What 2,429 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The contact stated that the message “Power Steering Failure - Stop Driving Vehicle” was displayed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal steering gear head failure. The dealer performed the steering gear replacement and realignment. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was 65,964.

NHTSA ODI 11659814

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

The active recall for the trim only includes the front two trim pillars. There are trim pillars down each window on this vehicle, making that a total of 8 pieces of trim for the windows. Driving down the highway my drivers side window trim pillar (which includes a lock panel with wiring) blew off and almost hit another vehicle that was passing me, while with my children, causing me to have to pull over multiple times and even try to find a back road home. There are so many Ford Explorers missing various pieces of trim from the window areas. I’ve been told by Ford mechanics that they all have cracking on the rear window trim pillars due to brackets so I am assuming those will fly off soon as well. Now I can’t drive on the highway to doctor’s appointments due to the safety issues of this vehicle. I cannot afford to keep forking thousands into this vehicle nor should I have to. Overall the whole Ford Explorer model should be rechecked. We purchased this car due to safety awards only to be dealing with very unsafe conditions. From pieces of the vehicle flying off down the road to air bag lights, etc. Please if you’re able, look into these other trim pieces on the car. Also the front piece of plastic running under the windshield is lifting and not sealed appropriately to the window causing a loose windshield, in addition the rubber going around the inside of the windshield is not sealed causing the rubber to lift and slap around on the vehicle. I have notified Ford of these issues and they directed me here. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11659589

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

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 70 MPH. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with the TPMS warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658930

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the exhaust odor entered the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal and was constant. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 17-0044; and the recommended that the repair be performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658284

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

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. After the failure, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined there was water in the engine oil. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657308

Issues with headlight housing unit getting moisture in it causing lights to malfunction. Driver headlight won't work and passenger headlight will turn off while driving then back on and off again. It does this continously at random making it dangerous for myself and other drivers at night. I've spoke with Ford explaining there is a recall for some 2016 models but not one under my VIN so they won't fix it since it's not. I'm hoping the recall can be extended to cover my VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11656945

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

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 1-2 MPH, there was a loud, abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the side. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656006

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11656096

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

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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 55-60 MPH, the engine started to overheat, and there was fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was oil in the coolant overflow tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11655460

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

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

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

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

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

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