2016 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Explorer years
The 2016 Ford Explorer ranks worst of 16 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100, 2,451 complaints, and 14 recalls. NHTSA data shows Structure & Body issues (618 complaints, 25% share) and Engine and Steering problems (each 530 complaints, 22% share) as top concerns, making this an Avoid year relative to other Explorer years.
- Complaints
- 2,451
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 39 / 14
- Injuries / deaths
- 59 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
Top 2016 Ford Explorer problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine compartment filling with smoke and, in some cases, catching fire while driving at highway speed, sometimes tied to a four-wheel-drive warning message.
- Owners describe the brake pedal and steering failing to respond simultaneously while attempting to slow down, leading to collisions.
- Owners report the steering wheel locking up suddenly during turns, sending the vehicle off the road.
- Owners describe the vehicle rolling despite the gearshift being placed in park, resulting in impact with stationary objects.
- Owners report dashboard smoke when starting the vehicle, with repair facilities unable to pinpoint the electrical cause.
- Owners describe the vehicle stalling and rolling backward unexpectedly while in the drive position.
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 complaints and recalls, the 2016 Explorer ranks worst among 16 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 2,451 complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Explorer years.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA data shows Structure & Body complaints lead at 618 (25% share), followed by Engine and Steering issues, each with 530 complaints (22% share). Median mileage at failure across the vehicle is 49,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 Explorer, including roof rail covers detaching, B-pillar door trim detaching, A-pillar trim clip issues, and a rear suspension cross-axis ball joint recall.
- Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2013 (93), 2015 (87), 2016 (100), and 2020 (80) all carry Avoid verdicts, with 2016 ranking worst overall.
- How does the 2016 Explorer compare to other years?
- The 2016 Explorer's complaint index of 100 is the highest of all 16 tracked years, compared to 2019's index of 7 and 2024's index of 0, which rank as Best years.