NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Ford Explorer Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,464 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Ford Explorer, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2016 Ford Explorer owner complaints

Owners have filed 2,464 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer, describing incidents dated June 28, 2015 to October 26, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Structure 592 complaints
  • Steering 531 complaints
  • Engine 483 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 433 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11773644 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair…

  • ODI #11773614 · Filed

    THE DASHBOARD COVER HAS SEPARATED FROM THE DASH JUST UNDER THR WINDSHIELD CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT JUST IN FRONT OF THE AIR VENT. THE SEPARATION HAS CAUSED THE COVERING TO DRAW UP EXPOSING WHITE INSULATION FOAM UNDERNEATH TO CAUSE A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT CREATES A VISIBILITY…

  • ODI #11772860 · Filed

    The b pillar is coming apart and may cause an incident. They put out recall in May of 2025 but still no remedy. .

Read all 2,464 complaints

Owner-reported

2016 Ford Explorer mileage at failure

1,492 of the 2,464 complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Explorer give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
StructureMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–115,000 milesBased on 289 complaints
SteeringMedian 65,000 milesMiddle half 45,000–100,000 milesBased on 342 complaints
EngineMedian 50,000 milesMiddle half 11,000–95,000 milesBased on 342 complaints
Power TrainMedian 60,000 milesMiddle half 12,000–95,000 milesBased on 150 complaints
Electrical SystemMedian 55,000 milesMiddle half 14,000–110,000 milesBased on 82 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Ford Explorer in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Roof Rail Covers May Detach

NHTSA #26V448000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported July 14, 2026 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 288,314 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 26S54 · Vehicles built starting September 19, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

NHTSA #25V685000 · Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 59,006 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25SA4 · Vehicles built starting October 20, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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 December 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.

Driver and Passenger Door Trim May Detach

NHTSA #25V347000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported May 23, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 492,145 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25S53 · Vehicles built starting June 11, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach

NHTSA #24V031000 · Structure — Body — Roof and Pillars · NHTSA notice

Reported January 19, 2024 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,889,110 vehicles

Repair completion: 20.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 24S02 · Owners notified July 18, 2024 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

NHTSA #21V537000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported July 15, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 631,176 vehicles

Repair completion: 66.79% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 21S32 · Owners notified March 16, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Roof Rail Covers May Detach

NHTSA #21V316000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported May 5, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 616,967 vehicles

Repair completion: 74.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 21S22 · Owners notified October 1, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

NHTSA #20V675000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 454,941 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S62 · Owners notified November 27, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Link Shaft Brackets May Fracture

NHTSA #20V692000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly — Axle Shaft · NHTSA notice

Reported November 10, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 15,587 vehicles

Repair completion: 68.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S63 · Owners notified February 2, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #19V435000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2019 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,194,173 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.05% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 19S17 · Owners notified June 26, 2019 · Vehicles built May 17, 2010 – January 25, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts may Loosen

NHTSA #17V767000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported November 29, 2017 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 177,264 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.32% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 17S40 · Owners notified March 16, 2018 · Vehicles built January 22, 2016 – April 19, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Hub Unit Bearing may Allow Wheel Detachment

NHTSA #17E048000 · Wheels — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported August 28, 2017 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 630 vehicles

Owners notified July 31, 2017

Defect description

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 resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.

Safety consequence

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207

NHTSA #16V475000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner · NHTSA notice

Reported June 28, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 5,280 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16C11 · Owners notified August 18, 2016 · Vehicles built February 17, 2016 – March 7, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Block Heater May Overheat

NHTSA #16V183000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,543 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16S14 · Owners notified May 18, 2016 · Vehicles built October 20, 2014 – January 28, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Tank Mounting Bolts may be Loose

NHTSA #15V605000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Mounting · NHTSA notice

Reported September 28, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 203 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15S26 · Owners notified October 19, 2015 · Vehicles built July 24, 2015 – July 24, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Parking Brake may not Fully Engage/FMVSS 135

NHTSA #15V464000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice

Reported July 24, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 7,165 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15C07 · Owners notified September 4, 2015 · Vehicles built May 4, 2015 – May 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Ford Explorer model years

Check your 2016 Ford Explorer VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Explorer at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ford VIN