FORD EXPLORER · model year

2016 FORD EXPLORER

2924 NHTSA complaints, 55 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016FORDEXPLORER carries 2924 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 55 crashes, 18 fires, 81 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 EXPLORER is steering with 498 filings, followed by unknown or other (409) and engine (375). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2016 EXPLORER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

2924
Complaints
55
Crashes
18
Fires
81
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 FORD EXPLORER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 FORD EXPLORER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

2924 filings

Crashes Reported

55 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING498
UNKNOWN OR OTHER409
ENGINE375
STRUCTURE339
POWER TRAIN195
STRUCTURE:BODY186
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM114
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM103
AIR BAGS97
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL73
SUSPENSION68
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
WHEELS49
SEAT BELTS39
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM35

Recalls (14)

16V18300031/03/2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine bloc

17V76700029/11/2017

SEATS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.

15V60500028/09/2015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and

17E04800028/08/2017

WHEELS:HUB

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly result

16V47500028/06/2016

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restr

15V46400024/07/2015

PARKING BRAKE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. T

25V34700023/05/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

24V03100019/01/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

21V53700015/07/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I

20V67500012/03/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Yor

20V69200010/11/2020

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

25V68500010/10/2025

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it t

19V43500010/06/2019

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

21V31600005/05/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Recent Complaints

20260218STRUCTURE

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 all the door trims were loose. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the doors while they were closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with loosened bolts on the doors. The independent mechanic tightened the bolts. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 approximately 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

20260218STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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 all the door trims were loose. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the doors while they were closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with loosened bolts on the doors. The independent mechanic tightened the bolts. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 approximately 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

20260217LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to open the driver’s side door with the door handle, the door failed to respond as needed. However, when the button was pushed to unlock the vehicle, the door responded as intended. The contact stated that the driver’s side window failed to operate as needed. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,331.

Mileage: 98,331

20260216STRUCTURE:BODY

The pillars flew off and I can not get them repaired and they have no remedy for it the dealership glued them back

20260209STRUCTURE

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 dealer was contacted several times. 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.

20260209STRUCTURE

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 upon further inspection, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims became loosened. The contact attempted to use epoxy and duct tape to temporarily repair the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20260204STRUCTURE:BODY

Since March of 2024, this vehicle has been waiting on parts to correct Ford recall 24S02. The dealerships are even frustrated with dealing with customers. They started telling us there is nothing they can do and send us on our way only saying our name is on a list. In the summer of 2024, the A pillar trim dislodged and nearly hit another car at highway speed but luckily did not cause an accident. This has been tagged as a SAFETY recall so how is it that we are allowed to drive around without a part replacement or the potential for them to dislodge and hit another driver for now 2 yrs? (B Pillar Recall in 2025 and still attached) I would like an explanation on how this has been allowed to go on this long. What are the limitations for a safety recall and why does Ford and NHTSA allow drivers to operate their vehicles with known safety hazards attached to their vehicle? I see these vehicles all over the road with parts still attached or one side missing. This particular vehicle has been i

20260204STRUCTURE

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 during rainy or snowy weather, snow or rain was leaking into the driver’s side B-Pillar trim. The contact stated that water was accumulating on the floor of the vehicle. 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 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20260204STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 21V316000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for several other recall repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 21V316000 (Structure); because parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20260201VISIBILITY/WIPER

Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud POP! Noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.

20260130POWER TRAIN

The transmission shifts with a harsh jerk for no apparent reason and is an intermittent not constant problem. Also when stopped at an intersection refuses to engage to power the vehicle forward for a short time 5+ second time period.

20260130VISIBILITY/WIPER

There have been EXCESSIVE delays with the repair of the A-Pillar trim. This item flew off of our vehicle while traveling down the highway at 70mph. THANKFULLY this piece did not impact the car behind us. This piece has now been missing for over 14 months. Numerous inquiries placed to dealerships and being told that the piece is still not available is not acceptable. Please encourage Ford to do better and make these pieces available for repair.

20260127STRUCTURE:BODY

2016 FORD Explorer EXTERIOR A-PILLAR & B-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP THIS MAY RESULT IN THE B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUES DETACHING WHILE DRIVING. A B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUE THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford Dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? No warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.

20260127UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2016 FORD Explorer EXTERIOR A-PILLAR & B-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP THIS MAY RESULT IN THE B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUES DETACHING WHILE DRIVING. A B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUE THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford Dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? No warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.

20260116STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 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, air was entering through the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the sealant on the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims was deteriorating. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side B-pillar trims partially detached and struck the rear driver’s side window and then flew off onto the road. The local dealer was contacted; however, the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20260110ENGINE

While driving the crankcase sensor malfunctioned and caused my vehicle to stall without warning, this is a safety issue because of you are driving at highway speeds this will prevent the vehicle from being controlled properly to get to the side of the road. This sensor does not give any engine codes suggesting that it needs replaced until it goes out completely. The check engine light did not come on until after the component failed. I ordered a new part directly through Ford and even they said "yes that part will go out without any warning at all and will shut the engine down completely". When this sensor went out, it also caused pressure to build up in the engine which in turn has led to several other components that now need to be replaced. I have a had a mechanic look at it, and it now requires a turbo intake hose and a new turbo because the pressure that was built up in the engine due to the crankcase sensor going out burst the turbo intake hose and prevented the turbo from workin

20260110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.

20260110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition

20260108STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side exterior B-pillar trim detached and flew off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The contact was informed that the dealer would call whenever parts became available. The dealer was recently contacted, and the contact was informed that some parts were received in September; however, there were currently no parts in stock. The contact had also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 240V031000 (Structure); however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20260107STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield A-pillar trim had detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact's mother was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The contact called another local dealer, Stivers Ford South (4355 Jonesboro Rd, Suite B, Union City, GA 30291), and the dealer confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the recall status. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

Compare 2016FORDEXPLORER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 FORD EXPLORER have?
The 2016 FORD EXPLORER has 2924 NHTSA complaints, 55 crashes, 18 fires, 81 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2016 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 FORD EXPLORER?
Yes, the 2016 FORD EXPLORER has 14 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 FORD EXPLORER?
The most-complained component for the 2016 FORD EXPLORER is STEERING with 498 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2016 FORD EXPLORER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 FORD EXPLORER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.