2016 Ford Explorer complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed a puddle on the ground of his driveway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked from the water pump and into the engine block. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no recalls were affiliated with the VIN and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

My wife was driving our kids home from school when she experienced a sudden loss of steering followed by inaccurate control with no type of indication for an issue on the dashboard. Once she was able to (thankfully) make it home, I drove the vehicle around and noticed that there was a considerable lack of power steering when turning and the steering wheel would not return to the center position as typical. We brought it to an auto shop that diagnosed the issue as being the electric power steering rack which appears to be a fairly common issue with these Ford Explorers regardless of mileage. Tried to address the issue but the part if back-ordered for weeks and we are unable to fix our vehicle. Looking online, it appears that this is a common issue with Ford Explorers that could potentially lead to serious complications if experienced driving at higher speeds. Additionally, there are already a couple of recalls related to the steering of this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Power Steering Assist Failed" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the vehicle was shuddering and appeared to be going into idle mode. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 20N07, which had expired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to sputter as if the vehicle was going to stall. The contact stated that "Shutdown Engine" warning light was illuminated and the temperature gauge was extremely high. The contact pulled off the road, stopped the vehicle, and opened the hood. The contact observed that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact left the vehicle and returned with coolant and refilled the reservoir. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact checked the coolant reservoir and stated that the coolant was bubbling in the reservoir. The contact stated that a puddle had formed underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been an ongoing failure. The contact stated that she had mistaken prior puddles underneath the vehicle for condensation from the air conditioning drain hose. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

I felt a thumping when turning the steering wheel and took it to the dealership who kept it for two days to attempt to replicate the same noise but they were unable to reproduce or replicate. Two or maybe three months later, the thumping noise turned into a clicking noise. Again, I immediately took it to the Ford dealership and fortunately a mechanic was still on duty. They test drove the vehicle and heard the same noise. They ask if I could leave the vehicle for more testing with their suspension specialist and they will contact me the next day. The next day they contacted me and I was told 'this is a common problem and Ford is aware of issue but has not issued a recall'. Concerned about the comment I took it to a second Ford dealership. The second dealership kept it for a day and of course they could not replicate the thumping or clicking sound. They even inspected the steering/wheel components but found nothing. Worried, I did some additional research and found this website with other people complaining about the same issue https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2016/steering/steering-rack_and_pinion.shtml I even found a few YouTube videos addressing the same problem. October is here and winter is about to set in and my vehicle is still thumping and clicking. I am driving the vehicle but concerned I am putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. Based on the information I found, it is clear that I am not the only one with this issue.

Water pump failure, leaking antifreeze all over my brand new concrete

Water pump failure which causes the car to stall immediately when it overheats. This appears to be a common issue with 2016 Ford Explorers

My purge valve was stuck open and had strong fuel vapors leaking inside of the car cabin. I became lightheaded and went to the ER. This was before the check engine light came on. It was very concerning.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine coolant warning light was illuminated with the engine overheating. The dealer was contacted and stated that the water pump and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Initially the steering on the vehicle appeared to be "notchy". It was holding the last steering wheel correction rather than returning to centered position. It appeared as if something lost lubrication. While driving the traction control and advance trac lights lit. Messages "Steering fault service now", "Service advance trac", "Hillstart assist not available", "Steering loss stop safely" appeared. After shutsown and restart "No steering" message appeared. There was no steering at this point. Code P07AE "Friction element" showed on code reader. If the vehicle was not stopped safely there could have been a serious accident of any variety. The vehicle is currently waiting for repair. This has been the case for over one month. The steering gear is on backorder. There has been no further inspection at this time.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 71 MPH, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 138,400.

During inspection the dealership noted that the water pump was leaking coolant into the engine and must be replaced before catastrophic failure profit failure. The cost of the replacement is an excess of $3000

A ticking/grinding noise coming from the steering column while turning at low speeds. When turning the steering wheel to the right or left, the steering wheel will not center and must be forced back to center/straight. If not manually forced back to center/straight the car would continue in the direction of the turn being performed. The force needed to center the steering wheel is unpredictable and varied. The vehicle was taken to two local mechanics who diagnosed that the rack and pinion is faulty and needed to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the A and B molding used to secure the windshield, detached from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and retrieved the pieces. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the moldings. The contact stated that the front windshield molding had since started to detach again. The contact stated that the rear and front passenger’s side door moldings were also detaching. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall regarding the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 83,913.

Approximately 2 weeks ago, I received a warning for power assist fault- service soon. Once I turned my truck off and restarted it the warning went away and the truck drove fine. Then about 1 week ago, the warning came back and did not go off. The truck became extremely hard to turn almost locking up while I was driving in traffic. I took the truck to Ford dealership to learn that steering assembly had failed and it would cost $3,000 to fix! I’ve read where this has happened to several others with this same male truck. Luckily, I was not on the highway or this could have resulted in an accident possibly a fatality. This needs to be addressed as this is a very serious issue.

Complete engine replacement recommended by Ford dealership. Vehicle had the Water Pump and Timing Chain replaced early 2022, has been running good since replacement but out of no where check engine light came on and started running sluggish. Had it towed to Ford and explained the engine is not building compression and recommended new engine. Since purchasing the vehicle brand new had several people we know also had to replace water pump but because of the design was $4000 to replace, find it strange with all the recalls on this vehicle that the water pump isn’t included in the recalls. After hearing from other mechanics the compression could’ve been caused by coolant leak (water pump) into the head gaskets. Basically one problem causing other problems but Ford not admitting any issues but redesigned the engine after 2016, sounds fishy to me.

Issue with the power steering in the vehicle. Loud grinding when turning vehicle.

We own a 2016 Ford Explorer with only 23,000 miles on it. While driving down the road the steering began to make a noise when trying to turn and shortly after it became very hard to keep control of the car (not a power steering issue). We were only a half mile from a dealer when the problem began and we drove it there so they can diagnose the problem. The dealer found that the steering rack needed to be replaced. No warning lights or any messages came on the dashboard prior to issue nor when the issue started.

Air bag dashboard light turned in January 2022 until now part is back order. Secondly over heating problems at 60 mph on July 16, 2022 I was told it was the cooling fans and was fixed and didn’t fixed the problem now I was told is the active grilled shutters malfunctioning

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that his while his son was driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was unable to control the vehicle and the vehicle went across two lanes of traffic to the right. The contact stated that numerous unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son was able to steer the vehicle to the residence however, excessive force was needed while steering the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel then seized and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving and making left and right turns, the contact heard a clunking noise in the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was swaying to the left and the right. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

You can smell a sickly metal burning smell in the cabin when accelerating to get onto a freeway.

Steering wheel started making a rubbing sound. Then it started loud grinding/scraping noise. Steering wheel ‘catches’, hard to turn, or locks up. No warning light/s for service were presented. 2 weeks for an appointment by Ford Co. I have had Ford mechanic inspect, & diagnosis is a Electronic Steering Box, Steering Rack. The vehicle has 60, 005 miles. The Ford service rep did not say anything about not driving it. I parked it, afraid of an accident! Waiting on parts. I have read there have been 2,000 complaints filed. How many have not been officially filed?

While driving on the freeway, the right front exterior pillar trim came off and flew back toward traffic behind me. That exterior trim was between the door frame and the windshield. Luckily it did not strike any other vehicle. It could have easily struck another vehicle and caused an accident and/or injury. Prior to the detachment, the trim in question did not appear to be lose or coming off. When I checked with my local Ford Dealer, the service technician told me he knew of many other incidents involving that particular trim coming off on both sides of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the trim at a cost of $500. I later did some research on the internet and found that this has happened to may other owners of Ford Explorers. I notified Ford of the incident, no recalls involving this equipment.

I was driving on the interstate and the power steering stopped work. No signs or anything till it stopped working. I had to pull over asap and it was very hard to turn. Now there is no way of getting the part for my car to fix it because of national back order

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was immediately taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the failure was due to a faulty water pump and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the local dealer for servicing. The local dealer was contacted and the service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,278.

Water pumps failing with less than 50,000 miles causing coolant leakage and overheating

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly and was emitting abnormal rumbling sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Big Valley Ford, Inc. (M-28, Ewen, MI 49925), where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. However, the parts were on national backorder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The driveshaft was replaced. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 47,075.

Steering makes occasional clunking/popping noises at very slow speeds backing out and turning form my driveway. It also occurs occasionally making slow speed turns like on a roundabout or U-turn. On one occasion we had a loss of power steering mid corner and jerking sensation. I had it towed to my local Ford dealer as it is a safety concern and they said they could find no noise and no codes stored. There were no warning lamps indicated. I demonstrated it to t he technician and they said it was "normal". No way is this normal and it is a safety issue as I can feel the clunking and my steering wheel fighting me when it happens. I have read others have experienced similar issues. We purchased the Explorer new and have had no accidents.

Passenger side windshield trim came loose on the freeway and flopped around violently then broke off and went flying behind us. Thankfully it did not hit vehicles behind us as it weighs several pounds and has pointy ends. We purchased this Ford Explorer brand new and it always had some wind noise at freeway speeds on that side. @ 46K miles and the trim replacement was not covered by warranty. The dealer said it is quite common and they see it regularly (and will happily take your $500 to fix it). I have seen several other Explorers (including one Police Ford Explorer) with this missing trim panel and you can find many aftermarket replacement brands selling them online and in auto parts stores. This must be a very common issue to justify several companies making replacements. This issue could be deadly if you are following behind a Ford Explorer when it comes off at speed. Ford has sold millions of these SUV's. Looking at the damage it appears the bottom plastic clip that hold the large trim piece fails then wind gets under the trim and breaks the other clips ultimately sending the part flying.

The power steering on my 2016 Ford Explorer failed at 73,000 miles. I had a total loss of power steering and had to be towed to the dealership who, upon investigating the cause, said it was corroded but wasn't visible until they opened the Steering Gear Assembly. After doing some web searches on the topic, I found that this is becoming a common issue with Ford Explorers. There have been many reports of people who have lost power steering while driving. The replacement part is currently on backorder and Ford is in the process of releasing 250 within the next week but they said most have been claimed already. Again, indicating that my experience was not an isolated issue. This is a safety issue.

Check engine light came on low engine oil pressure light come on made loud knocking noise regular maintenance 147k miles vehicle is at mechanic shop estimate total $1500-$2500 to fix do not have money for repairs

I drove it Wednesday to an apt one hour away with no issues but the next morning the steering wheel would hardly turn at all and made a constant knocking noise. If this had happened to me while on an interstate or highway, I am certain that I would have crashed since I had no control. I did inquire with Vogler service dept. about it having anything to do with the last recall we took care of since it warns of possible loss of steering control but was told it did not. I understand that the whole steering assembly (for lack of parts jargon) has to be replaced and reprogrammed and that this will be difficult to get and also Vogler said they are short staffed so it will take a while. The recalls I am referring to are 20S62 and 21S32

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the coolant temperature warning light and "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" message were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a pressure test; however, no coolant leak was found. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

The engine shut off when driving on the highway at 65 and the wrench light came on ... I could not navigate the vehicle...took it to the Legacy Ford dealership and was informed that the Electronic Throttle Body needed to be replaced...I believe ford had that on a recall back in 2017 but not for my VIN....The dealership said that my VIN does not qualify for the recall to my surprise

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was a leak in the water pump. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact also stated that the parking brake had failed to operate as needed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the parking brake was replaced; upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V464000 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer had yet to be notified about the failure. The water pump had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Both of my roof side rails have come off while driving down the road. This could have seriously harmed another driver behind me. There were no warnings of this. Nobody can inspect them because they are in pieces now as they were ran over.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for the second-row seat air bag sensor. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

Vehicle (2016 Ford Explorer) returned from the dealer following standard maintenance and a recall repair for the rear toe link. Operator noted the vehicle’s steering seemed somewhat stiff. Vehicle sat parked for two days and when driven again the steering was incredibly stiff require a great deal of effort to turn the wheel in either direction. Steering continues to be stiff and difficult whenever the vehicle is operated. Dealer was contacted and vehicle was brought back in for assessment. Dealer diagnosed the problem as the Steering Rack and advised it would need to be replaced. Per dealer the part is on national backorder and no time frame is available for when the part may be available. Dealer was unwilling to provide alternate transportation because the vehicle is no longer under warranty and part is on national backorder.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 180.000.

July 28,2022 while driving on the highway at 55mph the power steering began to fail. It didn't fail completely but the steering felt awkward. I slowed up considerably. Fortunately I was less than 2 miles to my home. As I was getting home a power steering warning light illuminated and then went off. Not sure exactly what it said as I was too busy driving. At that point the power steering hadn't failed completely but still felt awkward (I would say the steering alternated between smooth steering and like the steering wheel was starting to lock in place). I managed to get to my driveway. I shut the suv off and called the local Ford dealership. They advised restarting the suv and to see if the power steering returned. It didn't. It was completely locked up at that point and I couldn't even turn the steering wheel. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the closest Ford dealership. Russ Hubler Automotive in Greensburg Indiana. The dealer called on July 29, 2022 and said the power steering had failed. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know the mechanical details but they said it wasn't the electric steering motor or module. It would cost about $2,200.00 to fix. As of today August 1, 2022 it is sitting at the dealership waiting on parts to be repaired. As I did more research I found that MANY other people had reported the same problem. I called Ford Customer Service on August 1, 2002 and spoke to a rep and then finally her supervisor. They refused to help. I was on the phone with them

Steering gear asy replaced.

On 6/16/22 my vehicle was put in the shop for overheating. It was a water pump leak. It is a timing chain run water pump. The water pump is located in the engine. It was a very expensive repair. Due to the amount of labor this took to fix I was out of a vehicle for almost a month. I paid for the repair. Less that a week after I got it back my AC stopped working. Back to the shop it went. More money later... Mechanic explained to us that the water pump is located on top of the compressor. When it leaked it got all over everything destroying it. Now I must get a new compressor. No telling what else it ruined under there. This is a huge problem with this year model of Ford. Matter of fact in Canada it has already been recalled. Why is this problem not getting recalled in the US? Many people have gone after Ford with no luck and one judge threw of the case.

My vehicle build date is May 10, 2015 @ Chicago plant. NHTSA put out a recall on my vehicle but it wasn't attached to my VIN # and my vehicle is currently having said recall problems. The recall was NHTSA-20-V-692. Is there a way to get it added to my VIN please

My 2016 Ford Explorer only has 26,815 miles. Was driving vehicle when suddenly started to have steering issues. One of the message(s) was: Steering Fault Service Now.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a ticking noise was present within the steering column while turning in either direction. The contact stated that eventually the noise became louder. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel seized causing the driver to forcefully turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to avoid losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. Additionally, while attempting to accelerate the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to Manufacturer Communication Number: 20N07-S2. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Water pump broken. Causing engine to overheat. Please recall

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear seat passenger noticed that a black material had detached from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the plastic trim from the windshield had detached. The contact called and notified the dealer about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.