Page 7 of 50 · complaints 301–350 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
Filed Jun 16, 2025OK

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 2025PA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to remove the A-pillar and B-pillar from the vehicle while confirming that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure for the A and B-pillar trims to be removed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 2025OK

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. Most recently, the contact stated that B-pillar trim on the passenger’s side was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 202550,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated the noise from the air was extremely loud. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's and front passenger's doors B-Pillar trims had detached and flew off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 202520,000 milesIL

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 exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 2025140,000 milesMO

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 passenger's side exterior A-pillar trim had detached. 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 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 12, 2025CA

I have contacted ford dealership here in Chico, CA about the recall Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 I was told that the parts have been on back order for the last 6 months and that was in January of 2025. As of today I still haven’t been contacted for this recall. I’m not sure what to do but they checked my car and said we added you to the list in January of this year

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 12, 2025VA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon engaging the parking brake, the parking brake failed to remain engaged. Additionally, the contact stated that upon activating the A/C, the A/C was blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken to a Mazda dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a blockage in the engine block heater. The dealer informed the contact that no authorization was provided to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Structure
Filed Jun 12, 2025100,000 milesOH

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 driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 12, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Jun 12, 202592,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough idles while his wife was driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was confirmed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 12, 2025LA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (Structure), and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE). However, the parts to do the recall repairs for 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE) were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was idle and the contact was dropping off her child at school, the rear passenger seat caught on fire. The contact had turned on the seat warning, and when the daughter exited the vehicle, an abnormal burnt smell was coming from the back seat. The contact then noticed smoke was emitting from the seat. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the engine, and put out the fire. The seat was damaged beyond repair, and the wires were exposed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. No Fire and Police reports were filed. There were no injuries sustained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Steering
Filed Jun 12, 2025105,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000(Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 2025MD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were 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 failure. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 202590,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 2025120,000 milesIA

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 passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim started flapping. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 202562,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that parts needed to be ordered to repair the vehicle. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and that parts previously ordered were used to repair another vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 202550,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. 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 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 202570,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a whistling sound coming from the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front windshield exterior A-pillar trim. The contact was informed that the front windshield exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2025TN

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 11, 2025MD

See attached document for complaint.

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Jun 11, 2025135,401 milesIN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,401.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 2025CO

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim on the passenger's side detached and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the passenger's door B-Pillar trim had detached and flown off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 202558,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the driver’s side A-Pillar trim detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025120,000 milesME

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025VA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025122,573 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and a dealer representative arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact confirmed that parts were 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,573. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025142,000 milesNJ

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim were fractured. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025MD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 10, 2025FL

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 front passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 9, 202548,500 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield exterior trim fractured. In addition, the contact stated that the trim detached and was hitting against the vehicle. The contact feared the trim might detach and cause a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 48,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 9, 2025OK

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced; however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Jun 9, 2025IN

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2025104,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the keypad detached and flew off the driver’s side door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; 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 contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Structure
Filed Jun 9, 202587,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repairs were 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 approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar and B-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

StructureCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 9, 2025126,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure) and NHTSA Campaign number: 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle then crashed into the guardrail. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around, and went across the freeway and hit the guardrail on the other side, where it came to a stop. None of the air bags deployed. The contact suffered injuries to his back that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then it was towed to the dealer. The insurance company was not notified. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the front passenger A-pillar trim and the back passenger B-Pillar trim were loose. The contact stated that the brackets on the front driver side seat are loose and the seat wobbles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. 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 126,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2025MI

Steering gets really hard and jerks acts like the steering isn't working

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 7, 2025TX

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.

Structure
Filed Jun 6, 2025NJ

See attached document for complaint. From attached: I received this recall notice in February 2024. Notice stated the parts would be available in the "later half of 2024. We are now in the second quarter of 2025 and the parts are still not available. I was patiently waiting g for the parts as I had no real issue with my vehicle. Situation has changed are the part was violently ripped from my vehicle at 65 MPH while on the Garden State Parkway. I could not recover the part and have no idea if it struck another vehicle when it departed. It seen unreasonable have to wait 15 months for the parts to be delivered. To say nothing of the fact that the vehicle looks h01Tible with the part missing

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 5, 2025FL

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".

Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2025VA

I was at Apple Ford of Lynchburg, VA when I grabbed the steering wheel to exit the vehicle when the steering wheel came loose and began to wobble up and down, making the car impossible to control safely. The Service Department and I came to the conclusion that this may represent an apparent safety issue that must be addressed.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 4, 2025GA

Vehicle is not safe for roadways yet no solution has been provided

Air Bags
Filed Jun 2, 2025TX

The rear seats in my 2016 ford explorer platinum have a know air bag issue that ford said is not a safety issue when addressed. It is a know issue by ford and they refuse to fix it because it is not under recall. The air bag light illuminate due to a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector which in turn will cause the rear airbags to not deploy during an accident.

Engine
Filed May 31, 2025MI

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 as massive issues with the turbos and the cam phasers that also commonly are causing catastrophic engine failures despite routine preventative maintenance being performed. And the a pillar recall issue. I had it inspected December of 2024 and determined it needed them replaced. I was not given a time frame when that would be completed. I got a call over a month ago from the dealer saying to call them to schedule a repair. I did so and then was told that while I was on the list they still are unable to get any parts from Ford to repair this mandated recall and also cannot get a timeline on when said parts would be available. I’m almost six months past them saying it’s been ordered an

Structure
Filed May 27, 2025NJ

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 unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were 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 May 27, 2025MD

Took the family SUV in for a standard oil change and 100k service to Ford dealership. Upon performing a coolant flush, the water pump began leaking. It was found that the internal water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced along with the primary timing chain and tensioner items. There were no warning lamps or indicators to let us know this was an issue. The dealer service center replaced the internal water pump, refilled system and test drove. It was re inspected and leak has been corrected. However, this cost us $4, 366.80 for an issue Ford knows is a reoccurring issue in this model of SUV and a huge hazard for families.

Structure
Filed May 23, 2025150,000 milesCA

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 unavailable. 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 stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side front A-pillar before the A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was advised that the trim was not available, and another letter would be forwarded by the manufacturer when parts became available. The contact observed that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loosened, and called the dealer, and was advised that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed May 21, 202535,798 milesMS

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 while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was detaching. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had parked and had stopped driving the vehicle due to the safety concerns. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 35,798. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 20, 2025TX

Windshield seal flies out from under the pilar molding and smacks windshield and passenger window.

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.

Full record for the 2016 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →