275 complaints reported

2016 Ford Explorer UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
275
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
9

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Oct 2026

Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 1969
Oct 2026

Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Dec 2025

the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Dec 2025

Recall ford # 21S22 roof rack cap. I called ford and reported that the roof rack cap has broken off. They stated that recall for my vehicle has been completed and closed. If the issue is still happening after the recall has been established even if it has been repaired, why is it still not covered under the recall. The repairs made to correct it were obviously not adequate.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2025
Nov 2025

When driving my Explorer feels like the gear is stuck making the vehicle jerk. Very loud at start up from fan. I have taken it to get the code read, I think it stated transmission needed to get checked.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2025

The windshield trim on my car is missing. There is a recall on this but there is no remedy yet. With this not being fixed it is causing a safety issue with our car as well as allowing our car to flood inside when it rains. I have contacted Ford and they told me unfortunately there was nothing they could do at this time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

I was made aware of a recall for my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport involving the Exterior A-Pillar Appliqué molding recall#24S02 and NHTSA# 24V031 I had an inspection done on 12/30/24 and it was determined at that time it needed to be replaced, but parts were not yet available. I have since then regularly checked with the dealership to see if parts were available, but they have not become available. I reached out to Ford directly on 7/28/25 and was told my case was escalated and I need to work with my 'case handler' who did not contact me until 8/11/25 after I made multiple repeated requests to speak to someone. They informed me there are no parts, there is no ETA and despite assurances to the contrary(they informed me that they "...works daily with your dealership's management team." have not spoken to the service advisor at the dealership as of yet. their case number at ford is [XXX] The part flew off on the highway on [XXX] and now today, [XXX] the rubber around the windshield is coming loose. Ford continues to say they have no updates. The dealership said the last they checked, last week, there were over 30,000 orders in for this part, that Ford was no longer accepting new orders from dealers for this, and that they will not give any ETA on this being remedied. I'm concerned that more damage is being done to my vehicle and based on Ford's behavior thus far will try to not cover any additional repairs that caused by their inability to provide a repair in a reasonable and timely fashion. I'd like this repaired, correctly, and any other repairs necessary due to the delay, by no later than the end of the month of August. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Nov 2025

Ford has been unable to repair our vehicle for over a YEAR because they say they can't get parts for recall # 25V347. We have contacted multiple Ford dealerships in a 300 mile radius. The outside noise coming from around the windshield area has increased. This is a major safety issue. I'm fearful that many people will be killed when the windshield and connected components start blowing out while driving. If Ford had been serious about getting manufactured parts out to dealers, they would be available. It appears that Ford has made a calculated decision to attempt to wait out owners. This is a dangerous situation for all concerned. We request repairs or an equitable solution.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Nov 2025

Top pillar on car came off and almost hit vehicle. Ford really did a bad job with the graphics of this vehicle. Just like the pillars on the front of the car now this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Oct 2025

When accelerating more rapidly (like getting on interstate), a burning smell will enter the cabin. It is not noticed at low speeds, nor when acceleration to high speeds happens gradually. The smell is strong and lingers for about one minute.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Oct 2025

The rear camera is compromised because water gets inside and is blocking the view of the camera. You are unable to use the rear backup camera because the view is completely blocked or blurred by the water or moisture that is able to get in.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2025

The water pump has been replaced 3 times within a 2 year period on this vehicle . Something is causing it to fail and the constant leaking of fluid causes the vehicle to drive erratically in highway traffic. The alternator has been replaced twice within a 10 month period. Something is causing it to fail and it has caused major anxiety because the vehicle has completely turned off in the middle of extreme traffic. This is a dangerous situation and has yet to be fully remedied. I believe this model to be a lemon.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 2025

Windshield pillar molding has detached. I have called a local dealer 4 times over the past three months for repairs. Local dealer (Tamiami Ford Naples Florida) states that parts are not available. NTHSA has published a letter from Ford on approximately July 18, 2024 that parts are available for the repair. Additionally NTHSA has published a quarterly update in October of 2024 that 51,000 repairs have been done on this recall. I see the parts available at various dealerships around the country. Please advise on what Ford motor Co plans on doing to complete these repairs Or is my local dealer misinformed?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

My B-pillar trim flew off while I was driving down the road. We received a recall letter and got in contact with the Ford dealership where I live. They came out to asses the vehicle and said they would call me when they received the part to be replaced. I have been waiting at least a year for it to be fixed. I have called several times but they keep telling me the part is on back order and they will call me when it comes in.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2025

A-Pillar trim on both sides of my windshield flew off while driving over one year ago. Contacted Ford multiple times and parts are still not available to make the repair under recall 24S02. Ford still does not have parts for 18 months. Please do something to require Ford to make the parts to fix this recall. Thank you.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Jul 2025

Was driving on the highway at an high speed and abruptly received a message “power steering failure” the steering wheel locked up. After a few seconds I was able to find a way to safely maneuver lanes but it was very difficult to maintain control Of vehicle. Upon re starting car the error popped up again and the wheel is now completely locked. Upon conversation with a family member about the occurrence we found out this happened to their car as well. Same make year and model. Upon research this sounds to be a problem in the 2016 Explorers and is a major safety concern. This could have ended extremely badly.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The active recall for the trim only includes the front two trim pillars. There are trim pillars down each window on this vehicle, making that a total of 8 pieces of trim for the windows. Driving down the highway my drivers side window trim pillar (which includes a lock panel with wiring) blew off and almost hit another vehicle that was passing me, while with my children, causing me to have to pull over multiple times and even try to find a back road home. There are so many Ford Explorers missing various pieces of trim from the window areas. I’ve been told by Ford mechanics that they all have cracking on the rear window trim pillars due to brackets so I am assuming those will fly off soon as well. Now I can’t drive on the highway to doctor’s appointments due to the safety issues of this vehicle. I cannot afford to keep forking thousands into this vehicle nor should I have to. Overall the whole Ford Explorer model should be rechecked. We purchased this car due to safety awards only to be dealing with very unsafe conditions. From pieces of the vehicle flying off down the road to air bag lights, etc. Please if you’re able, look into these other trim pieces on the car. Also the front piece of plastic running under the windshield is lifting and not sealed appropriately to the window causing a loose windshield, in addition the rubber going around the inside of the windshield is not sealed causing the rubber to lift and slap around on the vehicle. I have notified Ford of these issues and they directed me here. Thank you for your time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Jun 2025

Spoke to Maplecrest Ford in Union NJ about the front Pilars recall. Maplecrest ford took pictures of the pilars in September 2024 and told me in January that they will replace them. January became April , Abril became June. Now Maplecrest ford is back to the beginning by taking pictures again and waiting on Ford for approval to replace the pilars.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
May 2025

The Backup camera stopped working and has a message that says contact dealership. It is blacked out and may cause a crash while reversing. Thank you. Ford has known issues and already has a recall for 2020-2023. This is a 2016.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

I went to the dealer, Parsons Ford. The pillar b even has the weather stripping from recall is even detaching. Which they saw and stated its part of the recall. No recommendations to fox it. They said no parts or remedy at this time. Today when driving I heard noise and looked over. Saw the stripping getting worse. I contacted Ford and they say the same thing. This recall has been out since 2024 and no one wants to even fix it. I have a newborn coming and this is the only car I can use to transport her. I feel this is a safety risk not just for us but other people. See the pictures below all from today 9/5. The weather stripping is coming off more. I called Parsons Ford, they were to call me back. No response back today. Ford Social Media filed a claim and dealer to reach out. No response. All responses from Ford and myself today.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

A-pillar trim has been under recall since Jan. 2024. Ford estimated having the parts "the later half of 2024". Here it is June of 2025 and still no repair. Is it going to take a tragedy to motivate Ford? In no way could this be considered a "timely repair".

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Feb 2025 Crash

Unknown

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Feb 2025

1. Yes 2. my front window can shatter 3. there is a recall open up on it 4.no 5. yes the trim came off going down the highway and started flapping against my window and it sounded like gun shots My front window is making a god awful sound and the trim is coming loose and flapping. They said the parts would be here in 2024 this is very dangerous with driving

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Jan 2025

I am writing to formally express my profound disappointment with the excessive delay in shipping parts related to the recall of the A-Pillar trim piece for my vehicle. It has been over two months since the dealer removed these trim pieces from my car in compliance with the recall process, yet the replacement parts have not been provided. This delay is both unacceptable and deeply frustrating, as it has resulted in my vehicle being driven in a state that is visibly unprofessional and not reflective of the quality standards I expected from Ford. I trusted Ford to address safety and recall issues in a timely and efficient manner, as required under federal law. Unfortunately, my experience with this matter has fallen far short of those expectations.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2024
Jan 2025

While driving down the interstate, my right exterior a-pillar appliqué trim clip attachment became detached.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 275 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 3 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.