2016-2018 Explorer signature lighting is standard equipment on XLT and higher level vehicles. Base model vehicles are not equipped with signature lighting and it is not an option. Base level vehicles without the LED lighting surrounding the headlamps are built correctly and should not be modified by installing the signature lamps. Prior to beginning any diagnostics, verify the proper vehicle model/series utilizing OASIS or referring to Workshop Manual Section 100-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Explorer lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Explorer have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Explorer | 3 |
| 2013 Explorer | 18 |
| 2014 Explorer | 21 |
| 2015 Explorer | 12 |
| 2016 Explorer (this page) | 4 |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 |
| 2018 Explorer | 4 |
| 2020 Explorer | 42 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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 2016-2018 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit flickering front amber marker lamps (inboard amber lights under the headlamps) when the engine is running. Before attempting repairs, verify the frequency type using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or equivalent. The frequency type in police mode programmable parameters must be set to type 2. The engine must be running for the configuration to complete if this parameter is changed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 83,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.