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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-FORD-EXPLORERNHTSA data synced 6 days ago
Ford
2016 Ford Explorer problems
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 2,425 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 6 active recall campaigns.
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 2,425 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is body at 541 complaints, typically surfacing around 84,022 miles (~$1,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Explorer?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 196 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–85,000 mi
Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 Ford Explorer? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
body — 541 owner reports
· tends to show around 84,022 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
steering — 526 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,296 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 336 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,712 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 196 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,494 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 54,494 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2016-ford-explorer/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2016 Ford Explorer reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Explorer· body
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the keyless entry pad driver’s side B-pillar detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the driver’s side B-pillar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that due to the failure, there was a gap at the base of the windshield, allowing water to…
Using a pedal commander pc18 bluetooth "throttle enhancer" in an emergency vehicle equipped with a vhf mobile two-way radio. The radio transmits at 50w and is installed by a professional emergency vehicle upfitter per manufacturers instructions. When transmitting in the 156mhz…
The rear windshield spontaneously shattered while driving on 495 south in ma. Fortunately no one was injured and the glass remained intact to pull off to safety. With the impact of the car door opening and closing, pieces of glass began to break away.
Had a problem with your 2016 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 2,425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Ford Explorer?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Explorer is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 196 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–85,000 mi; Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Ford Explorer?
Inspect the body first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 541 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,022 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 2,425 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is body. Typical failure occurs around 84,022 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 541 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,022 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,022 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Ford Explorer?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,425 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Explorer.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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