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

In the 2016 Ford Explorer, both the driver and passenger side window trim has blown off while driving. The plastic clips break and cause the trim to fly off. It happened to me, and two other owners with the 2016 Ford Explorer that we bought at the same time. I have also seen it on many other Ford Explorers on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11457562

The airbag light came on. We took it to a dealer to diagnose. They found that the fault was in the 2nd row seat inflator. The following is from the dealer repair invoice: "Checked DTC's: B141C is present for 2nd row inflator fault. Followed PPT. found needs C3133 & C3134 replaced both due to pin fittment. Will require to replace both. Removed and replaced connector and eight air bag wires. Spliced in new harnesses. Re-route harness on seat bottom." Everything seemed fine after that but you can't really 'test' whether the airbags will go off or not. Is this related to all of the other airbag problems? The car is not that old (2016) with only 67931 miles at the time so seems strange that this type of issue should occur. I felt that it was worth reporting.

NHTSA ODI 11457099

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was parked and the contact saw engine coolant leaking from the bottom of the engine. The contact was able to refill the radiator with coolant and drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and found that the water pump was leaking and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to another independent mechanic. Additionally, the front axles made a loud banging sound while the vehicle was turned to the right or the left. The contact stated that the steering wheel shook as if it was detached. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not diagnose or repair the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457156

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and engine mounts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the transmission and engine mounts; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that a recall for the transmission had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,235.

NHTSA ODI 11456944

There is a VERY STRONG sulfur odor emiting into the cabin without an engine warning light. Tested for error codes and inspected by Ken Towery in Louisville and the seriviceperson couldn't detect the source of the odor. The defect appeared at 98458. The smell causes me to gag and feel light headed. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI 11456981

For the least 4 or five days I've noticed increased resistance and a "stickiness" when turning the steering wheel. Its not constant but each time I turn the wheel is have to manually assist the wheel with making the turn or getting back to its preturn starting point. Ive learned in this vehicle, since there is not steering fluid the issue may be electronic.

NHTSA ODI 11456725

When my Explorer was in for routine service on Friday, 3/11, it was explained to me by my authorized Ford dealership's service department that my water pump was leaking and that it was a risk to continue driving the vehicle, since engine failure was possible as fluid mixed into the oil. I agreed to allow them to do the work. I was quoted a price of $3300+ given 12 hours of labor for a water pump placed inside Ford's cyclone-style engine (Duratec). I was also assured that Ford had upgraded the pump and that the new one would likely not leak so prematurely. My vehicle has been dealer serviced since I purchased it in July of 2016 and only has 53k miles on it. I have been in touch with Ford directly, hoping to hold them responsible for the repairs. I initiated a case with Ford on Saturday, 3/12 and at present, I am still waiting to hear from them.

NHTSA ODI 11456772

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed coolant was leaking onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the water pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11456639

Water pump has failed. Causing the engine to shutter and stop running normally. This happened on the highway with kids on board. Water pump is internally and cost of repairs are more expensive than what is fair for a consumer. No one should pay for that, it’s misleading at least. If they were to warn that a regular wear an tear part would causes thousands. No one would buy Ford. The responsibility should be Ford and not the consumer

NHTSA ODI 11456533

2nd row seat seat belt not working is loose and will not reset. Took it to ford they want to charge me a lot of money, it's a safety issue

NHTSA ODI 11456351

While driving down the highway the windshield weather strip molding broke off and was flapping over the windshield. Luckily it did not break off, that could have caused a really bad accident. However it was flapping all around. no onw has inspected it. no warnings or symptoms appeared.

NHTSA ODI 11456024

I was driving the vehicle when the steering suddenly locked up. There was virtually no steering except with very heavy struggles. Fortunately I was able to pull over but had to be towed. Vehicle indications showed power steering failure and all-wheel drive failure. Dealership indicated the Rack and Pinion must be replaced at a cost of about $2,300. They indicated it is a huge problem and they don't know where to get replacement parts. I can't find any anywhere. Salvage yards are out and all parts stores can't get them. I need a vehicle to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11455864

The A pillar of my car came loose while driving and is now flapping there. The A pillar on the other side was loose when I bought the car and the dealer fixed that one at that time. I fear these pillars coming loose and flying and hitting other cars while driving. Seems like a safety issue Ford should do something about.

NHTSA ODI 11455330

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was making a left turn and then attempting to straighten the steering wheel, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her destination. The driver stated she experience the failure multiple times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454886

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trim around the windshield separated and was striking the door. The contact returned to the residence and attempted to secure the trim back to the windshield however, the trim could not be secured. The vehicle was taken to Expert Glass located at 509 South HWY 51 South Batesville, MI 38606, and the contact was provided an estimate. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer who also was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454504

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering and the steering wheel turned all the way to the right inadvertently, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle spun out. The contact depressed the brake pedal, which caused the vehicle to stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,400. Estimate from the dealer confirming that the problem is rack and pinion, otherwise known as the power steering rack.

NHTSA ODI 11454573

The 2016 Ford Explorer has a leaking water pump which Ford knows is an issue and has not issued a recall. The price of the pump is cheap but the labor is making this a $4000 maintenance cost.

NHTSA ODI 11453885

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon the start of her vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they linked her failure to a customer satisfaction program; however, her vehicle was not included. The program stated that due to a faulty wiring connection in the rear second-row seat, the air bag warning light may illuminate. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer but received no assistance; the manufacturer then referred her to NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11453584

I have a 2016 ford explorer and like most of the other complaints on locked up steering. My explorer steering wheel has lock up with now warning lights and no codes. My ford dealership to get my vehicle in the mechanic bay had to call a tow truck. Luckily my vehicle was already at ford for other unrelated issues. After reading all of these incidents. Ford is really lucky no one has been killed or seriously injured.

NHTSA ODI 11452913

saludos. deseo reportar mi caso. tengo una guagua Ford Explorer 2016. tendiendo aprox. 4 años con ella. el Rack and Pinon de daña haciendo ruido fuerte. entiendo que es una falla de fabrica y deben incuirlo como re-call. gaste casi $3,000.00 para la reparacion. me encanta mi unidad y cumple con mis necesidades. pero este vehiculo de este año 2016 salieron debiles del tren delantero.

NHTSA ODI 11452370

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim located around the front driver side windshield loosened and detached from the vehicle while driving at highway speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the trim on the front driver side windshield and tightened the trim on the front passenger side windshield. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the trim loosened again on both sides of the windshield. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11449996

My wife has been reporting experiencing nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and headaches during and after her drive home from work throughout October/November 2021and into December 2021. Our vehicle was involved in a high speed collision on December 24, 2021 while traveling EB on I-90 at approximately MP 101. I was driving at the time. It was at about 3:29pm. I couldn't quite recall what had happened and I was disoriented and confused for some time after the collision though I hadn't hit my head. Everyone else in the car had fallen asleep despite being well rested and it being the middle of the afternoon. My symptoms and condition were the same as oxygen deprivation. I believe exhaust has been getting into the cabin of our vehicle and causing my wife's symptoms and caused the accident. The vehicle is totalled.

NHTSA ODI 11449167

My vehicle have been leaking coolant which causes the engine to overheat. I had the same issue in 2020 and had it repaired, which cost a lot of money to repair. I have not driven the vehicle as much since the last leak. Now 2 years later, it's the same issue. I don't have money like that to continuously repair a defect Ford has on it vehicles. Now I'm afraid to even drive my vehicle not knowing what might happen.

NHTSA ODI 11448760

Air bag warning light fluctuates on/off at times. Connection pins under rear passenger seat appears to be the cause. No contact of pins

NHTSA ODI 11448816

3 weeks ago my vehicle has had an exhaust smell in the cabin, the car has been in the shop since. I started googling to see what the issue could potentially be and found your lawsuit. My vehicle is currently at Blake Utter Ford in Dennison TX getting diagnostics ran. My concern is my son and I have experienced nausea, dizziness, vomiting(my son), fatigue, and bloody noses after we exit the vehicle. Ford has known about this issue under Field service actions 17N03 and 19N05. If Ford has known of the issue why will they not make the issue an active recall? This is a health and safety concern, and could potentially be fatal. I have called Ford and filed an official complaint, there is nothing they will do since there are no active recalls on my vehicle, so we have to foot the bill?? They asked if I had a warranty, which I do, but if I didn't? This is would be a large expense. When I called [XXX] in McKinney, TX they didn't seem to care or know anything about the exhaust leak, they had a 10 day wait for diagnostics, with no rental vehicles. I called Blake Utter Ford where we purchased the vehicle, they have a 2-day wait for diagnostics, and same no rental vehicles. I have 3 children and two jobs I cannot be without a car. Who knows how long the repairs will take? I have never received any correspondence regarding the Class action suit, how can I be included? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11448237