Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Before you buy
- Windshield pillar trim detachment: about 1 in 6 complaints.
- Power steering rack failure: about 1 in 6 complaints. Ask whether the steering gear or rack has been replaced, and on a test drive listen for popping or grinding while turning and watch for steering fault warnings.
- Exhaust fumes in cabin: about 1 in 6 complaints.
- Safety: Throttle body failure and power loss (can affect control: 19 of 19 reports), about 1 in 16 complaints.
- Run the free VIN recall check for the 15 recalls to confirm on this model, starting with the structure recall (26V448000).
Based on a random sample of 300 of the 2,448 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model, read and summarized with AI. 283 of them describe a failure the owner experienced; the rest (recall notices, parts delays, worries) are left out of these counts. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Known problems
What owners report most often, grouped into named problems. Summaries are written by AI from the complaints; open a problem to read the owners' own words.
Windshield pillar trim detachment
Owners report the A-pillar and windshield trim or molding loosening and blowing off the vehicle at highway speed, with some saying recall replacement parts were unavailable.
- How common
- 54 of the 300 complaints we read (18%), roughly 441 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 52 of 54 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 24V031000, 25V347000. Check the VIN for it.
- Driver's side A-pillar trim flapped in the wind while driving, and the passenger's side trim and a B-pillar trim were later found partially missing or detached while parked. · filed Apr 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim was flapping in the wind. While the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side trim was partially missing. The contact stated that on another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side B-pillar trim was partially detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11731293
- Driver's side A-pillar trim detached three separate times, including once in Mexico where a mobile mechanic repaired it, but the problem kept worsening. · filed Apr 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Upon arriving at the destination, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The A-pillar trim was pushed back into place. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact's wife pushed the trim piece back into place and removed a piece of the trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while in Mexico, the driver's side A-pillar detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired by a mobile mechanic in Mexico. However, the contact stated that the failure worsened. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11729104
- Driver's side A-pillar trim blew off after a loud popping sound while driving 70 mph; recall repair parts were unavailable. · filed Mar 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The following day the contact became aware that the A-pillar trim on the driver's side had blown off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11728336
Power steering rack failure
Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist, steering that sticks or locks up, and popping, grinding or knocking when turning, often with steering fault warnings. Dealers commonly found a failed steering rack or gear assembly.
- How common
- 52 of the 300 complaints we read (17%), roughly 424 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 39 of 52 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 24V031000, 25V347000. Check the VIN for it.
Before you buy: Ask whether the steering gear or rack has been replaced, and on a test drive listen for popping or grinding while turning and watch for steering fault warnings.
- Power steering assist was lost turning at 40 mph; a mechanic found the steering wheel had failed; manufacturer denied paying for repair. · filed Jun 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000(Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11666637
- Power steering, ABS, and traction control all went out at random; owner says earlier model years had a recall for the same problem. · filed Dec 2024
Read the owner's complaint
Randomly, the power steering, ABS, and traction control went out on my car. There are thousands of others with this issue and previous years of this car have already had a recall relating to this issue.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11632449
- Steering wheel made abnormal grinding sounds; dealer determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced, but it was not repaired. · filed Aug 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made abnormal grinding sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,400.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11607548
Exhaust fumes in cabin
Owners report exhaust or carbon monoxide smell entering the cabin, mostly during acceleration, with some describing headaches, nausea, dizziness or feeling faint. Dealer repairs often did not stop the smell from returning.
- How common
- 50 of the 300 complaints we read (17%), roughly 408 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 49 of 50 reports; 3 reports mention an injury
- Exhaust fumes entered the cabin while driving; dealer was aware but did not repair it, and owner stopped driving out of safety concerns. · filed Jan 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned for his safety and discontinued driving on the roadways. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11499884
- Owner says carbon monoxide was leaking into the cabin, causing a strong odor at various speeds; manufacturer provided no assistance and the vehicle remains unrepaired. · filed Jan 2022
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and rolled the windows down. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that Carbon Monoxide was leaking into the vehicle. After researching, the contact became aware that there were similar vehicles that were experiencing the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance; the contact was instead referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11448239
- Exhaust fumes leak into the cabin during moderate to heavy acceleration, worsening when the windows are open. · filed Oct 2021
Read the owner's complaint
Exhaust leaks into cab under moderate to heavy acceleration with windows closed it is even worse when accelerating with the windows open
NHTSA complaint ODI #11435312
Throttle body failure and power loss
Owners report the vehicle suddenly losing power or stalling while driving, often with the wrench warning light on and an unresponsive accelerator. Dealers diagnosed and replaced a failed throttle body in several cases.
- How common
- 19 of the 300 complaints we read (6%), roughly 155 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 19 of 19 reports
- A service-vehicle message appeared while driving at 10 mph and the accelerator pedal failed to respond as expected; the cause was not found. · filed Feb 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the message to service the vehicle was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and the message was no longer displayed. The contact stated that while depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was inspected to see if there were any leaks coming from the transmission. The contact called the Bob Johnson Auto Group to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11643355
- Car stalled at a red light in heavy traffic and ran rough after restarting; owner says a known throttle body defect prompted a Ford stop-sale. · filed Nov 2023
Read the owner's complaint
I was stopped at a major intersection (very busy) at a red light when my car quit. I tried to restart the car but nothing happened. I was at the bottom of a hill, which has a turn not long before you reach this intersection, the speed limit is 45 mph but its normal for cars to average 50-60 mph. I put my flashers on and called AAA. Cars were piling up behind me trying to get in the other lane, horns were blowing, it was a dangerous situation! I had to remain in my car as it was not safe to get out and try to get to the side of the road. After about 15 minutes I tried to start the car again, I was able to get it going and remove myself from an unsafe situation. The car was not running properly, it was "bucking" and trying to stall, fortunately I was able to get to a safe area to pull over and get it towed. The above was written by my wife, I was not there. I am a retired Staff Engineer for a major OE and have authored many Recalls over my 35 years. This issue is a dangerous pattern failure that Ford issued a Stop Sale for. The failed part, the ETB located on the Throttle body is used on multible models with exactly the same failure. How this hasn't been recalled is amazing. This is a known safety problem, pattern failure of the ETB across madels lines that use that engine (3.5). My car is safe now but what about the ones that will failure tomorrow?
NHTSA complaint ODI #11555649
- A wrench warning and airbag light came on and the vehicle lost all power, going into a rough-idling safe mode; shop diagnosed a throttle body malfunction, and owner says Ford declined to help since the warranty extension had expired. · filed Mar 2023
Read the owner's complaint
This is a known issue with the 2018 Explorer. A warning came on the dash with a wrench that says, see manual along with the airbag light. The vehicle lost all power, went into a safe mode and would only idle rough. The shop diagnosed this as a known issue with the throttle body malfunctioning. I called Ford and although there was a min extension done to the warranties for this car, it expired. This needs to be recalled. Had this of happened at interstate speed, myself and my entire family could have been severely injured or killed.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11510978
Airbag warning light wiring faults
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on, traced to loose or frayed wiring harnesses under the driver's seat or at the second-row inflatable seat belts. Repairs sometimes did not keep the light off.
- How common
- 12 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 98 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Reduced safety margin: 12 of 12 reports
- Rear airbag warning light illuminates from a worn seatbelt connector; owner says Ford refuses to fix it, calling it not a safety issue. · filed Jun 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The rear seats in my 2016 ford explorer platinum have a know air bag issue that ford said is not a safety issue when addressed. It is a know issue by ford and they refuse to fix it because it is not under recall. The air bag light illuminate due to a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector which in turn will cause the rear airbags to not deploy during an accident.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11664448
- Airbag warning light intermittently illuminated and deactivated all airbags; dealer diagnosed a faulty second row seat belt wiring harness and pretensioner, repairing it three times without fixing the problem. · filed Jul 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel, causing the deactivation of all the other air bags. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the seat belt wiring harness and seat belt pretensioner on the second row. The vehicle was repaired three times for the same failure, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11534667
- After a rear seat airbag recall repair replaced the driver side airbag wiring harness, the airbag light came back on for a defective passenger side harness; owner says the dealer refused to fix it, claiming the recall was already resolved. · filed Mar 2023
Read the owner's complaint
My vehicle had a rear seat air bag recall. i brought the vehicle in for the recall and during a test of the airbag system the driver side air bag had a fault and the harness was replaced. Ford indicated that the vehicle airbag system is operational. I got a airbag light come on the dash and an appointment was made. They told me that the passenger side airbag harness is defective. They would not repair the issue because they said that the recall had been resolved and this is a new one? I feel that they did not resolve the issue since it is a electrical harness issue that needed a recall for the entire vehicle. since they said the fixed the driver side they will not honor the recall. I feel this is not fair for the consumer and the safety of the passengers. I feel that there should be another recall on all airbags electrical harness. I feel that they did not complete the job since it was the same issue that caused the recall for the rear seat should cover all airbags in the vehicel.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11509739
B-pillar trim detachment
Owners report the B-pillar trim, including the piece holding the door keypad, cracking and detaching, sometimes while driving, with recall parts unavailable.
- How common
- 11 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 90 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 11 of 11 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 25V347000, 24V031000. Check the VIN for it.
- B-pillar door trim came off; owner says the recall has been open since May 2025 with still no parts or repair available. · filed Sep 2026
Read the owner's complaint
B-Pillar door trim came off of 2016 Ford Explorer. There has been a recall on this problem since May 2025. This problem is still listed as no repair or parts available. It is now Sept. 2026. 1 1/2 years is too long for a company to delay in solving this safety problem and/or providing parts for said problem.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11763832
- Water entered the B-pillar trim, causing it to detach; the dealer confirmed the recall repair parts are backordered. · filed May 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000. The contact stated that the water had entered the B-pillar trim and had detached. The local dealer was contacted who confirmed who confirmed the parts were backordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11740855
- Passenger-side B-pillar trim separated from the vehicle while driving 65 mph on a windy day; owner says the dealer denied the recall repair citing an expired warranty. · filed Mar 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on a significantly windy day, the passenger's side exterior B-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11725632
Transmission slipping and failure
Owners report the transmission slipping, shifting hard, surging or lurching, refusing to engage gear, and in some cases failing completely at highway speed.
- How common
- 11 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 90 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 9 of 11 reports
- Vehicle bucked forward violently while driving with children in the car and had to be towed home; no mechanic can diagnose the cause. · filed Aug 2026
Read the owner's complaint
Transmission is company. Was driving and it bucked forward SO bad I had a panic attack with my kids in the back and had to have it towed home. Sounds like a computer issue because no me manic can figure out what’s wrong with it. Dealership had put in a ‘brand new’ transmission when I bought it in 2021.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11760738
- Vehicle lost all transmission power while driving, and the owner barely got it off the road; owner says the transmission is not fixable. · filed Jul 2026
Read the owner's complaint
Lost all power in the transmission while driving down the road. Transmission is not fixable. Could barely get the car off the road
NHTSA complaint ODI #11749922
- Transmission slips and loses power, gets stuck in gear, and shifts hard, nearly causing a collision pulling into traffic; owner says Ford refuses to help or cover the repair. · filed Dec 2024
Read the owner's complaint
There has been an ongoing issue with my vehicle since it was last taken to service for a recall. The transmission has premature failure. I have had the entire vehicle powertrain fluids changed and nothing has helped. My boyfriend has been driving the vehicle and will not let me drive it anymore because it is unsafe. The transmission has torque converter issues. It has got stuck in second gear and when we went to pull out into traffic it would not move and we nearly got T-Boned. That happened while I was with him and I'm afraid to use it. He has to drive it to work because I have his vehicle and he wants me and my daughter to be safe. He says its downshifting hard when slowing down. It will downshift hard and loose power when trying to speed up on the interstate or while trying to get on the interstate. It shifts hard into reverse and is delayed shifting. Its lost power due to the transmission slipping. There has never been any check engine lights come on. Ford will do absolutely nothing about it. The vehicle has around 62,000 miles on it now and its gotten worse and is going to cause an accident or kill someone. I have called ford several times and they don't seem to care. They want me to go have it fixed and pay for it. I don't have that kind of money and I should not have to pay for there problem. Its a known issue I found out by searching online, even lawsuits. They need to recall these transmissions and fix the issue with them before someone is killed. If there hasn't already been deaths. Its unsafe. It has put me and my daughter at risk. Other drivers at risk and now with him having to drive it, his life is at risk everyday! Ford does not care about people or their family. They know they put a bad transmission in these vehicles and it cause premature wear. The transmission fluid is black, smells burnt and even metal shavings in it. Its a ticking bomb and its unfair they want me to pay for their mistakes!
NHTSA complaint ODI #11630790
Hankook tire tread separation
Owners report the original Hankook tires wearing out early and the tread peeling, delaminating or separating at low mileage.
- How common
- 9 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 73 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 7 of 9 reports
- All four tires developed tread separation, worse on the front two, and failed to maintain proper tire pressure. · filed Nov 2020
Read the owner's complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5MNC 1A H 0716. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF TREAD SEPARATION ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MORE SEVERE ON THE TWO FRONT TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,132.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11373795
- OEM Hankook tires began disintegrating at around 20,000 miles. · filed Aug 2018
Read the owner's complaint
OEM HANKOOK TIRES TIRES HAVE BEGUN DISINTEGRATING AROUND 20K MILES
NHTSA complaint ODI #11118940
- Original Hankook tires lost nearly all tread before 20,000 miles and the vehicle hydroplaned on the highway; owner says Ford and the tire maker each blamed the other. · filed Aug 2018
Read the owner's complaint
I LEASED A NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT MODEL BACK IN MAY OF 2016. AS OF TODAY'S DATE I ONLY HAVE 18,977 MILES ON IT. THE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 ORIGINAL FACTORY TIRES HAVE ALMOST NO TREAD LEFT ON ANY OF THE 4 TIRES. I PAID NO ATTENTION TO THE TREAD UNTIL I HYDROPLANED ON THE HIGHWAY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT WITH THESE TIRES. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AND HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE, EACH BLAMING EACH OTHER. THIS IS A 50,000 MILE TIRE HOWEVER LOSING ALL IT'S TREAD BEFORE 20,000 MILES. THIS IS FRAUD AND A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON THIS SAME TIRE HOWEVER NOT FOR THIS SIZE 255/50R20 105H.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11115842
Water pump leak and failure
Owners report the internal water pump leaking coolant or failing, with coolant temperature warnings, and worry it can cause engine failure.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 65 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 2 of 8 reports
- Engine temperature gauge showed overheating while driving at 40 mph, prompting the owner to stop; an independent mechanic diagnosed a failed water pump. · filed Mar 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11649595
- Water pump leaked coolant and the heater stopped working when idling; owner warns the leak could let coolant mix with oil and seize the engine. · filed Feb 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The explorer started having issues with the heater not working when stopped. After some research it recommended that we check the coolant level. The coolant was low. Then we refilled it and then it happened again 3 weeks later and the coolant was low. This made us believe there was a coolant leak. After removing the bottom cover under the car it was saturated with coolant with drops coming from various areas on the passenger side. We took it to a mechanic and then transferred to a dealer and both confirmed it was the water pump. Ford negligently designed the water pump within the engine with the timing chain. If enough of the coolant mixes with oil it will cause the engine to seize and the car to shut off. I have two little kids that are in the car with me. This negligent placement can lead to cars seizing in unsafe areas. It was confirmed by a private mechanic and a ford dealer and there were no warning lights. Other than the heat not functioning properly there we no other signs or lights of water pump failure.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11573259
- Internal water pump is leaking, requiring extensive engine work to repair; owner says this is a known design issue Ford addressed in later models. · filed Dec 2023
Read the owner's complaint
Coolant (water) pump leak, leading to replacement or eventual failure. As the pump is located internally of the engine, the effort to repair is quite extensive. This is a known issue for this engine, with previous versions under a recall. The pump location was relocated externally of the engine in future designs, further evidence of the knowledge of the issue.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11562045
Torque converter shudder and failure
Owners report shuddering, rough idle and jolting, and in some cases a failed torque converter leaving the vehicle acting as if in neutral. Owners note Ford's repair program had expired.
- How common
- 5 of the 300 complaints we read (2%), roughly 41 of all 2,448 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 4 of 5 reports
- Vehicle vibrated with a knocking sound and rough downshifts, failing to accelerate; dealer diagnosed torque converter failure but left it unrepaired. · filed Aug 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the transmission. In addition, the vehicle drove roughly while the transmission was downshifting, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced, or the transmission could be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Technical Service Bulletin: 20B27. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11681450
- Torque converter failed while driving, causing the vehicle to act like it was in neutral; owner says Ford's repair program for this had expired. · filed Aug 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The torque converter failed in my explorer while driving, making it act like it was in neutral. Luckily I was on a small road with little traffic, and able to pull over to a side street before my car was complete undrivable. If this happened on the highway or while turning, it probably would have cause a major issue or accident. NO warning lights on my dash and NO problem codes reported on OBD scanner tool. Ford has put out their own CSP for this issue a while ago and when I asked about it they told me it was expired. How can something they know is an issue expire? Dealership repair confirmed it was the torque converter and has to rebuild the transmission. I even found a service bulletin ford release about this problem, so they know about it.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11607796
- Torque converter caused rough idling, delayed acceleration followed by a forward jolt, and abnormal shaking while driving, reversing, or stopped. · filed Jul 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped, the engine was idling rough. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle was slow to respond and then jolted forward. While driving, reversing, or at a stop, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the torque converter. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,400.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11597948
Less common problems (complaints in the sample)
- Steering column failure (3)
- Dashboard leather peeling (2)
- Engine coolant leak (2)
- Liftgate opens unexpectedly (2)
- Rear glass shattering (2)
- Rearview camera image problems (2)
- Tire sidewall cracks and blowouts (2)
- ABS and speed control failure (1)
- Accelerator pedal failure (1)
- Battery acid leak (1)
- Brake fluid leak (1)
- Cracked D-pillar trim (1)
- Cracked transmission mount (1)
- Cylinder head coolant leak (1)
- Door lock failure (1)
- EGR leaking coolant into turbo (1)
- Engine oil leak (1)
- Engine overheating (1)
- Engine seizure (1)
- Exhaust rotten egg smell (1)
- Front axle separation (1)
- Front gearbox fracture (1)
- Front suspension popping noise (1)
- Fuel smell in cabin (1)
- Hood paint bubbling (1)
- Liftgate water leak (1)
- Loose door trim rattle (1)
- Loose driver seat (1)
- Melted fuse box relays (1)
- Pillar water leak (1)
- Power transfer unit leak (1)
- Rear doors won't unlock (1)
- Rear suspension sway (1)
- Rear toe link instability (1)
- Roof rack coming loose (1)
- Seat fabric fraying (1)
- Steering shaft failure (1)
- Sunroof opens by itself (1)
- Suspension failure locking steering (1)
- Timing chain failure (1)
- Transfer case shudder (1)
- Turbocharger exhaust leak smell (1)
- Vehicle fire (1)
- Wheel bearing failure (1)
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Structure recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
How does it compare with other years? The 2016 has 2,448 complaints on file, more than the 2015 (1,782) and more than the 2017 (1,691). That is the most of the 17 model years of the Ford Explorer we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.