NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
This page covers 15 recalls, 2404 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Ford Explorer.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2016 Ford Explorer, the bulk of owner complaints center on structural and steering issues. On the structural side, owners frequently report wind noise and air intrusion into the cabin, often tracing it to windshield molding separation, loose or failing A and B pillar trim, and roof rail covers that lift or detach. The noise typically worsens at highway speeds. Steering complaints are nearly as common, with owners describing a loss of power assist, stiffness, or unexpected pulling, issues that tend to show up without warning during normal driving. Engine complaints come in at a distant third by volume. The windshield molding separation pattern is worth noting specifically: owners describe the seal pulling away from one or both sides, after which wind noise builds progressively with speed and doesn't go away on its own.
2,404
Total Complaints
38
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
42
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 15 recalls, the most serious involving rear suspension toe links that can fracture and cause a sudden loss of steering control.
Two fuel system concerns also carry high severity: loose fuel tank bolts can allow the tank to separate and leak fuel, and on vehicles with a 2.3L engine and block heater, the heater can overheat or crack, short circuit, and start a fire when plugged in. On the drivetrain side, a front axle halfshaft support bracket can fail on 2.0L and 2.3L front-wheel-drive models, cutting drive power and disabling the park function, which can allow the vehicle to roll. A separate parking brake recall covers vehicles where the brake may not fully engage, also creating a rollaway risk on slopes.
Two seat recalls address different problems: loose power seat adjuster bolts can cause the front seat cushion to detach in a crash, and on vehicles with a manual recline driver's seat, weak welds in the seat back frame may allow it to collapse in a crash. Three body trim recalls cover the B-pillar door trim, A-pillar trim, and roof rail covers, all of which can detach while driving and become road hazards.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The door trim on the B-pillar (between front and rear doors) on the driver and front passenger sides may detach while the vehicle is being driven.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a repair. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated November 2026.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt exposure corrodes the cross-axis ball joint, causing it to seize and fracture the rear suspension toe link.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle and rear suspension toe links at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The painted roof rail covers may detach and separate from the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
A dealer will secure the roof rail covers to prevent detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Retention pins on the roof rail covers can loosen, causing the covers to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will install push-pins and replace damaged rail clips and roof rail covers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The outboard section of the rear suspension toe link may fracture in certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles that were previously repaired under recalls 16V-245 or 19V-435.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The support bracket that holds the front drive axle halfshaft may fail, potentially affecting vehicle handling and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the link shaft bracket at no cost to you once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, affecting rear suspension alignment and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect the rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckles if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Power seat adjuster pivot bolts may loosen, causing front seat cushions to detach and fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the power seat track pivot bolt, apply threadlocker, or replace the lift link and hardware at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat back frame may have weak welds that don't meet safety standards for head restraints and seating systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat back frame and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater elements can overheat while plugged in, creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater and inspect and replace the electrical cord if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been tightened enough during assembly, causing the fuel tank straps to weaken and break over time. A broken strap could allow the fuel tank to separate from the vehicle and leak fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened during production. This can cause fuel tank straps to fracture and the fuel tank to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake may not fully engage when applied, preventing the vehicle from staying securely parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the parking brake system and replace the parking brake control assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
