2016 FORD EXPLORER Unknown Or Other Problems

409 NHTSA complaints on file

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Unknown Or Other Issues in the 2016 FORD EXPLORER

409 unknown or other complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 9 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 25 resulted in injury.

409
Complaints
9
Crashes
2
Fires
25
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Unknown Or Other Complaints

#11713670 |
2016 FORD Explorer EXTERIOR A-PILLAR & B-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP THIS MAY RESULT IN THE B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUES DETACHING WHILE DRIVING. A B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUE THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford Dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? No warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.
#11710094 |
Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.
#11710157 |
Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition
#11706166 |
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.
#11705534 |
Recall ford # 21S22 roof rack cap. I called ford and reported that the roof rack cap has broken off. They stated that recall for my vehicle has been completed and closed. If the issue is still happening after the recall has been established even if it has been repaired, why is it still not covered under the recall. The repairs made to correct it were obviously not adequate.
#11702116 |
When driving my Explorer feels like the gear is stuck making the vehicle jerk. Very loud at start up from fan. I have taken it to get the code read, I think it stated transmission needed to get checked.
#11700291 |
The windshield trim on my car is missing. There is a recall on this but there is no remedy yet. With this not being fixed it is causing a safety issue with our car as well as allowing our car to flood inside when it rains. I have contacted Ford and they told me unfortunately there was nothing they could do at this time.
#11694289 |
When accelerating more rapidly (like getting on interstate), a burning smell will enter the cabin. It is not noticed at low speeds, nor when acceleration to high speeds happens gradually. The smell is strong and lingers for about one minute.
#11693397 |
The rear camera is compromised because water gets inside and is blocking the view of the camera. You are unable to use the rear backup camera because the view is completely blocked or blurred by the water or moisture that is able to get in.
#11685391 |
I went to the dealer, Parsons Ford. The pillar b even has the weather stripping from recall is even detaching. Which they saw and stated its part of the recall. No recommendations to fox it. They said no parts or remedy at this time. Today when driving I heard noise and looked over. Saw the stripping getting worse. I contacted Ford and they say the same thing. This recall has been out since 2024 and no one wants to even fix it. I have a newborn coming and this is the only car I can use to transport her. I feel this is a safety risk not just for us but other people. See the pictures below all from today 9/5. The weather stripping is coming off more. I called Parsons Ford, they were to call me back. No response back today. Ford Social Media filed a claim and dealer...
#11679845 |
I was made aware of a recall for my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport involving the Exterior A-Pillar Appliqué molding recall#24S02 and NHTSA# 24V031 I had an inspection done on 12/30/24 and it was determined at that time it needed to be replaced, but parts were not yet available. I have since then regularly checked with the dealership to see if parts were available, but they have not become available. I reached out to Ford directly on 7/28/25 and was told my case was escalated and I need to work with my 'case handler' who did not contact me until 8/11/25 after I made multiple repeated requests to speak to someone. They informed me there are no parts, there is no ETA and despite assurances to the contrary(they informed me that they "...works daily with your dealership's management team." have not spoken to the service advisor at the dealership as of...
#11679633 |
The water pump has been replaced 3 times within a 2 year period on this vehicle . Something is causing it to fail and the constant leaking of fluid causes the vehicle to drive erratically in highway traffic. The alternator has been replaced twice within a 10 month period. Something is causing it to fail and it has caused major anxiety because the vehicle has completely turned off in the middle of extreme traffic. This is a dangerous situation and has yet to be fully remedied. I believe this model to be a lemon.
#11677245 |
My B-pillar trim flew off while I was driving down the road. We received a recall letter and got in contact with the Ford dealership where I live. They came out to asses the vehicle and said they would call me when they received the part to be replaced. I have been waiting at least a year for it to be fixed. I have called several times but they keep telling me the part is on back order and they will call me when it comes in.
#11674977 |
Good Morning, I’m reaching out in regards to my 2016 Ford Explorer. I’ve been trying to get the necessary recall repairs completed, but unfortunately, I’ve been unable to locate the required pillars for the repairs. I recently brought my vehicle back to the dealership, but was told that no work can be done until both parts are available. I was also advised to try sourcing one of the parts from another Ford dealership on my own, which I’ve had no luck with. To be honest, I’m feeling very overwhelmed. I purchased this vehicle used, back in September 2025, and since then, it has been one issue after another. I’ve already invested more into mechanical repairs than what I currently owe on the vehicle. I’m a [XXX], and this vehicle is our only mode of transportation. I’m growing increasingly concerned for our safety, especially knowing that the recall parts are critical...
#11673465 |
A-Pillar trim on both sides of my windshield flew off while driving over one year ago. Contacted Ford multiple times and parts are still not available to make the repair under recall 24S02. Ford still does not have parts for 18 months. Please do something to require Ford to make the parts to fix this recall. Thank you.
#11671101 |
The rear camera, mounted on the lift gate, is no longer operating correctly. At times, it will flicker off and on, camera picture 'rolls', or does not work at all (black screen with error message - "camera is no longer operational, contact the dealership"). These incidents with the camera have occurred multiple times each month over the last year. When reversing in the dark especially, this becomes a major safety issue. Currently do not see a NHTSA or Ford recall for this defect.
#11669909 |
Spoke to Maplecrest Ford in Union NJ about the front Pilars recall. Maplecrest ford took pictures of the pilars in September 2024 and told me in January that they will replace them. January became April , Abril became June. Now Maplecrest ford is back to the beginning by taking pictures again and waiting on Ford for approval to replace the pilars.
#11667781 |
There was no incident however I received a recall for a windshield piece that was back in 2024 and supposedly would be available for repair in the latter half of 2024. However nothing has been sent to me regarding this and when the piece came off it cracked my windshield so I have a crack across that as well.
#11666313 |
Ford has been unable to repair our vehicle for over a YEAR because they say they can't get parts for recall # 25V347. We have contacted multiple Ford dealerships in a 300 mile radius. The outside noise coming from around the windshield area has increased. This is a major safety issue. I'm fearful that many people will be killed when the windshield and connected components start blowing out while driving. If Ford had been serious about getting manufactured parts out to dealers, they would be available. It appears that Ford has made a calculated decision to attempt to wait out owners. This is a dangerous situation for all concerned. We request repairs or an equitable solution.
#11665473 |
Was driving on the highway at an high speed and abruptly received a message “power steering failure” the steering wheel locked up. After a few seconds I was able to find a way to safely maneuver lanes but it was very difficult to maintain control Of vehicle. Upon re starting car the error popped up again and the wheel is now completely locked. Upon conversation with a family member about the occurrence we found out this happened to their car as well. Same make year and model. Upon research this sounds to be a problem in the 2016 Explorers and is a major safety concern. This could have ended extremely badly.
#11665026 |
A-pillar trim has been under recall since Jan. 2024. Ford estimated having the parts "the later half of 2024". Here it is June of 2025 and still no repair. Is it going to take a tragedy to motivate Ford? In no way could this be considered a "timely repair".
#11664124 |
I’ve had it twice be an issue where the engine didn’t run quite right. The first time I took it to the mechanic it was determined the timing chain was bad and they also said this is a well known issue with the ecoboost engines in these explorers. Only about a year later after replacing that and the water pump I went to start the explorer and it wouldn’t start. Took it to the mechanic again and they found that the timing chain, again, had failed and this time it also caused damage to a piston rod. They said they were surprised it wasn’t catastrophic damage to the engine because of this. I’ve now had to spend literally thousands of dollars on this vehicle for timing chain related issues alone in just over 3 years of owning it. Searching online finds unending reports of similar issues to this as well...
#11661567 |
The Backup camera stopped working and has a message that says contact dealership. It is blacked out and may cause a crash while reversing. Thank you. Ford has known issues and already has a recall for 2020-2023. This is a 2016.
#11659710 |
I experienced two failures associated with other model years. The first was the right side A-pillar trim. It pulled free on the highway. I noticed it fly off and was able to recover the majority of it. It smashed on impact and there is a large piece missing. The remaining piece is available for inspection upon request. The A-pillar exterior trim flew off on a one-lane section of divided highway, there would have been no place for anyone to go if it flew back and there was a car behind me. This problem is a known issue I found out about on this (NHTSA) website. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, it flew off on the highway and has not been reported yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and...
#11659589 |
The active recall for the trim only includes the front two trim pillars. There are trim pillars down each window on this vehicle, making that a total of 8 pieces of trim for the windows. Driving down the highway my drivers side window trim pillar (which includes a lock panel with wiring) blew off and almost hit another vehicle that was passing me, while with my children, causing me to have to pull over multiple times and even try to find a back road home. There are so many Ford Explorers missing various pieces of trim from the window areas. I’ve been told by Ford mechanics that they all have cracking on the rear window trim pillars due to brackets so I am assuming those will fly off soon as well. Now I can’t drive on the highway to doctor’s appointments due to the safety issues of this vehicle. I...
#11647699 |
The second time my water pump has gone out in this vehicle. Causing over heating of the car and unrepairable wiring. Ford needs to get it right for us 2016 Ford Explorer owners. They [XXX] when it came to this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11647704 |
Top pillar on car came off and almost hit vehicle. Ford really did a bad job with the graphics of this vehicle. Just like the pillars on the front of the car now this.
#11647504 |
The roof rail on my vehicle became unattached on the interstate becoming hazardous to other vehicles. Worst part is Ford has a recall for roof racks for the year make and model of my vehicle BUT the recall does not include my vehicle as it is not listed under my VIN number. Only because it has not been reported enough to reach the threshold to trigger an investigation and remedy. Ford is not complying with the guidelines that the NHTSA puts forth as even when you are included in the recall the parts /repairs are unavailable. Unacceptable!
#11647145 |
Windshield pillar molding has detached. I have called a local dealer 4 times over the past three months for repairs. Local dealer (Tamiami Ford Naples Florida) states that parts are not available. NTHSA has published a letter from Ford on approximately July 18, 2024 that parts are available for the repair. Additionally NTHSA has published a quarterly update in October of 2024 that 51,000 repairs have been done on this recall. I see the parts available at various dealerships around the country. Please advise on what Ford motor Co plans on doing to complete these repairs Or is my local dealer misinformed?
#11646019 |
"A" Pillar left and right coming loose, right side blowing away on the freeway. Dealer mentioned they have a fix for it but will not repair until recall approval.
#11645678 | Crash
Unknown
#11644808 | Crash
Ptu burnt out less than 53k miles. Molding on passenger side broke off while driving 60mph struck another vehicle causing to other vehicle to leave road. Thank God no one was injured. This thing could have killed a motorcycle driver. Checked online and there are thousands of reports of same molding breaking off while driving.ford tn# does not recognize and disconnects call.
#11644830 |
1. Yes 2. my front window can shatter 3. there is a recall open up on it 4.no 5. yes the trim came off going down the highway and started flapping against my window and it sounded like gun shots My front window is making a god awful sound and the trim is coming loose and flapping. They said the parts would be here in 2024 this is very dangerous with driving
#11637137 |
I am writing to formally express my profound disappointment with the excessive delay in shipping parts related to the recall of the A-Pillar trim piece for my vehicle. It has been over two months since the dealer removed these trim pieces from my car in compliance with the recall process, yet the replacement parts have not been provided. This delay is both unacceptable and deeply frustrating, as it has resulted in my vehicle being driven in a state that is visibly unprofessional and not reflective of the quality standards I expected from Ford. I trusted Ford to address safety and recall issues in a timely and efficient manner, as required under federal law. Unfortunately, my experience with this matter has fallen far short of those expectations.
#11636708 |
I was driving 55mph (speed limit) down a curvy country road when the steering wheel became stiff and wouldn’t turn. A red light flashed and said I had lost steering. I was barely able to get stopped before going of a steep embankment. I was stoped in a dangerous spot with no way get out of oncoming traffic. My vehicle flashed a yellow light that said Terrain management system failure. No only was my life risk everyone that traveled down that road that morning. This included a school bus full of children and several other people that were trying to make it so work just like me.
#11636501 |
While driving down the interstate, my right exterior a-pillar appliqué trim clip attachment became detached.
#11636022 |
Water pump failed at 58,000 miles.
#11634915 |
The moonroof malfunctions and can be stuck in the open position. The drain plug for the moonroof can easily get clogged causing water to back up into the overhead structure. This causes water to fall onto the driver and passengers. The water flows from the overhead area, the side pillars and onto the floorboards. The electrical components are then compromised and the motor that controls the moonroof stops working. In my situation my moonroof was stuck in the open position for several days. I live in Florida where it rains alot. It is not safe to drive with an open moon roof during a severe thunderstorm. In doing my research this seems to be a very common problem with Ford moonroofs. I've had to have it fixed twice now. Luckily the first time it was stuck in the open position but water continued to pour into the interior of my...
#11633042 |
The recall has been in place for replacing an exterior A-pillar trim part - we have tried to get it replaced, but there are no parts nationally. Why haven't the parts been created? It has been over a year
#11632495 |
There is a lot fuel- fumes/odor entering the cab of the vehicle when exceling the speed.
#11629768 |
I have an open recall. I received the letter in Feb of this year. It is now Dec... Everytime I call the dealership, I get put on hold with no resolution. The recall states that parts will be available late 2024. I would say it's late 2024... when will this issue get rectified? The part has been off since March. I have noticed some leaking condensation/water recently on the inside of the front windshield. Thank you for your help in this matter. Respectfully, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11617761 |
The passenger A-pillar applique trim detached from my vehicle while driving down the freeway. The piece that broke off is not available for inspection. The piece flew off while traveling at a higher rate of speed at night. It hit the front passenger window. I had no idea what it was until we stopped at a safe place and inspected it. The dealer told me they could fix it for $820 as this was before the recall was issued. I declined the repair as I didn’t want to pay that much to fix it. There were no warnings before the piece snapped off. Since the recall has been issued, the Ford dealership is not returning my calls to have my vehicle repaired and I did inform them that the piece has already detached.
#11616938 |
*Premature water pump failure that is housed in the timing chain chamber and driven by the timing chain. Component is not available for inspection as of this complaint because vehicle is being repaired. *Possible sudden catastrophic engine failure due to water pump failure, which will put safety of driver, passengers, and others at risk. *I am not aware if problem has been reproduced or confirmed by dealer or other independent services. Several dealers that I contacted did expressed that it was a "bad design". *I am not aware if component has been inspected by the manufacturer or others. *The only warning sign of premature pump failure was a small puddle of coolant under the vehicle. This happened at around 70K miles and the dealer was informed, but according to the Ford technician, upon inspection, no sign of coolant leak was found. At approximately 82K, the dealer was informed about a...
#11615793 |
Rack and pinion failure. Caused me almost to wreck. Cost is $4200 to fix. Ford has to program it and send it back to my mechanic. I’m lucky this didn’t go out while going down a hill that would have been very bad.
#11613150 |
60 mph y se calló 60 MPH and it stopped
#11598001 |
recall 24s02/24vo31outside pillars. I witnessed it flew of my car while driving nearly hitting another car. I don't understand why the recall is taking an extended time for it to be fixed but its available for you to purchase which is $956. my question is what is the difference between the one purchased and the recall? then if purchase you'll not Offered a reimbursement!
#11590690 | Fire
The car caught on fire driving it to my brother's house to babysit his kids while #4 being born prematurely with complications at southwest ms regional medical center. I lost almost 15,000 in equity and my husband recently passed things inside I can't replace. It was about 11:00 at night and I made a uturn to stop at gas station and truck was already on fire. Many police officers and innocent bystanders almost were tremendously injured because the car was shooting whistling fire like rocket from all ends holding up traffic 1/2 mile on both sides of hwy and opposite side of hwys traffic.
#11587042 |
Unknown Overall something within while driving my truck i had starting hearing a grinding sound while turning and then the steering started to lock up, very unsafe and while my children were going to school had me in panic mode in which i never experience out of all the vehicle ive had and paid off.
#11585707 |
This is the problem I'm experiencing, my steering wheel would tighten up when I'm backing up from being part. Then when it comes to me, pulling out and about to drive and I have to make a turn the stand well will tighten up again and make it difficult for me to drive or or to turn go other way. When I took my vehicle in to suburban Ford service Ferndale. I'm looking at the questions for additional details. I wasn't in no accident because of my. There's no fire, no injuries, but it can happen and I don't have to have the mileage at how fast I was going because the stand will would get tight when i'm about this pull off.
#11574089 |
Ford has a recall for the A pillar but my B pillar trim flew off. The other side was loose.

Other 2016 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas

Steering 498 complaints Engine 375 complaints Structure 340 complaints Power Train 195 complaints Structurebody 186 complaints Electrical System 114 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 103 complaints Air Bags 97 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 73 complaints Suspension 68 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 59 complaints Wheels 49 complaints Seat Belts 39 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 35 complaints Seats 31 complaints Visibilitywiper 29 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 18 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 18 complaints Service Brakes 17 complaints Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners 15 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systempump 10 complaints Tires 10 complaints Steeringelectric Power Assist System 8 complaints Visibilitywindshield 8 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter 7 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 6 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 6 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 5 complaints Lane Departure Assist 5 complaints Structurebodydoor 5 complaints Structurebodyroof And Pillars 5 complaints Back Over Prevention 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control 3 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 3 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate 3 complaints Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 3 complaints Visibility 3 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 2 complaints Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 2 complaints Exterior Lighting 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm 2 complaints Steeringrack And Pinionrack 2 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut 2 complaints Tirestreadbelt 2 complaints Traction Control System 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasparking Assistsensors 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiring 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 1 complaint Equipment Adaptivemobility 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalengine Block Heater 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Dynamic Brake Supportbrake Assist 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemthrottlebodymanifold 1 complaint Fuel System Other 1 complaint Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesfuelingcharging Doorhatchportlatchlock Release System 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 1 complaint Power Trainaxle Assembly 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 1 complaint Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 1 complaint Seatscritical Fasteners 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 1 complaint Steeringsteering Wheel Handle Baryawangle Sensor 1 complaint Structurebodydoorhandleexterior 1 complaint Structureinterior Panelsdoor 1 complaint Suspensionfronthub 1 complaint Suspensionfrontshock Absorber 1 complaint Suspensionrear 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 1 complaint
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