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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that previously the air bag warning light was illuminated however, the warning light disappeared independently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the diagnostic trouble code: B141B was retrieved. The contact was informed that the connector for the second-row seats needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11441597

About 2 weeks ago I heard a noise and from that point it sounded like my steering wheel was grinding. Steering is tight at slower speeds and it is making that same grinding noise. I took it to a dealership to get checked out and was told the steering gear had failed and that it needs to be repaired however the parts are on back order with no foreseeable ship date, but that it was ok to drive, just may be a little hard to steer at low speeds. This morning my steering wheel was totally locked up and could not turn in either direction. There are no warning lights or other indication of an issue. My concern is could this have happened while driving? What caused it to break in the first place and why did it ultimately seize up completely after being told it could be driven?

NHTSA ODI 11441248

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the steering gear replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11440824

Steering rack failure on 2016 and 17 Explorers at 55,000 mile, haven't had the vehicle in a month due to acquiring parts because there are so many of these parts failing and was told by ford they can't release the vehicle until its repaired because the steering could lock up and it is also a $3000.00 dollar repair. Wouldn't this be a recall due to the low mileage, amount of failures and and result of the failure

NHTSA ODI 11440409

When I turn right there is a popping noise. Sometimes the steering wheel gets stuck and I have to pull it hard to go back straight. It’s very scary, especially going around a curve.

NHTSA ODI 11439814

My steering felt very out of control had to have car towed to dealer and they replaced rack and pinion there was internal damage to steering rack they had to replace it

NHTSA ODI 11439565

Vehicle power stalled on acceleration after pulling onto lane of travel. Road traffic heavy in both directions. Vehicle would not shift beyond initial gear of automatic transmission. Available travel speed of 40-45 mph only. Wrench light/powertrain light came on. No prior warning lights. No prior operational issues detected. After stopping vehicle, would not operate in reverse. Warning light indicator and manual reported to get to dealer asap. Dealer indicated transmission issue. Transmission was replaced. Vehicle had 56,418 miles (within 60,000 warranty) but beyond 5 year warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11439458

The vehicle surges when drive at low speeds, I have to keep my foot on the brake so it don't take off or hit something in front of me. About a month ago the surging almost made me hit a child in the roadway in front of my house. I am really uncomfortable driving the vehicle and don't feel its safe to drive due to this problem. Ford dealership is not giving any info on what tis problem could be. I found several problems on here related to this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11439286

2016 Ford Explorer 3.5 Liter (non-turbo) front wheel drive, 52k miles. We noticed coolant puddling on the ground and took the car in to the dealer for an inspection. The dealer pressure tested the cooling system and confirmed the internal water pump is failing. This issue could lead to engine overheating and engine shutdown at any given time, causing unknown safety issues. Dealer quoted $3,400 to repair.

NHTSA ODI 11439069

We purchased this vehicle through CarMax and there were several items that required repair/replacement. One of which is the front passenger seat belt. There is a small tear in the seat belt. We are told that it is too small for replacement. We have not been injured since the purchase of the vehicle, though this is a major safety concern for my family. I would like to know the safety data and recommendations for seat belt tears/defects.

NHTSA ODI 11439031

2016 Ford Explorer 3.5 Liter (non-turbo) front wheel drive, automatic, 44k miles. Loss of power, vehicle jerked and stayed in one gear. We limped the car home and let it cool down. After the car cooled down, we went on small test drive and confirmed it was shifting erratically. We took the car to the dealer and they confirmed a component in the transmission had failed, disabling the vehicle. Over $3,000 worth of transmission repairs were made under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11439070

Passenger side piller trim detachment this has been an issue on the 2013 thru 2015 models and was issued a recall. Same thing is happening on the 2016 model. Drivers side is also loose. Many 2016 models are having this same problem

NHTSA ODI 11438868

On October 17, 2021 the steering system on my 2016 explorer completely shutdown. The ABS, Hill Assist and Service Advance Trac lights all went on. The steering wheel would not turn either way. Luckily, this incident occurred in a parking lot and no injury or damage happened. I had AAA tow the car to Porter Ford, Newark DE.

NHTSA ODI 11438945

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact’s wife stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438667

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 contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet 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 a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11438059

Driving at 20mph, going through a moderate turn and lost Power Steering. No warning lights, no noise, just total loss of Steering and I felt as if I couldn't overpower the steering until 2 seconds later I regained power steering. The same problem occurred at 10mph while coming to a stop. Once again I did not have the ability to overpower the wheel and straighten it when I tried. Luckily once again power came back and I was able to control without issue. Several complaints on the same issue and NO RECALL has been issued by Ford. If the same issue occurs at highway speed I don't know what I'll do. Ford had a Service Bulletin out for 2013-2016 Explorers that stated they would simply reprogram the module. They did not extend the coverage beyond 2018 nor did they actually replace a faulty steering rack with the coverage. This is a severe safety concern and one that should have a recall out as it puts the driver and all other motorists at risk. If you can't steer your car, then everyone is at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11437734

The driver seat advanced forward after hitting the preset button but did not stop. I was crushed between the steering wheel and the dash. There was only 3 inches between the seat and the dash for my knees. This is a major safety issue that caused bodily injury. It happened twice. I have video showing this issue but can’t seem to upload it to this site.

NHTSA ODI 11437330

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed that the engine coolant temperature warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle started to shudder. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and waited a few minutes before restarting the vehicle and continuing driving however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but consumer feels it should of under a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11437243

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, she started to smell exhaust fumes and the vehicle started to hesitate and became difficult to shift into other gears. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power transfer unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the power transfer unit replaced. The contact also stated while driving at various speeds on 10/4/52021, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,800.

NHTSA ODI 11437143

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, he heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the steering wheel and the steering wheel locked up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated as he veered to the side of the road, he was able to steer the steering wheel with no issues. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11436800

Observed white smoke from exhaust, Took vehicle to for dealership, dealership said coolant was leaking into cylinder head and cylinder head was cracked. Car is 6 months and 1000 miles out of Ford Powertrain warranty. Ford TSB advisors I need a new engine. Looked at vehicle history report and discovered numerous other mechanical issues with the engine including a transmission replacement and turbo replacement all under 50 k miles on vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11436825

Beginning of day; felt like I was in a major windstorm & in a constant battle with the car steering. Middle of day: Power Steering Fault light came on and feeling like I was in a major windstorm & in a constant battle with the car steering GETTING WORSE. End of the day: Then Power Steering Failure "Pull over Safely" came on.. I didn't just lose power steering. I lost TOTAL STEERING capability at 57,400 miles... Car is at dealership now. Had my 90yr old mother been driving there would have been an accident. This is gonna get someone killed. I had just dropped off my Grandson before I lost total control.

NHTSA ODI 11436008

Complete loss of basic steering of the car while under operation.

NHTSA ODI 11436092

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with steering rack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11435724

Air bag light came on and I took it to Vancouver Auto Group. Finding from diagnose electrical system include: RCM: B141B:13, checked oasis, TSB 16-0001 applies, checked behind second row seat and inspected connectors C3133 and C3133 and C3134, connectors have not yet been rerouted and replaced, recommended wire in new pigtails and reroute wiring harness in both seats and retest. Estimated cost is $1500. I researched and found over 50 other complaints of Ford Explorer owners with the same complaint. This should be recalled as it is not the vehicle owners fault that the connectors have failed and car needs rewired. This is not covered by extended warranty. This is a safety concern and is not being addressed by Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11435569