Home · 2016 Ford Explorer · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,429)Crash / fire / injury (77)Body & structure (574)Steering (527)Engine (379)Transmission & drivetrain (213)Electrical system (124)Engine & cooling (114)Fuel system (110)Airbags (99)Speed control (76)Suspension (73)

574 of 2,429 complaints match · Body & structure · clear filters · page 6 of 23

Aug 8, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact also stated that the B-pillar trim on the driver's side started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679385

Aug 7, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after it had rained, the contact entered the vehicle, and the driver's side carpet was wet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); for the A-pillar and B-pillar failure. The contact stated that recently the A-pillar trim on driver's side was loose and the seal around the windshield on the driver's side was also loose. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the A-pillar trim recall and felt that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679038

Aug 6, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were missing from the windshield. The contact also stated that condensation had entered the vehicle through the defective passenger's side and driver's side doors exterior B-pillar trims on rainy days. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678700

Aug 4, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678248

Aug 4, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding parts not being available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11678361

Aug 4, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts not being available for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11678362

Jul 31, 2025Body & structure

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11677450

Jul 31, 2025Body & structure

Exterior b-pillar applique molding FLEW OFF of explorer. Might have hit people or cars. Has been inspected and confirmed by Ford dealership in December 2024. No warning of problem. Been waiting for part for 8 months, but service department said none are coming in.

NHTSA ODI 11677608

Jul 28, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11676622

Jul 27, 2025Body & structure

A pillar components have come detached on both sides of my vehicle. One on the right side in spring of 2024 and one on the left side summer 2025. The entire rubber and plastic moulding is missing on the right and the entire rubber became unattached underneath the plastic pillar accent on the left. I am afraid of that piece detaching and hitting a car. Why is it taking so very long for a remedy for this?!!!!???

NHTSA ODI 11676526

Jul 25, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 11676250

Jul 24, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-pillar trim fractured and detached from the vehicle. The B-pillar trim was hanging on by the electrical wiring. In addition, the rear liftgate warning light was illuminated and the rear lift gate power was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11675844

Jul 24, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11675911

Jul 24, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion that before the recall notification was received, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 85,932. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11676018

Jul 22, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side keypad detached from the vehicle. The driver's side and passenger’s side keypads were loose before the failure occurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,539.

NHTSA ODI 11675319

Jul 21, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim fractured and detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the trim was hitting against the vehicle. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim detached and almost caused a crash with three other vehicles. The contact stated that the remnants of glue on the windshield impaired the contact’s vision while driving. The contact stopped and cleaned the glue off the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an emergency service appointment was scheduled. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11674983

Jul 21, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim bordering around the driver’s and passenger’s side windshield had detached. The contact used tape to secure the trim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11675007

Jul 18, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver side A-pillar trim detached, and the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11674497

Jul 17, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers:24V031000(Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recalls repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the trim surrounding the windshield came loose. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA ODI 11674280

Jul 16, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11673889

Jul 16, 2025Body & structureTires

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55-65 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim detached from the front windshield. The tire pressure system fault warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called two other local dealers Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River Service (2440 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428) and J. Allen Ford Service (9274 US 49, Gulfport, MS 39503), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 97,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11673905

Jul 16, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the passenger’s side roof rail cover had become unsecured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 137,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673930

Jul 16, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact also stated that the B-pillar on both sides of the front doors had started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer sent a technician to the residence and the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,175. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11673987

Jul 15, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair 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 11673693

Jul 14, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side doors exterior B-pillar trims had partially detached and were secured with Gorilla tape. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11673445

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 2,429 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Explorer verdict →