2016 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started indicating that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump, resulting in engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURER); 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 the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure while driving approximately 40 MPH the passenger side A-Pillar trim ejected from the vehicle. During the failure, the driver became distracted and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into reverse properly, the vehicle would reverse a few feet and suddenly stall or stop from reversing when reversing out of a parking lot while a crunching sound could be heard from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Rack and pinion failure. Caused me almost to wreck. Cost is $4200 to fix. Ford has to program it and send it back to my mechanic. I’m lucky this didn’t go out while going down a hill that would have been very bad.

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 while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached, and the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loosened. The contact was not able to retrieve the driver’s side A-pillar trim. 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 50,000.

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 while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. 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 contacted. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. 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 42,000. The VIN was not available.

See attached document for complaint.

Rack & Pinion Went out while driving . Ford dealer said it’s on back order a lot of vehicles have done it . Had complete steering loss in the mist of driving down road. It’s electrical .

I recently went to a mechanic sho0 to have a wheel alignment done because my steering wheel is about 50% tilted to the left. The shop told me they were unable to align the vehicle because there was a problem with my toelinks in the back of my car preventing the wheel from being straight. I called Ford to see if there was anything they could do because I got my toelinks done when there was a recall back in 2019. I have since had issues with my steering wheel not being lined and thought it was just out of balance. I would like for the toelinks to be looked at once again because apparently there is an issue with them.

Spoke to Maplecrest Ford in Union NJ about the front Pilars recall. Maplecrest ford took pictures of the pilars in September 2024 and told me in January that they will replace them. January became April , Abril became June. Now Maplecrest ford is back to the beginning by taking pictures again and waiting on Ford for approval to replace the pilars.

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 windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached and was flapping against the window while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was advised to keep applying tape to the trim. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were ordered. 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, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at 70 MPH, the passenger front windshield trim detached and flew off. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. In addition, the driver's side windshield trim was detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured passenger's side windshield trim, however the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 34V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however was unable to confirm when the part was to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN was unavailable.

Randomly, the power steering, ABS, and traction control went out on my car. There are thousands of others with this issue and previous years of this car have already had a recall relating to this issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle, and the inside of the windshield was freezing. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the defrosted was inoperable. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. 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. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who blew out the tubes and replaced the water pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, water entered the vehicle from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof track needed to be replaced. 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 manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated 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 Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated 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 made aware of the issue and the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing significantly rough idling while in drive(D) or while in reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle jolted and hesitated to respond. The contact also stated that the vehicle shuddered while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to TSB Number: 20-2271. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the TSB was superseded and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Randomly whilst driving, my dash had multiple error messages pop up and my power steering went out completely. The error messages were as follows: Service AdvanceTrac, Terrain Management System Fault, Hill Start Assist Not Available, & Power Steering Assit Fault. This keeps happening intermittently, while I am driving. This causes a serious safety issue, for my steering wheel to lock up while I am driving! I did get the codes for the errors and they are as follows: U0420-41, C0051-67, U0151-00, U0131-00. My ABS system failed check, as well. This is a known issue with Ford vehicles, as there have already been recalls for previous models. According to [XXX]: "Ford has recalled earlier model year Explorers with power steering problems before. In 2014, Ford recalled certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorers, saying these vehicles “may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting a shut down of the power steering assist.” According to Ford, this issue “may increase the risk of a accident.” In 2015, Ford recalled certain model year Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. According to Ford, these vehicles had “electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.” As a result, “[i]f the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash”. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield started to detach. 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 the dealer stated 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 approximate failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Power steering started to make creaking sounds when turning the steering wheel right or left. Speed not a factor. I was concerned that something might be seriously wrong so took to local mechanic. Need to replace the rack and pinion steering gear. Took a week to get the parts. Cost 2500.00 to fix. Now it needs to go back for a redo cause there are issues with the electronics. Must wait another week for replacement parts. Must redo rack and pinion and recalibrate computer. Ford has to do it as local mechanics don’t have the the proper calibration computer. Platinum version. Just shy of 52,000 miles.This should be on fords recall list.

EPS electronic power steering. EPS failed without warning. Wheel jerked to left with no ability to control it doing 45 in town. Consulted for dealership, they're asking $3,500 in repairs. No warning lights. Problem happened on 08/15/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was steam was coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The check temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to refill the coolant; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the water pump might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the A/C unit became inoperable. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the A/C unit. The contact was informed that the A/C unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a popping sound coming from the passenger’s side door. The vehicle was stopped, and the contact observed that the passenger’s door trim was missing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the driver’s side B-pillar trim had detached and was missing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the B-pillar trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 unknown.

Unknown

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the windshield started detaching. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the A-pillar trim structure. The contact was informed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being 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 failure mileage was approximately 76,222. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed wind coming from the driver’s side door. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 driver's and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The contact used tape to secure both trim pieces from being blown off the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer several times and was advised that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. 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 109,000.

Water pump failure, like many others. Caused engine to overheat, lose AC. Issue caught before complete engine failure. INTERNAL WATER PUMP CAN GO OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY CAUSING THE POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL ALL AT ONCE AND LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH IN TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT WHILE THE DRIVER STRUGGLES TO MAINTAIN CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE TO THE ROADSIDE OR EMERGENCY LANE . WHILE FORD HAS KNOWN OF THIS FLAW IN THE ENGINE DESIGN FOR YEARS AND DID NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, some of the remaining trims were loosened. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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. 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 failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I had my Ford Explorer inspected by my Ford dealership in early August of 2024. They stated a repair would be made by the end of 2024. One of the A pillars had already come off while driving on the interstate and I have been told by the dealership the other one needs to be replaced. I'm assuming there was not a wreck caused because of the piece flying off my car. We pulled over because we had no idea what happened. It is now 8 months since the inspection and I am told there are still not parts to replace the defective pillar. I was told some dealerships have the parts but others do not. I have contacted my dealership multiple times as well as Ford directly. I would like my vehicle repaired.

A-Pillar trim on both sides of my windshield flew off while driving over one year ago. Contacted Ford multiple times and parts are still not available to make the repair under recall 24S02. Ford still does not have parts for 18 months. Please do something to require Ford to make the parts to fix this recall. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. The contact stated that the Hill Start Assist Not Available, The Terrain Management System Fault, and Service Advance-trac message was displayed on the instrument panel. The Traction Control and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the independent mechanic replaced the rack and pinion. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Steering went out without notice. Unable to turn steering wheel.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure was related to the front passenger's side seat and the second-row rear passenger's side seat. The mechanic plugged an unknown wiring; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

At around 50,000 miles the Turbo on the engine was leaking oil. Dealer replaced the turbo and kept the part. It needed to be replaced to avoid a catastrophic failure of the turbo which in turn could cause severe engine oil loss resulting in engine failure and oil contamination of the catalytic converters O2 sensors and possibly a car fire. There was no warning but was caught during a routine oil change. Unknown if the dealer reported it.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made abnormal grinding sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,400.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65–70 MPH, the trim detached and struck the windshield of another vehicle. 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The water pump failed on my way home from work. A light in my vehicle started blinking rapidly and a warning alarm started sounding in the vehicle cabin unexpectedly. My vehicle suddenly overheated in the middle of a busy intersection causing me to stop unexpectedly to assess the situation before proceeding to safety. I (middle aged female) had returned from a long trip with two toddlers 800 miles round trip which extended late into the night on remote stretches of road without assistance available for several miles only a few days earlier. Had this happened a few days earlier, during that trip, I would have been stranded with two toddlers, alone after dark in a remote location. An independent service center made the diagnosis and performed a repair. They stated I was lucky the leak did not enter my oil reservoir based on the location of the water pump, locking up the engine and leaving the car completely inoperable in said intersection. The location of the water pump, and the fact it failed around 100,0000 miles seemed premature for similiar vehicles and the design/placement of the water pump is significantly more difficult to troubleshoot and repair. The cost of the repair was ultimately $3825.69 plus an additional cost to procure a rental vehicle while for the week my vehicle was being repaired.

Steering was acting funny, return of the steering wheel to the straight position was becoming difficult. Electronic rack and pinion system then failed while driving. Luckily the issue occurred while in my driveway. Entire system was then replaced for roughly $2500.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and was flapping in the wind. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times; however, the contact was informed that the parts to do the recall repairs were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the parts were available on Amazon, and the contact believed that the manufacturer also had the parts available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

While driving vehicle down the road, steering locked up. Vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as a bad rack and pinion. This vehicle has 84,000 miles and should not already have issues with the rack and pinion. This incident, could have put my family and many other people's lives/vehicles at risk.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, 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 not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 113,000.

I brought my vehicle in for a recall that replaced the rear toe links. The factory adjustable toe link was replaced with a solid non-adjustable toe link. This dealer stated there is no way to adjust the toe. My vehicle feels like the rear is “dancing” when I hit most road imperfections. In the rain, it gets significantly worse. I will be taking my vehicle to an independent shop, but the recall work has unintentionally created a dangerous condition due to no longer being able to align the rear of the vehicle. The recall done was Safety Recall 20S62. I feel at a minimum, Ford needs to cover the costs incurred by owners paying to have the new toe links removed and replaced with aftermarket adjustable toe links, as well as paying for the alignment. I have reached out to both the dealer and Ford. The dealer stated they performed the recall as described by Ford. However, the recall states to align the rear as the last step, but the dealer states the toe link is a single piece, which is therefore not adjustable. Ford customer service told me there is no updates to the recall at this time and to bring my concerns to my local Ford dealer. Thanks.

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 contact stated that there was water leaking into the cabin of the vehicle whenever in rained from the sunroof, causing an electrical short circuit. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 151,455. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,558.

All of my warning notifications (911 Assist, airbag, front camera, parking assist, lane departure, lane keeping, etc.) turn on after 10 minutes of driving or turning on ac/heat. I was told by Ford dealer that the steering column control module cluster needs to be replaced and that there is a backorder for the part meaning it is unknow when the part will be available ($1450 for repair plus $175 for diagnose). I have been waiting a month already and still no update. Dealer also said that they hope it will fix the problem but no knowing until it is done.

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 windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had fractured and had partially separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the remaining part of the trim had detached. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.