Ford · NHTSA safety record

2016 Ford Explorer

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 2,455 safety complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer with the US government. Of those, 39 describe a crash, 14 mention a fire, 59 people were injured and no death is recorded. 14 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the body structure, named in 587 complaints, 24% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 49,000 miles, the median across the 1,503 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

2,455 complaints on file

2,455

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 27% year on year: 232 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 319 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

STRUCTURE 587 · 24% 587 24%

STEERING 531 · 22% 531 22%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 430 · 18% 430 18%

ENGINE 381 · 16% 381 16%

POWER TRAIN 214 · 9% 214 9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 127 · 5% 127 5%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 114 · 5% 114 5%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 104 · 4% 104 4%

AIR BAGS 99 · 4% 99 4%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 76 · 3% 76 3%

SUSPENSION 73 · 3% 73 3%

WHEELS 50 · 2% 50 2%

0 238 477

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 2,455.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 345.

364 273 182 91

15 2015 16 2016 17 2017 18 2018 19 2019 20 2020 21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2016 Ford EXPLORER, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test	4 DR SUV AWD	4 DR SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover	17.4%	16.4%

Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

14 on file

STRUCTURE:BODY

26V448000 · July 14, 2026

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 288,314 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

25V685000 · October 10, 2025

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 59,006 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

25V347000 · May 23, 2025

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 492,145 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

24V031000 · January 19, 2024

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,889,110 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V537000 · July 15, 2021

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 631,176 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

21V316000 · May 5, 2021

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 616,967 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

20V675000 · March 12, 2021

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 454,941 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

20V692000 · November 10, 2020

The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 15,587 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

19V435000 · June 10, 2019

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,194,173 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

17V767000 · November 29, 2017

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 177,264 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

16V475000 · June 28, 2016

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 5,280 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

16V183000 · March 31, 2016

The defect: 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.
The risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,543 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

15V605000 · September 28, 2015

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

Ford Motor Company · up to 203 vehicles across all model years covered

PARKING BRAKE

15V464000 · July 24, 2015

The defect: 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."
The risk: 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.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 7,165 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

2 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Windshield trim molding Item detachment

PE23001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 27, 2023 · closed February 8, 2024 · led to recall 24V031

the body structure

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab

EA17002

Closed engineering analysis · opened July 27, 2017 · closed January 17, 2023

the engine and its cooling, the body structure

During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed July 31, 2017

3 injured · crash · towed · 7,000 miles

I FELL ASLEEP FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND I HIT THREE OTHER CARS CAUSING ME TO TOTAL MY VEHICLE. WEEKS BEFORE I HAD THE ACCIDENT I WAS EXPERIENCING DROWSINESS AND HEADACHES. I HAD THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint 11011850. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed October 26, 2017

3 injured · crash · towed · 30,000 miles

I PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROADWAY AND DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THERE IS NOW A FORD RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, ISSUED TODAY, 10/26/2017 (FORD RECALL: 17N03) FOR CARBON MONOXIDE CONCERNS. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR MONTHS AND NOT ISSUED A RECALL UNTIL MANY MONTHS LATER. AT THE TIME OF MY COLLISION, THE COUNTY I LIVE IN WAS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND I WENT TO THE 1 OPEN HOSPITAL. DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND NOT THINKING THAT CARBON MONOXIDE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE INCIDENT, I DID NOT GET BLOOD WORK DONE TO CONFIRM IF I HAD BEEN POISONED BY CARBON MONOXIDE.

NHTSA complaint 11040029. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Filed September 11, 2016

3 injured · 7,000 miles

THE REAR HATCH OPENS AND THEN WHILE SOMEONE IS LOADING THE BACK OF THE CAR (WITH GROCERIES, ETC.), THE HATCH STARTS TO CLOSE. THE HATCH HITS THE PERSON AND DOES NOT REVERSE. INSTEAD, THE HATCH TRIES TO CLOSE EVEN TIGHTER ON THE PERSON WHO IS TRAPPED UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND CLOSED ON ME, MY SON AND MY DOG. THIS IS THE 4TH MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS BRAND NEW CAR!

NHTSA complaint 10905607. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed June 20, 2017

3 injured · 13,500 miles

TERRIBLE SMELL COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WHEN I ACCELERATE AND WHEN IT SITS IN THE SUN. WHEN I ACCELERATE IT SMELLS LIKE A GAS COMING INTO THE CAR, MY KIDS AND I EXPERIENCE FEELING SICK AND HEADACHES. WHEN MY CAR SITS IN THE SUN I GET THIS BURNING GLUE SMELL IN THE CAR THAT ALSO GIVES ME A HEADACHE AND THERE ARE DAYS WHERE I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR. I HAVE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES AND STILL THE ISSUE IS NOT FIXED, I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND I NO LONGER ALLOW THEM TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE CHEMICALS THAT ARE COMING INTO MY CAR. MY CAR IS NOW STILL SITTING AT DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THIS SMELL.

NHTSA complaint 11000312. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY Filed September 29, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trim detached while I was driving and was flapping against the vehicle. There was a risk that the part could have completely separated from the vehicle and struck another vehicle,

NHTSA complaint 11767630, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY Filed September 29, 2026

Driver door B Pillar detached and fell off while driving last week. This repair has taken a significant amount of time to find a resolution. We would highly encourage pressure on the manufacturer to solve this issue in a more timely manor.

NHTSA complaint 11767694. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed September 27, 2026

The driver’s side A Pilar keeps coming off. Dealerships state they do not have the replacement part and are unable to fix the issue until the parts are in stock. I’m afraid it will fall off on the freeway and create a safety hazard to other drivers. This is one of the reasons I do not drive this car on freeways or highways making life difficult.

NHTSA complaint 11767227. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed September 25, 2026

There was a recall issued on XXX for Exterior A-pillar appliqué molding inspection campaign 24S02/24V031. There was a Ford dealership Stivers Ford South in [XXX] that claims they performed the recall on my vehicle. I live in [XXX] and take my car to Bob Allen Ford in [XXX] to be serviced. I was driving home from a long road trip when the passenger A-Pillar came off this happened on Friday XXX. I called my dealership on Saturday XXX to schedule for the recall, however, I was told another dealership had already completed the recall. I called Ford customer service who then informed me I would need to call the Ford dealership in [XXX]. I called the Ford dealership in [XXX] on Saturday XXX, I

NHTSA complaint 11766868, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE Filed September 21, 2026

58,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side A-pillar trim unexpectedly detached. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim on the front passenger’s door unexpectedly detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and that the parts were anticipated to be available in March 2027. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for

NHTSA complaint 11765957, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed September 18, 2026

I am scared of this in fix recall for my family and kids I travel a lot for my son football on the freeway and road. If this was unsafe they should have been fix for us. Thank you I do not want to deal with trying to fix anymore.

NHTSA complaint 11765173. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford Explorer

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2026	38	14	—
2025	101	19	—
2024	21	10	—
2023	110	15	—
2022	267	24	—
2021	430	26	—
2020	1,223	33	—
2019	298	6	—
2018	731	7	—
2017	1,694	13	—
2015	1,795	8	—
2014	1,678	6	2
2013	2,235	11	1
2012	828	5	—
2011	1,197	6	—
2010	115	1	50

Other 2016 Ford models

F-150 2,059 Fusion 1,631 Focus 1,181 Escape 1,131 Edge 914 Mustang 378 F-250 SD 289 Expedition 217

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Ford on this site — 359 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed July 14, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst