2016 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 2464 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Structure (592), Steering (531), Unknown Or Other (433).
Key takeaways
- 2464 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 39 involve a crash, 14 a fire, 59 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 592 | 24% |
| Steering | 531 | 22% |
| Unknown Or Other | 433 | 18% |
| Engine | 382 | 16% |
| Power Train | 215 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 128 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 114 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 104 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 99 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 76 | 3% |
| Suspension | 73 | 3% |
| Wheels | 50 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2016 Ford Explorer
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-10-26
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...
Structure - filed 2026-10-26
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...
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-10-22
The b pillar is coming apart and may cause an incident. They put out recall in May of 2025 but still no remedy. .
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More for the 2016 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.