NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, 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 not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger-side exterior B-Pillar Trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet 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 115,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the sides 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 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 vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer 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 148,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering unit failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 72 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached. 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 parts were not available. 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 189,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
We have been calling and trying to get this recall take care of. Every time we call they never have the parts and "will let us know". Its getting frustrating getting these notices from different sources and not being able to take care of it. Please help us to get this done by directing us to a repair shop that has the parts available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with electronic power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that that the independent mechanic found that the EPS control module was water damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge had increased to high with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 116,000.
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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger's side doors B-pillar trims separated and flew off into traffic, almost causing a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 194,800. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached, and water leaked into the cabin of the vehicle during inclement weather. The local dealer was 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-pillar trim fractured and detached from the vehicle. The B-pillar trim was hanging on by the electrical wiring. In addition, the rear liftgate warning light was illuminated and the rear lift gate power was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2016 Ford Explorer. A-Pillar trim piece flew off vehicle while driving on highway. Part recalled Jan 2024, currently no solution available from Ford. Paid out of pocket to replace in 2022. B-Pillar trim piece flew off vehicle while driving on highway, remained attached by soldered wires. Part recalled May 2025, currently no solution available from Ford. Paid out of pocket to replace heavy duty, waterproof double sided tape in Jan 2025, tape failed again by July ‘25. Cannot tie piece on because the window won’t function. Tape fails, so currently having to reattach while driving with my arm out the window or pull over every few minutes and drive slowly. Left with no options to repair from Ford!
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure shortly after the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side A-Pillar trim and the front windshield. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
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 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.
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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the upper center location of the windshield. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal pounding and whistling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected by the contact and her husband, and it was observed that the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim had partially detached. The contact stated that the trim was pushed back into place. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 not yet available. 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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 become loosened, and the sealant was peeling off. An unknown local dealer was contacted on several occasions. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V3470000 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steering gets really hard and jerks acts like the steering isn't working
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.
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.
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.
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".
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 at 80 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's husband replaced the passenger's side A-pillar trim; however, the part was not a proper fit. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's husband replaced the passenger's side A-pillar trim; however, the part was not a proper fit, and the failure persisted. 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 unknown.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had become loosened, and a local independent mechanic secured the trim to prevent the trim from falling off the vehicle. 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 112,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after coming from a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the water pump had previously been replaced twice, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in engine and the water pump needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
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 and still no idea when it’ll be repaired. And now a second recall was just announced for the b post coverings and I’m sure this will be just as bad. As many issues as this car is having I think Ford should have to pay for a lot more recalls than they have so far. I also had to have two other recalls fixed that the selling dealer didn’t address before selling to me.
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.
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.
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.
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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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.
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 contact stated that water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A-pillar and B-pillar trims, sunroof, and doors. The contact stated that the water had started to affect various electrical systems. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to cool as prior to the failure. Additionally, the turn signals failed to self-deactivate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the driver's side door B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact was unaware of when the part had detached from the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer several times and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The driver side B pillar applique is loose and I fear it may become completely dislogdged or blow off during high speed highway travel and cause some sort of accident. This recall has been open since May of 2025 and Ford Motor Company still has no remedy or fix for it yet. In addition -and not included in this recall- the driver side A piller applique on the windshield has also come loose and may also fly off during travel. This too should be fixed. Can you help?
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026