Page 14 of 50 · complaints 651–700 of 2,465

2016 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →

Structure › Body
Filed May 2, 2024WI

After buying this vehicle on 4-10-24 checked with Car fax for any recalls. Found a recall on my vehicle 24S02 for the pillar trim. Inspected my vehicle and noticed passenger side pillar trim of the windshield at the very top is starting to come loose and is a bit separated. Didn't notice it till after hearing about this recall.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 2, 2024194,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware there was coolant leaking onto the floor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a water pump malfunction. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Structure
Filed May 1, 2024119,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 65 MPH, the front A-Pillar trim detached from the windshield almost causing a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed May 1, 2024126,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered increasingly while at a complete stop. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal to drive, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal harder, and the vehicle responded. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while reversing. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter, the Body Control Module (BCM), the solenoid body and transmission fluid and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Numbers: 20B27 and 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 29, 2024IL

Power steering module, which is part of the front steering linkage went out suddenly while driving which resulted in no power assist to steering at 55 mph. From the auto forums, this is not an uncommon issue with the 2016 Ford Explorer yet there has been no recall on it.

Steering
Filed Apr 28, 2024MI

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.

Structure
Filed Apr 26, 2024FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2024MI

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Mileage: 93,000 Complaint: I am reporting recurring turbocharger failures in my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport. The first failure occurred at 50,000 miles and was covered under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing the same issue at 93,000 miles. Ford Customer Service has denied assistance, and a Ford dealership quoted a $5,500 repair cost. I believe this premature and repeated turbocharger failure suggests a possible design flaw in the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport's EcoBoost engine. This issue has caused significant financial hardship and raises safety concerns. Request: I urge the NHTSA to investigate potential design defects with the turbocharger system in 2016 Ford Explorer Sport models. I also request that the NHTSA review Ford's handling of customer complaints regarding this issue.

Structure
Filed Apr 19, 202462,884 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim panel detached and flew off and almost caused an accident. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the contact paid out of pocket for the repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,884. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 2024WI

Airbags notification is on

Structure
Filed Apr 19, 202495,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side pillar leaked water during rainy weather. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering
Filed Apr 18, 2024NV

Driving and randomly the steering wheels loses power steering and gives a power steering fault code. I was with my children and almost crashed. I’m told this is very common and Ford refuses to recall it.

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2024125,900 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was stalling because oil was leaking onto the crank case-control sensor. The contact changed the crank case-control sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a front engine compartment, gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 125,900.

Steering
Filed Apr 12, 2024109,920 milesTX

Steering has become extremely rough and sticks, dangerous to drive because it sticks hard and may not straighten out easy sometimes. Will take to dealer soon, suspect rack and pinion failure.

Structure
Filed Apr 12, 2024NM

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2024MO

Iba conduciendo por la avenida y de pronto salió volando el trim del lado del conductor que va cooocado al lado del parabrisas, por suerte no venía carros tan pegados a mi y no ocasionó ningún daño,

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2024137,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and mostly occurred while driving up an incline. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 11, 2024UT

I was driving and everything felt and looked normal. Out of the blue a pop noise, car was smoking. Had to have it towed. Mechanic said the transfer case blew like a grenade. It nicked my transmission as well. I was broke down in an intersection. No warning signs.

Power Train
Filed Apr 10, 2024ID

While traveling at highway speed (55mph), the transfer case "exploded" resulting in catastrophic failure and fluctuating power and impaired driveability. Defect has been confrimed by independent local repair center.

Seats
Filed Apr 10, 2024109,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the second-row seat wiring harness plugs were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 9, 2024MO

The transmission began slipping causing poor control at higher speeds using the cruise control or passing gear. Only about 42,000 miles on the vehicle and no financial help from Ford. Service for a new transmission was $7667.11at Dave Sinclair Ford, 7466 South Lindbergh, St. Louis Missouri, 63125. 314-892-2600

Steering
Filed Apr 8, 202437,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist fault and traction control warning lights illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall for a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 4, 2024GA

Lost the driver side A pillar in January- now just lost passenger side A pillar driving on I-16

Structure
Filed Apr 4, 2024125,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side exterior trim detached from the vehicle. The passenger's side trim was loose and rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who took photos. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed about the repairs and reimbursement. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2024101,837 milesCA

Stereo/ inside lights turn off randomly. Unable to know if others can see if blinkers are on or not. Has not been checked due to high out of pocket cost through dealership. No warning lights ever come on from the times the issues have occurred.

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2024UT

The at the engine is built the coolest is leaking into it. This causes the engine to seize while driving and is very dangerous. If you catch it early it’s an expensive fix if you catch it late it’s a new engine you’ll need/ there is no warning signs for it.

Structure
Filed Apr 2, 202450,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side trim fractured and was flapping loosely. The contact used double-sided tape to attempt to hold the windshield trim in place. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 2, 2024NC

While traveling home from out of town this past Easter weekend, a large piece of something flew up, whipped in front of the passenger side windshield and then smacked the passenger side window before completely detaching in the road behind me. I pulled over to see what happened and saw the trim was missing from the entire side of the windshield. Only a piece of rubber was left dangling. I pulled it off so it would also not go flying. It was scary as my kids were in the car. I am thankful no one was hurt or injured.

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2024AL

Driving on [XXX] when the engine began smoking (fogging) and I was unable to see. I stopped and could not go any further. Two cars nearly hit me. It took 10 minutes or longer for the car to cool down and the computer to allow me to move the vehicle 20' to get off the busiest street in Alabama. The car has 106,000 miles on it and the Ecoboost engine is blown. Ford refuses to do anything about it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 2024IL

I was driving and stopped in the left turn lane and the car wouldn't move. Had to have the vehicle towed and now I have to replace the transmission on a car that has 72,000 miles on it. There was no advance notice that there was a problem. I have the vehicle serviced regularly.

Structure
Filed Apr 1, 2024CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts are not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2024SD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, there was a burnt hydraulic fluid odor inside the vehicle when the vehicle shuddered and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the engine mount was replaced. The failure recurred; however, there was a rotten, sulfur like odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Mar 26, 202458,000 milesCA

The contacted owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the rack and pinion. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Mar 26, 202456,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that PCM needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Structure
Filed Mar 25, 2024140,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a rattling noise was present coming from the top of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the passenger’s side roof rack assembly had become unsecured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 22, 202470,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and making a left or right turn, the wheels continued to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the electric steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2024CA

In August 2023, my vehicle began to make a popping noise and began to lose power when attempting to accelerate. It was diagnosed by the repair shop as a turbo going bad. I repaired the turbo. In December 2023, the check engine light came on. The repair shop indicated that the lifters and cam shafts were bad and caused scoring to the engine block, requiring the engine to be replaced. The repair shop asked if I had been changing the oil regularly. I indicated that I did change the oil per when the vehicle would notify me it was time. The repair shop noted that I changed the oil every 10k miles. Per the repair shop, not changing the oil regularly (because the Ford vehicle system designed to tell me when to change the oil) ultimately caused me to need to replace the turbo and the engine. All because the oil was not changed more frequently 3-5k miles per the repair shop. I've spent $15k in repair costs since August 2023 because I was relying on the Ford vehicle's notifications as to when it needed oil. The vehicle is not even worth this much blue book. For a 8.5 year old vehicle that has been well cared for, I do not think these parts should have failed and I think Ford should have set the timing for oil change notifications more frequently if this is what is needed by the engine to keep it in good repair. It literally indicates the % of time before the oil needs to be changed.

Structure
Filed Mar 20, 2024120,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated the front passenger side door handle trim was then separated from the vehicle. The door handle trim was replaced by the owner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 20, 2024CA

On 3/19/24, my left side exterior A-pillar trim part flew off my car on the highway. I have had a constant wind noise in my windshield for a very long time. I didn't think this was going to happen. Thank God there was no cars directly behind me because it came off and was hanging and then blew off before I actually knew what was going on and could pull over. I called the Dealer regarding repair and was informed that there is no fix but they could replace with the part that they have existing in stock which would cost me $366 for the part. Since this is a recall I was asking if I will be reimbursed and the Dealer told me I would need to call Ford. I did and they told me I would need to wait for a parts letter to be sent to me. I explained that I do not want to drive my car around with this piece missing. But they were unable to provide me guidance for reimbursement. I am wondering if you have any information or guidance re: reimbursement for the current parts fix until Ford provides a permanent solution to this recall?

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2024108,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very firm. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed, and the Traction Control Warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Mar 15, 2024MN

There has been many reports of electronic steering issue where it would just swerve you off the road and loose full control while driving for years 2013-2015 cars but 2016 years are also being effected. A dealership confirmed it was an electronic steering rack causing the issue. No warning lamps had went off either

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 15, 2024125,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater had leaked into the driver's side B-pillar trim panel causing electrical failures to occur which included the battery failure and the keyless entry failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Structure
Filed Mar 13, 2024FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rain was entering into the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rain was entering from the left and right sides of the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a fractured windshield trim and the windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirm parts not available.

Structure
Filed Mar 12, 202455,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that it was the third time that the failure had occurred. The contact stated that the first two times the failure occurred, the repair was paid for out of pocket. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 202455,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, however, the failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Structure
Filed Mar 11, 202491,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim dislodged from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was also unsecured and loosened. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

Structure
Filed Mar 11, 202458,630 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the keypad to unlock the driver-side front door with the passcode detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 58,630. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2024CA

Our 2016 Ford Explorer suddenly the steering started making a loud grinding noise while rotating the steering wheel. The noise is anytime you move the steering wheel left or right parked or moving. The steering wheel locks up without warning while driving making it momentarily impossible to move and dangerous while driving. The explorer was diagnosed as a faulty steering rack and pinion assembly with is electronic assisted. No warning lights are illuminated on the dash.

Structure
Filed Mar 8, 202430,000 milesWY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior middle trim panel had dislodged from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and explained that the failed part was not listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 6, 202450,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the transmission started slipping. In addition, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the contact was informed that the failure was due to transmission failure and the contact was informed that the repair had been completed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic results. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred and became persistent. The contact stated that the failure had been ongoing since the purchase of the vehicle in 2017. The contact was informed after each failure that the vehicle had been repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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