2016 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The piece between the windshield and the passenger side door came off while I was driving on the interstate.

While driving on the road my front windshield trims started to come loose, cracked and flew away. The windshield trims are compromised all around the front windshield trims. Did report the issue today at the Ford Dealership, they claimed I had to deal with FORD directly. I did reach out to FORD, they claimed no recall has been issued to that effect. Did ask them to address this issue as a serious safety issue that could cause the windshield to dislodge and cause a serious accident. No offer from FORD to fix it. Same issue has been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by 164 other FORD Explorer owners.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s and passenger’s side windshield trim panel detached. Additionally, while driving, the roof rail detached. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The failure mileage was 98,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the torque converter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

My wife and I were driving on the interstate at 80 mph and without warning, the passenger side exterior A-pillar molding flew off of the car ,hit our windshield and disappeared behind us.

The power steering has a tendency to go out at random, the wheel goes stiff mid-turn.

Defective water pump. Water pump is leaking coolant , this could lead to engine damage. Repair is extremely costly.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power of steering assist, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her face. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the parts to do the repair were not available. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after noticing that the seat heaters were inoperable, he saw that the heated seat module connector had melted. The contact also stated that the front passenger’s side seat controls were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

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 the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer because the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

In 2020 the right windshield trim detached and flew from the car while driving down the interstate. I didn't know what happened and I thought maybe something hit my car. On March 22, 2023, while driving on the interstate, the left side detached and flew off the car into the left lane of the interstate. I don't know if it hit another car or not. It was too dangerous to try and stop and find it. This is a factory defect that could potentially cause someone to wreck. It has cost me about 600.00 to replace. I feel Ford should pay for the replacement. I understand parts get old and fail but I don't think "Detachment" is included in that. Your help is appreciated. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Informed that the water pump on my 2016 Explorer is going out. This seems to be an ongoing problem that Ford is not addressing.

Ford has a recall active until July 2023 involving steering components. The recall was repaired, however the same part failed within 8 months. Ford has informed me that there was a "customer satisfaction program" associated with the recall, that could have the parts replaced AGAIN within six months of repair. I am curious how they can replace parts with what they clearly know to be defective parts, and give a six month limit on replacement. This is poor business as well as potentially harmful or fatal. Recall 21S32 is the original recall notice.

This model has a defective water pump. When it goes the engine stops even if in the middle of a busy intersection.

Pillar Trim piece next to windshield on the passagener side flew off my car while driving the speed limit of 65 on highway 20 in Iowa. Piece could have hit other cars, was fortunate no cars were near me.

Driving NB on I95 in Georgia IVO MM 12, my windshield started vibrating on the passenger side with a loud flapping noise. Slowed down, pulled over at the next exit and discovered the trim around the windshield had detached. It appears that the trim allowed air to lift the side of the windshield. I used duct tape to secure the trim and drove at a reduced speed the rest of the way to Virginia. Contacted the local Ford dealer for a repair.

I had my ford explorer 2016 for only 2 years and the rack and pinion already failed. Luckily I wasn’t on the free way when it failed on me and it would be a safety hazard. I heard clanking noise whenever I steer the steering wheel. My Dealership can’t replace it due to a extended warranty not valid anymore

The transmission on our vehicle has failed twice now. First in May 2019, at 41,000 miles, the transmission and torque converter failed, causing heavy shaking when idle. The repair was supposedly repaired under warranty by a Ford dealership. However, fast forward a few years and 40,000 miles, and the transmission failed again. In March 2023, my wife and daughter were at a busy intersection. My wife pressed the gas, but the car wouldn't move and began to lurch backward, putting my wife and daughter's lives in danger as well as the lives of anyone who came up behind us. Before this incident, we had also felt a violent shaking in idle that we had unsuccessfully tried to repair with a new motor mount. The transmission problem was diagnosed by police and confirmed by our local mechanic. It is now at another Ford dealership. But it is unclear how much Ford will cover. I want you to know, however, that a Ford dealer looked up my records on the first transmission repair that occurred under warranty. He said he was surprised that the Ford dealer that was supposed to do the initial warranty repair had only done a partial rebuild given the condition the transmission was in. The notes said the transmission was full of metal fragments and shards throughout, and he said that "they should overhauled the whole thing." The defect, combined with the shoddy repair, is likely why the transmission failed a 2nd time, putting my family's lives in danger. Transmission issues in Ford Explorers appear to be a known problem. I noticed on NHTSA's website that Ford has two customer satisfaction programs (20N07 and 20B27) related to Explorer transmissions. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10181988-0001.pdf I am hoping that NHTSA can look into these continuing Ford Explorer transmission issues and the botched warranty repair and get Ford to extend the customer satisfaction program or initiate a recall to refund customers' repair, tow and rental car costs. Thank you.

The passenger side windshield trim, separated from the vehicle at highway speeds, and landed onto the windshield of the vehicle behind me. Both vehicles were traveling at 75 mph when the incident occurred. I contacted my servicing Ford dealership, service, and parts department, to which both entities acknowledged this was a common problem for this year and model vehicle. I further inquired if any additional recalls for this trim component work on Ford’s recall list to which they said no. I am concerned because in 2020 a recall on the Ford Explorer roof rack rails, work executed, because those were separating from the vehicle at high rate of speed as well. Ford dealership quoted me $851 to replace both windshield trim components, both passenger and driver side a total of four plastic pieces. Ford also stated that the repair work would need to be done by a train service technician vice the end users themselves. Estimating approximately two hours of labor for both components would require the Ford vehicle owner to pay for $1000 to affect a repair which clearly is defective and unsafe at highway speeds. Separation of this component from the vehicle could have resulted in a high-speed collision and potential loss of life as a result of the failure of this part. I have also notified the Ford dealership that I intend to file a formal complaint on the defective parts with Ford motor company, as well as the NHTSA.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the trim between the driver’s side door and the windshield detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

My Ford Explorer was idling roughly and unsafely hesitating in traffic. The check engine light came on. I had to drive it to the Ford Dealership to be evaluated. On the way to Bill Collins Ford in Louisville KY, my vehicle hesitated in traffic several times, and I feared that I would be hit by other vehicles. I was informed that it had a catastrophic engine failure. The head gasket was blown. The service manager informed me that replacing the head gasket would not resolve the issue due to the DESIGN FLAW with the engine. This design flaw that is inherent to this engine family has caused vehicles to unsafely hesitate in traffic and catch fire. There are currently no engines available due to the number of engines that are failing. My vehicle cannot be repaired at this time.

This is a known issue with the 2018 Explorer. A warning came on the dash with a wrench that says, see manual along with the airbag light. The vehicle lost all power, went into a safe mode and would only idle rough. The shop diagnosed this as a known issue with the throttle body malfunctioning. I called Ford and although there was a min extension done to the warranties for this car, it expired. This needs to be recalled. Had this of happened at interstate speed, myself and my entire family could have been severely injured or killed.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who replaced the thermostat, but the failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later examined by the mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump and coolant fan had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

Passenger windshield trim detached and flew off at highway speed.

The windshield trim on the passenger side flew off the vehicle unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds. The piece hit the windshield and then flew off causing me to almost run off the road. Thankfully, it did not strike another vehicle.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and left her stranded on the highway. The engine overheating message was displayed. The contact removed the coolant cap and noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added more coolant and a stop leak solution. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to locate the leak. While driving and watching the temperature gauge, she heard an abnormal screeching sound. The contact was able to stop and noticed that the engine overheating message was displayed. The contact added coolant which leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,040.

The water pump goes out and blows the engine. Leave your stranded. They put this engine and makes it to the point you can't fix and cost over 5,000 to fix sounds like lots of issues why the hell has this not been recalled. Very disappointed that people are having this issue and really no recalls on this. Not ok!!!

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning in either direction, the steering wheel jerked with a rubbing sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local service center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim separated and detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the warranty did not cover the trim replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 82,300.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model vehicle. The dealer was able to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound near the windshield. The contact then stated that the windshield trim panel detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side windshield trim panel detached and was hitting against the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and cut the trim panel. The contact stated that the failure recurred with the passenger's side windshield trim panel. Additionally, the contact stated that the trim panel at the base of the windshield was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the entire windshield trim panel needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The molding for the windshield driver side flew off while driving on the highway

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, he was made aware that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the water pump, head gasket, and timing belt needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was advised to have the repairs completed at a local dealer. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then lost motive power while coming to a stop at a stop signal. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

Traveling at approximately 65mph on the highway, while beginning to enter a slight turn in the highway, the steering wheel "froze" as if the vehicle was off. It stayed locked ,about 15 degrees to the right, and would not free up. I tried applying brakes, which instantly began pulling me further left and into a ditch. Within 5 seconds I lost control of the vehicle, at around 50mph, impacted a guard rail, then went airborne, nose diving onto the service road below the highway. No lights were present at the time of the failure, a Ford dealership had done an inspection on my Steering Rack back on 10/29/2021 that found no issues present. The way the crash happened, I'm lucky to be alive, but how is this not a recall? How is there not a safety feature to allow for manual control of the steering if the electrical system dies? Scariest moment driving by far, a roller coaster I wish to not be put on again. I have significant bruising from the seat belt impacting my right side hip, my mirror dislodged and hit me in the head, seat airbag bruised my left shoulder, and my neck is about as sore as it can get

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side windshield side trim loosened. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and placed the trim back in place, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the part was okay as-is. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be inspected. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The water pump is located inside the motor to repair is over $3,000 just to simply change a water pump a leaking water pump will lead to a motor lock up from what could of been a $100 do it your self job turns into a $3000 job for a dealership or locked up motor and motor replacement or a crash

The A pillars, which are the moldings on the left and right side of the windshield, began to come detached from the vehicle while driving down the Interstate at 70 mph. Only one clip was left to hold it on. I had to reduce speed to 40 mph on a very busy interstate until I could exit the interstate. These clips are similar to those used on the roof rails of this vehicle which was part of two previous recalls. Body parts detaching from the vehicle while driving at high speeds down an interstate should certainly constitute a safety concern. From what I understand from the Ford dealership, this has been a problem for a couple of years now that Ford has chosen not to address. It is currently being held on with duct tape until these can be replaced.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate. After restarting the vehicle, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the motor mounts and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The spark plugs and motor mounts were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Everytime my ac/heat is on it affects my engine as I’m driving. My speedometer fast jumps. As soon as I turn it off it seems to run better. I made a complaint a week ago about something going on with my fuel and fan running high speed. I have a foul smell in my car. I thought for awhile it was something outside but now I believe it’s coming from my car. It smells like fuel/rubber/sewer if that makes sense.

I was on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson southbound. I heard a thumping noise but could not see anything wrong. Then there was a loud bang and I thought a semi had kicked up something though I saw nothing in the air. I was doing 75mph the posted speed but there was a cross wind. When I arrived home in Oro Valley i noticed the right, front passenger windshield entire trim was gone! Upon looking for a replacement part I noticed that I am not alone with this problem so I am reporting it. I would suspect many others have this problem but do not. Anyhow it is a safety issue. It is a large part to have this debris fly into another vehicle.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering rack when steering left. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved a fault code for a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The mechanic stated that either the engine or gasket needed to be replaced, and the contact was advised to have further diagnosis and repairs completed at a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

2nd failed/leaking water pump since purchasing the vehicle. The water pump was replaced on 9/30/20 at 121,948 and now at less than 100,000 additional miles on 2/9/23 (210,826) the water pump is leaking again. $3000+ is an expensive repair for a $154 part.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and independently shut off while on the freeway. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard during the failure. The contact pulled to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be changed. The vehicle was repaired. After a several months, the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure could be due to a faulty throttle body. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and then seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 88,740.

In November of 2022 on the highway the molding against the windshield that runs from the hood up to the rooftop flew off the vehicle. Luckily nobody was injured or no accident caused. Kerry Ford charged me $538.62... In February of 2023... Again, going down the highway the driver side molding against the windshield broke in half and another piece went flying off... Again, luckily no other damage or accident caused. I noticed this time there appeared to be velcro underneath at the bottom of the panel - Velcro? Not sure that seems appropriate. Again, Kerry Ford charging me another $446.00 to repair the driver side now - Hopefully Ford doesn't think Velcro is the answer. Meanwhile, I'm out nearly a $1000.00 because Ford has pieces flying off their vehicles... wonder how long until it causes a major accident or cost someone behind me their life? Better start a recall now instead of waiting for the worst to happen.

Trim piece on driver-side windshield flew off while driving. To the best of my knowledge it did not hit any surrounding vehicles. There was no warning prior to this happening...I just realized it was missing when I returned to my vehicle after work. I had just heard on the news about window trim pieces flying off Ford Explorers the same day this happened to mine.