Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ford Explorer
The 2016 Ford Explorer is generally solid but has notable recalls and complaints, especially related to body structure and steering. Common structural issues include roof rail and trim detachment, while steering has a high number of complaints. Limited engine issues are reported. Pay close attention to these areas during inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,464 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V448000 Roof Rail Covers May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V347000 Driver and Passenger Door Trim May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V031000 Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V537000 Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V316000 Roof Rail Covers May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V675000 Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V692000 Link Shaft Brackets May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V435000 Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V767000 Front Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts may Loosen NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17E048000 Hub Unit Bearing may Allow Wheel Detachment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V475000 Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V183000 Engine Block Heater May Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V605000 Fuel Tank Mounting Bolts may be Loose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V464000 Parking Brake may not Fully Engage/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 592 complaints
- Steering 531 complaints
- Unknown or Other 433 complaints
- Engine 382 complaints
- Power Train 215 complaints
- Electrical System 128 complaints
Of the 2,464 complaints on file, 39 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 2,464 complaints, owners report 59 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Roof rail covers detach
How to check: Inspect roof rails for looseness or missing covers
Steering issues
How to check: Feel for excessive play or stiffness during steering
Rear suspension toe links may fracture
How to check: Listen for unusual noises when driving over bumps
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear changes
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 03
Turning corners
What to check: Check steering response and noises
Red flag: Grinding or resistance
- 04
City driving
What to check: Ensure brakes are responsive
Red flag: Vibration or delayed stopping
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Look for stability at higher speeds
Red flag: Vehicle pulling or wobbling
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check ease of steering and tight turns
Red flag: Stiff or unpredictable steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the roof rail recall been addressed?
- Are there any issues with the steering?
- Has the rear suspension been inspected?
- Are all recalls completed?
- Any recent repairs for the engine?
- Do you have maintenance records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Proof of ownership
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
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