2016 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer. This model year has 2,394 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 560 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 524 | 10 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 490 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 414 | 9 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 210 | 6 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 121 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 103 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 98 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 76 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 71 | 8 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 49 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 32 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
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.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 2,394 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
Coolant leak in the cylinder head grooves that builds up on the seal and leaking into cylinders. Causing coolant loss, white smoke and engine overheating. This issue has left me stranded on the interstate and in danger with potential engine fires. These incidents have exposed mys…
I have an airbag light on as well as the 2nd row inflatable seatbelt has stopped working. I took it into the dealership and they said it was generating codes B141B and B141C. Ford issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B11 specifically to fix this problem in 2022 but it expir…
Smoke coming from engine bay area. Vehicle in limp mode. Mechanic says piston broke a hole in engine wall.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repai…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim was flapping in the wind. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar and B-pillar trim pieces became loosened and nearly detached from the vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE)…
When it rain outside, my passenger side floor has a puddle of rainwater. This happened at least 4 times over the life of my vehicle.
I am writing to formally request your assistance regarding an unresolved recall part issue affecting my 2016 Ford Explorer (VIN# [XXX] ). On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] , the exterior A pillar trim on the front windshield unexpectedly detached, creating a significant safety haz…
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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the…
This is the 3rd time I've notified NHTSA about this concern. The remedy for this "safety recall" is still unavaiable. This recall is for the 'B Pillar' appliques; however, as I mentioned in my previous concerns/complaints to NHTSA the 'A Pillar' applique on the driver's side of…
Transmission was rebuilt by Asheville Ford three years ago we’d only put 40,000 miles on it and now it needs a new transmission. We did bring it to another Ford and they had to reseal the casing saying the original sealant wasn’t done right
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted about the unrepaired recall rep…
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 60 MPH, there was an …
Vehicle equipped with operational red and blue emergency lights prohibited by law, facilitates criminal activity such as impersonation of a police officer, civil regulatory laws regarding excess auxiliary lights, etc. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of l…
Vehicle equipped with red and blue emergency lights, excessive auxiliary lights prohibited by law, facilitates color of law violations, poses a risk to general public regarding harassment, impersonation of police officer, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purcha…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear glass unexpectedly shattered. There was no impact on the windshield to cause it to shatter. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the B-pillar trim on the driver’s side door started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); howev…
While driving in the freeway a loud noise came from the outside of the car, I was concerned but no way to pull over safely, the noise was getting louder and thats when I was the pillar of driver side swinging all over the windshield, I was able to lower the window and grab it. I …
Ford has issued two recalls on my vehicle that have not been remedied in a timely manner. The A pillar recall on my 2016 Ford Explorer was issued on November 19, 2024. That replacement part has not been made available more than 16 months after the initial recall. The B pillar …
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 contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Ford Explorer.
Recalls for 2016 Ford Explorer
14 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Ford Explorer has 2,394 NHTSA owner complaints, 37 crash-related, and 14 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (560 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Structural Problems (560 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (524 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (490 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2016 Ford Explorer has 37 crash-related complaints and 14 fire reports out of 2,394 total NHTSA complaints. 56 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes — 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: SUSPENSION:REAR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2016 Ford Explorer has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
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. Full report just $4.99.