Problems · by component

2016 Ford Explorer structure problems

592 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer cite structure, 24% of all 2,464 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls on this component.

Complaints
592
24% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. They have only repaired 1 side of the trim. Dealer states driver side is on back order”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026StructureODI 11769388
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that at the time of inspection the recall repair was not necessary. The contact stated that the vehicle should be repair since the failure had occurred after the inspection. The failure mileage was 135,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026StructureODI 11768555
“The contact's wife 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 passenger’s side A-pillar trim had become loosened and pieces of the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle while driving. The contact had used a glue-like substance to secure the A-pillar trims on both sides; however, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the pillars while driving at various speeds. In addition, the passenger’s side B-pillar detached from the vehicle while at a car wash. The contact ordered the part online and had a family member attach the part to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026StructureODI 11767970
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver's and front passenger's side B-pillar trims were fractured. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026StructureODI 11768048
“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trim detached while I was driving and was flapping against the vehicle. There was a risk that the part could have completely separated from the vehicle and struck another vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the roadway. I was also distracted while attempting to manage the situation and find a safe place to stop. Operating a vehicle with components coming apart created an unsafe condition for me and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. A Ford dealership observed the detached trim and temporarily secured it with tape. The trim was later repaired; however, the same component has detached…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Steering, Electrical system, StructureODI 11767630

Showing 6 of 592 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

4 recalls on this component

Structure: body

Remedy pending

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

StructureReported Jul 14, 2026NHTSA 26V448000

Structure: body

Remedy pending

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

StructureReported May 23, 2025NHTSA 25V347000

Structure: roof and pillars

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Jan 19, 2024NHTSA 24V031000

Structure: body

Remedy pending

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.

StructureReported May 5, 2021NHTSA 21V316000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

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