Worst 2016 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 498 | 9 | — | 64,048 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 375 | 3 | 3 | 40,164 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 356 | 3 | 1 | 88,441 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 196 | 6 | 4 | 49,077 mi | |
| Body Structure | 191 | 1 | — | 40,317 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 117 | 1 | 6 | 58,373 mi | |
| Fuel System | 103 | 1 | 1 | 38,662 mi | |
| Airbags | 97 | 6 | 1 | 59,405 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 74 | 1 | — | 23,892 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 69 | 8 | — | 71,652 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 59 | — | — | 93,780 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 49 | 2 | — | 27,468 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 39 | — | — | 60,644 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 35 | — | — | 28,524 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 31 | — | 1 | 45,204 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 29 | — | — | 42,086 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 18 | 1 | — | 44,468 mi | |
| Steering:Rack And Pinion | 18 | 1 | — | 74,120 mi | |
| Brakes | 17 | 3 | — | 32,203 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | 15 | — | — | 89,325 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Pump | 10 | — | — | 92,471 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 10 | — | — | 19,069 mi | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 8 | — | — | 72,667 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 8 | — | — | 67,864 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 7 | — | 1 | 109,642 mi | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter | 7 | — | — | 102,970 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 6 | — | — | 120,500 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 49,640 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Ford Explorer
13 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~5,544,560 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
+ 3 more recalls
Other Ford Explorer Years
2016 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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