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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-FORD-EXPLORER
2016 · ford

ford Explorer problems

6 safety recalls. 2,393 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.0 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
529 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
steering
523 reports · avg $700
moderate
engine
334 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
195 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
90 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
79 reports · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
46 reports · avg $600
moderate
visibility
46 reports · avg $350
moderate

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…
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633325.0
2016 Explorer · body
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…
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633440.0
2016 Explorer · cruise control
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…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385949.0
2016 Explorer · visibility
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.
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292265.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 6

severe NHTSA 16V183000 31/03/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016

Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
severe NHTSA 17V767000 29/11/2017

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.
severe NHTSA 15V605000 28/09/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015

If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
View all 6 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 2,393 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 529 complaints filed. 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. 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 2,393 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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