Structure: body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 2,464 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Most complaints involve structure (592) and steering (531). The EPA rates it 18–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Explorer model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,468 |
| 1997 | 1,789 |
| 1998 | 2,099 |
| 1999 | 1,465 |
| 2000 | 1,078 |
| 2001 | 730 |
| 2002 | 3,613 |
| 2003 | 1,313 |
| 2004 | 1,408 |
| 2005 | 568 |
| 2006 | 635 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1,197 |
| 2012 | 830 |
| 2013 | 2,237 |
| 2014 | 1,684 |
| 2015 | 1,814 |
| 2016 | 2,464 |
| 2017 | 1,713 |
| 2018 | 733 |
| 2019 | 302 |
| 2020 | 1,247 |
| 2021 | 452 |
| 2022 | 271 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 107 |
| 2026 | 44 |
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [XXX] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires were flat. Believing it was unsafe to continue at normal speed, I proceeded cautiously and drove the vehicle slowly to my service center for diagnosis. After examining the vehicle, the service center informed me that the rack and pinion steering assembly was the cause of the problem I experienced. At the time of the incident, I had an extended warranty/service contract that provided powertrain coverage. However, I was informed that because the rack and pinion system in my vehicle is electronically assisted, the repair was not covered under the terms of the policy. Given the sudden loss of steering control and the potential safety risks involved, I am seeking a review of this matter by your…”
“On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 410 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 428 |
| Explorer 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 452 |
| Explorer FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 452 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 474 |
| Explorer AWD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 474 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 490 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
15 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2,464 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (592), steering (531), engine (382). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Explorer at 18–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall.