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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and rolled the windows down. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that Carbon Monoxide was leaking into the vehicle. After researching, the contact became aware that there were similar vehicles that were experiencing the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance; the contact was instead referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448239

On January 4, 2022, while driving my children to school at 55pmh, my steering rack failed. I was able to get the vehicle parked before the steering wheel completely froze up. Multiple messages showed up on the dashboard, including a steering failure message. The vehicle was towed to my local mechanic, and he has determined that the steering rack needs to be replaced, at an estimate of $2200.00. The repair is scheduled to be done on 2/10/22.

NHTSA ODI 11448284

My rack and pinion steering column and power steering pump went out causing a hefty cost to replace and it is starting to fail again creating hazardous conditions while driving. I do believe there is a steering issue in these models. Also my power lift gate in the back closes without stopping automatically while I’m loading the rear or unloading. There is NO STOPPING SAFETY SENSOR, I HAD THE BACK CLOSE ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALMOST CRUSH ME. there is no safety sensor to stop the power lift gate from closing on you, I have had to crawl in my rear end to avoid being crushed by my liftgate! This is not safe!

NHTSA ODI 11448158

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was starting the vehicle, the “Steering Assist Fault-Service Required” and “Service Advance Tract” and “Hill Start Assist Not Available” warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact’s father met his wife at the scene and was able to drive the vehicle to the residence driving the vehicle in manual steering mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448036

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to emit white smoke from the tailpipe. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the head gasket replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448111

Fuel pump fail

NHTSA ODI 11447664

My wife was driving to work and the steering wheel just locked up on her and almost caused a serious accident out of nowhere

NHTSA ODI 11447334

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer equipt with Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Plus tires size P245/60/18 N/A, and DOT: RBVDRIM0916. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, a rotational noise was present coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver side and passenger side tires had experienced cracking located above the tire bead area on the inside wall of the tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447077

The airbag light comes on due to the connectors in the wiring harness used for the airbag and seatbelt restraint system. When the light is on the airbags will not deploy, making this a safety related issue. Ford has a technical service bulletin Ford TSB 16-0001 showing the issue. This is not covered for repair and the cost is $900.00 to $1100.00 per side (there are two sides) to replace the wire harness and connectors. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Ford/16-0001

NHTSA ODI 11447116

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the side panels on the rear passenger’s and driver’s side doors were cracked. The contact indicated that the failed body parts were attached to the vehicle by glue. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and agreed to cover half the cost of repair. The contact was then referred to NHTSA for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446905

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact indicated that the rear power-folding third-row passenger’s side and driver’s side seats would not properly fold down and remain secured. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446572

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the side panel on the passenger’s side detached from the vehicle. On another occasion, the plastic front pillar section on the passenger’s side suddenly detached from the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failed body parts were attached to the vehicle by glue. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446450

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was a loud snap sound and smoke came from the air vents. The contact rolled down the windows and pulled over while smoke was billowing from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine and transfer case housing failure, where the transfer case housing was fractured in half. The vehicle was repaired with an engine and transfer case housing replacement. The dealer and Napleton Ford in Libertyville (1010 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048) were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and the parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446338

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that starting the vehicle, he noticed the airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact called the local dealer to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle inspected however, the dealer would not be able to inspect the vehicle for several weeks due to a staffing shortage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of an error message with the driver’s side rear airbags. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446366

rear suspension issue, causes both rear tires to wear abnormally on outside edge. causes unstable handling. had the vehicle realighned twice, 4000 miles between alighnments. the vehicle has now worn out two sets of new back tires and continues to exhibit unstable handling.

NHTSA ODI 11446174

The Power transfer unit is leaking fluid onto the exhaust and it caught on fire as I pulled into my driveway. I was able to extinguish the fire before any damage was done. There is also a nauseous odor in the cabin of the vehicle that makes me sick, burns my eyes every time I drive my vehicle. I was told by a mechanic that this was the fluid from the PTU burning Did some research and discovered this is a common problem with these PTU's leaking fluid. Very concerned now that it will catch on fire again and cause damage or even a wreak if it locks up. I fear that this could harm me or someone else if this problem is not fixed ASAP. I have no other vehicle and not sure how to even get it fixed. The dealership said it would cost around $2000 to have it fixed. I would like someone to look at this issue, Ford advised that is not there problem and its not covered by any recalls. There is no way of knowing if it catches on fire going down the road until its actually on fire.

NHTSA ODI 11446083

There has not yet been an incident, however, the Ford dealer is not returning any calls or service schedule requests to have the RECALL repairs done, and I am concerned the problems may become worse to the point that there is an incident. Can NHTSA force Ford to get their dealers to prioritize recall repairs?

NHTSA ODI 11445098

Steering gear assembly completely failed, causing a total lock up of the steering wheel and loss of control. Happened at highway speeds, could barely pull off to side of road. Nearly crashed as there was no warning or indication of total steering loss. Ford dealer replacement cost of $3000. I was told this is a common issue with the Explorer, but there was no remedy offered by Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11444673

When the SUV is warm there is a odor of something burning. Has been a couple of years now.

NHTSA ODI 11444603

Hello, this is a issue with the heating and air conditioning. when i turn on the heat i have it set to anything about 75 degrees, the suv is blowing out cold air. and sometimes the AC turns on blowing air but the light for the AC is not turned on.

NHTSA ODI 11444151

THE A PILLAR COVER HAVE DETACHED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE COVER THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER USERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE OBSERVED SEVERAL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL MISSING THESE SAME COVERS.

NHTSA ODI 11444063

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle constantly smelled of gasoline. The contact stated that the odor occurred when the vehicle was in motion but was stronger when the vehicle was idle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was not able to properly diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic sealed several locations where the odor might have been coming from. The vehicle was taken to the dealer because the gasoline odor was stronger on the outside of the vehicle. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The contact stated that the failure had gotten progressively worse. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000

NHTSA ODI 11443329

I was driving down the highway at approximately 60mph when my steering wheel became extremely stiff and hard to turn. The vehicle became very hard to handle. The steering wheel ended up locking up completely and I had to have it towed to the dealership. After diagnostics it was determined that the entire steering gear had failed. The cost to fix is $2200.00. Keep in mind that there is only 26,000 miles on the odometer! There were also no warning lights on the dash. No recall or warranty coverage.

NHTSA ODI 11443413

Using the FORD PASS ap, I have two recalls for my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport. Recall 21S22 for the roof rack trim detachment and 21N01 for high speed cooling fan motor relay. I use Miracle Ford in Gallatin, TN. They have made incident reports on two separate occasions for my car. First, they lost the report in July and then the manager, Robert, brought me back in for a second report. I keep getting text messages that my service is complete, but it hasn't been completed. They haven't called me to bring my car back in for repair and I get the run around every time I call. I've attempted to reach supervisor and Robert, the manager, with no success. I'm starting to get worried!

NHTSA ODI 11443244

Transmission failure, not shifting consistently, multiple times would not shift out of second gear after down shifting during driving. This is dangerous when merging into higher speeds where acceleration is needed, such as on highway. Took Vehicle to Ford dealership twice while under power train warranty and they stated they could not replicate the concern. They reset adaptive learning transmission, because they said shifting was likely due to different driving styles between husband and wife. Now 6 months later, issue continues and they admit it is a faulty transmission, but is no longer under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11442213