Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Explorer have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 82,300 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Explorer | 19 |
| 2013 Explorer | 42 |
| 2014 Explorer | 32 |
| 2015 Explorer | 27 |
| 2016 Explorer (this page) | 47 |
| 2017 Explorer | 56 |
| 2018 Explorer | 18 |
| 2019 Explorer | 5 |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 |
When does it fail?
Of the 47 visibility complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 visibility 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 20 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for visibility problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive endplay. To resolve the condition, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive endplay. To resolve the concern, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive endplay. To resolve the concern, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report windshield trim and molding separating from the vehicle while driving, sometimes at highway speeds of 65–70 mph. The pieces flap loudly against the car and may dislodge entirely, creating a hazard to following vehicles. Multiple owners took vehicles to dealers for replacement only to see the trim fail again within months. Dealers acknowledged this happens frequently but either declined to repair it under warranty or could not provide parts. Some owners applied temporary fixes with glue and duct tape.
Water intrusion ranks as the second major complaint. Sunroof drains clog after rain, causing water to pool in the roof structure and leak into the cabin through the headliner and onto the floor. In several cases, sunroofs became stuck open or appeared to sink into the interior. Dealers attempted sunroof and motor replacement, but the leaks often returned. Windshield seals also fail, allowing water between the door and body during rainy weather.
A smaller but striking failure involves rear glass spontaneously shattering without any impact—owners report this happening while driving, parked, or simply opening a door. One owner with police experience ruled out external causes.
Backup camera fogging also appears, though one owner noted Ford declined to apply a known recall campaign to the 2016 model despite it addressing this exact problem in other years. Parts for acknowledged defects remain on backorder for extended periods, leaving owners waiting months for repairs.
Same Ford Explorer visibility reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield trim/molding detachment
Windshield trim, molding, and weatherstrip on the A-pillar, B-pillar, and around the windshield perimeter detach and separate from the vehicle while driving, sometimes at highway speeds. The pieces flap against the vehicle and may dislodge entirely. Multiple owners report repeated failures after dealer repair attempts.
When: Between 26,000 and 110,000 miles; some failures early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Flapping or rattling noise from windshield trim; Visible separation of trim from window molding; Trim pieces hanging loose or moving when driving; Weatherstrip deterioration and loosening; Trim pieces flying off the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of molding; temporary repairs with glue or duct tape attempted by owners. One owner cited $650 repair cost. Multiple owners report parts not staying in place after repair or parts unavailability/backorder issues spanning months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealers initially told owners this is a common occurrence (complaint #1). No recall has been issued per manufacturer statements. Warranty does not cover replacement per at least one dealer statement. NHTSA Campaigns 24V031000 and 25V347000 address Structure but parts unavailable at time of complaints.
Water intrusion via sunroof/drainage system
Water enters the vehicle after rain through a malfunctioning sunroof drainage system. The sunroof drain tube becomes clogged, causing water to back up and accumulate inside the roof structure, then leak into the cabin through the headliner and floor. One owner reports sunroof stuck in open position during storms; another reports sunroof detaching/sinking into the vehicle.
When: Unknown mileage in most cases; one failure at 77,000 miles, one at 116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water flowing into cabin from ceiling after rain; Water leaking from sunroof opening during inclement weather; Water accumulation inside overhead roof structure; Water pooling on floorboard or leaking from light console area; Sunroof stuck in open position; Sunroof motor failure; Sunroof detached or sunken into interior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced sunroof flooring, sunroof motor, and sunroof track in various attempts. One independent mechanic diagnosed clogged drain tube. Repairs failed to resolve recurrence in multiple complaints; one vehicle was not repaired despite multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline and offered no assistance. NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 (Structure) mentioned; recall parts not available at time of complaints.
Windshield water seal failure
Water leaks into the vehicle from around the windshield during or after rain, despite windshield sealing repair attempts. Water accumulates between the door and body, and leaks from the driver-side windshield edge.
When: Around 52,000 miles in one case; recurred one year after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Water on passenger-side floor after rain; Water leaking from driver-side windshield during inclement weather; Water accumulated between front door and vehicle body; Water pouring inside vehicle when opening door
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer sealed windshield; failure recurred within one year in one case. Vehicle not fully diagnosed or repaired in other cases.
Rear glass spontaneous shattering
Rear liftgate window or rear side glass unexpectedly shatters without external impact while the vehicle is driving, parked, or being opened. No impact, collision, or external cause is evident. One owner with police experience ruled out external impact.
When: One at 700 miles (new vehicle), one at 90,000 miles, one at 200,000 miles, some while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window spontaneously explodes or shatters; Glass fragments fall into and outside vehicle; No visible external impact or cause; Glass poofs or puffs outward (owner observation)
Repairs/costs cited: One replacement performed. Several complaints describe the event but no repair follow-up documented.
Sunroof motor failure
Sunroof motor fails to operate properly, causing the sunroof to fail to close or remain stuck in the open position. Electrical components compromised by water intrusion into the overhead structure.
When: At 136,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof fails to close; Sunroof stuck in open position; Motor does not respond
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed sunroof motor failure and need for replacement. Parts on backorder; vehicle not repaired.
Backup camera fogging/cloudiness
Backup camera lens becomes cloudy or foggy, reducing visibility when backing up. Owner references Campaign 22S51/22V644 (which addresses this issue in other model years), but Ford service department declined to participate in recall for 2016 Explorer.
When: Unknown; referenced in August 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera cloudy or foggy; Reduced backup visibility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Fullerton service department refused to participate in recall Campaign 22S51/22V644. Manufacturer has not extended this recall to 2016 Explorer despite owner request.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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.
Backup camera is cloudy/foggy. Brought it to ford service department attention in regards to Issue Date 2022-08-26 Campaign 22S51/22V644 Per Fullerton Ford, they would not participate. I feel this is a visability issue when backing up and would like Ford to also consider 2016 ford Explorer in this recall since it is a safety issue
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 47 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 58,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 82,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.