2016 Ford Explorer: recalls and complaints

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• 26V44800014 Jul 2026Structure / Body
• 25V68500010 Oct 2025Equipment / Electrical / Engine Block Heater
• 25V34700023 May 2025Structure / Body
• 24V03100019 Jan 2024Structure / Body / Roof and Pillars
• 21V53700015 Jul 2021Suspension / Rear
• 21V3160005 May 2021Structure / Body
• 20V67500012 Mar 2021Suspension / Rear
• 20V69200010 Nov 2020Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft
• 19V43500010 Jun 2019Suspension / Rear
• 17V76700029 Nov 2017Seats
• 16V47500028 Jun 2016Seats / Front Assembly / Recliner
• 16V18300031 Mar 2016Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine
• 15V60500028 Sep 2015Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Mounting
• 15V46400024 Jul 2015Parking Brake

1. 26V448000Received 14 Jul 2026. 288,314 units.

   Structure / Body

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 26S54.

2. 25V685000Received 10 Oct 2025. 59,006 units.

   Equipment / Electrical / Engine Block Heater

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25SA4.

3. 25V347000Received 23 May 2025. 492,145 units.

   Structure / Body

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25S53.

4. 24V031000Received 19 Jan 2024. 1,889,110 units.

   Structure / Body / Roof and Pillars

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 24S02. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Jul 2024.

5. 21V537000Received 15 Jul 2021. 631,176 units.

   Suspension / Rear

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21S32. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Mar 2022.

6. 21V316000Received 5 May 2021. 616,967 units.

   Structure / Body

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21S22. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Oct 2021.

7. 20V675000Received 12 Mar 2021. 454,941 units.

   Suspension / Rear

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 20S62.

8. 20V692000Received 10 Nov 2020. 15,587 units.

   Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 20S63. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Feb 2021.

9. 19V435000Received 10 Jun 2019. 1,194,173 units.

   Suspension / Rear

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 19S17. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Jun 2019.

10. 17V767000Received 29 Nov 2017. 177,264 units.

    Seats

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 17S40. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Mar 2018.

11. 16V475000Received 28 Jun 2016. 5,280 units.

    Seats / Front Assembly / Recliner

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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."

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 16C11. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Aug 2016.

12. 16V183000Received 31 Mar 2016. 1,543 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 16S14. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 May 2016.

13. 15V605000Received 28 Sep 2015. 203 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly / Mounting

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 15S26. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Oct 2015.

14. 15V464000Received 24 Jul 2015. 7,165 units.

    Parking Brake

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 15C07. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 4 Sep 2015.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 2016 Ford Explorer
• All 2016 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 21.

Complaints that report a crash

13

Complaints that report a fire

5

Injuries in the complaints

38

Deaths in the complaints

0

Date of the newest complaint

8 May 2019

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19770
2. 19840
3. 19850
4. 19860
5. 19870
6. 19880
7. 19890
8. 19900
9. 19918
10. 19924
11. 19936
12. 19944
13. 19955
14. 19966
15. 19977
16. 19989
17. 19999
18. 20009
19. 20016
20. 20024
21. 20032
22. 20040
23. 20050
24. 20061
25. 20071
26. 20081
27. 20090
28. 20101
29. 20116
30. 20125
31. 201311
32. 20146
33. 20158
34. 201614
35. 201713
36. 20187
37. 20196
38. 202033
39. 202126
40. 202224
41. 202315
42. 202410
43. 202520
44. 202614
45. 20271

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Ford Explorer: all model years
• Ford: 201 model lines

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• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 2016 Ford ExplorerThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

5,832,874 units in 14 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Ford Explorer have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 142 recall campaigns for the Ford Explorer, model years 1977 to 2027. 14 of them name the 2016 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer name most often?

Unknown or Other: 231 of 955 component mentions, or 241.9 per 1,000. For all 2016 vehicles the figure is 120.5 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2016 Ford Explorer open?

No. Each of the 2 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.