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

The Duratec V6 engine in many models of Ford including Explorer 2011-2019 has a major design flaw in that the water pump is INSIDE the engine and fails frequently and abruptly. When it fails, the coolant immediately floods the engine and mixes with motor oil and the engine seizes immediately it could be in traffic in an intersection or anywhere. This should have been recalled. There is a class action already for this issue in Canada, same engine and manufacturer, moving thru the courts and certified as a class action there. The US seems to be behind. The NTSB should pressure Ford to recall all of these and repair them with a water pump assembly which is stronger. In my case, on a routine service visit to the dealer I was told that I had the beginning of a coolant leak on my 2016 Ford Explorer Limited, with only 65K miles on it. They required me to bring it back another day for diagnosis then shocked me by saying the water pump is about to fail and should be replaced but because of this design the entire engine must be removed in order to replace it. They also said it is a common failure and can recur. The repair costs $4000 almost all labor to replace a $200 water pump. But the problem is it can be replaced and within a month fail again with consequences of being stalled in traffic or the middle of an intersection. It is well documented online. They changed their design to correct the problem starting after 2019. A useful description of the issue is at: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-explorer-water-pump-recalls but there has been no recall in the US.

NHTSA ODI 11471556

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front seat inadvertently moved back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471604

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking and sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was towed to the transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a year later. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist where the torque converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the vehicle was shifting hard while driving and was jerking upon acceleration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine mounts were replaced twice. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-2271, which he associated with the torque converter failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the vibration caused by the torque converter failure was damaging the engine mounts, causing the engine mounts to be repaired often. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471431

Steering wheel locked up going 40mph.Received warning for steering fault and for lane keeping system. Restarting vehicle did not help.

NHTSA ODI 11471025

Water pump failure no warning car over heats and water pump cost over $2000 to repair no option but to take to a dealer

NHTSA ODI 11470738

- Molding piece and underlying bracket located between the windshield and side passenger window. Molding piece is long and over 24 inches long. - Became loose and detached completely during driving. -The issue first appeared when the vehicle had under 36000 miles- at that time a Ford service technician glued it to the underlying mounting bracket to remedy the problem. The issue happened to the same piece again within the last three months. A Ford service tech again glued the piece into place to secure. Four days ago the piece completely came off, while driving. The clips on the mounting bracket were completely broken. I have since had the bracket and piece replaced. -According to the service advisor at a Ford dealership, Ford released a notice to service depts advising them of the issue. According to the service advisor is a problem for 2015 and 2016 Ford Explorers This bracket was in stock at the dealership I went to.

NHTSA ODI 11470414

I was driving through a residential area with my 3 kids in the backseat when the steering wheel stopped working and I was unable to turn it past 1/2in at either direction and my tires were not turning either. I had to use strong incredible force to get it to turn. We were stopped in the middle of the road. The steering wheel stopped turning while I was driving WITHOUT any warnings or signs indicating this was going to happen. It just completely locked, all I could do was go forward or back. Now I am getting on my dash board “Steering Assist Fault-Service Required” “Terrain management system fault” “Service Advance Tract” and “Hill Start Assist Not Available” warning lights illuminated. All ford dealerships are booked out until 2-3 months out so now I’m left without a car or transportation. Clearly this is an issue with a lot of Ford vehicles and what a shame they are not doing anything about it!

NHTSA ODI 11470069

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ODI 11469743

Rear a/c lines and evaporator damaged due to corrosion from elements. Was told it would cost $2000+ and not covered under warrenty or extended warranty. This is odd because Ford knows its a problem and has issued other recalls for the same reason in the same location (rear) just to different parts.

NHTSA ODI 11469493

1) Engine consuming coolant - 102,000 miles 2) Gauge Temperature should be by default in the dashboard computer. This is not the case in the 2016 Ford Explorer. Complain: Consumers can not detect on time if the engine is overheating, because the gauge temperature is not visible on the dashboard. If you change setting to monitor any other component of the car - ex: tire pressure, others...the gauge temperature disappear from the screen.

NHTSA ODI 11469057

My 2016 Ford Explorer, with 68,000 miles has a leak in the rear A/c lines and lost all the coolant. This appears to be a common problem with the Ford explorer. Is the leaking into the environment an issue? Ford does not have a recall on this issue. To fix it, the Ford dealer told me it would be $2,500. I opted for a block off kit to block off the rear a/c that cost $166 plus labor of $637 for a total cost of $803. Interesting that they make a block off kit which tells you that this is a common problem.

NHTSA ODI 11468777

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. A message on the instrument panel to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted, the contact was able to resume normal driving. A friend of the contact's son inspected the vehicle and discovered that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11468427

Airbag light on dash came on right after 100k mile warranty. I had Ford repair it and paid out of pocket, because I have a family and I would like to be safe. The issue has come back less than 4 months later and based on multiple online complaints, it seems to be never ending. How is Ford getting away with this? Is it going to take losing loved ones or a big media/lawsuit scandal? This is unacceptable, how is our government entities protecting consumers in these cases?

NHTSA ODI 11467904

Steering while driving thru town or on highway is loosing power steering assist randomly and causing major steering and control issues

NHTSA ODI 11467479

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump was leaking causing a mixture of the engine oil and coolant. The contact was also notified of a front axle failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467300

I took my vehicle to 2 mechanics and they notated a rack and pinion issue on my vehicle. I have attempted to take it to my local Ford Dealership (Woody Anderson) but they claim there are no appointments available for months. I googled and found there was a recall on Ford Explorers including 2016 for Rack and Pinion, but it was not associated with my VIN. I believe this should be covered under the recall and would like for there to be an assessment to get this recall to cover my vehicle. The rack and pinion is causing shaking in the steering and posing a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11467033

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive the contact became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. While driving the vehicle with manual steering, the steering wheel started jerking to the left or right without warning. Occasionally, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle would be restarted and the steering would function however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The stability control warning light and stability control off warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the rear suspension and toe link might be fractured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11466809

1. 2016 Ford Explorer transmission. shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood. 2. Ford Explorer carbon monoxide. There is a smell in the cabin. 3. Weather strip and trim on both sides of the windshield are coming off. This is a major safety issues if those trims come off and hit another car.

NHTSA ODI 11466173

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while in for routine maintenance it was discovered that water from the radiator or water reservoir was leaking. Later a red-colored liquid from the vehicle was present in the driveway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11466243

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the water pump was recently replaced. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the main bearing had caused damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11466261

While driving approximately 70mph on the highway, the vehicle check engine light came on and the engine began shutting down with the over temp light on. We had to coast over 2 lanes to safely get out of traffic. Upon pulling over I noticed there was no coolant in the reservoir so i pulled the engine oil dip stick and could see evidence of coolant in the oil. After having the vehicle towed back home, I pulled the valve cover and could see the water pump shaft seal had failed and leaked coolant into the oil and the sprocket on the water pump shaft has been ground down. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than myself but I do have pictures of the damage. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident and the oil was just changed 4 weeks ago with no signs of coolant in the oil.

NHTSA ODI 11465914

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed that the roof rail cover located on top of the vehicle had become loosened. The contact attempted to reattach the roof rail to the vehicle but was unable to attach the roof rail. The contact then stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, the roof rail detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact called the dealer who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer provided a case number and referred him to the NHTSA. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11465391

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11465168

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph when attempting to make a left turn when the vehicle's power steering had failed. The contact had difficulty getting the vehicle to straighten back up while accelerating. The contact stated the steering wheel had emitted a grinding and humming sound whenever they would turn the vehicle left or right. The contact also noticed there was fluid leaking from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact contacted the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering gearbox failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was told their failure related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (STEERING) however their vin was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 60,025.

NHTSA ODI 11465181

Have 2016 Ford Explorer which my son had while at college and at 72,940 miles on 09/15/2021 the steering malfunction which made steering very difficult and safety hazard. Ford dealership looked into the issue and stated it needed a new steering gear assembly which cost $3,493.92. Ford dealership stated that there was no recall for this repair and when ask the dealership how this does happen, they stated, "I DO NOT KNOW". I had the repaired made and decided to talk to Ford on the issue. Made two calls on 11/29/2021 & 01/13/2022 to the Ford Customer Service and received case#CAS35022773 but received no solution in having Ford pay for this repair.

NHTSA ODI 11465055