Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Ford Explorer problems

Owners filed 2,464 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between Sep 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is structure (592).

Complaints
2,464
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
39
Reported by owners
Fires
14
Reported by owners
Injuries
59
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Structure592
  2. Steering531
  3. Engine382
  4. Power train215
  5. Electrical system128
  6. Engine and engine cooling114
  7. Fuel/propulsion system104
  8. Air bags99
  9. Vehicle speed control76
  10. Suspension73
  11. Wheels50
  12. Seat belts40
  13. Visibility36
  14. Visibility/wiper32

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20154
2016213
2017260
2018182
2019229
2020167
2021158
2022197
2023313
2024269
2025345
2026127

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Structure

592 reports4 crashes1 fire4 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026StructureODI 11773644

Steering

531 reports10 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026SteeringODI 11768397

Engine

382 reports3 crashes3 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11769014

Power train

215 reports6 crashes4 fires1 related recall
“The contact called on behalf of his wife, who owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched online and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V164000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Power trainODI 11753015

Electrical system

128 reports1 crash6 fires
“2016 Ford Explorer, Falling pedal to the floor. acceleration of high speed. No physical obstuction. Noted that 2016 Ford Exployers have been highly documented for widw spread issue, which involves a defective EIB. Noted that automobile will be sent to dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11771979

Engine and engine cooling

114 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in traffic, a trim piece detached from the vehicle. The TPMS and check engine warning light were illuminated. The dealer sent a tech to the contact’s place of employment, but the tech was unable to complete the recall repair due to the bolt not being available. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that the turbocharger had been replaced on three occasions. Upon investigation, the contact had linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Structure, TiresODI 11691665
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.