Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Explorer electrical problems
severe 92 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6fires
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 92 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2016-2018 Model Year Explorer Vehicles High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay; Reason for supplement: Vehicles Covered by this Program: all open / unrepaired vehicles from 21B05 (Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles) have been added to 21N01 as 21B05 expires August 31, 2022. Owner Notification: Police Interceptor Utility owners who have not completed 21B05 will be mailed a letter describing this change.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Program 21B11 Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt: In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical failures plague the 2016 Explorer across multiple systems. Heated seats have caught fire while vehicles sat parked—fire departments report seeing this pattern repeatedly with these seats. Carbon monoxide and burned-tire odors entered cabins despite dealer repairs; one owner reported a pregnant wife breathing contaminated air multiple times after repeated service visits. Power loss and stalling occur mid-intersection when backup cameras activate or throttle bodies fail; one rental driver lost acceleration three times in a quarter-mile. Airbag warning lights stay on due to faulty rear-seat inflatable seatbelt harnesses; all airbags deactivate when that light is lit, a safety issue Ford won't recall despite issuing a service bulletin (TSB 16-0001). Repair costs run $660 to $1,100 per side, out of pocket. Water intrusion through A-pillars, B-pillars, doors, dome lights, and sunroofs causes mold and corroded wiring; one electrical fire started at the front-facing camera, totaling the vehicle at 67,000 miles. Battery drain kills batteries within a week of sitting despite replacement; dealers confirm parasitic draw but call it "within spec." Power steering noise and stiffness appear alongside parking-assist warnings. Liftgate latches fail repeatedly, trapping occupants. Door latches won't open in emergencies. Instrument panels go black, dashboards lose all functions. Throttle bodies fail at 3,000 to 8,000 miles. Water pump failures at 105,000 miles require $4,000+ labor plus timing-chain work and alternator replacement. One judge threw out a water-pump case. Owners report these problems discussed in forums dating back years with no manufacturer response.
Same Ford Explorer electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Heated Seat Fire
Heated/air-conditioned seats catch fire or smolder while vehicle is parked and unattended. Fire departments confirm they see this pattern repeatedly with these seats.
When: While parked; vehicle with 12 noon last drive, fire at 6:30 PM
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke pouring from seat; Seat smoldering; Flames erupting; Unable to extinguish with fire extinguisher
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled after fire department response; insurance company refused payout claiming external ignition source despite no evidence; warranty voided due to fire; Ford declined assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claimed external burning item left on seat; did not inspect in person, only reviewed dealer photos
Cabin Carbon Monoxide and Exhaust Odor
Burned-tire smell and carbon monoxide detected inside cabin. Dealers applied temporary fixes (covering holes, sealing rear door with rubber) but problem recurred.
When: First noticed within 2 months of purchase; recurred June 2017 and September 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Burned-tire odor inside cabin; Carbon monoxide presence (detected by dealer); Smell persists after dealer seal repairs; Health concern for pregnant occupant
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer covered holes in vehicle body; added rubber seal to rear door; vehicle stayed in service a week each visit; problem recurred after fixes
Power Loss and Stalling at Intersections
Vehicle loses power, accelerator becomes unresponsive, RPMs drop below 1000, check engine and wrench lights illuminate. Happens repeatedly mid-intersection, requiring system reset by turning engine off/on.
When: Multiple incidents; one rental at 55-60 MPH on highway; owner vehicle at 70-75 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator non-responsive; Vehicle moves at reduced/idle speed only; Check engine light illuminates; Wrench symbol displays; RPM drops below 1000; Dashboard warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Airbag light, Hill Assist unavailable message
Repairs/costs cited: Avis roadside told renter this is common; reset procedure: turn off, step on accelerator, step on brake, restart. Dealership told owner backup camera sensor is causing transmission to think reverse is engaged while driving.
Airbag Harness Failure (Rear Seat Inflatable Seatbelt)
Faulty wiring harness for rear-seat inflatable seatbelt airbags; when airbag light illuminates, all airbags in vehicle deactivate. Ford issued TSB 16-0001 but refuses to cover as recall or warranty repair.
When: Typically 45,000–65,000 miles; one case at 48,000 miles while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on continuously or intermittently; Diagnostic codes B141B and/or B141C; All airbags deactivate when light is lit; Harness connector loose or wiring defective
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness pigtail connection replacement costs $660–$1,100 per side (two sides); one repair $478.93; another $1,085 repair plus $230 diagnostic; labor 1.5–3.5 hours; not covered under warranty despite Ford service bulletin TSB 16-0001
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-0001 issued; Ford and dealers refuse to cover as warranty or recall despite safety risk
Water Intrusion and Electrical Damage
Water enters cabin through A-pillar trim, B-pillar trim, sunroof, and doors during rain. Causes mold growth, corrodes wiring, disables electrical systems.
When: One case at 100,000 miles; another at 142,000 miles; one after overnight rain at 153,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water on interior carpets and cupholders; Mold on front seats; Dome light leaks during rain; Moonroof fails to open/close; Burnt wire underneath steering wheel; Turn signals fail to self-deactivate; A/C fails to cool
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to identify cause or repair; one owner found burnt wire during friend inspection; A-pillar and B-pillar seal assembly replacement mentioned; recall 25V347000 issued but parts unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V347000 (Structure) issued but parts not available; manufacturer made aware but no repair completed
Electrical Fire from Front Camera
Front-facing camera shorted, causing electrical fire that damaged camera, front bumper wiring harness, and engine wiring harnesses.
When: At 67,000 miles while driving on NJ Turnpike
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displayed lane-assist unavailable and check engine light; Front bumper melted; Vehicle caught fire
Codes mentioned: Lane assist unavailable, Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; front camera, bumper wiring harness, and engine wiring harness damaged
Battery Drain (Parasitic Draw)
Battery dies after 1–2 weeks of vehicle sitting parked. Occurs repeatedly even after battery replacement. Dealers confirm parasitic draw but claim it is within specification.
When: Early in ownership; one vehicle with 3.9k miles; persistent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies after 7–14 days of inactivity; Vehicle cannot start without jumpstart or tow; Problem recurs within weeks of battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times; problem recurs; dealer suggestion: use trickle charger; one owner notes this is rampant in Explorer forums dating back years
Throttle Body Failure
Throttle body fails, causing loss of acceleration and power. Vehicle moves only at idle speed regardless of pedal input.
When: 3,900 to 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration stops; Vehicle will only move at idle speed; Pedal has no effect; Check engine light may illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer replaced part; owner not notified of defect pattern despite multiple reports; could have caused severe accident at highway speeds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer replaced part but no recall issued despite multiple failures reported to Ford staff
Water Pump Failure with Cascading Electrical Damage
Water pump located inside engine (timing-chain driven) leaks coolant onto alternator, causing electrical short and alternator failure. No warning lights before failure.
When: 105,000 to 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant and water leaking from pump; Liquid pooling on alternator; Alternator short circuit; No warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires engine removal and disassembly; water pump labor alone ~$4,350 plus timing-chain labor (14–15 hours additional); both timing chains must be reset; alternator replacement also required; total estimated cost $6,000+; Canada has issued recall; no U.S. recall; one judge threw case out
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No U.S. recall issued despite Canada recall; Ford will not assist with known design flaw
Instrument Panel Black-Out and System Loss
Instrument panel goes black, dash display turns off, or displays intermittently fail. Multiple vehicle systems lose function (heating, air conditioning, turn signals, radio).
When: One case at 23,000 miles; another at 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard/speedometer goes black; Instrument cluster stops displaying; Radio inoperable; Interior lights stay on; HVAC stops working; Turn signals non-functional; Power steering reduced or non-functional; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: One case: APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) failed, needed replacement; dealer offered to cover half cost; battery disconnect temporarily fixed some issues but Sync health report remained unclear; one case linked to possible electrical shortage in monitor/radio/odometer/climate control circuits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contacts to NHTSA Hotline; dealer acknowledged APIM failure but no full warranty coverage
Liftgate Latch Failure
Liftgate opens spontaneously while parked or while being loaded. When closing, it does not reverse on contact and traps occupants.
When: One case at 4,642 miles; incidents repeated over months; one case at 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens without warning while parked; Hands-free liftgate malfunctions (used only 3 times in months); Liftgate closes on occupants during loading; Liftgate does not reverse when hitting person; Liftgate attempts to close tighter on trapped person; Closed liftgate re-opens when parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure; module reprogrammed at 500-mile case; no permanent fix found; safety hazard for children and elderly
Power Door Latch Failure
Electronic door latches fail, preventing doors from opening in normal or emergency situations. Occupants must reach through window to pull interior lock to escape.
When: One case: front driver door at 36k miles (6/24/20), left rear door at ~39k miles (3/21/21), right rear door failing at ~41k miles (7/9/21)
Symptoms owners cite: Door cannot be opened from inside or outside; Door ajar light illuminates; Door must be manually pulled from inside window; Repeated failures on different doors
Repairs/costs cited: Front driver door latch replaced; left rear door latch replaced; right rear door latch pending service; multiple replacements on same vehicle
Climate Control/HVAC Malfunction
Air conditioning and heating systems fail to function or become inoperable. One case involved cascade failure from water pump leak damaging compressor.
When: One case at 19,000 miles; another cascade failure after water pump repair
Symptoms owners cite: A/C becomes inoperable; Heating stops working; Windows fog and cannot defrost; Over 50,000 people report online; No defrost capability makes driving unsafe
Repairs/costs cited: A/C replacement needed at 19,000 miles but failure persisted; water pump leak destroyed A/C compressor requiring new compressor installation; repair delayed weeks due to parts backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued; Ford lady told owner many calls received with same issue
Starter and Engine Smoke
Starter malfunction causes engine to not shut off when start button pressed. Heavy smoke pours from engine compartment.
When: Vehicle just returned from dealership service
Symptoms owners cite: Start button does not turn off engine first attempt; Smoke visible from engine compartment after second attempt; Smoke persists 10–30 minutes after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified starter issue; customer manually backed vehicle outside garage before fire risk materialized
Seat Control Memory Function Unintended Activation
Driver's seat memory preset buttons activate without intent, causing seat to move violently upward and forward while steering wheel moves downward, trapping occupant's legs and chest.
When: Rental vehicle while parked with engine running
Symptoms owners cite: Seat moves up and forward; Steering wheel moves down simultaneously; Legs compressed by steering wheel; Knees forced into plastic pieces under column; Body forced against steering wheel; Severe pain and breathing difficulty; Seat would not stop despite body force applied
Repairs/costs cited: Husband had to open driver door and use controls to free trapped occupant; no warning labels visible on numbered buttons; rental company did not brief renter on features
Rear Seat Inflatable Seatbelt Harness Connector Loose/Defective
Wiring harness connector for rear-seat inflatable seatbelt airbag system becomes loose or fails electrically. Same issue recurs on different connector after initial repair.
When: 45,000–65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on intermittently; Airbag warning light on continuously after 1 year; Multiple dealer visits required; Problem recurs on passenger side after driver side fixed
Repairs/costs cited: First dealership: harness connector loose, repaired; light returned 5–7 days later. Second dealership: same diagnosis. Third time: wiring harness before passenger seat replaced; both passenger harness and airbag replaced; cost over $800 for 3.5-hour appointment. Dealership claims problem is not warranty-covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-0001 issued but not applied as recall or warranty repair
Backup Camera Power Drain and System Loss
Backup camera draws power from battery when vehicle is off, causing battery drain. Camera also fails intermittently or becomes completely inoperative.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one case within 3 months of purchase at 2k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies unexpectedly; Dealer diagnoses backup camera as parasitic drain source; Camera flickering on and off; Camera image rolls or distorts; Black screen with error message: camera no longer operational; Camera failures occur multiple times per month
Repairs/costs cited: Backup camera on backorder per dealer; camera replacement needed but part unavailable
Hood Vibration and Engine Noise
Hood vibrates at highway speeds (65+ MPH), causing distraction and safety concern. Dealer aware but cannot fix; problem documented since 2013 models.
When: 3 months into ownership at 2,000 miles; problem known since 2013 models
Symptoms owners cite: Hood vibrates noticeably at 65+ MPH; Distracting while driving; Multiple owners report same issue
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer acknowledged awareness but said they are waiting for Ford to find solution; hood not even inspected; problem ongoing for months with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford case opened but no solution provided; problem documented in forums since 2013; no recall issued
Fuel Economy Degradation
Vehicle returns significantly lower fuel economy than EPA rating. Owner getting 12.6 MPG average vs. EPA combined 18 MPG.
When: Early in ownership at 2,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 12.6 MPG average vs. 18 EPA combined; 16 city / 22 highway EPA vs. actual performance
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified; possibly related to other electrical or engine issues
Fuel Leak and Excessive Fuel Consumption
Vehicle leaks fuel and consumes excessive gasoline shortly after purchase.
When: Immediately after purchase (January, brand new)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leakage from vehicle; Vehicle uses large amount of gas daily; Acceleration causes truck to slow instead of speed up
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership told owner everything is okay; no repair completed
Fuel Evap Pump Repeated Failure
Fuel evaporative emission pump fails repeatedly. Owner has replaced it three times within ownership period.
When: 121,000 miles; first failure within 2 months of purchase (July 2022)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for evap pump; Fan runs constantly at high speed; Engine stutters when accelerating; Foul smell in cabin (fuel/rubber/sewer odor)
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Three pump replacements already; water pump also replaced; thousands of dollars spent; still owes $20k on financed vehicle
Climate Control Engine Performance Interaction
When air conditioning or heating is activated, engine performance degrades: speedometer jumps erratically, engine runs rough.
When: 121,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer jumps rapidly when AC/heat on; Engine runs better when AC/heat off; Foul smell (fuel/rubber/sewer); Fan running high speed; Engine stutter
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits; water pump, evap pump replacements; no root cause identified or resolved
Sunroof Spontaneous Opening
Sunroof opens independently while vehicle is parked with no occupants activating it. Abnormal burning odor accompanies failure.
When: 104,000 miles while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof opens without occupant input; Abnormal burning odor from vehicle; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle pending diagnostic at independent mechanic; not yet diagnosed or repaired
Keypad Door Panel Detachment
Keypad detached and flew off driver's side door while driving.
When: 104,000 miles while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Keypad detaches from door
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired by dealer or independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; unknown recall referenced but VIN not included
Door Panel Adhesive Failure and Exposed Wiring
Front door interior panel becomes loosened due to failed adhesive, exposing electrical wiring inside door. Door lights remain on when closed.
When: 195,000 miles while driving 70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Door panel separates from door frame; Wiring exposed inside door; Door lights stay illuminated; Rear door fails to open despite ajar light on
Repairs/costs cited: Tape applied at dealer; failure persisted. Keyless entry door panel and actuator for rear door needed replacement; not repaired due to cost
Front Camera Fogging
Front-facing cameras fog over during winter, rendering them useless and displaying cloudy screen.
When: Winter season
Symptoms owners cite: Front camera lens fogs; Camera display shows cloudy screen; Camera becomes useless for lane-assist and other functions
Repairs/costs cited: Known issue; multiple owners report same problem
Park Assist System Fault
Park assist system displays error message and becomes inoperable. Recurring failure on multiple occasions.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Message displays: Park Assist Fault, Check Park Assist #1 and #3; Repeats on multiple occasions; Known problem with multiple 2016 Explorer owners
Repairs/costs cited: Known problem per owner research
Power Steering Noise and Failure
Power steering produces noise during turns and steering becomes difficult or fails. May be related to other electrical issues.
When: Unknown timing; day before liftgate issue noted
Symptoms owners cite: Noise while turning; Power steering feels like it is failing; Difficult to keep vehicle straight on road; Hazardous driving condition
Repairs/costs cited: Liftgate issue (ajar light) noted same day; possible electrical connection
Steering Wheel Control Module Failure
Steering column control module cluster fails, causing all warning notifications to illuminate after 10 minutes of driving or when AC/heat turns on.
When: Unknown; one case with extended backorder
Symptoms owners cite: 911 Assist turns on; Airbag warning light on; Front camera warning on; Parking assist warning on; Lane departure warning on; Lane keeping warning on; All warnings illuminate after 10 minutes of driving; Warnings trigger when AC/heat activated
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column control module cluster replacement needed; part on backorder with unknown availability; $1,450 repair plus $175 diagnostic charge; dealer hoping it will fix but unsure; one month waiting with no update
A-Pillar Detachment
Driver's side A-pillar detached from vehicle while driving, creating major structural failure.
When: Unknown speed while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side A-pillar detaches
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; recall 24V031000 issued but parts unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V031000 (Structure) issued but parts unavailable; manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall repair
Rear Heated Seat Failure
Right rear passenger heated seat stops working. Heating light turns on briefly then shuts off.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat light turns on briefly; Heated seat shuts off immediately; Seat no longer provides heat
Repairs/costs cited: Known problem with multiple 2016 Explorer owners
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The display screen keeps rebooting and not available. Its a safety issue as the backup camera is not available for sometimes up to 10 minutes
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 92 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 13,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.