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

The transmission on our vehicle has failed twice now. First in May 2019, at 41,000 miles, the transmission and torque converter failed, causing heavy shaking when idle. The repair was supposedly repaired under warranty by a Ford dealership. However, fast forward a few years and 40,000 miles, and the transmission failed again. In March 2023, my wife and daughter were at a busy intersection. My wife pressed the gas, but the car wouldn't move and began to lurch backward, putting my wife and daughter's lives in danger as well as the lives of anyone who came up behind us. Before this incident, we had also felt a violent shaking in idle that we had unsuccessfully tried to repair with a new motor mount. The transmission problem was diagnosed by police and confirmed by our local mechanic. It is now at another Ford dealership. But it is unclear how much Ford will cover. I want you to know, however, that a Ford dealer looked up my records on the first transmission repair that occurred under warranty. He said he was surprised that the Ford dealer that was supposed to do the initial warranty repair had only done a partial rebuild given the condition the transmission was in. The notes said the transmission was full of metal fragments and shards throughout, and he said that "they should overhauled the whole thing." The defect, combined with the shoddy repair, is likely why the transmission failed a 2nd time, putting my family's lives in danger. Transmission issues in Ford Explorers appear to be a known problem. I noticed on NHTSA's website that Ford has two customer satisfaction programs (20N07 and 20B27) related to Explorer transmissions. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10181988-0001.pdf I am hoping that NHTSA can look into these continuing Ford Explorer transmission issues and the botched warranty repair and get Ford to extend the customer satisfaction program or initiate a recall to refund customers' repair, tow and rental car costs. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11512936

Informed that the water pump on my 2016 Explorer is going out. This seems to be an ongoing problem that Ford is not addressing.

NHTSA ODI 11512992

Ford has a recall active until July 2023 involving steering components. The recall was repaired, however the same part failed within 8 months. Ford has informed me that there was a "customer satisfaction program" associated with the recall, that could have the parts replaced AGAIN within six months of repair. I am curious how they can replace parts with what they clearly know to be defective parts, and give a six month limit on replacement. This is poor business as well as potentially harmful or fatal. Recall 21S32 is the original recall notice.

NHTSA ODI 11512626

Courtesy Ford in Rome Georgia refused to resolve the 2nd row airbag issue covered under CSP 21B11 during a known air bag light issue while in their service department in 12/22. Dealer has been non responsive, Ford Customer Relations has placed negative feedback against the dealership, however there currently is no resolve.

NHTSA ODI 11512317

My Ford Explorer was idling roughly and unsafely hesitating in traffic. The check engine light came on. I had to drive it to the Ford Dealership to be evaluated. On the way to Bill Collins Ford in Louisville KY, my vehicle hesitated in traffic several times, and I feared that I would be hit by other vehicles. I was informed that it had a catastrophic engine failure. The head gasket was blown. The service manager informed me that replacing the head gasket would not resolve the issue due to the DESIGN FLAW with the engine. This design flaw that is inherent to this engine family has caused vehicles to unsafely hesitate in traffic and catch fire. There are currently no engines available due to the number of engines that are failing. My vehicle cannot be repaired at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11512178

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trim on the front windshield separated and detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated the failure was a known issue, and that there was no recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 11512180

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim separated and detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the warranty did not cover the trim replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 82,300.

NHTSA ODI 11512044

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the trim between the driver’s side door and the windshield detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511530

The passenger side windshield trim, separated from the vehicle at highway speeds, and landed onto the windshield of the vehicle behind me. Both vehicles were traveling at 75 mph when the incident occurred. I contacted my servicing Ford dealership, service, and parts department, to which both entities acknowledged this was a common problem for this year and model vehicle. I further inquired if any additional recalls for this trim component work on Ford’s recall list to which they said no. I am concerned because in 2020 a recall on the Ford Explorer roof rack rails, work executed, because those were separating from the vehicle at high rate of speed as well. Ford dealership quoted me $851 to replace both windshield trim components, both passenger and driver side a total of four plastic pieces. Ford also stated that the repair work would need to be done by a train service technician vice the end users themselves. Estimating approximately two hours of labor for both components would require the Ford vehicle owner to pay for $1000 to affect a repair which clearly is defective and unsafe at highway speeds. Separation of this component from the vehicle could have resulted in a high-speed collision and potential loss of life as a result of the failure of this part. I have also notified the Ford dealership that I intend to file a formal complaint on the defective parts with Ford motor company, as well as the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11511337

The water pump is located inside the motor to repair is over $3,000 just to simply change a water pump a leaking water pump will lead to a motor lock up from what could of been a $100 do it your self job turns into a $3000 job for a dealership or locked up motor and motor replacement or a crash

NHTSA ODI 11510925

This is a known issue with the 2018 Explorer. A warning came on the dash with a wrench that says, see manual along with the airbag light. The vehicle lost all power, went into a safe mode and would only idle rough. The shop diagnosed this as a known issue with the throttle body malfunctioning. I called Ford and although there was a min extension done to the warranties for this car, it expired. This needs to be recalled. Had this of happened at interstate speed, myself and my entire family could have been severely injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI 11510978

On two separate occasions, the windshield trim panel blew off my Explorer while I was driving at highway speeds. This was the trim panel on the driver's side in both instances. I had it repaired the first time and then it happened again. I was told by Safelight, who repaired it the first time, that they have done dozens of these repairs. And, it happened to my brother-in-law's Ford Excursion. Just look around while you're driving and you will see many Ford SUVs with missing trim panels. The dealership refuses to fix it even under my extended warranty - even though it's clearly a defect - and it costs hundreds of dollars for the repair. I know Ford is aware of the problem and doesn't seem to care. A recall needs to be issued. The last time the trim blew off I was driving 65 miles an hour on I-10 in traffic - the trim could have easily hit another car - and may have for all I know.

NHTSA ODI 11510987

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning in either direction, the steering wheel jerked with a rubbing sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local service center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11510568

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and then seized. No warning light was illuminated. 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 advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 88,740.

NHTSA ODI 11510309

The water pump goes out and blows the engine. Leave your stranded. They put this engine and makes it to the point you can't fix and cost over 5,000 to fix sounds like lots of issues why the hell has this not been recalled. Very disappointed that people are having this issue and really no recalls on this. Not ok!!!

NHTSA ODI 11510158

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and left her stranded on the highway. The engine overheating message was displayed. The contact removed the coolant cap and noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added more coolant and a stop leak solution. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to locate the leak. While driving and watching the temperature gauge, she heard an abnormal screeching sound. The contact was able to stop and noticed that the engine overheating message was displayed. The contact added coolant which leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,040.

NHTSA ODI 11510042

Passenger windshield trim detached and flew off at highway speed.

NHTSA ODI 11510078

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate. After restarting the vehicle, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the motor mounts and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The spark plugs and motor mounts were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and 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 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509833

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the middle row passenger’s side seat belt malfunctioned and could no longer be retracted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and stated that the part was on backorder. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509857

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and while idling, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The dashboard was shaking, and the glove box was rattling. While shifting from park to drive or reverse, the vehicle vibrated. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating and misfiring during acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509901

My vehicle had a rear seat air bag recall. i brought the vehicle in for the recall and during a test of the airbag system the driver side air bag had a fault and the harness was replaced. Ford indicated that the vehicle airbag system is operational. I got a airbag light come on the dash and an appointment was made. They told me that the passenger side airbag harness is defective. They would not repair the issue because they said that the recall had been resolved and this is a new one? I feel that they did not resolve the issue since it is a electrical harness issue that needed a recall for the entire vehicle. since they said the fixed the driver side they will not honor the recall. I feel this is not fair for the consumer and the safety of the passengers. I feel that there should be another recall on all airbags electrical harness. I feel that they did not complete the job since it was the same issue that caused the recall for the rear seat should cover all airbags in the vehicel.

NHTSA ODI 11509739

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the power transfer unit (PTU) was leaking fluid onto the exhaust system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509377

My touch screen isn’t working properly and I have brand new converters in there is smoke coming out of my tail pipes, also I have to jump my vehicle every time I want to go somewhere.

NHTSA ODI 11509110

I know it was a Friday in April 2021 not sure what Friday. I was driving down I95 and noticed weather stripping from right side of windshield flapping and hitting the side of the car. Suddenly a piece of plastic flew off the car I am not sure but I do think it hit a vehicle behind me. I immediately pulled over and slowly proceeded on the shoulder incase the other car stopped. No car stopped so I proceeded home. I took the car to have vehicle fixed. Several Ford dealers and three auto repair shops stated "this happens all the time". What was really upsetting was the cost to replace the part. even more upsetting was no one wanted to fix it, advised that in Florida if you end up with a crack or chip in window, insurance will replace windshield. This part usually needs replaced when replacing windshield so told to just wait to you have to replace windshield. It doesn't hurt or cause leaks. But it looks crappy. now I see Ford Explorers all the time missing the trim piece. My vehicle almost all of the weather stripping has rotted away as well. I did just what everyone advised wait to I have windshield damage. BTW I am always needing to clean the windshield manually as my windshield washer has never worked properly from day one. Now it doesn't work at all. Fast forward just over a year later It was late May or early June 2022. I am again on I95 returning home after retrieving both of my parents death certificates (they both died 12 days apart) I again hear banging noise this time on left side of car. Luckily it was about the time I was about to my exit. I pull over and find the left side of window trim stuck in the left rear wheel well. and was flapping against the car. I was able to pry it loose and thankfully it didn't fling with force and hit someone or another vehicle. If Ford knows this happens all the time why do they not recall it. Heck I am tired of my transfer case constantly needing repaired. My steering even went out on this lemon of a car.

NHTSA ODI 11508875

When it rains, somehow water comes into the vehicle and it gets wet. There has been puddles of water in the driver and/or on the passages side. When I took it to a body shop they mentioned that the water leakage could’ve made the heated seats malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11508918