Lemon Law Check › 2016 Ford Explorer

2016 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2411 owner complaints filed with federal regulators, with complaints concentrated in structure. Owners whose Explorer has needed repeated repairs for the same warranty problem may qualify for a buyback or compensation under state lemon laws.

Most-reported problem areas

Complaint counts by vehicle system, from 2411 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer:

Structure534 complaints
Steering524 complaints
Unknown or other350 complaints
Engine227 complaints
Power train196 complaints
Engine and engine cooling108 complaints

What owners told federal regulators

"The contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the keyless entry pad driver’s side b-pillar detached. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the driver’s side b-pillar needed to be replaced. the vehicle was …"
— owner complaint filed with NHTSA, 12/31/2024
"The contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. the contact stated that due to the failure, there was a gap at the base of the windshield, allowing water to en…"
— owner complaint filed with NHTSA, 12/31/2024
"Using a pedal commander pc18 bluetooth "throttle enhancer" in an emergency vehicle equipped with a vhf mobile two-way radio. the radio transmits at 50w and is installed by a professional emergency vehicle upfitter per manufacturers instructions. when transmitting in the 156mhz…"
— owner complaint filed with NHTSA, 12/31/2020

NHTSA recall campaigns (14)

Suspension:rear
10/06/2019 · 19V435000
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.
Wheels:hub
28/08/2017 · 17E048000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were…
Seats:front assembly:recliner
28/06/2016 · 16V475000
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…
Seats
29/11/2017 · 17V767000
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.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
28/09/2015 · 15V605000
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…
Engine and engine cooling:engine
31/03/2016 · 16V183000
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 affect…

Recall repairs are performed free of charge at franchised dealers. Check your specific vehicle with the free VIN recall checker.

Has your Explorer been in the shop repeatedly?

If the same warranty problem has needed 2+ repair attempts — or your Explorer has spent 30+ days out of service — it may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash compensation under your state's lemon law. Manufacturers pay the legal fees in most states, so the case review costs you nothing.

Check My Explorer — Free →

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Based on 2411 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas for the 2016 Ford Explorer are structure, steering, unknown or other.

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are always free at franchised dealers regardless of warranty status.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a lemon?

A specific vehicle qualifies as a lemon based on its own repair history, not the model's overall record. If your Explorer has had structure or other warranty problems repaired 2–4 times without success, or has spent 30+ days in the shop, it may qualify under your state's lemon law — attorneys evaluate this free of charge.

Researching this car as a buyer instead? Read the full Carivo review of the 2016 Ford Explorer.

All recall and complaint figures on this page come directly from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) federal records for this make, model, and year, fetched at page build time and cached daily. Complaint excerpts are owner-submitted reports to NHTSA, lightly truncated. Carivo is an independent data site, not a law firm; lemon law eligibility is determined solely by attorneys under your state's statute.