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, a rattling noise was heard underneath the vehicle. Additionally, water was entering the vehicle from the roof rack. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension), 21V537000 (Suspension), and 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to a local dealer for the recall repairs, he was made aware that there was no mechanic available to complete the needed recall repairs. The contact stated that he was rescheduled on two other occasions. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11509003

The molding for the windshield driver side flew off while driving on the highway

NHTSA ODI 11508659

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, he was made aware that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the water pump, head gasket, and timing belt needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was advised to have the repairs completed at a local dealer. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508720

2 pieces of the trim/body have fallen off while driving. One piece fell off and hit a car behind me in the windshield. This is common on these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11508478

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then lost motive power while coming to a stop at a stop signal. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508545

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved a fault code for a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The mechanic stated that either the engine or gasket needed to be replaced, and the contact was advised to have further diagnosis and repairs completed at a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11508573

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side windshield side trim loosened. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and placed the trim back in place, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the part was okay as-is. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be inspected. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508381

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering rack when steering left. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508414

Traveling at approximately 65mph on the highway, while beginning to enter a slight turn in the highway, the steering wheel "froze" as if the vehicle was off. It stayed locked ,about 15 degrees to the right, and would not free up. I tried applying brakes, which instantly began pulling me further left and into a ditch. Within 5 seconds I lost control of the vehicle, at around 50mph, impacted a guard rail, then went airborne, nose diving onto the service road below the highway. No lights were present at the time of the failure, a Ford dealership had done an inspection on my Steering Rack back on 10/29/2021 that found no issues present. The way the crash happened, I'm lucky to be alive, but how is this not a recall? How is there not a safety feature to allow for manual control of the steering if the electrical system dies? Scariest moment driving by far, a roller coaster I wish to not be put on again. I have significant bruising from the seat belt impacting my right side hip, my mirror dislodged and hit me in the head, seat airbag bruised my left shoulder, and my neck is about as sore as it can get

NHTSA ODI 11508168

The heater stopped working but it seemed a benign problem-- until we had someone look at it. It was apparently leaking coolant due to a faulty design and water pump failure, and the mechanic told us the engine could have just seized up on the freeway putting us in danger. Ultimately cost over 3000$ and nearly 2 weeks to repair

NHTSA ODI 11507987

Water pump, leaking coolant, ticking engine

NHTSA ODI 11507751

To whom it may concern the rack and pinion in my 2016 Ford Explorer fail 3 times one before I bought my truck from the dealer the person who trade it in was because of the rack and pinion. the rack and pinion on my truck that I purchased from the dealer. gave out two three years later. after I purchased my truck, I replace. the rack and pinion it cost me 1300 dollars. and now it fails again. I don't have another 1300 dollars to purchase. another rack and pinion I believe that it's an electoral problem from the manufacture. of the Ford explorer.

NHTSA ODI 11507551

Windshield trim pieces flying off while driving down the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11507652

Windshield post molding flew off and damaged our mirror at 70MPH. I took it to the Ford dealer and they have had a number of these incidents, but they still charged me $335.

NHTSA ODI 11507356

The A pillars, which are the moldings on the left and right side of the windshield, began to come detached from the vehicle while driving down the Interstate at 70 mph. Only one clip was left to hold it on. I had to reduce speed to 40 mph on a very busy interstate until I could exit the interstate. These clips are similar to those used on the roof rails of this vehicle which was part of two previous recalls. Body parts detaching from the vehicle while driving at high speeds down an interstate should certainly constitute a safety concern. From what I understand from the Ford dealership, this has been a problem for a couple of years now that Ford has chosen not to address. It is currently being held on with duct tape until these can be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11507393

I was on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson southbound. I heard a thumping noise but could not see anything wrong. Then there was a loud bang and I thought a semi had kicked up something though I saw nothing in the air. I was doing 75mph the posted speed but there was a cross wind. When I arrived home in Oro Valley i noticed the right, front passenger windshield entire trim was gone! Upon looking for a replacement part I noticed that I am not alone with this problem so I am reporting it. I would suspect many others have this problem but do not. Anyhow it is a safety issue. It is a large part to have this debris fly into another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11507447

2016 Ford Explorer. Wife was sitting in running vehicle, in line waiting to pick up our kids from school. Warning lights came on and engine sputtered out. Was checked by personal mechanic said coolant was empty but no leaks on ground at school. Said signs of past leakage. I filled with antifreeze and it ran fine with no visible leaks. @ months later i noticed reservoir low. Brought to ford for the luggage rack recall and had them check coolant issue and do oil change. Water Pump. We had only owned the car for six months. How many thousands of people need to have issues with the water pump failing before we get any help. For god sakes its becoming a meme. Ok another couple thousand after i just had the water pump on my lacrosse replaced. Kids can go without food again. At least we weren't traveling down the turnpike at 70 mph when it happened.

NHTSA ODI 11507234

2nd failed/leaking water pump since purchasing the vehicle. The water pump was replaced on 9/30/20 at 121,948 and now at less than 100,000 additional miles on 2/9/23 (210,826) the water pump is leaking again. $3000+ is an expensive repair for a $154 part.

NHTSA ODI 11506338

The water pump failed and dumped coolant into the oil and seized the engin

NHTSA ODI 11506424

Passenger window trim piece came off while driving down interstate. I have seen a story that stated complaints about this were already being investigated so I felt I should report that it happened to me as well.

NHTSA ODI 11506155

In November of 2022 on the highway the molding against the windshield that runs from the hood up to the rooftop flew off the vehicle. Luckily nobody was injured or no accident caused. Kerry Ford charged me $538.62... In February of 2023... Again, going down the highway the driver side molding against the windshield broke in half and another piece went flying off... Again, luckily no other damage or accident caused. I noticed this time there appeared to be velcro underneath at the bottom of the panel - Velcro? Not sure that seems appropriate. Again, Kerry Ford charging me another $446.00 to repair the driver side now - Hopefully Ford doesn't think Velcro is the answer. Meanwhile, I'm out nearly a $1000.00 because Ford has pieces flying off their vehicles... wonder how long until it causes a major accident or cost someone behind me their life? Better start a recall now instead of waiting for the worst to happen.

NHTSA ODI 11506225

Steering creaks loudly while turning the wheels, accompanied by loose steering and steering lock intermittently. The problem occurs at all speeds. Without great care at low speeds, we would have had an accident already. There have been no warning lights. This problem started after shipping our vehicle overseas.

NHTSA ODI 11506313

Right side windshield molding flew off on highway.

NHTSA ODI 11506011

My pregnant girlfriend was driving our Explorer on the highway (70mph) with her father in the passenger's seat when the driver's side A-pillar trim came off. She said it came loose and stuck the window, scaring them both, before it detached completely. They weren't sure if there was a vehicle close behind them when this happened. This seems like this is a big safety issue worthy of a recall. I purchased replacement parts from a local Ford dealer, and they said they sell a lot of those trim pieces.

NHTSA ODI 11505691

When I was driving the vehicle on the interstate (approximately 75 mph) the roof rack railing flew off. Luckily there were no cars following behind me. This was a prior recall that was fixed on my vehicle and I was told Ford was no longer fixing that because they found the glue was faulty.

NHTSA ODI 11505636