Problems · by component

2016 Ford Explorer vehicle speed control problems

76 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer cite vehicle speed control, 3% of all 2,464 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
76
3% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the vehicle speed control

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Vehicle equipped with operational red and blue emergency lights prohibited by law, facilitates criminal activity such as impersonation of a police officer, civil regulatory laws regarding excess auxiliary lights, etc. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon a purchase agreement with a buyer. Vehicle has open recalls and unresolved mechanical/electrical maintenance.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11728822
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly started to decelerate. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the brakes unintendedly engaged. The “Scheduled Maintenance” light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and depressed the accelerator pedal seven times, and the vehicle started to operate as intended. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven, and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact related the failure to the results of a Google search on the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2025Vehicle speed control, Fuel system, gasolineODI 11683940
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 70 MPH. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with the TPMS warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2025Steering, Vehicle speed control, TiresODI 11658930
“My vehicles wrench sign would turn on do a little jerk then I would lose power to my car. Showed malfunction to power train. Took it to mechanic said there was a Crack in the valve gasket and they fixed that and changed spark plugs. A month later car did the same thing. Has done it a total for 4 times very scary when on a high way and it does it and I have to pull over with traffic coming. Took it to another mechanic and he couldn't figure it out either because there are no codes but said he seem something similar and I needed to change all my coils. So I did that. Thousands of dollars later and no one can still figure out the problem. I don't know if it's some safety issue with the engine or transmission. But 3 certified mechanics can not figure out why my car continues to lose power.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11649640
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2024Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11597948
“While driving on the interstate my transmission decided to stop working. I was not able to safely get off the interstate because this happened going up an incline. My explorer will not shift into any gear and the cost to replace the transmission is $5300. Ford stated that the recall #20B27 was completed on my car in 2020 but when I called after the transmission died they stated that my VIN was not eligible for the #20B27 recall. So, how was it completed if they are now saying the recall wasn’t for my car? My explorer is a 2016/2.3L/6F35 Transmission code/built in Chicago. Ford needs to recall and replace every transmission in these explorers. With so many complaints and transmission failures/problems I’m floored that nothing has been done to remedy this situation that many explorer owners are experiencing. Do better Ford.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2024Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11591861

Showing 6 of 76 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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