Recalls · problems · safety

2016 Ford Explorer: recalls and problems

15 recalls and 2,473 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure.

15recalls
2,473complaints
39crashes reported
14fires reported
59injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Structure590 · 24%
  • Steering530 · 21%
  • Unknown Or Other442 · 18%
  • Engine385 · 16%
  • Power Train216 · 9%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling114 · 5%
  • Electrical System112 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System105 · 4%
  • Air Bags80 · 3%
  • Vehicle Speed Control76 · 3%

What owners report

Unknown Or Other

The driver’s side a pilar keeps coming off. dealerships state they do not have the replacement part and are unable to fix the issue until the parts are in stock. i’m afraid it will fall off on the freeway and create a safety hazard to other drivers. this is one of the reasons i do not drive this car on freeways or highways making life difficult.

Unknown Or Other

There was a recall issued on xxx for exterior a-pillar appliqué molding inspection campaign 24s02/24v031. there was a ford dealership stivers ford south in [xxx] that claims they performed the recall on my vehicle. i live in [xxx] and take my car to bob allen ford in [xxx] to be serviced. i was driving home from a long road trip when the passenger a-pillar came off this happened on friday xxx. i called my dealership

Structure

The contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. the contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side a-pillar trim unexpectedly detached. the contact stated that the b-pillar trim on the front passenger’s door unexpectedly detached. 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.

Unknown Or Other

I am scared of this in fix recall for my family and kids i travel a lot for my son football on the freeway and road. if this was unsafe they should have been fix for us. thank you i do not want to deal with trying to fix anymore.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering EXPLORER, EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.