2016 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Ford Explorer ranks worst of 21 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100, 2,451 complaints, and 14 recalls. Its top problem area is Structure & Body (25% of complaints), followed closely by Engine and Steering (22% each), earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Explorer years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2,451
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 39
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 59
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 59 / 0
Top 2016 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body618 (25%)
- Engine530 (22%)
- Steering530 (22%)
- Other430 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain214 (9%)
- Electrical System130 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires130 (5%)
- Fuel System112 (5%)
- Airbags99 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers67 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheels have locked up mid-turn, sending vehicles off the road or into ditches.
- Engines and cooling fans have caught fire under the hood, sometimes filling the cabin with smoke while driving.
- Vehicles have rolled or continued moving after being shifted into park, leading to collisions.
- Brake pedals and steering have failed together at highway speed, causing owners to lose the ability to stop or steer.
- Dashboards have emitted heavy smoke when starting the vehicle, with electrical repairs unable to pinpoint the cause.
- Vehicles have stalled and rolled backward unexpectedly while in drive.
2016 Ford Explorer recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V448000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body288,314 vehicles
Structure:body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025Other59,006 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:engine block heater
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 25V347000May 23, 2025Structure & Body492,145 vehicles
Structure:body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Risk: 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.
2016 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Explorer ranks worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 2,451 complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Explorer years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- Structure & Body issues make up 25% of complaints, followed by Engine and Steering, each at 22%. Structure & Body problems show a median mileage at failure of 81,000, while Engine issues appear much earlier, at 23,500 miles.
- Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Explorer, covering structure and body trim (roof rail covers, A-pillar and B-pillar trim), suspension ball joints, a transmission halfshaft bracket, and a block heater issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 Explorer compare to other Explorer years?
- The 2016 model has the highest complaint index (100) among all 21 years tracked, worse than 2013 (85), 2015 (90), and 2020 (95), which are also rated Avoid.