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 16 of 23

Apr 12, 2024Body & structure

Iba conduciendo por la avenida y de pronto salió volando el trim del lado del conductor que va cooocado al lado del parabrisas, por suerte no venía carros tan pegados a mi y no ocasionó ningún daño,

NHTSA ODI 11582734

Apr 4, 2024Body & structure

Lost the driver side A pillar in January- now just lost passenger side A pillar driving on I-16

NHTSA ODI 11581123

Apr 4, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side exterior trim detached from the vehicle. The passenger's side trim was loose and rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who took photos. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed about the repairs and reimbursement. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581182

Apr 2, 2024Body & 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side trim fractured and was flapping loosely. The contact used double-sided tape to attempt to hold the windshield trim in place. 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 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580628

Apr 2, 2024Body & structure

While traveling home from out of town this past Easter weekend, a large piece of something flew up, whipped in front of the passenger side windshield and then smacked the passenger side window before completely detaching in the road behind me. I pulled over to see what happened and saw the trim was missing from the entire side of the windshield. Only a piece of rubber was left dangling. I pulled it off so it would also not go flying. It was scary as my kids were in the car. I am thankful no one was hurt or injured.

NHTSA ODI 11580695

Apr 1, 2024Body & 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 and confirmed that the parts are not yet available. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580405

Mar 25, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a rattling noise was present coming from the top of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the passenger’s side roof rack assembly had become unsecured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11579233

Mar 20, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated the front passenger side door handle trim was then separated from the vehicle. The door handle trim was replaced by the owner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578418

Mar 20, 2024Body & structure

On 3/19/24, my left side exterior A-pillar trim part flew off my car on the highway. I have had a constant wind noise in my windshield for a very long time. I didn't think this was going to happen. Thank God there was no cars directly behind me because it came off and was hanging and then blew off before I actually knew what was going on and could pull over. I called the Dealer regarding repair and was informed that there is no fix but they could replace with the part that they have existing in stock which would cost me $366 for the part. Since this is a recall I was asking if I will be reimbursed and the Dealer told me I would need to call Ford. I did and they told me I would need to wait for a parts letter to be sent to me. I explained that I do not want to drive my car around with this piece missing. But they were unable to provide me guidance for reimbursement. I am wondering if you have any information or guidance re: reimbursement for the current parts fix until Ford provides a permanent solution to this recall?

NHTSA ODI 11578538

Mar 15, 2024Electrical systemBody & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater had leaked into the driver's side B-pillar trim panel causing electrical failures to occur which included the battery failure and the keyless entry failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577643

Mar 13, 2024Body & 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rain was entering into the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rain was entering from the left and right sides of the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a fractured windshield trim and the windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirm parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11577213

Mar 12, 2024Body & 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that it was the third time that the failure had occurred. The contact stated that the first two times the failure occurred, the repair was paid for out of pocket. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11576979

Mar 11, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim dislodged from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was also unsecured and loosened. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11576543

Mar 11, 2024Body & 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 keypad to unlock the driver-side front door with the passcode detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 58,630. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11576660

Mar 8, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior middle trim panel had dislodged from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and explained that the failed part was not listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11576168

Mar 4, 2024Body & structure

The roof rack on the left side of the vehicle became unattached in transit, and flew off into traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11575284

Feb 29, 2024Body & 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The rear driver's side door applique trim was impacted by the detached trim. The rear driver's side door applique trim was damaged. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,040.

NHTSA ODI 11574684

Feb 28, 2024Body & 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 while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle emitted a loud bang that came from the passenger’s side of the front windshield. Once the contact was able to park the vehicle, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact became aware that the trim on the passenger’s side of the front windshield had detached. The same failure occurred on the driver’s side of the windshield about a week later while driving at approximately 55 MPH. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11574492

Feb 27, 2024Electrical systemLatches & locksBody & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side front door panel became loosened due to failed adhesive exposing wiring in the door. The front door lights remained illuminated while the door was closed. The contact stated that the rear door failed to open however, the door ajar light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and tape was placed on the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Keyless entry door panel and actuary for the rear door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574255

Feb 23, 2024Visibility & wipersAirbagsBody & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was windy sound coming from the front passenger's side door while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water accumulated between the front driver's side door and the body of the vehicle, which caused water to pour inside the vehicle while opening the door. The contact also noticed that water was leaking from the driver's side of the windshield during inclement weather. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound while making a left turn. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11573627

Feb 21, 2024Body & 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 front driver’s and passenger’s side window trims had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local body shop where the trims were replaced. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11573090

Feb 13, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed MPH, the roof rack rails detached from the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed the entire roof rack rails had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was previously repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program recall 21S22. The contact stated the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated the dealer informed him he must pay for the repairs because the vehicle had been previously repaired under the recall program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11571713

Feb 10, 2024Body & structure

On 1/28/24 We were traveling 50-60 mph when all of a sudden we heard a popping noise and noticed the trim on drivers side was loosening. We were able to slow down and pull over which was when the trim then blew off. My husband retrieved the trim (which we now know is referenced as the a-pillar) off the side of the road. obviously this could have been worse if it had struck another vehicle /caused someone to swerve. I then contacted the ford dealership as we learned this was part of a recall. They came out and ended up fixing the roof rack of which that was not my complaint. Clearly there was a miscommunication on what my problem was when called in. I then took it into dealership for them to observe. He printed out a quote to fix pillar at 400-500$ but could not guarantee reimbursement by Ford. I called Ford motor company who gave me a case number and corresponded with local dealership. Essentially I have been told bc this is an advanced notice recall there is nothing that can be done to fix current situation. I will now be driving my vehicle without the trim and also concerned how long til the passenger side blows off as there was no loosening or sign of defect prior to this event. How will weather affect the exposed trim and windshield/aerodynamics. I just hope Ford will expedite the process of repair for safety first but also the look of the vehicle as this is a reflection of their company . My case number is CA547669778 approx mileage 123,000

NHTSA ODI 11571155

Feb 10, 2024Body & structure

Trim piece on passenger side broke in half while driving and hit another car. No damage reported but it almost caused accident. Confirmed this is the recalled piece.

NHTSA ODI 11571213

Jan 30, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud popping sound coming from the driver's side window trim panel detaching from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568768

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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 →