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, May 29, 2019
WHILE DRIVING RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT STATING, "LOSS OF STEERING-SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK". IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE WARNING THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT STEER. TOWED TO DEALER AND ADVISED THAT THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION AND ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL. STEERING IMMEDIATELY LOCKED UP.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, May 29, 2019
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON. IN TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS TRACED BACK TO FORD'S ERROR CODE DTC B141B AND/OR B141C. THIS ERROR CODE HAS TO DO WITH FORD INSTALLING A DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE REAR SEAT INFLATABLE AIRBAGS AND COULD CAUSE THEM TO FAIL TO OPERATE DURING A COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP (SHEEHY FORD, MIDLOTHIAN, VA) REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I ALSO CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TWICE (5/29/19 AND IN APRIL 2019) AND THEY ALSO REFUSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DESPITE IT BEING AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THEIR SAFETY RESTRAINT WARRANTY. THE FACT THAT FORD IS REFUSING TO STAND BEHIND THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLE HAS ME CONCERNED. *TR
Electrical system, May 29, 2019
2016 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INADVERTENT OPENING OR CLOSURE OF REAR CARGO DOOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE REAR CARGO DOOR INADVERTENTLY CLOSES IT STRIKES THE OCCUPANT ON THE HEAD OR BACK. *JS
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 28, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT ABOUT 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE PEDALS WERE NOT IN THE RIGHT LOCATIONS SO I DECIDED TO ADJUST THEM TO A HIGHER POSITION WITH THE BUTTON ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN I DID THE ADJUSTMENT, THE ENGINE WENT INTO A FULL THROTTLE MODE AND WOULD NOT LET UP. I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKES HARD AND VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY WENT FULL THROTTLE AGAIN AND THEN BACK DOWN AGAIN WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN HARD. THIS CYCLE CONTINUED EVEN THOUGH I SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND TRIED PUTTING THE SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL. I WAS FINAL ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK NORMALLY. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY EVENT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE OR HAVE MY WIFE DRIVE IT. I REPORTED IT TO FORD BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM AT THIS TIME.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RETRIEVED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE: P2111 (THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM STUCK OPEN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AUTONATION FORD MARIETTA (LOCATED AT 869 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (770) 674-6077) WAS INFOMRED OF THE FAILURE VIA PHONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Suspension, Seats, May 23, 2019
PASSENGER SEAT STUCK ALL THE WAY FRONT WON'T MOVE BACK AND POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNED WHEEL IT'S STRUCK TOWER MOUNTS STRUTS AND FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS
Air bags, May 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R. RD, TROY, MI) WHERE THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2019
MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER CABIN HAS BEEN FILLING WITH CO I PURCHASED A CO DETECTOR A MONTH AGO AFTER FEELING SICK WHILE DRIVING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. TODAY THE CO DETECTOR READ 15 WITH NO AIR ON. YESTERDAY IT READ 18 WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON. I FEEL THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW ABOUT CO POISONING SYMPTOMS. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.
Steering, May 22, 2019
I HAVE HAD THIS USED CAR 2 MONTHS AND IT ONLY HAS 25K ON IT, THE STEERING COLUMN IS GRINDING AND FEELS VERY TIGHT WHEN DRIVING, ALMOST LIKE YOUR DRIVING ON A FLAT .DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO FIX IT FOR $2000.00 '.ARE YOU KIDDING? SHOULD BE A RECALL LIKE OLDER YEARS ARE.
Steering, May 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BALISE TOYOTA OF WARWICK (LOCATED AT 1400 POST RD, WARWICK, RI 02888, (401) 352-5911) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,653.
Structure, May 8, 2019
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE IS A BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM THE COWL GRILLE PANEL ON THE WINDSHIELD. IT BECOMES VERY DISTRACTING AND HARD TO HEAR ANY AUDIO.
Steering, Suspension, May 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, A WHINING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A POPPING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. FURTHERMORE, WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING LEFT TURNS, THE WHINING AND POPPING NOISE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VIVA FORD (LOCATED AT 5550 N DESERT BLVD, EL PASO, TX 79912, (915) 834-2800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER HUB ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER AND SHE WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER: CAS21646401-Y3N9W3. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,500.
Steering, May 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED SLIGHTLY WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE MESSAGE "STEERING FAILURE" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WALLS FORD (2 MERRILL ST, SALISBURY, MA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND GEAR ASSEMBLY WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,500. *BF *JB
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2019
MY CAR HAS HAD THE EXHAUST ISSUE REPAIRED A FEW TIMES AND IT STILL HAS THE SMELL. I CAN'T DRIVE LONG DISTANCES WITHOUT A HEADACHE. FORD CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY IN SPORT MODE WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY BUT THE SMELL IS STRONG AND LASTS. I HAVE A TODDLER WHO IS SPEECH DELAYED AND I BELIEVE IT'S DUE TO THE CAR. SHE'S BEEN IN THIS CAR SINCE SHE WAS A BABY. HOW CAN I GET HELP? CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. WE'VE HAD IT A FEW YEARS NOW. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT BECAME A KNOWN ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2019
VERY STRONG SULFUR SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN THE HEAT OR VENT IS TURNED ON WITH OUTSIDE AIR. SMELL DISAPPEARED WHEN IT WAS SWITCHED TO RECIRCULATE THE INSIDE AIR.
Steering, Apr 30, 2019
MY STEERING RACK/PINION HAS GONE COMPLETELY OUT. AT FIRST THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE NOISES WHEN TURNING, HOWEVER NOW IT IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND PREVIOUS MODEL EXPLORERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUES AND MULTIPLE 2016 MODELS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T FIND A PART, I CAN'T DRIVE MY VEHICLE. WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A RECALL TO HAPPEN ON THIS MODEL?
Engine, Apr 29, 2019
END OF MARCH 2019 AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A FRIDAY EVENING THE CAR SMELLED LIKE EXHAUST FUMES (ROTTEN EGGS) WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. I CALLED DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE CAR IN. OVER THE WEEKEND BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR THE SMELL WAS TERRIBLE. TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY SUGGESTED I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY (9 MONTHS OLD BATTERY - WAS TOLD BATTERY CAUSING SMELL). PICKED UP CAR AND DROVE HOME. ONCE AGAIN UPON PARKING CAR STILL SMELLED LIKE EXHAUST. CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED PCV VALVE. PICKED UP CAR - DROVE HOME - CAR STILL SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST FUMES. CAR HAS GONE INTO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. CAN NO LONGER PARK CAR INSIDE OF GARAGE AT HOME DUE TO EXHAUST SMELL AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES. DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE DONE EVERYTHING PURSUANT TO FORD'S INSTRUCTION AND THEIR HANDS ARE TIED. DEALER ADMITS THE CAR SMELLS OF EXHAUST FUMES OUTSIDE OF CAR. INSIDE THE CAR I AM KEEPING THE RECYCLED AIR ON TO TRY TO PREVENT THE EXHAUST FROM COMING IN THE CAR. CAR NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY FORD AS THE EXHAUST SMELL IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A 3 YR. OLD CAR.
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2019
I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF DIZZINESS WHILE DRIVING OUR 2016 FORD EXPLORER. BOTH TIMES I'VE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR. THIS LAST TIME TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAD COMPLETE WORK UP INCLUDING CAT SCAN. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING. IT WAS ONLY AFTER TODAY'S ER VISIT THAT MY HUSBAND REMEMBERED A NEW STORY ABOUT FORD EXPLORES AND DRIVERS GETTING DIZZY AND ACCIDENTS. WE STARTED GOOGLING THE FORD EXPLORER AND READ THAT THE NHTSA IS CURRENTLY STILL INVESTIGATING THIS POSSIBILITY OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN FORD EXPLORER CABINS. WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 14 MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON 4/2519 THE SECOND ON 4/27/19. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN WE THOUGHT OF THIS ISSUE, IT WAS TOO FAR PAST THE INCIDENT TO HAVE MY BLOOD WORK CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 25, 2019
LOSS OFF POWER STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL
Steering, Apr 24, 2019
WHILE STOPPED AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT TO MANEUVER OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY OR SIMPLY MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, I WOULD HEAR A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM. THE NOISE DID NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME AND I COULD GO A MONTH OR SO WITHOUT HEARING IT AT ALL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ASKED FORD TO DO A VISUAL INSPECTION OF MY STEERING MECHANISM TO MAKE SURE NOTHING APPEARED TO BE OBVIOUSLY IDENTIFIABLE. EXPLAINED TO FORD THAT THE POPPING NOISE COMES AND GOES. I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING LOOKED TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE AND NOTHING WAS LOOSE. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THE POPPING NOISE WAS REPLACED WITH STEERING RESISTANCE AND GRINDING AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL IN A PARKED POSITION AND WHILE DRIVING. FURTHERMORE, WHEN CHANGING LANES THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND WOULD HAVE TO BE PULLED BACK TO CENTER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SO I RESEARCHED "2016 FORD EXPLORER STEERING COMPLAINTS" AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND HUNDREDS OF STEERING COMPLAINTS JUST LIKE MINE. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ROUGHLY 69,800 MILES, HOWEVER, THE COMPLAINTS I READ DEALT WITH VEHICLES BETWEEN 22,000 - 80,000 MILES. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF TODAY AT FORD TO HAVE THE PROBLEM ASSESSED. MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THIS MAY BE SOMETHING I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR. WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I WAS ABLE TO UNCOVER WITH A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH I'M SURE FORD IS AWARE OF THE STEERING MECHANISM DEFECTIVE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED. THERE IS NO WAY A MAJOR PART SUCH AS THE STEERING MECHANISM SHOULD BE FAILING ON ANY VEHICLE. I ENCOURAGE THE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE 2016 - 2018 FORD EXPLORER STEERING ASSEMBLY.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 23, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. WHENEVER I MANEUVER SLOWLY WHEN I PARK HORIZONTALLY, I CAN HEAR CRACKLING SOUND AND THIS WAS FIXED TWICE BY FORD DEALER. RECENTLY, THE DASHBOARD HAD WARNING THAT STEERING IS NOT WORKING. THE STEERING BECAME STIFF RIGHT AWAY AND STIFFER THAT HAVE TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHT THE NEXT 3 MILES TO REACH HOME. I COULD HARDLY TURN THE WHEEL THAT HAVE TO AVOID ROADS WHERE I HAVE TO TURN. IT WAS FIXED BY SAME DEALER AND GOT MY VEHICLE AFTER A WEEK. THE MILEAGE IS 18,000 AND NOW I'M NOT CONFIDENT TO TAKE MY 3 YEAR OLD CAR ON LONG DISTANCE DRIVE. THE SUSPENSION WAS FIXED AS WELL MID 2018 FOR THE CAR IS RUNNING LIKE A 20 YEAR OLD TRUCK ON THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2019, crash, fire
ON 3/21/19 I WAS DRIVING WHEN A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT THEM. MY AIRBAG WENT OFF AND WAS SMOKING BLACK SMOKE. THERE WAS ALSO A FIRE, ABOUT 1.5 FT TALL THAT APPEARED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. I SAT IN SHOCK UNTIL SOMEONE TOLD ME TO GET OUT. I GOT OUT AND GRABBED MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. SHE WAS IN A CAR SEAT AND STILL SECURED AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THANKFULLY WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. WE SAT WATCHING MY CAR QUICKLY ENGULF IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME THE CAR WAS PRETTY MUCH ALL BURNED. I LOST A LOT OF VALUABLE AND SENTIMENTAL PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN MY CAR WHICH INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER THE COST OF. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE TO GO THROUGH FOR MY DAUGHTER AND I. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A MINOR ACCIDENT SHOULD CAUSE A FIRE LIKE THIS. I HAVE REACHED OUT FOR FORD MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE WHICH I FIND EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. I WOULD LIKE TO PREVENT THIS HORRIBLE THING HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE. ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT INJURED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, AND EVEN DEADLY.
Steering, Apr 22, 2019
AFTER 44K MILES THE STEERING RACK IS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND REQUIRES A FULL REPLACEMENT. THIS IS GREATER THAN $2500 COST FOR A NEW CAR CAR MAKES A LOUD MECHANICAL CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT. HAD IT REVIEWED BY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID BEARINGS ON THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY ARE GOING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHERE A NEW CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILES HAS A STEERING SYSTEM THAT REQUIRES FULL REPLACEMENT. INTERNET SEARCHES HAVE SHOWN MANY INSTANCES OF PEOPLE REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT OF THE SYSTEM.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2019
ONE MORNING, I BEGAN TO SMELL A SULFUR OR GAS-LIKE SMELL INSIDE THE CAR. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT BUT IT PERSISTED FROM 5:00 A.M. -9:00 A.M. MY 7 YEAR OLD SON EVEN SMELLED IT WHEN ENTERING THE CAR. AFTER DROPPING HIM OFF AT SCHOOL I DROVE TO DEALERSHIP TO GET IT INSPECTED. DURING THAT DRIVE, WITH THE WINDOWS CRACKED, I BEGAN TO FEEL A DULL HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND MUSCLE WEAKNESS. ONCE I DROPPED MY CAR OFF FOR INSPECTION AND WAS OUT OF THE CAR I DIDN'T FEEL ANY BETTER AND MY HEADACHE AND WEAKNESS GOT WORSE. MY WIFE TOOK ME TO THE ER OUT OF PRECAUTION AND AFTER BLOODWORK WAS TAKEN, I WAS CONFIRMED TO HAVE HAD CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. I AM A NON-SMOKER AND MY COHB LEVELS WERE TWICE THAT OF A NON-SMOKER : 3.8% IT WAS RAINING OUT SO I COULD NOT UNROLLI WINDOWS AS MUCH AS I WANTED TO. I WAS NOT DRIVING WITH THE A/C ON, WAS NOT SITTING IDLE. MINIMUM SPEED WAS 5-10 MPH AND MAX SPEED WAS 70 MPH FORD IDENTIFIED THE SMELL AS A FAILING PTU BUT CLAIMED THERE WAS NO CO PRESENT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A CO SENSOR INSIDE THE CAB. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 32 MONTHS WITH NO ISSUE BUT I CANNOT IGNORE THAT I DID IN FACT HAVE CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE EXISTENCE OF THE STRONG SULFUR SMELL SHOWING UP. I AM NOT CONVINCED CARBON MONOXIDE GETTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO REVERSE, IT JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOODY ANDERSON FORD (2500 JORDAN LN NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35810, (877) 315-0514) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING CARBON MONOXIDE. PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT BECAME VERY SLEEPY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.