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2016 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 2,465 complaints with NHTSA, including 39 crashes, 14 fires, 59 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Structure (597 reports).

14Recalls
2,465Owner complaints
39Crashes reported
–NHTSA safety rating

A recall applies to specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether the repair is still open on yours.

2016 Ford Explorer recalls

Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk

Recall 26V448 · Jul 14, 2026 · 288,314 vehicles

Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk

Recall 25V685 · Oct 10, 2025 · 59,006 vehicles

Door Trim Can Detach While Driving, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 25V347 · May 23, 2025 · 492,145 vehicles

Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off

Recall 24V031 · Jan 19, 2024 · 1,889,110 vehicles

Rear toe link can break from road salt, risking loss of steering

Recall 21V537 · Jul 15, 2021 · 631,176 vehicles

Roof rail covers can detach, creating road debris hazard

Recall 21V316 · May 5, 2021 · 616,967 vehicles

Rear Toe Link Can Break, Risking Loss of Steering

Recall 20V675 · Mar 12, 2021 · 454,941 vehicles

Front Axle Bracket May Fail, Causing Loss of Power or Park

Recall 20V692 · Nov 10, 2020 · 15,587 vehicles

Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss

Recall 19V435 · Jun 10, 2019 · 1,194,173 vehicles

Loose Power Seat Bolts Can Let Front Seats Detach in a Crash

Recall 17V767 · Nov 29, 2017 · 177,264 vehicles

Driver's seat back may fail in a crash

Recall 16V475 · Jun 28, 2016 · 5,280 vehicles

Engine Block Heater May Overheat and Cause Fire

Recall 16V183 · Mar 31, 2016 · 1,543 vehicles

Fuel Tank May Detach, Raising Fire Risk

Recall 15V605 · Sep 28, 2015 · 203 vehicles

Parking Brake May Not Fully Engage, Risking Rollaway

Recall 15V464 · Jul 24, 2015 · 7,165 vehicles

Most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems

Based on 2,465 complaints owners filed with NHTSA:

Problem areaReports
Structure597
Steering538
Unknown Or Other433
Engine382
Power Train217
Electrical System131
Engine And Engine Cooling115
Fuel/Propulsion System104
Air Bags99
Vehicle Speed Control76

Recent owner complaints

2026-10-26 · Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
2026-10-26 · Unknown Or Other
THE DASHBOARD COVER HAS SEPARATED FROM THE DASH JUST UNDER THR WINDSHIELD CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT JUST IN FRONT OF THE AIR VENT. THE SEPARATION HAS CAUSED THE COVERING TO DRAW UP EXPOSING WHITE INSULATION FOAM UNDERNEATH TO CAUSE A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT CREATES A VISIBILITY ISSUE DURING THE DAY. I HAVE RECEIVED REPAIR ESTIMATES IN THE $3,000.00 RANGE BUT AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IT SEEMS THIS IS AN OFTEN REPORTED ISSUE THAT I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD ADDRESS. THERE WAS NO WARNING AS ONE DAY I NOTICED THE GLARE AND REALIZED WHAT HAPPENED.
2026-10-22 · Unknown Or Other
The b pillar is coming apart and may cause an incident. They put out recall in May of 2025 but still no remedy. .
2026-10-18 · Electrical System
2016 Ford Explorer, Falling pedal to the floor. acceleration of high speed. No physical obstuction. Noted that 2016 Ford Exployers have been highly documented for widw spread issue, which involves a defective EIB. Noted that automobile will be sent to dealership.
2026-10-06 · Structure
manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. They have only repaired 1 side of the trim. Dealer states driver side is on back order

2016 Ford Explorer FAQ

Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer: Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk; Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk; Door Trim Can Detach While Driving, Raising Crash Risk; Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off; Rear toe link can break from road salt, risking loss of steering. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Based on 2,465 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (597), Steering (538), Unknown Or Other (433).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Ford Explorer has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Explorer years

2027 Ford Explorer2026 Ford Explorer2025 Ford Explorer2024 Ford Explorer2023 Ford Explorer2022 Ford Explorer2021 Ford Explorer2020 Ford Explorer2019 Ford Explorer2018 Ford Explorer2017 Ford Explorer2015 Ford Explorer2014 Ford Explorer2013 Ford Explorer2012 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer2010 Ford Explorer2009 Ford Explorer2008 Ford Explorer2007 Ford Explorer2006 Ford Explorer2005 Ford Explorer2004 Ford Explorer2003 Ford Explorer2002 Ford Explorer2001 Ford Explorer2000 Ford Explorer1999 Ford Explorer1998 Ford Explorer1997 Ford Explorer1996 Ford Explorer1995 Ford Explorer1994 Ford Explorer1993 Ford Explorer1992 Ford Explorer1991 Ford Explorer1990 Ford Explorer

Other 2016 Ford models

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