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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding and squeaking sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the noise was due to a faulty steering rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528934

While driving on Freeway 10 on June 23, 2023 around the Palm Springs area the passenger windshield side panel flew off. There were considerable wind gusts while driving at average traffic speed around 70 mph. The driver windshield side panel flew off on June 2020 on the same freeway also during wind gusts. I fixed the driver side panel by ordering a replacement part and used additional epoxy reinforcement which proved more effective than just original affixing as the part still remains affixed in place.

NHTSA ODI 11528502

We are hearing a loud noise on our '16 Ford Explorer Platinum when turning the steering wheel. It only has about 62,000 miles. The Service department at our local Ford Dealership stated that the noise likely means the Steering Rack could lock up at any time while driving. It could happen soon or never. The cost to repair is about $3000. It is a common & known issue on this Ford model. How can this not be on a safety recall? If the vehicle is in the middle of traffic when the steering locks up, it could be tragic, possibly causing an accident that could take lives. There are no warning lamps or messages warning of any issues. Are we to pay $3000 for the replacement part & labor with just a possible guess of what defect the noise may cause? How is Ford not responsible to repair this known defect?

NHTSA ODI 11528572

The windshield trim panel on passenger side suddenly flew off while I was driving on the highway. Apparently this is a focus of investigation already (Investigation: PE 23-001).

NHTSA ODI 11528345

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, fluid was discovered dripping from the subframe. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that engine coolant had leaked from the vehicle due to a faulty water pump. The contact was advised that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528056

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side pillar covers detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) and stated that the pillar covers were not a part of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528135

My Ford Explorer 2016 windshield outer trim fell off while driving causing major danger on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11527485

Driver A pillar molding flew off and hit the driver's mirror and driver's side window doing 70 mph. Amost resulting in a accident.

NHTSA ODI 11527462

While driving at highway speed, about 70 mph, passenger side window pillar trim separated and flew off of a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited. Do not know if part hit other vehicles. Vehicle has approx 78,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11527236

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and then attempting to park the vehicle, the high engine temperature message was displayed. The contact parked the vehicle, and her husband inspected the vehicle and became aware that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the water pump not operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526734

The gear will not go into Park. I put the gear in Park and the car started to roll. I looked at the dashboard and it said it was in Reverse. With the car in the Reverse position, it will not start.

NHTSA ODI 11526500

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into park(P), the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). An independent mechanic flipped an unknown switch, and the contact was able to drive her vehicle to her residence; however, when the contact attempted to shift the transmission into park(P), the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). The contact's son flipped the switch, and the contact was able to shift the transmission into park(P). Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526511

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact also became aware that the front driver’s side windshield trim was loosened and almost detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526589

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was later informed that the water pump was defective, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.

NHTSA ODI 11526232

The drivers side trim piece that runs vertically on the edge of the windshield and holds the rubber gasket in place came loose at the top and allowed the rubber gasket to flap around and hit the window, trim, and windshield. I was on the highway for a relatively short distance so it didn't come off completely. If it had flown off the car it could have caused an accident or hit someone else's vehicle causing damage. I am assuming there is some type of clip or screw? that has come off allowing the trim piece to come loose at the top. I have notified the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. They have not responded yet. I have not contacted anyone else about the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11526062

We were driving on the freeway and out of nowhere, the trim next to the windshield completely flew off on the passenger side of the car and then the driver side trim broke in half.

NHTSA ODI 11525868

The window trim/window pillars keep flying off on the interstate/highway!!! I’ve replaced them multiple times and yet continue to fly off !!!! PLEASE RECALL AND REPLACE THESE ON THE EXPLORERS ITS SAD !!!!

NHTSA ODI 11525938

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim on the passenger’s and driver's side detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11525605

Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code B141B and/or B141C as listed in Ford TSB 15-0113. Independent service center identified the problem and confirmed that the circuit / wires had been severed and the airbag would not have deployed. The independent service center let me know that our safety was at risk and that we should definitely have the repair completed prior to putting the vehicle back on the road. They also are the ones that made us aware of the Ford technical service bulletin and that the problem had never been made into a company recall. The component has not been inspected by Ford, however the independent service center followed Fords recommendation for repair. I have been working with the Ford Corporation who told me that the service center would reimburse me for the repair. However, the Ford service center said that the repair was done outside the dates of the released Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 21B11. In addition they notified me that my vehicle was outside the "build-date" that was covered under the CSP. However, it is obvious through research that the problem still exists. The CSP was in effect from January 21, 2021 to January 21, 2023 . The repair we had done by the independent service center was performed on January 30, 2023. This only days after the program ended. I explained to the Ford service center that this was an ongoing problem even in some newer models of Ford vehicles. It is documented all over the internet that this problem has persisted since 2015 and Ford has still not made it into an official recall. In addition, I told them an emergency repair is defined as when a vehicle needs a repair to ensure no one gets injured during use of the vehicle, and an emergency part is defined as a component or part that is essential to ensure no one gets injured during the use of the vehicle. They still refused to reimburse me for the repair. Ford corporation recommended I file this complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11525396

Steering freezes or goes stiff through turns as if power steering is failing. Grinding noise while turning wheel at lower speeds. Online research points to rack and pinion failure. Steering issue has gotten progressively worse over months. Started as a slight hesitation while going through turns at a reduced speed but has progressed to more frequent steering issues at all speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11525272

The windshield cowl is separated from the body of the car and could break apart and hit a car

NHTSA ODI 11525295

My check engine light keeps reading a evap code. I have replaced the evap throttle 3x’s. My car smells of a gas leak coming from somewhere. I have taken it to Ford, and to two other mechanics. They claim that the check engine code is wrong and they cannot find where the fuel smell is coming from without the proper code. My check engine light turns on and off with the same error everytime. The evap code is not the problem. I have made a complaint months ago, and still nothing. Not sure what else I can do.

NHTSA ODI 11524738

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound near the windshield. The contact then stated that the windshield trim panel detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11524392

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model vehicle. The dealer was able to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11524418

Steering wheel started to make noises and becoming stiff when turning left or right. No warning or indicator lights are showing. Next day Steering wheel was locked & wouldn't move. Ford dealership serviced the vehicle & said it was the lower steering shaft. I paid to have it fixed. Then the dealership said the steering rack needs replaced & there was no way of knowing it until the lower steering shaft was replaced. The steering rack was recalled on other 2016 Ford Explorers & I don't understand why it wasn't recalled on mine since it's having the same symptoms. Ford said I'll know when to replace it because the power steering will go out. There's no way this car is safe to drive. Let alone to be advised to drive it until the power steering goes out.

NHTSA ODI 11524265