2016 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 1209 federal NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
21 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield Trim Detachment
1085complaintsSafety riskOtherWindshield trim pieces detach from the vehicle while driving at high speeds, posing a safety hazard.
- 3
A-pillar trim detachment
39complaintsHigh severityOtherThe A-pillar trim on the windshield detached and flew off while driving, posing a risk of hitting other vehicles.
- 4
Recall repair delays
20complaintsMedium severityOtherCustomers reported significant delays in receiving the necessary parts for the recall repairs, leading to unresolved issues.
- 5
Recall non-compliance
14complaintsLow severityOtherVehicle owners report that necessary recall repairs have not been completed within a reasonable timeframe, leading to unresolved safety issues.
- 6
Driver's Side B-Pillar Trim Detaching
11complaintsHigh severityOtherThe B-pillar trim on the driver's side has detached, creating a potential hazard for the vehicle and others on the road.
- 7
Engine performance issues
10complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experienced rough idling and unexpected shutdowns, often without warning lights.
Related recalls: 16V183000, 25V685000
- 8
Driver's and Passenger's Side A-Pillar Trims Detaching
8complaintsHigh severityOtherThe A-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle have detached, posing a risk of becoming loose and potentially causing accidents.
- 9
Exterior Trim Parts Detaching
8complaintsMedium severityOtherVarious exterior trim parts, including A-pillars and B-pillars, have detached from the vehicle, leading to potential safety hazards.
- 10
Steering Issues
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system intermittently fails, causing the steering wheel to become stiff and difficult to turn.
- 11
Water Pump Failure
8complaintsMedium severityOtherThe water pump fails, causing engine overheating and potential damage.
$400–$1,400est. water pump replacement · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Structural Issues
5complaintsMedium severityOtherStructural components, such as A-pillars and trim pieces, detached or failed, posing a risk of injury or damage.
- 13
Water Leaking into Vehicle
5complaintsLow severityOtherWater has been leaking into the vehicle, particularly around the B-pillar area, causing discomfort and potential damage.
- 14
Windshield Exterior A-Pillar Trim Flapping
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield exterior A-pillar trim became loose and flapped while driving at various speeds.
- 15
Electrical System Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system, including warning lights and sensors, malfunctioned, causing confusion and potential safety issues.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 16
Engine Overheating
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe engine overheats, leading to potential loss of power and engine seizure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Steering Wheel Lock-up
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up unexpectedly, posing a safety risk while driving.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Suspension Failure
3complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension components fail, leading to vehicle instability and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V435000, 21V537000, 20V675000
- 19
Passenger Side B-Pillar Detachment
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe passenger side B-pillar detached from the vehicle while driving at various speeds.
- 20
Structural Defects
2complaintsHigh severityOtherStructural components such as A-pillars and roof rails detach or become loose, posing safety risks.
- 21
Water intrusion
2complaintsMedium severityOtherWater leaks into the vehicle, causing damage to interior components and electrical systems.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.