Home · 2016 Ford Explorer Gas · Complaints

What 2,428 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer Gas

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,428)Crash / fire / injury (77)Body & structure (573)Steering (527)Engine (379)Transmission & drivetrain (213)Electrical system (124)Engine & cooling (114)Fuel system (110)Airbags (99)Speed control (76)Suspension (73)

573 of 2,428 complaints match · Body & structure · clear filters · page 10 of 23

May 16, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11661563

May 12, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion the passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loosened. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11660483

May 7, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure while driving approximately 50 MPH when the front passenger side A-Pillar detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659507

May 7, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her employee was driving 60 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the windshield on two separate occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue however, the vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11659620

May 6, 2025Body & structure

On [XXX] the passenger side exterior A-pillar applique trim piece broke free from the vehicle on HWY. Vehicle was doing about 70mph at the time of the incident. No damage nor accidents to people or property resulted. Upon investigation of replacing the part, learned of an existing safety recall for this problem. Reference NHTSA 24V-031. Scheduled repairs with the dealership for 5/9/25. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11659315

May 2, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was a loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle, and the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 152,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658477

Apr 29, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim clip detached, and the contact was not able to recover the part. There was no warning light were illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11657647

Apr 28, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11657171

Apr 23, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar on the passenger’s side of the windshield had detached and was secured using packaging tape. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11656306

Apr 23, 2025Body & structure

Roof Rack Trim departed vehicle while driving presenting hazard to other vehicles on the road. This item was part of recall 21S22 and completed on Mar/2021. The recall repair of placing adhesive was ineffective at preventing the hazard. Current recall repair procedure is to drill holes in the trim piece and utilize retaining plugs to prevent the trim piece from departing the vehicle. Ford refuses to perform the current recall repair procedure to the vehicle. Recommend all vehicles with adhesive repair be recalled to be repaired with the current procedure. Ford case claim #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11656242

Apr 22, 2025Body & structure

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11656096

Apr 21, 2025Body & structure

exterior a-pillar trim it came lose and almost hit a car behind me .I spoke to the dealer since it is assumed that there would be parts for that problem no later than mid -2024.

NHTSA ODI 11655869

Apr 18, 2025Body & structure

I had my Ford Explorer inspected by my Ford dealership in early August of 2024. They stated a repair would be made by the end of 2024. One of the A pillars had already come off while driving on the interstate and I have been told by the dealership the other one needs to be replaced. I'm assuming there was not a wreck caused because of the piece flying off my car. We pulled over because we had no idea what happened. It is now 8 months since the inspection and I am told there are still not parts to replace the defective pillar. I was told some dealerships have the parts but others do not. I have contacted my dealership multiple times as well as Ford directly. I would like my vehicle repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11655403

Apr 18, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached and was flapping against the window while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was advised to keep applying tape to the trim. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11655522

Apr 17, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11655172

Apr 16, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side and rear driver's side doors exterior upper molding was detaching. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654929

Apr 11, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11654067

Apr 10, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim had detached from the window and flown off into traffic. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed a vibrating sound coming from the passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was loose. The contact used tape to secure the trim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that there was a recall associated with the vehicle and that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653889

Apr 10, 2025Visibility & wipersBody & structureEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle, and the inside of the windshield was freezing. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the defrosted was inoperable. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who blew out the tubes and replaced the water pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, water entered the vehicle from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof track needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11653932

Apr 7, 2025Body & structure

My SUV is leaking water every time it rains ( I live in Toledo so alot ) under the floor mats and down from the drivers side pillar area? I was told by Ford it was a recal for the A - pillars? I have the recal # 24s02 . This was inspected at Yark Ford in Toledo where I bought the car , technically Yark Jeep same owner. I have a case #[XXX] with Ford Customer service because they said they dont know when the parts will be made? Meanwhile I get to drive around in water i guess. Ford has done a customer courtesy for others issue unresolvable such as pay fair market value plus a 15% premium for the replacement of the vehicle . I am a Ford guy I want to buy another Ford that does not leak , sick of sitting in water. NHTSA # 24V031 Please help me out with thi situation it is for sure not safe safe to drive around when its raining , plus it just seems to be unresaonable I have to be rained on inside my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11653219

Apr 1, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and pulling into the line of a car wash, the contact noticed that a windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had separated from the vehicle. The contact informed the car wash manager and made a report of the issue. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but the manufacturer was unable to provide an anticipated date for part availability. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11652140

Mar 26, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the passenger’s side A-Pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11650745

Mar 25, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer because the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11650562

Mar 24, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11650270

Mar 21, 2025Engine & coolingBody & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a car wash, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer after the repair, the driver's side A-pillar became loosened. The A-pillar trim was replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the head gasket. The contact was informed that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11649736

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Explorer Gas verdict →