENCE WITH MY CURRENT STEERING SYSTEM AND REPLACEMENT PARTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 3, 2020, crash
THE RECALLED TOE LINK ON THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE 3 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS REPLACED AND CAUSE A CRASH WHILE DIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, SLOWING FOR A SPEED ZONE FOR A TOWN. INVOLVING BODY DAMAGE. AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND 1 WEEK AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM THE DEALER THE LINK BROKE FOR A SECOND TIME, WHILE ON A CURVE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY BOTH TIMES.WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 WEEKS TOTAL AND HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE FOR 2 OF THEM.
Steering, Mar 2, 2020
I BOUGHT MY CERTIFIED PREOWNED 2016 FORD EXPLORER ON OCTOBER 22 2019. I HAVE HAD IT FOR 4 MONTHS. YESTERDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED WHEN SLIGHTLY VEERING TO THE RIGHT THAT THE WHEEL PULLS HARD TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND IT IT HARD TO PULL THE WHEEL BACK TO THE STRAIGHT POSITION. I TESTED THIS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND IT DOES THE SAME JUST NOT AS HARD TO PULL.
Steering, Mar 2, 2020
ADVANCETRAC AND STEERING FAULT WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOCKED UP AND BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SAFELY STEER OFF ROADWAY.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2020
ANOTHER 2016 EXPLORER WITH AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. OBDII CHECK IS NOT SHOWING ANY FAULTS. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO DEALER YET, BUT I AM ASSUMING IT'S THE SAME OR SIMILAR FAULT TO WHAT OTHERS ARE SEEING ON HERE AND ELSEWHERE.
Engine, Feb 29, 2020
HELLO TODAY AFTER DRIVING MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER ONLY DOWN THE STREET TO THE STORE IT WAS FINE I PULLED BACK UP AT MY HOUSE AND IT WAS FINE I UNLOADED MY TODDLER AND TOOK HIM INSIDE AND THEN WENT BACK AND TURNED MY SUV BACK ON TO BACK IT INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND IT MADE A REALLY LOUD HUMMING SOUND LIKE A VACUUM OR A HIGH SPEED FAN IT DIDN'T SLOW IT DIDN'T STOP IT ONLY STAYED LOUD I THEN LEFT IT PARKED ON THE STREET AND IT CONTINUED TO MAKE THE SOUND ITS BEEN 2 HOURS AND ITS STILL GOING STRONG NO KEY IN THE IGNITION OR NOTHING AND ITS STILL NO MY HUSBAND IS PULLING FUSES OUT TRYING TO GET IT TO STOP.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR WEEKS AT A TIME AND THEN COMES OFF. THIS TENDS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT RAINS.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2020
RUTTEN EGGS SULFUR STRONG SMELL COMING INTO CAB DURING ACCELERATION MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO BREATHE IN THE CAR. WENT TO DEALER FEW TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL THERE. WHEN FORD GOING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 18, 2020
VEHICLE EMITS A STRONG EXHAUST / SULFUR SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING OR PLACING A LOAD ON THE ENGINE SUCH AS USING A/C OR DRIVING UPHILL.
Electrical system, Seats, Feb 18, 2020
SEAT HEAT UNDER DRIVER SEAT KEEPS GOING BAD. ONLY THE SEAT BOTTOM, NOT THE TOP. I NOTICED AS THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IT HAS BEEN IN FOR THIS, THAT WHEN I HAVE THE SEAT IN THE FARTHEST BACK POSITION IT WORKS, BUT WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FURTHER IT PULLS ON THE WIRES. I WONDER IF THIS COULD BE CAUSING A SHORT IN THE WIRING, WHICH POTENTIAL COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD.
Air bags, Feb 18, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. RIGHT NOW IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP, HOPEFULLY TO BE FIXED
Steering, Feb 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, MAKING A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITH THE REMOTE HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON WHICH FAILED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BOMMARITO FORD LOCATED AT (675 DUNN RD, HAZELWOOD, MO 63042, (314) 895-0600 WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.
Steering, Feb 12, 2020
THE STEERING MAKES POPPING AND GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A TRUSTED GARAGE I USE, THEY SAID THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS SHOT. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 53165 MILES ON IT. THE MAJORITY IS HIGHWAY MILES.
Steering, Feb 11, 2020
WHILE GOING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I'M IN REVERSE AND MOVING AND GO TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT IS LOCKED AND I GET A "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC" NOW MINE YOU THIS CAR IS ONLY 4YRS OLD WITH 25K MILES ON IT. ACCORDING TO ALL THE OTHER COMPLAI TS I'VE READ I'VE GOTTEN OFF EASY IN THE FACT I WAS IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY AND NOT DRIVING ANYWAYS WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, WHICH IS THE MAIN VEHICLE THEY WOULD BE IN. HAD TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER AND TOLD ITS THE PINION IN THE STEERING COLUMN NOT COVERED UNDER MY 5YR, 60,000 MILES WARRANTY AND WILL COST $2,247 PKUS TAX TO FIX. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. 4 YEARS OLD BARELY DRIVEN AT 25K MILES TO HAVE THIS CRAZY EXPENSIVE FIX THAT I CANNOT AFFORD! WHERE IS THE RECALL ON THIS KNOWN PROBLEM? ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE? IS THAT WHAT IT TAKES? IF IT HAPPENED WHILE TAKING NY KIDS TO SCHOOL WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2020
FOR A FEW MONTHS WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE FROM A RED LIGHT OR SITTING STILL THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS WOULD COME INTO MY VEHICLE. WITH ME HAVING KIDS I FIGURED IT WAS JUST THEM PASSING GAS, HOWEVER REPEATEDLY IT STARTED HAPPENING & IF THE A/C OR HEATER WAS ON IT WAS WORSE. I TOOK IT TO WORLD FORD IN PENSACOLA ON TUESDAY 02/04/2020, THEY DID NOT GET TO IT UNTIL 02/05/2020 AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD A DIAGNOSIS & THE WAY MY VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THE AERODYNAMICS WERE ALLOWING THE EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN. I AM ABSOLUTELY UPSET AT THIS BEING AS THOUGH NOT ONLY MYSELF, BUT MY KIDS, OTHER PASSENGERS, AND THEIR KIDS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO CARBON MONOXIDE IN A CLOSED IN AREA. FORD MAKES IT SOUND ACCEPTABLE BY SAYING IT'S COVERED UNDER WARRANTY HOWEVER A MANUFACTURER DEFAULT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED IMMEDIATELY, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND MY FRIENDS.
Structure, Feb 5, 2020
PLASTIC MOLDINGS ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT OF THE WINDSHIELD FLY OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE WEATHERSTRIPPING SPLITS AND BANGS AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2020, crash
MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 10/21/19. I RECEIVED VERY SERIOUS MULTIPLE BRAIN BLEEDS, FACIAL LAC, FACIAL & HEAD FX'S & A SEVERE TBI. MY MOM REC A CONCUSSION, FACIAL LAC CONCUSSION & A FX CLAVICLE. WE STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN & MOVED TO THE CENTER BETWEEN THE 4 LANES & STOPPED AGAIN & WE WERE HIT BY A LARGE ROLL ON ROLL OFF ROCK CARRYING DUMP TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED & I WAS IN A COMA & AIRLIFTED TO A TRAUMA CTR APPROX 40 MINS AWAY, BUT I WAS IN RESP ARREST & NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE. IT IS UNKNOWN EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE UNSAFE CONDITIONS, HOWEVER I NEVER CROSS STRAIGHT ACROSS THE TRAFFIC & WE HAD BEEN ON A VERY VERY BUMPY INTERSECTION THE FRI BEFORE THE ACC ON MONDAY & THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THAT 5 HR TRIP OF EXTREMELY BUMPY ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS ON INTERSTATE 95 COMING THROUGH PART OF NC, ALL OF SC & PART OF GA.
Engine, Feb 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTUP, THE ENGINE RUMBLED AND VIBRATED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE TAIL PIPE ALSO EMITTED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SMOKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN HEAD GASKET LEAK, A ND ALSO THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Structure, Feb 2, 2020
OBEYING SPEED LIMIT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON N127 TOWARDS JACKSON MICHIGAN, GOING PAST AN ON RAMP AND MY PASSENGERS WINDSHIELDS OUTER PILLAR COVER FLEW OFF OUT OF NO WHERE, NO REASON, VERY UNEXPECTED. ALMOST HIT A CAR THAT WAS COMING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ON A ON RAMP. I HAVE FOUND 5 OTHER REPORTS OF EXACTLY SAME THING. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 37K MILES ON IT, HAVE ONLY DROVE IT BARELY 3 MONTHS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED OR BE HAPPENING TO VEHICLES. OTHER COMPLAINTS I FOUND VEHICLES WERE AT 40K MILES OR 41K MILES. TIMING OF ALL 6 INCIDENTS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. ALL 2016 FORD EXPLORERS ALL WITHIN LAST 6 MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2020
MY VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE GAS IN THE INSIDE. IT'S LIKE CARBON MONOXIDE COMING INTO THE CABIN AND IT'S MAKING MY FAMILY LIGHTED HEADED. DEALER CAN'T LOOK AT VEHICLE FOR A WEEK OR LONGER. I'M AFRAID I'LL PASS OUT DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THE DEALER IS OVERLOADED WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT SUDDENLY IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI
Steering, Jan 29, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN APRIL OF 2019, WITH ABOUT 31K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IT WAS A RETURNED LEASE. IN JANUARY OF 2020, AT JUST OVER 41K MILES, THE STEERING GEAR FAILED AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. I HAD NO PROBLEM TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, BUT AS SOON AS I TURNED THE WHEEL EVEN SLIGHTLY RIGHT, THERE WAS AN AWFUL CLICKING NOISE, ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING WAS GRINDING IN THE WHEEL WELL. I LIMPED IT OVER TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP A MILE AWAY AND THEY TOLD ME THE STEERING GEAR HAD FAILED. I WAS OUTSIDE OF THE 3 YR/36000 MI WARRANTY, AND APPARENTLY THE 5 YR/60000 MI POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ONLY COVERS THE STEERING HOUSING, NOT THE GEAR ITSELF, SO I WAS ON THE HOOK FOR THE ENTIRE FIX - $2200 AT THIS POINT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT FORD SAID IT WASN'T DUE TO ANY NEGLECT OR "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE" - IT JUST FAILED AND THERE'S NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO PREVENT IT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING SO CATASTROPHIC AND EXPENSIVE SHOULD BE FAILING AT 4 YRS/41K MI. FORD CAN'T ACTUALLY EXPECT PEOPLE TO REPLACE A $2200 PART EVERY 4 YRS/41K MI, RIGHT?! LUCKILY I WAS DOING ABOUT 5 MPH WHEN THE GEAR FAILED - OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND THIS ISSUE IS SURELY GOING TO INJURE AND/OR KILL PEOPLE, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY. FORD NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE!!
Air bags, Jan 28, 2020
AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON. CHECKED WITH OBD, NO CODES. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REMOVE ALL THE SEATS AND REWIRE. RESEARCHED AND FOUND TSB 16-0001WHICH SUPERSEDES TSB 15-0113. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE (HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/AIR-BAG-LIGHT-ON-PROBLEMS.PHP). EVEN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THEY ARE SEEING MANY CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THEY ARE QUOTING $1400 TO REPAIR. IN ADDITION THE TSB STATES IT IS ONLY 2.5 HOURS AND PART NUMBER, 14A005. I BELIEVE THE NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE FORD TO COVER THE COSTS OF THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2020
EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CABIN OF VEHICLE NEAR MIDDLE AND REAR SEATS.WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 70MPH PASSENGERS TURNED ON AIR FOR THE BACK AND AN ODD SMELL WAS NOTICED. AIR WAS TURNED OFF AT THE BACK. ONCE AT LOCATION READY TO PARK SMELL BEGAN TO GET WORSE. VERY NOTICEABLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. ODOR CLUNG TO SKIN. POSSIBLY CO LEAK.