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.
Engine, Apr 29, 2016
ON 22 APR 2016 OUR SON WAS IN TOWN VISITING WHEN HE WAS LOOKING OVER OUR NEW VEHICLE AND NOTICE THAT THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE BELT TENSIONER IN PLACE WERE ALMOST ALL THE WAY OUT. SINCE MY SON IS A MECHANIC HE ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THIS COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC MALFUNCTION LEADING TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 1681 MILES ON IT AND WE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WHICH ALSO TOLD US TO CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTEN THE BOLTS DOWN AND ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE (ATTACHED) THAT THE BOLTS NEVER WERE TIGHTEN DOWN AT THE FACTORY. I'VE INCLUDED A COUPLE PHOTOS. I'VE CONTACTED FORD AND OPENED A CASE FILE SINCE THIS APPEARS TO BE ISSUES AT THE PLANT AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTIONS SHOULD HAVE IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE AND FIXED IT! AFTER I FILED THE COMPLAINT (CASE # CAS-9331585) I WAS TOLD THAT NO ONE WILL PROBABLY GET BACK WITH ME REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I HAD REQUESTED TO TALK WITH EITHER A FORD SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER AT THE CHICAGO FORD PLANT TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD PUT OUT AN IMMEDIATE SERVICE NOTICE TO HAVE INDIVIDUALS CHECK THE TENSIONER BOLTS ON THEIR 2016 FORD EXPLORERS SINCE THIS CAN LEAD TO A MAJOR MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS IF NOT DEADLY ACCIDENT.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 27, 2016
COOLING FAN SHUT DOWN NOISE, SINCE NEW THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAKES A LOT OF NOISE WHEN "SPINNING DOWN" AT THE FAN COMES TO A STOP/SHUTTING DOWN ENGINE. FAN IS WORKING, BUT FOR HOW LONG?
Engine, Apr 27, 2016
SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION, WITH SERVICE INDICATORS LIGHTING ON DASHBOARD. PULLED OFF ROAD, RESTARTED, WORKED OK FOR 10 MILES, THEN THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THIS TIME, THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT THEY HAVE NO ETA DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE ANYWHERE. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 4 MONTHS, AND THE FACT THAT THIS SIMPLE PART FAILED AND NO REPLACEMENTS ARE IN-STOCK ANYWHERE INDICATES TO ME THERE IS SOME WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.
Structure, Apr 26, 2016
THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE FUNCTIONED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY OPERATOR INPUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. ALSO ONE INSTANCE OF LIFTGATE CLOSING ON HEAD. FORD CLAIMS THEY ARE AWARE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND IS WORKING ON A FIX.??? IF THE OPERATOR WERE NOT AWARE THIS OCCURRED AND A CHILD OR PET WERE IN THE 3RD ROW, THIS COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPAIR ORDER WITH FORD'S RESPONSE. ALL INSTANCES SO FAR WERE VEHICLE IN PARK WITH OPERATOR NEAR THE REAR END OR BEHIND OF THE VEHICLE.
Engine, Apr 26, 2016
AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE "WRENCH" LIGHT IN CLUSTER PANEL CAME ON AND VEHICLE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". AFTER INITIAL INCIDENT, THE CAR RESTARTED BACK IN NORMAL MODE. HOWEVER, THE SAME INCIDENT BEGAN TO OCCUR SEVERAL TIMES PER DAY UNTIL THE VEHICLE COULD BE TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 6,850 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK NOW AND STILL CAN'T TELL ME WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE TO GET VEHICLE BACK ON THE ROAD. FORD HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THROTTLE BODIES FOR YEARS, WHY CAN'T THEY FIX THE PROBLEM?
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2016
ON MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER, LIMITED MODEL, 3.5L TI-VCT V6 ENGINE, THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED MY TO PULL OVER 3 TIMES ON 2 DIFFERENT FREEWAYS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT A DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS WAITING FOR THE BACK ORDERED PART.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2016
FAULTY THROTTLE BOTTLE. WHILE CRUISING SLIGHTLY UNDER HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE ENTERED "LIMP MODE" WHICH PREVENTS THE MAINTAINING OF SPEEDS CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. NEW THROTTLE BODIES ARE ON "INDEFINITE" BACK ORDER WHICH IN MY OPINION CORRELATES WITH A SYSTEMIC, ONGOING ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2016
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FOOT ACTIVATION LIFTGATE FEATURE. WHILE LOADING A LARGE ITEM IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE FOOT ACTIVATED CLOSURE FUNCTION WAS UNEXPECTEDLY TRIGGERED AND THE LIFTGATE PROCEEDED TO CLOSE ON ME. THE LIFTGATE DID NOT STOP ONCE IT HIT ME. I HAD TO APPLY EXTREME CROSS FORCE PRESSURE TO STOP THE CLOSING PROCESS AND TRIGGER THE SAFETY STOP MECHANISM. HAD THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHILE MY 4 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS RETRIEVING OR PLACING AN ITEM IN THE VEHICLE, HER HEAD OR NECK WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. FURTHER TESTING AND TRYING TO SHUT THE LIFTGATE ON MYSELF VIA THE KEY FOB OR THE TAILGATE BUTTON DID NOT PRODUCE THE SAME RESULT. THE SAFETY STOP DETECTED MY PRESENCE UPON INITIAL IMPACT, AND RE-OPENED, AS EXPECTED. I AM FURIOUS THAT THIS UNEXPECTED CLOSING VIA ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION VIA THE FOOT SENSOR ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED, EVEN THOUGH A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH PULLS BACK MANY OWNER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE. THE COMPLAINTS GO BACK SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. THIS FEATURE IS COMMONLY INSTALLED ON ALL DEALER STOCK VEHICLES, SO FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THE INCONSISTENCY OF THE FOOT ACTIVATION SENSOR, OR AT LEAST INCORPORATE A SETTING THAT ALLOWS THE OWNER TO DISABLE THIS FUNCTION VIA THE VEHICLE SETTINGS. SAFETY NEEDS TO EXCEED ANY VALUE OF A CONVENIENCE FEATURE.
Seats, Apr 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S MOTHER ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE SEAT BUTTON AND IT CAUSED THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE, SNAP DOWN, AND FLIP TO THE OTHER SIDE. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER BECAME CAUGHT IN THE SEAT AND SUSTAINED BRUISES. THE CONTACT'S YOUNG CHILD ALSO BECAME CAUGHT IN THE SEAT AND HAD TO BE PULLED OUT. THE DEALER WAS AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 11, 2016
A WEEK AGO THE VEHICLE SHOWED 45 MILES TILL EMPTY. BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY TO GET GAS AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. DASH SHOWED ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG. FILLED UP WITH GAS AND THE LIGHTS WENT AWAY. TODAY, GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I LOST ALL POWER. TALK ABOUT ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CRUISE TO A EXIT AND INTO A PARKING LOT. HAD TO CALL FORD TOWING TO COME AND GET ME. THIS IS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. ONLY 7000 MILES. BRAND NEW VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. THEN THE SENSORS AROUND THE CAR GO OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING AROUND. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS LOST OF POWER ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY WAY TO ACTUALLY GET SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS PROBLEM IS AFTER SOMEONE GETS HURT AND SUES FORD. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND DRIVEN. YOU FEEL AND THE STEER WHEEL KNOCK ALONG WITH THE SOUND.
Seats, Mar 31, 2016
MY WIFE WT. IS APPROX 155LBS THE DRIVE SEAT HAS BEEN FRAYING SINCE THE FIRST MONTH WE PICKED UP THE CAR ON OCT 22. 2015 AND HAS BEEN GETTING WORST NOTHING HAS TORN IT. JUST THE FABRIC HAS BEEN FRAYING , WE WOULD LIKE A KNEW SEAT ?
Seats, Engine, Mar 31, 2016
HAD MY FORD EXPLORER 6-MO'S AND WAS DRIVING WITH FAMILY APPROX 45-MPH IN TRAFFIC ON A MAIN STREET WHEN THE GAS PADEL JUST STOP WORKING HAD TO TRY TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD, VERY DANGEROUS !! . CAR WAS AT FORD DEALER GETTING FIXED FROM 3/14- 3/25 , IT NEEDED A NEW THROTTLE BODY AIR INTAKE, (AT4Z*9E926*B ) AND MOTOR ASY.
Structure, Mar 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFTGATE AUTOMATICALLY CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800. UPDATED 05/11/16*LJ *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 13, 2016
I RECENTLY RECEIVED A 2016 FORD POLICE UTILITY (EXPLORER) AS A NEW PATROL VEHICLE. WHILE ON PATROL I SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING. I RECEIVED A STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE ON THE DASH, AS WELL AS A TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL ERROR MESSAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS 935 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ WHERE FORD HAS HAD PROBLEMS IN THE PAST WITH THIS STEERING SYSTEM. AS A POLICE OFFICER I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH NO WARNING COULD RESULT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OFFICERS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, AS WELL AS CIVILIANS DRIVING THE CIVILIAN MODEL. AS OF THIS COMPLAINT THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING TO BE FIXED. FORD NEEDS TO GET THIS SYSTEM WORKING CORRECTLY.
Engine, Mar 9, 2016
MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER IS MAKING A HIGH PITCH SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING CUT OFF. THE SOUND HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A BAD COOLING FAN BEARING. I'M NOT SURE OF THE EXTENT BUT THIS CANNOT BE A GOOD THING IF THE BEARING IS BAD FOR THE COOLING FAN. A BAD BEARING COULD LEAD TO OTHER ISSUES IF IT IS ALREADY BAD AND THE CAR IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE (6) TIMES FOR JUST THE FAN ITSELF. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIX IT AND ENLISTED THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MANUFACTURERS TECH LINE AND STILL NO RESOLUTION. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AND I HAD TO INVOLVE THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU'S AUTOLINE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS VIOLATED MY STATES LEMON LAW. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO REPORT THIS ISSUE SO THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. THIS IS DEFINENTLY A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE FAN AND I HAVE HAD 3 FANS IN MY VEHICLE AND EACH ONE HAS THE DEFECT. THE FIRST DATE I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WAS ON 01/07/2016.
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2016
CABIN FILLS WITH CARBON MONOXIDE DURING UPHILL GRADE THROUGH AC UNIT. OR ENGINE UNDER LOAD. 3000-4000 RPM CREATES SULFUR ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN CABIN. FORD IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND.
Steering, Feb 26, 2016
WHILE MAKING A TURN ON A LOCAL STREET POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED NO FURTHER ISSUES. I HAVE OWNED MANY EXPLORERS INCLUDING 11-13 AND NOW 16. THE 16 HAS 12K MILES ON IT.
Engine, Feb 26, 2016
RADIATOR COOLING FAN SQUEALS LOUDLY WHEN CAR IS IDLE OR DRIVING SLOWLY. CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE SHOP TO REPLACE THE FAN ONCE. NEW FAN BEGAN SQUEALING AGAIN WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING AFTER REPAIR. CAR ONLY HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF FAULTY COOLING FAN BEARINGS. AFRAID FAN WILL STOP WORKING AND CAUSE FIRE OR OVERHEATING.
Seat belts, Feb 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH FRACTURED. AS A RESULT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,208.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN EXHAUST ODOR BEING RELEASED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FIRST AND SECOND OCCASIONS BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 953.
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2016, fire
WIFE WAS DRIVING CAR & STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT , CALLED ME & SAID CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE & SMELLED BURNING , UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND COOLING FAN MOTOR & FAN SHROUD CAUGHT ON FIRE
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2016
1,400 MILES 1.1 MONTHS, AND GOT A EXTREMELY SOON PROBLEM WHIT THE RADIATOR FAN, NOISE ON BEARINGS DON'T STOP. POSSIBLY THE FAN CAN STOP WORKING SOON AFFECTING TEMPERATURE OF ENGINE HTTPS://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=438269
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2016, fire
COOLING FAN CAUGHT ON FIRE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2015
PURCHASED 2016 FORD EXPLORER NEW. HAS 4567 MILES ON IT. STARTING NOTICING A POPPING SOUND UNDER FOOT FLOOR BOARD DRIVER SIDE WHENEVER I FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD TO ABOUT 7 MILES PER HOUR ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME AFTER THE FIRST POP WHILE DRIVING, ONLY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD AT ABOUT 7 MPH. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE NOISE CHECKED OUT THEY ADJUSTED THE FRONT BRIDGE LINK BOLT AS PER TSB 15-0186 AND SAID THE NOISE WAS GONE. I WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND AS SOON AS I MOVED FORWARD AT ABOUT 7MPH THE POPPING NOISE CAME BACK. TALKED TO SERVICE WRITER AND HE TALKED TO SOMEONE ELSE AND THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL NOISE AND ALL 2106 EXPLORERS DID THIS. THEY GOT ANOTHER 2016 EXPLORER LIKE MINE FROM THE LOT AND SURE ENOUGH IT MADE THE SAME POPPING NOISE RIGHT AROUND 7 MPH. I GUESS FORD DOES NOT BUILD QUALITY PRODUCTS LIKE ADVERTISED. HARD TO BELIEVE A $35,000.00 VEHICLE WOULD MAKE POPPING NOISES WHEN NEW. MY ADVICE IS "DO NOT" BUT ANY FORD PRODUCTS ESPECIALLY THE EXPLORER.
Seats, Dec 4, 2015
PURCHASED A NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN AUGUST 2015. WHEN VEHICLE WAS READY FOR PICK UP WE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE MIDDLE ROW SEAT MATERIAL WAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE FOAM CUSHION. THE SELLING DEALER SAID THEY WOULD PUT A WARRANTY CLAIM INTO FORD TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. WE RECEIVED A CALL FROM DEALER A FEW WEEKS LATER AND SAID FORD WOULD FIX THE SEAT AND TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER CLOSER TO OUR AREA TO HAVE IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY PERSON THERE WOULD NOT EVEN COME OUT AND LOOK AT IT SINCE WE DID NOT BUY IT THERE. I CALLED THE FORD CS LINE AND MADE A COMPLAINT. THEY CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT THE SEAT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THEM AND THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SENT TO FORD FOR WARRANTY APPROVAL. WE RECEIVED A CALL FROM CS AND THEY SAID THE PICTURES DID NOT SHOW ANY DAMAGE AND NO REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE. I ASKED THE CS PERSON IF I COULD SEND MY PICTURES OF THE SEAT AND THEY SAID OK. I SENT PICTURES OF THE SEAT DAMAGE AND FORD WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH ME AND EVEN GOT A WARRANTY REP INVOLVED. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE SEAT CUSHION IS PULLED AWAY FROM THE FOAM AND IT IS DAMAGED, FORD DID GET BACK WITH ME AND SAID IT IS NOT DAMAGED AND THEY WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. MY ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT BUYING A FORD PRODUCT ESPECIALLY AN EXPLORER IS NOT TO. APPARENTLY QUALITY CONTROL IS NOT ONE OF THEIR MAIN POINTS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 3550 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY THE RADIO HAS QUIT WORKING AND THE FRONT END MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TAKE OFF. WONDER IF THAT WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. VERY DISAPPOINTED!