2016 Ford EXPLORER: complaints, problems and recalls

SEPT 31ST - WITH 358 MILES AND LESS THAN OWNED FOR 24 HOURS ALL ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT FAILED, FLASHING ABS FAILURE LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. OCT 1ST CAR TAKEN TO JCLEWIS FORD IN SAVANAH,GA, WAS CALLED BY THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LATER AND WAS TOLD TO PICK THE CAR AND THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS TO REALIGN AND RESET COMPUTER SOFTWARE. I TOOK THE CAR AND DROVE 39 MILES AND WE SUSTAINED A TOTAL REPEAT OF THE PROBLEMS. AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA AT POINT WHAT WAS WRONG OR THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, APPROXIMATELY FIVE DAYS LATE…

Owner-reported narrative. 358 miles reported. Look up ODI 10765252 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY RENTAL (THE VEHICLE RUNNING AND IN PARK), I PRESSED #2 OF THE NUMBERED BUTTONS, NEXT TO THE LOCK CONTROLS, AND THE SEAT STARTED MOVING BY ITSELF. THE SEAT MOVED UP AND FORWARD, WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED DOWN. MY LEGS STARTED TO GET COMPRESSED BY THE STEERING WHEEL, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MY KNEES WERE BEING FORCED INTO THE PLASTIC PIECES UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. MY BODY WAS BEING FORCED AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRIED TO STOP THE SEAT FROM MOVING BY USING MY BODY TO CREATE A FORCE BUT …

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10795268 at NHTSA ↗

PURCHASED A NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN AUGUST 2015. WHEN VEHICLE WAS READY FOR PICK UP WE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE MIDDLE ROW SEAT MATERIAL WAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE FOAM CUSHION. THE SELLING DEALER SAID THEY WOULD PUT A WARRANTY CLAIM INTO FORD TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. WE RECEIVED A CALL FROM DEALER A FEW WEEKS LATER AND SAID FORD WOULD FIX THE SEAT AND TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER CLOSER TO OUR AREA TO HAVE IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY PERSON THERE WOULD NOT EVEN COME OUT AND LOOK AT IT SINCE…

Owner-reported narrative. 53 miles reported. Look up ODI 10808487 at NHTSA ↗

PURCHASED 2016 FORD EXPLORER NEW. HAS 4567 MILES ON IT. STARTING NOTICING A POPPING SOUND UNDER FOOT FLOOR BOARD DRIVER SIDE WHENEVER I FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD TO ABOUT 7 MILES PER HOUR ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME AFTER THE FIRST POP WHILE DRIVING, ONLY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD AT ABOUT 7 MPH. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE NOISE CHECKED OUT THEY ADJUSTED THE FRONT BRIDGE LINK BOLT AS PER TSB 15-0186 AND SAID THE NOISE WAS GONE. I WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND AS S…

Owner-reported narrative. 4,567 miles reported. Look up ODI 10817212 at NHTSA ↗

COOLING FAN CAUGHT ON FIRE.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10821021 at NHTSA ↗

1,400 MILES 1.1 MONTHS, AND GOT A EXTREMELY SOON PROBLEM WHIT THE RADIATOR FAN, NOISE ON BEARINGS DON'T STOP. POSSIBLY THE FAN CAN STOP WORKING SOON AFFECTING TEMPERATURE OF ENGINE HTTPS://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=438269

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10824409 at NHTSA ↗

WIFE WAS DRIVING CAR & STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT , CALLED ME & SAID CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE & SMELLED BURNING , UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND COOLING FAN MOTOR & FAN SHROUD CAUGHT ON FIRE

Owner-reported narrative. 1,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10825354 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN EXHAUST ODOR BEING RELEASED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FIRST AND SECOND OCCASIONS BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 953.

Owner-reported narrative. 953 miles reported. Look up ODI 10825455 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2015-07-24 (July 24, 2015)

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. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

Reported: 2015-09-28 (September 28, 2015)

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 the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

Consequence: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

Reported: 2016-03-31 (March 31, 2016)

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 block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

Consequence: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

Reported: 2016-06-28 (June 28, 2016)

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 Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.

Reported: 2017-11-29 (November 29, 2017)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.

Reported: 2019-06-10 (June 10, 2019)

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.

Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

Reported: 2021-03-12 (March 12, 2021)

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 York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.

Reported: 2020-11-10 (November 10, 2020)

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.

Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

Reported: 2021-05-05 (May 5, 2021)

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.

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

Reported: 2021-07-15 (July 15, 2021)

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 Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

Reported: 2024-01-19 (January 19, 2024)

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.

Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Reported: 2025-05-23 (May 23, 2025)

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

Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)

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 to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Reported: 2026-07-14 (July 14, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.