NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 2,467 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer.
Recalled components: body structure, suspension, seats, engine and cooling, and 4 more. Most-described problem: power steering problems or locked steering (273 complaints, 11%). Most-reported area: body structure (594 complaints, 24%; median mileage when it happened: 83,000).
One of the Explorer years to avoid
The 2016 drew 659 owner complaints in its first three years, against 193 for a typical Explorer year (about 144 for a typical year since 2016): 3.4 times as many.
Years to avoid: 2015 to 2017; best year: 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the Police Interceptor Utility (EPA lists its 3.3L flex-fuel engine as an Explorer from 2020).
14 safety recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
288,314 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Fix: 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.
492,145 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Fix: 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.
1,889,110 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
616,967 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
631,176 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Fix: 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.
454,941 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Fix: 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.
1,194,173 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
177,264 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles.
Risk: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 202 (head restraints) · 5,280 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat.
Risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
1,543 vehicles.
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fix: 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.
59,006 vehicles.
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.
Risk: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
203 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 135 (brakes) · 7,165 vehicles.
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.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Fix: 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.
15,587 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20S63.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 1 equipment recall for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Suspension: rear (Ford Motor Company, 17E-048).
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations that name the 2016 Ford Explorer; both are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
Preliminary evaluation PE23001Closed Feb 8, 2024 (opened Jan 27, 2023)
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 24V-031, listed above.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Component: Body structure (body, roof and pillars).
Exhaust odor in passenger cab
Engineering analysis EA17002Closed Jan 17, 2023 (opened Jul 27, 2017)
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Engine and cooling; Body structure.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 2,467 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Explorer. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Power steering problems or locked steering273 · 11%
Median 59,900 miles at failure, from 184 reports with mileage
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling259 · 10%
Median 58,000 miles at failure, from 162 reports with mileage
Exhaust fumes in the cabin218 · 9%
Median 20,000 miles at failure, from 171 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode119 · 5%
Median 9,000 miles at failure, from 95 reports with mileage
Airbag warning light or airbag fault97 · 4%
Median 47,000 miles at failure, from 67 reports with mileage
Check engine light93 · 4%
Median 55,500 miles at failure, from 72 reports with mileage
Overheating or coolant loss79 · 3%
Median 91,000 miles at failure, from 43 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off76 · 3%
Median 24,000 miles at failure, from 55 reports with mileage
Most named: body (204); body, door (5) · Median 83,000 miles at failure, from 291 reports with mileage
Steering532 · 22%
Most named: rack and pinion (18); electric power assist system (8) · Median 58,000 miles at failure, from 344 reports with mileage
Engine382 · 15%
Median 16,600 miles at failure, from 253 reports with mileage
Powertrain215 · 9%
Most named: automatic transmission, torque converter (7); automatic transmission (3) · Median 47,100 miles at failure, from 151 reports with mileage
Electrical system130 · 5%
Most named: instrument panel, speedometer/odometer (3) · Median 41,800 miles at failure, from 83 reports with mileage
Engine and cooling114 · 5%
Most named: exhaust system (35); cooling system, pump (10) · Median 75,600 miles at failure, from 98 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system104 · 4%
Median 10,000 miles at failure, from 79 reports with mileage
Unknown or other433 · 18%
Median 20,000 miles at failure, from 230 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford Explorer recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2016 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659).
Owner complaints
2016: 2,467 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Complaints
2010
115
2011
1,198
2012
831
2013
2,239
2014
1,684
2015
1,820
2016
2,467
2017
1,706
2018
736
2019
303
2020
1,256
2021
463
2022
277
2023
115
2024
21
2025
113
2026
44
Safety recalls
2016: 14 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
5
2013
11
2014
6
2015
8
2016
14
2017
13
2018
7
2019
6
2020
34
2021
27
2022
25
2023
15
2024
10
2025
22
2026
16
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 2,467 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer, the problems described most are power steering problems or locked steering (273), steering rack problems such as sticking, play or pulling (259), and exhaust fumes in the cabin (218). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2016 Ford Explorer earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2016 Ford Explorer?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2016 Ford Explorer. It lists 2 closed ones; the most recent closed on Feb 8, 2024.
How do I check if my Explorer has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: EXPLORER.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.