2016 Ford Explorer problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 2,450 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Explorer, filed between 2015-09-18 and 2026-09-21. The most common problem areas are the structure (585, 24%), steering (529, 22%) and engine (381, 16%). Owners reported 39 crashes, 14 fires and 59 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 15 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Ford Explorer complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 585 | 24% | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| Steering | 529 | 22% | 10 | 0 | 7 |
| Unknown or other | 428 | 17% | 10 | 2 | 26 |
| Engine | 381 | 16% | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| Power train | 214 | 9% | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 125 | 5% | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 114 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 104 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Air bags | 99 | 4% | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Vehicle speed control | 76 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 73 | 3% | 8 | 0 | 4 |
| Wheels | 50 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 40 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 36 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 32 | 1% | 0 | 1 | 4 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Structure: 585 complaints
- 585 complaints of 2,450 (24%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 24 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ford Explorer; the latest, campaign 26V448000, says: “The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.”
Steering: 529 complaints
- 529 complaints of 2,450 (22%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 27 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 10 crashes and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Engine: 381 complaints
- 381 complaints of 2,450 (16%) name the engine.
- 58 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 16V183000, says: “The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters.”
Power train: 214 complaints
- 214 complaints of 2,450 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 48 of them also name the engine; owners reported 6 crashes and 4 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 20V692000, says: “The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.”
Electrical system: 125 complaints
- 125 complaints of 2,450 (5%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 20 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 6 fires and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 114 complaints
- 114 complaints of 2,450 (5%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 16V183000, says: “The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 213 |
| 2017 | 260 |
| 2018 | 182 |
| 2019 | 229 |
| 2020 | 167 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 197 |
| 2023 | 313 |
| 2024 | 269 |
| 2025 | 345 |
| 2026 | 113 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names EXPLORER, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Ford Explorer recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Ford Explorer's most common problem areas are the structure (585 of 2,450 complaints), steering (529 of 2,450 complaints) and engine (381 of 2,450 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 2,450 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Explorer, including 39 reported crashes and 14 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer's problems?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.