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What 2,423 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer

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 (2,423)Crash / fire / injury (77)Body & structure (570)Steering (527)Engine (379)Transmission & drivetrain (212)Electrical system (124)Engine & cooling (114)Fuel system (110)Airbags (99)Speed control (76)Suspension (73)

77 of 2,423 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 2 of 4

Jan 3, 2022Transmission & drivetrainFire

The Power transfer unit is leaking fluid onto the exhaust and it caught on fire as I pulled into my driveway. I was able to extinguish the fire before any damage was done. There is also a nauseous odor in the cabin of the vehicle that makes me sick, burns my eyes every time I drive my vehicle. I was told by a mechanic that this was the fluid from the PTU burning Did some research and discovered this is a common problem with these PTU's leaking fluid. Very concerned now that it will catch on fire again and cause damage or even a wreak if it locks up. I fear that this could harm me or someone else if this problem is not fixed ASAP. I have no other vehicle and not sure how to even get it fixed. The dealership said it would cost around $2000 to have it fixed. I would like someone to look at this issue, Ford advised that is not there problem and its not covered by any recalls. There is no way of knowing if it catches on fire going down the road until its actually on fire.

NHTSA ODI 11446083

Oct 19, 2021Seats1 injury

The driver seat advanced forward after hitting the preset button but did not stop. I was crushed between the steering wheel and the dash. There was only 3 inches between the seat and the dash for my knees. This is a major safety issue that caused bodily injury. It happened twice. I have video showing this issue but can’t seem to upload it to this site.

NHTSA ODI 11437330

Jul 21, 20211 injury

2016 Ford Explorer Sport. Roof rail recall may be the cause for extreme water damage that burned out the sunroof motor, drenched the interior carpet, interior roof material, navigation and charging docks do not work. Ford not acknowledging and states after diagnostic check I have to pay 2600 to replace motor and once sunroof opens they can determine where the water leak is coming from. Also after complaining of carbon monoxide smell in cabin and multiple doctors visit with dizziness, trouble breathing I found that this is not just an issue I’m having. This car has had many more issues and Ford just repeats that warranty doesn’t cover it warranty expired. These are huge issues with the manufacturing. Car only has 35k miles and issues started in 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11425800

Jul 2, 2021SuspensionCrash1 injury

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 - 67 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle when the rear driver side toe link fractured. The vehicle ended up in a ditch and crashed into several trees. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance but his wife, who was a passenger, did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that the rear toe link had fractured a month prior to the collision and was replaced by an independent mechanic. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11423212

Jun 15, 2021AirbagsCrash

Air bag light came on randomly one day, diagnostics indicated it was an issue with the wiring harness under the rear passenger second-row seating. This area is inaccessible so accidental disconnection is unlikely. I was told that the airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident when the airbag light is on. This certainly was the case for me as the airbag light was on at the time I was in an accident with contact to my driver's side front bumper and the airbag did not deploy. My grievance is that this is a common issue that Ford is aware of and no recall has been put in place to fix it. It is unacceptable for a manufacturer to be aware of a problem and not fix it especially as it is costly to the consumer. Quoted $1,000+ for repair. Most importantly, it is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11421004

Jun 1, 2021SteeringCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, various warning lights illuminated as the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle collided with the curb and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted with all warning lights and audio warnings. The contact was able to drive without the power steering to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The contact called the dealer who told him that the failure was related to the rack and pinion and a diagnosis appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11419161

May 10, 2021Transmission & drivetrainFire

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND LOST DRIVE POWER AND THE UNDERNEATH OF THE SUV WAS ON FIRE, MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AD CALLED 911. THE DEALER STATED THE PTU CRACKED FROM PRESSURE LEAKING ALL THE OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST. ALSO STATED ALL OF MY TIRES WERE GOOD .. SO WE ARE UNSURE WHERE THE PRESSURE CAME FROM>

NHTSA ODI 11415784

Jan 6, 2021SuspensionCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE TAKEN LOCAL DEALER KEVIN'S ROYAL FORD OF COOPERSTOWN (5069 NY-28, COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326:(607) 547-9924) AND HAD THE RECALL COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE'S TOE LINK DETACHED AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL AND DROVE INTO A DITCH. ALL 5 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES OR SEEK ANY MEDICATION ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000(SUSPENSION) ON NOVEMBER OF 2020 AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,300. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11386786

Nov 11, 2020Electrical systemAirbagsSeatsFire

ON AUGUST 20, 2020, MY VEHICLE HAD LAST BEEN DRIVEN AROUND 12 NOON. IT SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH ALL OF US HOME. MY SON WENT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE AROUND 6:30 PM. SMOKE POURED OUT, THE SEAT WAS SMOLDERING AND FLAMES CAME UP. WE COULDN'T PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH EXTINGUISHER. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT HOSE ON SEAT. FIREMEN STATED THEY SEE THIS OFTEN WITH HEATED/AIRCONDITIONED SEATS THAT MALFUNCTION AND BURN UP OR CAUSE FIRE. FIREMEN STATED THEY COULD TELL THE WAY IT LOOKED "LIKE ALL THE OTHER HEATED /AIR CONDITIONED SEATS THAT IGNITE THAT THEY SEE OFTEN". INSURANCE COMPANY SAYS CAR IS TOTALED SINCE HOSE WAS PUT ON IT. FORD WILL NOT WORK WITH ME. NO ONE LEFT ANYTHING BURNING IN THE SEAT OR SMOKED IN THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE CAR HEATED/AIR CONDITIONED SEAT MALFUNCTIONED AND FORD SHOULD HELP. I HAD PURCHASED BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY FROM DEALERSHIP. WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS IF A CAR CATCHES FIRE, WARRANTY IS VOIDED, EVEN IF CAR MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE FIRE. INSURANCE COMPANY IS TRYING TO PAY AS LEAST AMOUNT AS POSSIBLE. THIS WAS A WELL CARED FOR, VERY NICE CAR. I BELIEVE IT MALFUNCTIONED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SENT ME A LETTER SAYING THEY HAD THE DEALERSHIP TAKE PICTURES, AND THEY FEEL IT HAD SOMETHING LEFT BURNING ON THE SEAT. NO ONE LEFT ANYTHING BURNING ON THE SEAT. IN THE LETTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY SENT ME BY EMAIL, THEY STATE THEY INSPECTED THE CAR. THEY NEVER CAME TO SEE THE CAR IN PERSON. THEY ONLY HAD THE SERVICE STAFF TAKE PICTURES. THE CAR WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY ALL AFTERNOON. I ALSO BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY IN MY SUBARU AT 5:00 PM AND DID NOT SMELL OR SEE SMOKE AS I LEFT.. THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT IGNITED ITSELF HAD A STACK OF BUSINESS PAPERS AND SOME SOCCER GEAR THAT COULD HAVE OVERHEATED IF THE SEAT WAS MALFUNCTIONING TOO. THE SEAT IGNITED BY ITSELF. AS A CONSUMER I DESERVE TO BE ASSISTED. I WOULD LIKE THE CAR REPAIRED OR REPLACED W/SIMILAR CAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND SETTLEMENT WAS OFFERED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JB

NHTSA ODI 11374212

Oct 8, 2020SuspensionWheelsCrash1 injury

TWO SEPARATE FAILURE WITHIN A FOUR DAY TIME SPAN. COMPANY SOLD ME THE VEHIXAL SAID IT WAS A TIE ROD AND FIXED THE RIGHT PASSENGER REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICAL WAS REAL EASED TO ME TODAY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS FULLY REPAIRED. I HAD A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT AFTER THE LEFT REAR TIR ROD BROKE AT A SPEED OF 80 MPH. DUE TO THE SUSPENSION BREAKAGE, THE CAR WENT OFF THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED. THE REAR END SUSPENSION HAD COMPLETE FAILURE AND THE AUTO DEALERSHIP RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME WITH THE FULL WITH ASSURANCE THE ISSUE WAS FIXED. THIS WAS A VERY SERIOUS INCIDENT WITH A POTENTIAL DEADLY OUTCOME.

NHTSA ODI 11363338

Sep 28, 2020SuspensionCrash

I HAD THE REAR TOE LINKS REPLACED DUE TO A SAFETY RECALL DECEMBER 2, 2019. ON 09/27/20, I WAS RETURNING HOME AFTER DROPPING MY KIDS OFF TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, WHEN THE RECAL PART I HAD REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO BREAK. THIS CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I NOTIFIED FORD OF THIS 09/28/20 AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECAL WAS COMPLETED, NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I INFORMED THEM THE PART BROKE AT THE WELD WHICH IS A DEFECTIVE PART. AGAIN, I WAS TOLD OT THEIR PROBLEM. THIS HAS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO TO BE TOWED , DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER AND MYSELF BUYING A NEW PART OUT OF POCKET TO GET VEHICLE ON ROAD AGAIN TO GO TO WORK. THIS IS ALSO ANY OTHER PROBLEMS THAT IT MAY HAVE CAUSED DUE TO STRESS ON VEHICLE, LIKE OTHER TOE LINK, TIRES, BRAKES, OTHER SUSPENSION PARTS. ENCLOSED IS PART AND PART NUMBER THAT WAS THE RECAL PART REPLACED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. I WAS LUCKY I DID NOT HIT THE OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME, HIT HEAD ON WITH CENTER DIVIDER OR GUARDRAIL, ROLL THE VEHICLE OR HAVE SERIOUS INJURY.

NHTSA ODI 11361496

Aug 12, 2020SteeringSuspensionCrash

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 65 IN HAM LAKE, MN SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE LUNGED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO FISHTAIL IT BACK ONTO THE ROAD, ALMOST ROLLED THE VEHICLE AND BARELY KEPT IT UNDER CONTROL. I GOT OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND CALL THE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF FOR ASSISTANCE. A DEPUTY ASSISTED BUT I DON'T BELIEVE A FORMAL POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THIS WAS SUNDAY JULY 19TH. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT THE FOLLOW DAY AND DETERMINED THAT THE TOE CONTROL LINK HAD BROKEN. THEY REPAIRED IT WITH A NEW PART FROM THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED FINE. LAST NIGHT THE NEW PART THAT THEY INSTALLED BROKE AS WELL. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PART, THE TOE CONTROL LINK ON 2011-2017 FORD EXPLORERS. I CHECKED THE VIN ON THE NTSB WEBSITE BUT IT INDICATES THAT OUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WE HAD BROUGHT THE CAR INTO METROPOLITAN FORD IN EDEN PRAIRIE EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR OTHER RECALL ISSUES. HAD THE RECALL BEEN COMPREHENSIVE, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED. AT 65 MPH, MY DAUGHTER AND I SHOULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILLED IN THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT. IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE (NEAR) ACCIDENT AND WE ARE STILL SHAKEN UP BY IT. FORTUNATELY, LAST NIGHT'S INCIDENT WAS AT MUCH SLOWER SPEED. I AM FEARFUL THAT THERE ARE OTHER FAMILIES WHOSE LIVES IN DANGER AS WELL. I HAVE A PHOTO THAT I TOOK OF THE CURRENT (SECOND) BREAK THAT OCCURRED THAT IS ATTACHED.

NHTSA ODI 11348930

Mar 3, 2020SuspensionBody & structureCrash

THE RECALLED TOE LINK ON THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE 3 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS REPLACED AND CAUSE A CRASH WHILE DIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, SLOWING FOR A SPEED ZONE FOR A TOWN. INVOLVING BODY DAMAGE. AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND 1 WEEK AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM THE DEALER THE LINK BROKE FOR A SECOND TIME, WHILE ON A CURVE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY BOTH TIMES.WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 WEEKS TOTAL AND HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE FOR 2 OF THEM.

NHTSA ODI 11315894

Feb 4, 2020SteeringSuspensionCrash2 injuries

MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 10/21/19. I RECEIVED VERY SERIOUS MULTIPLE BRAIN BLEEDS, FACIAL LAC, FACIAL & HEAD FX'S & A SEVERE TBI. MY MOM REC A CONCUSSION, FACIAL LAC CONCUSSION & A FX CLAVICLE. WE STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN & MOVED TO THE CENTER BETWEEN THE 4 LANES & STOPPED AGAIN & WE WERE HIT BY A LARGE ROLL ON ROLL OFF ROCK CARRYING DUMP TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED & I WAS IN A COMA & AIRLIFTED TO A TRAUMA CTR APPROX 40 MINS AWAY, BUT I WAS IN RESP ARREST & NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE. IT IS UNKNOWN EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE UNSAFE CONDITIONS, HOWEVER I NEVER CROSS STRAIGHT ACROSS THE TRAFFIC & WE HAD BEEN ON A VERY VERY BUMPY INTERSECTION THE FRI BEFORE THE ACC ON MONDAY & THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THAT 5 HR TRIP OF EXTREMELY BUMPY ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS ON INTERSTATE 95 COMING THROUGH PART OF NC, ALL OF SC & PART OF GA.

NHTSA ODI 11307049

Dec 26, 2019EngineFire

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING NO MORE 70MPH, WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A WHINING NOISE AND THE TRUCK STARTED BUCKING. THEN THE TRUCK STOPPED ABRUPTLY AS IF SOMEONE HIT THE BRAKE THEN A LOUD POP NOISE. ONCE WE PULLED TO THE SHOULDER, SMOKE CAME THROUGH THE VENT AND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN 15 SECOND FIRE SPARKS WAS SHOOTING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK THEN BY THE NEXT 10 SECOND FIRE STARTED SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED. NO WARNING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NOTHING. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE. LAST ONE DONE 10/2019. NOW I'M OUT OF A VEHICLE WITH NO WARNING FROM FORD. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS TRUCK 9 MONTHS WHICH I PURCHASED WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN MARCH 2019.

NHTSA ODI 11291374

Aug 15, 2019Engine & cooling1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM NOTICE (19N05) FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING REPROGRAMMING, DRAIN PLUGS, AND REAR BUMPER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JOHN KENNEDY FORD OF CONSHOHOCKEN (LOCATED AT 1023, 1403 RIDGE PIKE, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428, (610) 279-1700) DUE TO AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR CAUSED DIZZINESS, LIGHTHEADEDNESS, AND NAUSEA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETECT AN EXHAUST ODOR. HOWEVER, THE DEALER MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE PASSED THE EMISSIONS TEST. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE ON AUGUST 8, 2019, THERE WAS A STRONG EXHAUST ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT TESTED THE VEHICLE WITH HIS OWN CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR, WHICH ALERTED HIM WITHIN TWO TO THREE MINUTES. THE CONTACT CALLED L.B. SMITH FORD-LINCOLN (1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043, (717) 761-6700) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 17-0044. THE DEALER FINALLY AGREED TO REPLACE THE PTU UNDER WARRANTY AND COVER THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: ZAS-22339312-Z6X9V3. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,139. *DT I DO HAVE VIDEO OF OUR KIDDIE BRAND CO DETECTOR ALERTING IN THE VEHICLE BUT THE FILE IS TOO LARGE TO SEND.*JB *DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11244221

Apr 23, 2019Fuel systemCrashFire2 injuries

ON 3/21/19 I WAS DRIVING WHEN A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT THEM. MY AIRBAG WENT OFF AND WAS SMOKING BLACK SMOKE. THERE WAS ALSO A FIRE, ABOUT 1.5 FT TALL THAT APPEARED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. I SAT IN SHOCK UNTIL SOMEONE TOLD ME TO GET OUT. I GOT OUT AND GRABBED MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. SHE WAS IN A CAR SEAT AND STILL SECURED AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THANKFULLY WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. WE SAT WATCHING MY CAR QUICKLY ENGULF IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME THE CAR WAS PRETTY MUCH ALL BURNED. I LOST A LOT OF VALUABLE AND SENTIMENTAL PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN MY CAR WHICH INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER THE COST OF. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE TO GO THROUGH FOR MY DAUGHTER AND I. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A MINOR ACCIDENT SHOULD CAUSE A FIRE LIKE THIS. I HAVE REACHED OUT FOR FORD MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE WHICH I FIND EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. I WOULD LIKE TO PREVENT THIS HORRIBLE THING HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE. ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT INJURED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, AND EVEN DEADLY.

NHTSA ODI 11203090

Apr 17, 2019Body & structureFuel system1 injury

ONE MORNING, I BEGAN TO SMELL A SULFUR OR GAS-LIKE SMELL INSIDE THE CAR. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT BUT IT PERSISTED FROM 5:00 A.M. -9:00 A.M. MY 7 YEAR OLD SON EVEN SMELLED IT WHEN ENTERING THE CAR. AFTER DROPPING HIM OFF AT SCHOOL I DROVE TO DEALERSHIP TO GET IT INSPECTED. DURING THAT DRIVE, WITH THE WINDOWS CRACKED, I BEGAN TO FEEL A DULL HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND MUSCLE WEAKNESS. ONCE I DROPPED MY CAR OFF FOR INSPECTION AND WAS OUT OF THE CAR I DIDN'T FEEL ANY BETTER AND MY HEADACHE AND WEAKNESS GOT WORSE. MY WIFE TOOK ME TO THE ER OUT OF PRECAUTION AND AFTER BLOODWORK WAS TAKEN, I WAS CONFIRMED TO HAVE HAD CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. I AM A NON-SMOKER AND MY COHB LEVELS WERE TWICE THAT OF A NON-SMOKER : 3.8% IT WAS RAINING OUT SO I COULD NOT UNROLLI WINDOWS AS MUCH AS I WANTED TO. I WAS NOT DRIVING WITH THE A/C ON, WAS NOT SITTING IDLE. MINIMUM SPEED WAS 5-10 MPH AND MAX SPEED WAS 70 MPH FORD IDENTIFIED THE SMELL AS A FAILING PTU BUT CLAIMED THERE WAS NO CO PRESENT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A CO SENSOR INSIDE THE CAB. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 32 MONTHS WITH NO ISSUE BUT I CANNOT IGNORE THAT I DID IN FACT HAVE CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE EXISTENCE OF THE STRONG SULFUR SMELL SHOWING UP. I AM NOT CONVINCED CARBON MONOXIDE GETTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI 11196870

Mar 14, 2019Engine1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUMES WERE COMING THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS. THE FUMES CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BECOME ILL, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN IN THE COLD TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF THE ABNORMAL FUMES COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO LARRY H. MILLER FORD LAKEWOOD (11595 6TH AVE, LAKEWOOD, CO 80215) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,600. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI 11186785

Oct 29, 2018AirbagsCrash1 injury

2016 FORD EXPLORER KNEE AIRBAG INJURY-ON 7/13/2018 WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, A LOW SPEED/LOW IMPACT COLLISION OCCURRED (<10 MPH), IMPACT TO THE RIGHT FRONT TRIGGERING PASSENGER KNEE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING SERIOUS LEG INJURIES TO PROPERLY BELTED 72 YEAR OLD FEMALE PASSENGER. THE FORCE OF THE AIRBAG BLEW THE SKIN AND TISSUE OFF THE PASSENGER'S LEGS RESULTING IN FLESH WOUNDS AND MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT. PASSENGER WOULD NOT HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN INJURED IN THE CRASH. BLACKBOX DATA WAS RETRIEVED AND VEHICLE INSPECTED BY EXPERTS, INCLUDING FORD. FORD CLAIMS THE AIRBAG OPERATED AS DESIGNED. FORD REFUSED TO PRODUCE ANY SAFETY TESTING RESULTS FOR THIS TYPE OF AIRBAG AND INJURY. INJURED PARTY REMAINS IN WOUND CARE (PIGSKIN HAS BEEN APPLIED) AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. SHE SUFFERS PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE AND SCARRING.

NHTSA ODI 11143821

Oct 12, 2018Engine & cooling1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, AN EXHAUST ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BECOME ILL AND DIZZY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE MAINLY OCCURRED WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO ACCELERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SUGGESTED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENTILINI FORD (555 JON S. PENN BLVD, WOODBINE, NJ) AND THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS REPROGRAMMED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,800.

NHTSA ODI 11139962

Jul 6, 20181 injury

THE CAR HAD NOT YET HAD THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE FOR THE PLUGS AND SEALS COMPLETED. I HAD NOT NOTED ANY EXHAUST ODORS IN THE CAR AND HAD NOT PROBLEMS DURING MANY ALL DAY DRIVES. AFTER AN 11 HR DRIVE THIS WEEK WITH THE AC ON THE WHOLE TIME (NOT ON RECIRCULATING), I HAD MANY SYMPTOMS OF CO EXPOSURE (HEADACHE, DIZZY, NAUSEA) AND ALL 3 OF MY DOGS WER AFFECTED (POOR APPETITE, LETHARGIC). ONE OUT OF THE CAR I'M FRESH AIR FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE SYMPTOMS SLOWLY DISSIPATED. WISH I HAD HAD A CO METER IN THE CAR. I HAD MILDER SYMPTOMS ON SEVERAL TRIPS (4-7HRS DRIVING IN ONE DAY) IN THE WEEKS BEFORE THIS LONGER TRIP. THESE WERE ALL HIGHWAY DRIVING AND CAR DID NOT IDLE WHILE SITTING.

NHTSA ODI 11109800

Jun 18, 2018Engine & coolingFuel system1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE CONTACT'S WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS, AN ABNORMAL ODOR WAS DETECTED COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE BECAME ILL AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS WIFE HAD CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AT FOUR TIMES THE NORMAL LIMIT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MEDICAL DOCTOR THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11102344

May 14, 2018AirbagsCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND CHEST, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BATTLEFIELD SERVICE CENTER IN MANASSAS, VIRGINIA, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11093679

Apr 15, 2018AirbagsWheelsCrash2 injuries

I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 EAST IN HARRISON TWP, MI ON 3/9/18. I WAS TRAVELING A 70 MPH. I HEARD SOMETHING AND SUDDENLY I AM SAW WHITE ALL AROUND ME LIKE A TUNNEL. AT THAT MOMENT I WAS STILL IN MY LANE. WITHIN SECONDS THE I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS THOUGH I HAD NO BRAKES OR STEERING. MY CAR VEERED LEFT HITTING THE CEMENT MEDIAN. THE CAR ROLLED ON ITS LEFT SIDE AND EVENTUALLY FLIPPED BACK UPRIGHT. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE ACCIDENT. MY DAUGHTER, 14, AND I WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES. ON 3/8/18 MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE FORD DEALER TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING. THE SERVICE MAN MADE A COMMENT ABOUT OUR TIRES WEARING QUICKLY AND SHREDDING. WE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THEM AT 22,500 MILES. CURRENTLY MY VEHICLE HAD 58,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I TRULY THINK THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE CAR. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEY REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE AND WOULDN'T EVEN SEND BE A LETTER STATING THEY WOULD NOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THEY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAR BECAUSE I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE SO IT WAS OBVIOUSLY MY FAULT. BOTH COMPANIES REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. MY INJURIES WERE NOT SUBSTANSIAL ENOUGH FOR ANYONE TO TAKE NOTICE. I THOUGHT THAT IS WHY VEHICLES HAVE BLACK BOXES WERE INSTALLED. I AM FEARFUL 2016 EXPLORER OWNERS OR THE INNOCCENT BYSTANDERS ARE GOING BE HURT OR WORSE IF FORD DOESN'T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY. I TRULY BELIEVE THE WHITE TUNNEL WAS THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI 11085166

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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 verdict →