2016 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls (2,450 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer is Body / frame (22% of 2,450 owner reports). There are 15 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Body / frame — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-15 2,450 complaints · 15 recalls

What problems show up on the 2016 Ford Explorer?

543 of 2,450 filings named Body / frame (22% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Steering (471 reports).

There are 15 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Engine, Suspension, Transmission / driveline, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2015 has 1,801 reports on file; this year has 2,450. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2016 Ford Explorer

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 15 campaigns on file below.
  2. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  3. Steering. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Body / frame. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Body / frame 543 complaints · 22.2% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 38
  • Fires 14
  • Injuries 58
  • Deaths 0
Compare with 2015 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Body / frame (STRUCTURE) appears in 543 of 2,450 owner complaints (22.2%) in this vehicle snapshot. Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 543 complaints, 22.2% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 3 crash reports 1 fire reports 543 · 22.2% Steering (STEERING): 471 complaints, 19.2% of reports Steering (STEERING) 7 crash reports 471 · 19.2% Engine (ENGINE): 348 complaints, 14.2% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 fire reports 348 · 14.2% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 161 complaints, 6.6% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 6 crash reports 4 fire reports 161 · 6.6% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 73 complaints, 3.0% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 73 · 3.0% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 64 complaints, 2.6% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 6 crash reports 64 · 2.6% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 61 complaints, 2.5% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 fire reports 61 · 2.5% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 59 complaints, 2.4% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 1 crash reports 59 · 2.4% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 57 complaints, 2.3% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 6 crash reports 57 · 2.3% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 785 complaints, 32.0% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 10 crash reports 4 fire reports 785 · 32.0% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 543 22.2% 3 crashes · 1 fires
Steering (STEERING) 471 19.2% 7 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 348 14.2% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 161 6.6% 6 crashes · 4 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 73 3.0% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 64 2.6% 6 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 61 2.5% 0 crashes · 3 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 59 2.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 57 2.3% 6 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 785 32.0% 10 crashes · 4 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jul 2015; the first recall shown was reported in Jul 2015. 2015-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2016-Q2: 72 owner reports 72 2016-Q3: 95 owner reports 95 2016-Q4: 33 owner reports 33 2017-Q1: 57 owner reports 57 2017-Q2: 32 owner reports 32 2017-Q3: 132 owner reports 132 2017-Q4: 37 owner reports 37 2018-Q1: 53 owner reports 53 2018-Q2: 43 owner reports 43 2018-Q3: 52 owner reports 52 2018-Q4: 33 owner reports 33 2019-Q1: 39 owner reports 39 2019-Q2: 49 owner reports 49 2019-Q3: 82 owner reports 82 2019-Q4: 59 owner reports 59 2020-Q1: 44 owner reports 44 2020-Q2: 27 owner reports 27 2020-Q3: 53 owner reports 53 2020-Q4: 39 owner reports 39 2021-Q1: 45 owner reports 45 2021-Q2: 30 owner reports 30 2021-Q3: 46 owner reports 46 2021-Q4: 37 owner reports 37 2022-Q1: 42 owner reports 42 2022-Q2: 49 owner reports 49 2022-Q3: 53 owner reports 53 2022-Q4: 52 owner reports 52 2023-Q1: 100 owner reports 100 2023-Q2: 74 owner reports 74 2023-Q3: 89 owner reports 89 2023-Q4: 49 owner reports 49 2024-Q1: 61 owner reports 61 2024-Q2: 86 owner reports 86 2024-Q3: 78 owner reports 78 2024-Q4: 43 owner reports 43 2025-Q1: 81 owner reports 81 2025-Q2: 117 owner reports 117 2025-Q3: 84 owner reports 84 2025-Q4: 63 owner reports 63 2026-Q1: 37 owner reports 37 2026-Q2: 48 owner reports 48 2026-Q3: 34 owner reports 34 2026-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 Owner reports Jul 2015 Oct 2026 Recall campaign 15V464000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V464000 Recall campaign 15V605000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V605000 Recall campaign 16V183000 ◆ Recall campaign 16V183000 Recall campaign 16V475000 ◆ Recall campaign 16V475000 Recall campaign 17E048000 ◆ Recall campaign 17E048000 Recall campaign 17V767000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V767000 Recall campaign 19V435000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V435000 Recall campaign 20V692000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V692000 Recall campaign 20V675000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V675000 Recall campaign 21V316000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V316000 Recall campaign 21V537000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V537000 Recall campaign 24V031000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V031000 Recall campaign 25V347000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V347000 Recall campaign 25V685000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V685000 Recall campaign 26V448000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V448000 Investigation EA17002 ● Investigation EA17002 Investigation PE23001 ● Investigation PE23001
  • Campaign 16V183000 was reported 34 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 16V475000 was reported 220 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 19V435000 was reported 637 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V692000 was reported 1,645 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V675000 was reported 1,278 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V316000 was reported 1,862 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V537000 was reported 1,403 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V031000 was reported 2,851 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V347000 was reported 3,341 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V685000 was reported 3,611 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V448000 was reported 3,758 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2015-Q3 Owner reports 1
2015-Q4 Owner reports 3
2016-Q1 Owner reports 13
2016-Q2 Owner reports 72
2016-Q3 Owner reports 95
2016-Q4 Owner reports 33
2017-Q1 Owner reports 57
2017-Q2 Owner reports 32
2017-Q3 Owner reports 132
2017-Q4 Owner reports 37
2018-Q1 Owner reports 53
2018-Q2 Owner reports 43
2018-Q3 Owner reports 52
2018-Q4 Owner reports 33
2019-Q1 Owner reports 39
2019-Q2 Owner reports 49
2019-Q3 Owner reports 82
2019-Q4 Owner reports 59
2020-Q1 Owner reports 44
2020-Q2 Owner reports 27
2020-Q3 Owner reports 53
2020-Q4 Owner reports 39
2021-Q1 Owner reports 45
2021-Q2 Owner reports 30
2021-Q3 Owner reports 46
2021-Q4 Owner reports 37
2022-Q1 Owner reports 42
2022-Q2 Owner reports 49
2022-Q3 Owner reports 53
2022-Q4 Owner reports 52
2023-Q1 Owner reports 100
2023-Q2 Owner reports 74
2023-Q3 Owner reports 89
2023-Q4 Owner reports 49
2024-Q1 Owner reports 61
2024-Q2 Owner reports 86
2024-Q3 Owner reports 78
2024-Q4 Owner reports 43
2025-Q1 Owner reports 81
2025-Q2 Owner reports 117
2025-Q3 Owner reports 84
2025-Q4 Owner reports 63
2026-Q1 Owner reports 37
2026-Q2 Owner reports 48
2026-Q3 Owner reports 34
2026-Q4 Owner reports 4
Recall campaign 1 15V464000
Recall campaign 1 15V605000
Recall campaign 1 16V183000
Recall campaign 1 16V475000
Recall campaign 1 17E048000
Recall campaign 1 17V767000
Recall campaign 1 19V435000
Recall campaign 1 20V692000
Recall campaign 1 20V675000
Recall campaign 1 21V316000
Recall campaign 1 21V537000
Recall campaign 1 24V031000
Recall campaign 1 25V347000
Recall campaign 1 25V685000
Recall campaign 1 26V448000
Defect investigation 1 EA17002
Defect investigation 1 PE23001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Safety Recalls (15)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Engine, Suspension, Transmission / driveline, and Body / frame.

  1. Recall campaign 15V464000

    Safety recall 15V464000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 15V605000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 16V183000

    Engine

    Report date
    Component:
    Engine (ENGINE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 16V475000

    Safety recall 16V475000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 17E048000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 17V767000

    Safety recall 17V767000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 19V435000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 20V675000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 20V692000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 21V316000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 21V537000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 24V031000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 25V347000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 25V685000

    Safety recall 25V685000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 26V448000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-14
Safety incident filters
Showing 5 of 2,450 complaints · page 1 of 98
2026-10-06Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11769388
CrashFireInjuryDeath
manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. They have only repaired 1 side of the trim. Dealer states driver side is on back order
2026-10-05Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11769014
CrashFireInjuryDeath
On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting that this be reviewed as a possible recall-repair-related safety issue. The PCM failure and associated engine/electrical problems could affect drivability and the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. The vehicle and related repair records are available for inspection.
2026-10-02Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
NHTSA ODI 11768555
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that at the time of inspection the recall repair was not necessary. The contact stated that the vehicle should be repair since the failure had occurred after the inspection. The failure mileage was 135,000.
2026-10-01Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11768397
CrashFireInjuryDeath
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [XXX] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires were flat. Believing it was unsafe to continue at normal speed, I proceeded cautiously and drove the vehicle slowly to my service center for diagnosis. After examining the vehicle, the service center informed me that the rack and pinion steering assembly was the cause of the problem I experienced. At the time of the incident, I had an extended warranty/service contract that provided powertrain coverage. However, I was informed that because the rack and pinion system in my vehicle is electronically assisted, the repair was not covered under the terms of the policy. Given the sudden loss of steering control and the potential safety risks involved, I am seeking a review of this matter by your team. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by Insurance agent who declined my insurance claim. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No prior symptoms. Approximately first week of September 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2026-09-30Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
NHTSA ODI 11768048
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver's and front passenger's side B-pillar trims were fractured. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair.

Ford Explorer Complaints by Year

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Owners named Body / frame most often — 543 of 2,450 reports (22%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Engine, Suspension, Transmission / driveline, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2016 Ford Explorer?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-14. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources