PartMatchup

2016 Ford Explorer

Counts come from unverified consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and cannot be compared between models — how to read them.

Common problems reported on the 2016 Ford Explorer

Share of the 1,993 complaints on file that name each component group. A complaint can name more than one group, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Component group Complaints Share
Steering 504 25.3%
Unknown or Other 371 18.6%
Engine 362 18.2%
Structure 274 13.7%
Power Train 194 9.7%
Electrical System 104 5.2%
Engine and Engine Cooling 103 5.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System 102 5.1%
Air Bags 94 4.7%
Vehicle Speed Control 72 3.6%
Suspension 67 3.4%
Wheels 49 2.5%

1,993 complaints filed between September 18, 2015 and December 31, 2024.

At what mileage the Ford Explorer failed

Mileage at which owners reported the failure. The bar spans the middle half of the reports (25th to 75th percentile); the line inside it is the median. Shared scale within this page only.
Component group Median Reports
Steering 56,571 332
Engine 16,525 252
Structure 60,000 130
Power Train 43,600 143
Electrical System 35,000 75
Engine and Engine Cooling 73,500 90
Fuel/Propulsion System 10,000 80
Air Bags 51,000 61
Vehicle Speed Control 7,580 62
Suspension 62,000 39

Across all components, half the reported failures happened before 42,000 miles, with the middle half falling between 14,000 and 72,000. Based on the 1,304 complaints (65%) that record a mileage.

A low figure does not mean the car stops working at that mileage. It means the reported failures clustered early, which most often points to a fault built into a production batch — usually the kind of thing a warranty repair or a recall campaign addresses.

How this mix compares with other model years

Share of this model year’s complaints naming each group, against the median share across all 276 model years on this site. The tick marks that typical share.
Component group Here Typical
Engine 18.2% 16.6%
Electrical System 5.2% 13.4%
Power Train 9.7% 10.2%
Unknown or Other 18.6% 10.2%
Service Brakes 0.9% 6.4%
Steering 25.3% 6.2%
Air Bags 4.7% 5.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System 5.1% 4.5%

This compares the subjects of the complaints, not how many there are. A share needs no denominator, so unlike a count it can honestly be held against a norm — but a group sitting above the typical share means people complained about that part more often relative to everything else on this car, not that the car is worse than another.

Parts named by name

Part Complaints Median mileage
Structure: Body 155 37,500
Engine and Engine Cooling: Exhaust System 34 15,000
Steering: Rack and Pinion 18 75,000
Visibility: Windshield: Critical Fasteners 15 —
Engine and Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump 10 —
Steering: Electric Power Assist System 8 —
Visibility: Windshield 8 —
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control 6 —
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Torque Converter 6 —
Lane Departure: Assist 5 —
Structure: Body: Roof and Pillars 5 —

Most filers pick a category and stop there; only 15% of this model year’s complaints name a specific part. This table is that minority, so treat it as detail on top of the distribution above rather than as the whole picture. A dash means too few of those complaints record a mileage to publish a median.

How serious the complaints were

Reported across all complaints on file: 55 injuries and 0 deaths. These shares sit within this model’s own complaints — they say nothing about how it compares to another model.

Recall campaigns

14 campaigns. A recall repair is free at a dealer regardless of how many owners the car has had. Check the car’s own VIN — a campaign listed here may already have been carried out on it.

26V448000 Structure: Body July 14, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

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.

Campaign covered 288,314 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

25V685000 Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater October 10, 2025

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. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

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.

Campaign covered 59,006 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

25V347000 Structure: Body May 23, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

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.

Campaign covered 492,145 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

24V031000 Structure: Body: Roof and Pillars January 19, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

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.

Campaign covered 1,889,110 vehicles across model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

21V537000 Suspension: Rear July 15, 2021

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. 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.

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.

Campaign covered 631,176 vehicles across model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

21V316000 Structure: Body May 5, 2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

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.

Campaign covered 616,967 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

20V675000 Suspension: Rear March 12, 2021

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. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

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.

Campaign covered 454,941 vehicles across model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

20V692000 Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft November 10, 2020

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. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

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.

Campaign covered 15,587 vehicles across model years 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

19V435000 Suspension: Rear June 10, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear 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.

Campaign covered 1,194,173 vehicles across model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

17V767000 Seats November 29, 2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. 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.

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.

Campaign covered 177,264 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

16V475000 Seats: Front Assembly: Recliner June 28, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. 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."

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.

Campaign covered 5,280 vehicles across model year 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

16V183000 Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine March 31, 2016

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. 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.

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.

Campaign covered 1,543 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

15V605000 Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly: Mounting September 28, 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. 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.

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.

Campaign covered 203 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

15V464000 Parking Brake July 24, 2015

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. 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."

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.

Campaign covered 7,165 vehicles across model years 2015, 2016 — a count for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.

NCAP crash-test ratings

Variant Overall Frontal Side Rollover
2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD 5 5 5 4
2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD 5 5 5 4

Ratings are out of 5 stars.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

Written and checked by someone who does this work; it is not derived from the data. The complaint counts decide only the order: the assemblies this model’s owners complain about most come first.

Suspension, control arms, steering

Related complaint groups: Steering (504), Suspension (67)

With the car parked

On the road

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Low to moderate. Depends on what turns out to be the source. Plus an alignment after the replacement.

Engine and cooling system

Related complaint groups: Engine (362), Engine and Engine Cooling (103)

Come to a cold car. A warmed-up engine hides a hard start, smoke and knocking. If the car is already warm, that is a yellow flag: ask for 30–40 minutes to let it cool. A refusal to let it cool is a red flag.

With the car parked

On the road and after

Red flags

Automatic transmission

Related complaint groups: Power Train (194)

Checking the fluid level during an inspection is usually not possible — many cars need a lift, some have no dipstick at all, and Honda’s procedure differs from the rest. So this assessment is built on behavior, not on fluid.

With the car parked

On the road

Questions for the seller

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Expensive. The most expensive of the likely assemblies; a repair is often comparable to the value of the car.

Axles and CV joints

Related complaint groups: Power Train (194)

With the car parked

On the road

Cost if it needs work: Relatively low. A good indicator of how the car has been treated overall.

Airbags and the VIN recall check

Related complaint groups: Air Bags (94), Seat Belts (37)

The most reliable procedure in this library — it does not depend on hearing, experience or inspection conditions.

Required procedure

Inspection

Electrical system

Related complaint groups: Electrical System (104), Exterior Lighting (2)

With the car parked

On the road

Red flags

Brakes

Related complaint groups: Service Brakes (17)

With the car parked

On the road

After the drive

Red flags

Cost if it needs work: Moderate. Confirm actual cost against local prices at the time of purchase.

The Ford Explorer year by year

Model year Complaints Median mileage Recalls
2011 1,089 67,000 6
2012 720 62,000 5
2013 1,957 74,000 11
2014 1,422 62,205 6
2015 1,401 50,000 8
2016 (this page) 1,993 42,000 14

Read the mileage column down this table with care. A newer year has simply been driven less, so its median sits lower for that reason alone — the figure is censored from above by how long the cars have been on the road, not only by how they were built. The same applies to the complaint counts: an older year has had more years in which to collect them.

Where the mileage figure does compare cleanly is between different models of the same year, which have had the same time to accumulate miles.

Other Ford model years

All model years