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

Failure of water pump which is known to cause failure of engine because of where the water pump is located (inside of engine). There have been many cases reported that there is none or limited warning when it fails and cases have resulted in engine failure. When engine failure occurs, the car shuts down and can leave individuals stranded and in harm's way. In my case, thank God, my husband noticed a couple of drops of fluid on the garage floor. As of yet, we have not been notified of engine failure as it is in the dealer getting fixed. I am not sure why no one has addressed this issue with Ford. There was a lawsuit pending and it was dismissed in the US based on the fact that the plantiffs could not prove Ford knew this when building the engine (Canada just approved a recall on this same issue). However, Ford should be held responsible now that they now. Ford has NEVER notified individuals who have this type of engine (with the water pump inside the engine) of the risk of this problem. Even if it does not warrant a recall, Ford still should be notifying individuals of the hazard of the water pump failure which could easily cause engine failure. Please do something about this.

NHTSA ODI 11464757

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464394

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s side second-row seat belt mechanism had malfunctioned and remained locked. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that a plastic piece inside the receiving latch assembly fractured and the entire latch needed to be replaced. The latch was replaced and the failure was fixed. The contact stated that later the same failure recurred on the second-row passenger’s side seat belt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463896

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband noticed that there was a fluid leak underneath the vehicle onto the ground. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) that she had received. The dealer informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the water pump replacement. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump, timing chain, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, and camshaft sprockets were replaced and the anti-freeze coolant life was extended. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Consumer would like a reimbursement incurred for repairs for the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11463526

Vehicle started overheating, when inspected I notice a coolant leak. Had it diagnosed, outcome was water pump leaking. Vehicle only has about 58685 miles. Warranty expired and extended warranty also expired. Not sure why the water pump started to leak at such low milage. Vehicle is currently at the Ford Dealer for repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11463287

Out of no where there is a chemical/propane smell. Took it to a ford dealer. They said my water pump is causing it. Got that fixed and the smell is still there. The small is so bad I get a head ache and nausea every time I drive it. Took it to another mechanic and he acknowledges the smell but can not figure it out. There are no warning lights on. I am scared to drive my own car.

NHTSA ODI 11462389

Indicator light indicating power train issues came on after a few days of delayed shifting and slipping between gears. As well as thunking when putting the car in reverse. The car would not accelerate at all and was not safe to drive. I had it towed to the mechanic who consulted with a ford engine specialist. The specialist said the codes and symptoms lead to needing the torque converter fixed. That is when I consulted the recall for my exact vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. Ford is not agreeing to repair the recall. They have only agreed to fixing the valve body for $903.00. I would like my recall repair.

NHTSA ODI 11462465

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled with the engine coolant temperature message displayed; and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,174. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11462268

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle and then there was an explosion. There was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the PTU, transfer case and differential had exploded. The mechanic informed the contact that the PTU, transfer case and differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty had expired and to research the lemon law. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11462282

Bad sudden brake fluid leak problems, alarm on car alerting to extremely low brake fluid warning. Have refilled a couple times but the leak is bad and for no apparent reason. Other similar years of ford vehicles have been recalled for the low brake fluid reason.

NHTSA ODI 11461996

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, he was alerted by two people that there was water leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a water pump failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11461822

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the water pump and power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11461677

Front passenger seat safety and airbag system. Problem was diagnosed several times at the service Dept of my Ford Dealer. The final diagnosis indicated that a part in the seat called a bladder is not working properly and needs to be replaced for the PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG TO WORK. This issue deserves further review for several reasons. There is a dash light that indicates when the front passenger airbag is ON vs OFF. I rarely have a passenger except when we go on trips my wife occupies the seat. She happened to notice that the OFF light was lit. She weights 125 lbs. When I sit in the seat (150lbs) the ON light comes on. Obviously this is a safety issue that must be repaired. The repair estimate is $2527.20. Unfortunately the problem was not discovered during my warranty period. I reported the problem to FORD Motor Co. I found numerous posts on the internet from people complaining about this issue. I think this problem should come under the guides of a safety recall. In the event it is useful, following is my most recent FORD Motor Co. Customer Service case No. [XXX] My contact info: [XXX] emaddr: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). Consumer recently had his Ford Explorer reported, had the safety problem repaired. The dealer gave the consumer failed component and explained what was found in the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11461431

Driving to work through mountain passes as I live in northern Montana, warning lights came on in dash. Lost power steering ran off road, regained control, took it to ford dealership they said $2200 to fix, I've only had the car just over a month, I pay $750, and now the car sits

NHTSA ODI 11460993

When driving made horrible noises but took into the dealer Purvis Ford, we showed them the recall letter but then stated it was only the control arms which we ended up paying for .

NHTSA ODI 11460833

While driving would shudder when getting to approx. 60-65mph. No check engine light. Dealer stated could not diagnose if no check engine light on. This went on for 1.5 years. I kept taking back but still no light. March 2022 it started running really rough while sitting at a stop light, no power at take off. Took to the dealer who said it was covered , diagnosed it as Torque Converter, and pump waited 4 weeks to get parts after being told twice covered 100% but then found out not covered as when it was there previously they did not do the Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 where PCM reflash was required. Now Ford corp and dealer say they are not covering this. Why did the dealer not advise of this while there before this program expired.

NHTSA ODI 11460836

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering. No, it has been repaired at a local Ford dealership. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No, the problem occurred when starting the vehicle in the morning after it sat all night. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it certainly would have put myself and others in danger. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was repaired at my local Ford dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, it was repaired at my local Ford dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the following: Service advance trac Steering assist fault required Hill start assist not available I discovered the problem 03/23/2022 and had it towed to my local Ford dealership for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle was parked in my driveway at the time. The steering wheel was VERY difficult to turn. Had this happened while driving I would have been unable to steer the vehicle. The problem was confirmed and repaired at a Ford dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11460493

My car is a 2016 and I am having issues with my water pump. A 2000 dollar fix. This seems to be common with this year. I pay 500 a month and now this. It only has 85000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11460384

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer that the water pump keeps failing. In September 2020, I had to pay nearly $1500 to replace the water pump because it was leaking coolant which made the engine to overheat. Now, since October/November of 2021, the coolant begin to leak again which cause the engine to overheat. I took it to the mechanic who confirmed it appears to be the water pump. This is the second time filing a complaint with NHTSA. The first complaint was in January 2022, but I hace yet to receive any response. This appears to be a constant issue and I don't have the funds to continue paying for Ford's defect. How can I get ford to rectify this issue and how to get reimbursement for the repair already completed.

NHTSA ODI 11460236

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shudder when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that to control the shudder she slowed the vehicle to the point that the motion stopped and then slowly accelerated back to highway speeds. The contact stated that the shuddering occurred any time the contact attempted to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power train control module needed to be updated and the transmission torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ODI 11460064

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that power steering functionality returned without restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,237.

NHTSA ODI 11459846

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11459680

I was driving along in town and heard a real loud pop sound and the car jerked. The front started smoking heavily. I get off to the nearest parking lot and fluids had spewed underneath and there was a small fire from this that went out. I had two children both in child restraints that had to be removed from the vehicle, thankfully my husband was with me. It was towed to two repair shops whom both stated the PTU had exploded and broke the transmission as well. I tried to get assistance through Ford and have hit a dead end. It is at the local dealership where they claim the ptu exploded, broke transmission and cracked the engine block resulting in close to $14,000 dollars needed in repairs. This vehicle was running completely fine, no lights had been displaying on the dash. Consumer stated dealer is blaming the defects on a tread pattern on 1 tire(not size).

NHTSA ODI 11459428

While driving down the road the drivers side (A pillar molding) windshield molding broke loose with no warning and flew into traffic behind me. Fortunately this did not hit anyone or cause an accident this time, but it has the potential to do so. From discussing this with the Ford dealer near me it is a common problem with the interceptors and sport model explorers. The design of this is such that you don't know the clips are failing until a sudden andcatastrophic failure occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11458199

The Passenger second row seatbelt will not latch, The Ford Dealer want's $240.00 to diagnose the problem. The passenger second row seatbelt has an airbag built in, so it will be an expensive replacement, something I do not feel should be at a cost to the consumer. Major Safety issue in my opinion! We noticed it when we tried to latch out handicap teenager in the car, since we could not latch her in, we had to move her to the other side of the car.

NHTSA ODI 11457980