Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/13/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
2,428Complaints
14Recalls
38Crashes
14Fires
59Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (20.6% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Steering complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 2,428 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO ACCELERATE TO GET UP A HILL ON A CITY STREET AND ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE TRANSMISSION OR OTHER…”NHTSA complaint 10885312 — filed 07/17/2016 · STEERING
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER ON A BUSY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STALLED…”NHTSA complaint 10884138 — filed 07/11/2016 · STEERING
“I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY HOME FROM WORK WITH NORMAL TRAFFIC. MY SPEED WAS APPROX 60-64 OR SO. WHILE IN LEFT LANE TRAVELING…”NHTSA complaint 10872119 — filed 06/02/2016 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 501 of 2,428 NHTSA complaints (20.6%), followed by unspecified/other issues (423), engine (379), structure (364). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
2,428 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/13/2026. Of those, 38 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 59 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V435000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Ford Explorer's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/13/2026.
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