2016 Ford Explorer tires problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $150 · see tires across all vehicles →
Among the 7 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for tires problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2016 Explorer equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 OE tires faces recurring tread separation, cracking, premature wear, and sidewall blowouts starting as early as 11,000 miles—and the problem persists even after warranty replacement with the same model. Other tire brands (Bridgestone, Evoluxx) show similar failure patterns on this model year, suggesting a possible fit or vehicle-specific issue.
Owners of 2016 Ford Explorers report widespread tire failures involving OE-supplied Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires (255/50R20) and other brands fitted to this model. The dominant complaint is tread peeling, flacking, separation, and shedding occurring between 11,000 and 23,000 miles. Tread material visibly detaches in pieces or shreds entirely, sometimes progressing to bald tires by 34,000 miles on replacement sets. Owners also report sidewall cracking and gouges, cracking above the tire bead, and loss of tire pressure. Two owners experienced sudden sidewall blowouts—one at a stop sign with a 2-inch hole, another at 70 mph with complete sidewall separation.
The most frustrating pattern: tires replaced under warranty with the same Hankook model fail identically within 13,000 miles. Hankook's warranty response required owners to replace "like with like," and one owner received only a 20% credit. One owner, with automotive industry expertise, flagged this as a known recurring issue with the brand and safety concern. Owners found the problem documented across many 2016 Explorers but not uniformly reported under tires. One Bridgestone tire and one Evoluxx tire also showed cracking, suggesting the issue may not be exclusive to Hankook.
Same Ford Explorer tires reports on nearby years: 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Tread flacking, peeling, and separation
Tread material detaches from the tire carcass in flakes or large pieces, often progressing to complete tread shedding. Occurs on one or all four tires and recurs even after replacement with the same brand/model.
When: 13,369–23,101 miles for first failure; 13,000 miles after replacement; 11,000–16,000 miles; 23,000 miles; 16,000 miles; 14 months of use at 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible tread peeling or flacking on tire surface; Tread separation and shedding; Chunks of tire missing; Treads delaminating; Tires shredding
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced tires; one report cited $419.62 for dealer replacement. Several owners forced to replace with same brand/model by warranty requirement or manufacturer directive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hankook warranty replacements required owners to replace 'like with like.' Hankook also offered one owner 20% credit toward new tires. No recall issued despite owner allegations of widespread problem. One owner stated manufacturer is aware the issue results from new compounds used in manufacturing.
Cracking and gouges on tire sidewalls and body
Cracks and gouges appear on the inside and outside of tires, affecting multiple tires simultaneously. Condition can also manifest as cracking above the tire bead area on the inside wall.
When: 18,000 miles; 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cracking on inside and outside of tires; Gouges on tire surface; Cracking above tire bead area on inside wall; Vehicle shake and vibration at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Autonation Ford) replaced all four tires with same brand/model; same failure recurred approximately 13,000 miles later. Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Plus case inspected but cause not determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hankook and Ford dealers notified in some cases; one owner unable to reach manufacturer. Bridgestone case notified to local dealer and manufacturer; no response details provided.
Premature tread wear and baldness
Tires wear completely bald well before expected tire life, sometimes within 11,000 miles on original equipment or shortly after warranty replacement.
When: 11,000 miles on original tires; 34,000 miles on replacement tires
Symptoms owners cite: Tires bald at low mileage; Rapid, excessive wear
Repairs/costs cited: Owner received 20% credit from Hankook toward replacement tires; cost and final resolution not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hankook offered 20% credit. Dealer (Cogswell Ford) recommended for contact but was not recontacted by owner at time of complaint.
Tire pressure loss
Tires fail to maintain proper tire pressure, a condition reported alongside tread separation.
When: 16,132 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tires fail to maintain proper pressure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair action taken by owner at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Sidewall blowout and rupture
Sidewall of tire ruptures or blows out suddenly while driving or parked, creating large holes and rendering tire immediately flat. One case involves complete separation of tire from both sidewalls at highway speed.
When: Occurred at stop sign (speed not stated); highway blowout at 70 mph; timing/mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sidewall blowout with 2-inch hole; Instant tire deflation; Loud explosion-like sound; Complete tire separation from both sidewalls at highway speed; Tire coming apart
Repairs/costs cited: One Hankook tire required replacement. Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP blowout caused minor damage to inner wheel well shroud.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hankook dealer stated no recall exists for the specific tire model, though some Hankook tires have been recalled. Owner believed tire should be recalled.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the tires problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $150 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the tires typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most tires failures cluster between 15,220 and 18,000 miles, with the median around 16,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,220; a quarter make it past 18,000. 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 $150 for tires 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 tires?
No active recalls currently cover tires 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.