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2016 Ford Explorer: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer: four for the body structure (filed 2021–2026), three for suspension (filed 2019 and 2021), two for the engine (filed 2016 and 2025) and five more for other parts. Owners have filed 2,458 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure and the steering. For comparison, owners filed 1,797 for the 2015 and 1,696 for the 2017 Explorer. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 16.4% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 14campaigns 4 structure · 3 suspension · 2 engine Source: NHTSA Complaints 2,458filed Owner reports, 2012–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 22mpg combined $2,969/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.3 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic 7 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (14)

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V448000 Filed Jul 14, 2026

Roof Rail Covers May Detach

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported288,314 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V448000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V685000 Filed Oct 10, 2025

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported59,006 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V685000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V347000 Filed May 23, 2025

Driver and Passenger Door Trim May Detach

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported492,145 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V347000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V031000 Filed Jan 19, 2024

Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach

Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
20.8% repairedof 1,889,110 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V031000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V537000 Filed Jul 15, 2021

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
66.8% repairedof 631,176 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V537000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V316000 Filed May 5, 2021

Roof Rail Covers May Detach

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
71% repairedof 616,967 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V316000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V675000 Filed Mar 12, 2021

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
77.6% repairedof 454,941 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V675000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V692000 Filed Nov 10, 2020

Link Shaft Brackets May Fracture

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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
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.
68.2% repairedof 15,587 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V692000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V435000 Filed Jun 10, 2019

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
64.1% repairedof 1,194,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V435000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V767000 Filed Nov 29, 2017

Front Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts may Loosen

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
75.3% repairedof 177,264 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V767000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V475000 Filed Jun 28, 2016

Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207

Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
75.4% repairedof 5,280 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V475000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V183000 Filed Mar 31, 2016

Engine Block Heater May Overheat

Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
87.9% repairedof 1,543 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V183000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V605000 Filed Sep 28, 2015

Fuel Tank Mounting Bolts may be Loose

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · mounting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
88.7% repairedof 203 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V605000
Listed for 2016 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V464000 Filed Jul 24, 2015

Parking Brake may not Fully Engage/FMVSS 135

Parking brake
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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
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.
79% repairedof 7,165 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V464000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Explorer years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford ExplorerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (2,458)

2,458 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.

39involved a crash
14involved a fire
59injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,458.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Explorer years

Best and worst Explorer years →
829 2,235 1,679 1,797 2,458 1,696 731 298 1,226 434
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.4%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Ford Explorer suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined

22
mpg combined
19
city
27
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,050
CO₂ tailpipe
410 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year

Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Ford Explorer configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22$3,050410
2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200428
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350452
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350452
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19$3,550474
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19$3,550474
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700490

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Explorer for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Explorer years

Where to next

Which Explorer years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Ford Explorer report1,696 complaints · 13 campaigns →2015 Ford Explorer report1,797 complaints · 8 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Ford Explorer FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 26V448000 (structure), 25V685000 (engine), 25V347000 (structure), 24V031000 (structure), 21V537000 (suspension), 21V316000 (structure), 20V675000 (suspension), 20V692000 (power train), 19V435000 (suspension), 17V767000 (seat), 16V475000 (seat), 16V183000 (engine), 15V605000 (fuel system), 15V464000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 2,458 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (589), Steering (532), Unknown or other (430) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Ford Explorer get?

EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2016 Ford Explorer get?

NHTSA rated the 2016 Ford Explorer suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.4% rollover risk).

How does the 2016 Explorer compare with other years?

Among the 2012–2021 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (298) and the 2016 the most (2,458). The 2016 drew 2,458. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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