CarModelProblems.com

2016 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

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.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering501 · 20.6%No official action
Engine379 · 15.6%RecalledRecall 16V183000
Structure364 · 15%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 25V347000
Power Train199 · 8.2%RecalledRecall 20V692000
Structure:body196 · 8.1%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 25V347000
Electrical System119 · 4.9%No official action

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.

Complaints by component

STEERING501 · 20.6%
Unspecified / other423 · 17.4%
ENGINE379 · 15.6%
STRUCTURE364 · 15%
POWER TRAIN199 · 8.2%
STRUCTURE:BODY196 · 8.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119 · 4.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM103 · 4.2%
AIR BAGS99 · 4.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL74 · 3%

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.

Recalls — 14 campaigns

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 2019 · reported 06/10/2019

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

Wheels:hub

NHTSA campaign 17E048000 · 2017 · reported 08/28/2017

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 16V475000 · 2016 · reported 06/28/2016

The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats

NHTSA campaign 17V767000 · 2017 · reported 11/29/2017

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

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

NHTSA campaign 15V605000 · 2015 · reported 09/28/2015

If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 16V183000 · 2016 · reported 03/31/2016

Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Parking Brake

NHTSA campaign 15V464000 · 2015 · reported 07/24/2015

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

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 2021 · reported 05/05/2021

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · 2020 · reported 11/10/2020

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

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · 2021 · reported 07/15/2021

A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 2020 · reported 03/12/2021

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 2024 · reported 01/19/2024

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

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 25V347000 · 2025 · reported 05/23/2025

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

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 it Park 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

7201531120163282017230201829220192142020183202122920223862023334202438620251092026

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.