How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 530 steering-related complaints for the 2016 Explorer, which is 22% of all 2,451 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer steering problem?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2016 Explorer?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 58,000 miles for steering complaints on the 2016 Explorer.

Have steering issues on the 2016 Explorer led to crashes?

Yes, NHTSA data lists 10 crashes and 7 injuries associated with steering complaints on the 2016 Explorer.

How does the 2016 Explorer compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2016 Explorer's steering complaints make up 22% of its total complaints, lower than the 2011 model year's 62% share but higher than the 2017 model year's 4% share.

2016 Ford Explorer Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 530 steering complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer, 22% of all complaints for the year, with 10 crashes and 7 injuries reported. No related recall is listed for this steering issue. Median mileage at failure was 58,000 miles.

Steering complaints: 530; 22% of 2,451
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 58,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the steering wheel suddenly locking or freezing mid-turn, sometimes at highway speed, causing loss of control.
Some describe a total loss of power steering assist, with a steering assist fault message and traction/stability control warnings appearing on the dash.
Several report the steering wheel snapping back to center after a small turn, with noticeable play in the wheel.
A few describe steering becoming difficult to turn while multiple warning lights illuminated, sometimes at very low speed near a curb.
One complaint links the issue to an electronic steering rack that a dealership reportedly identified after the vehicle swerved without warning.
Some incidents describe steering and brake function failing together, resulting in crashes.

When 2016 Ford Explorer steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 26, 2016, latest Sep 8, 2026.

530 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (44).

Steering recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20104 (4%)
2011742 (62%)
2012358 (43%)
2013835 (37%)
2014498 (30%)
2015345 (19%)
2016530 (22%)
201776 (4%)
201820 (3%)
20199 (3%)
202025 (2%)
20216 (1%)
20229 (3%)
202312 (11%)
20242 (10%)
20259 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA lists 530 steering-related complaints for the 2016 Explorer, which is 22% of all 2,451 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer steering problem?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2016 Explorer?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 58,000 miles for steering complaints on the 2016 Explorer.
Have steering issues on the 2016 Explorer led to crashes?: Yes, NHTSA data lists 10 crashes and 7 injuries associated with steering complaints on the 2016 Explorer.
How does the 2016 Explorer compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2016 Explorer's steering complaints make up 22% of its total complaints, lower than the 2011 model year's 62% share but higher than the 2017 model year's 4% share.