425 of the
3,025 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer are about the
other systems — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
20,000 miles.
C
425
Complaints
9
Crashes
2
Fires
18
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
425100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every Ford Explorer year
25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the Summer of 2024 and 2025 both the A-pillar and B-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2.5 years now I have driven a duct taped windshield on both drivers and on the passenger sides windows and on the tops of the door frames. The windshield rattles on the interstate--I feel this is dangerous. I have now recieved my 3rd factory recall: 25N17 Every day I drive this duct taped FORD, it is cemented in my mind that I will never purchase another Ford or Ford related product.
NHTSA complaint #11753159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We received the recall 25S53/25V347 on XXX. Then on XXX; [XXX], sent me a picture of the trim / rubber coming off the front windshield. I contacted the dealership Gary Yeomans Ford [XXX] & sent them the pic. They said they don't have the parts & didn't know when they would be available. They recommended us to contact a glass repairer and have them to fix it. And then us to send the bill to the Ford Dealership for reimbursement. The trim / rubber was flapping and making noise on passenger side. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abington, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Lost all power in the transmission while driving down the road. Transmission is not fixable. Could barely get the car off the road
NHTSA complaint #11749922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Senatobia, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The piller on the passenger side flew off the vehicle driving down the interstate. It’s a recall that has been open for awhile but Ford never had the parts/remedy when I call.
NHTSA complaint #11747016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Christiana, TN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall on my 2016 Ford Explorer that remains unrepaired despite repeated attempts to have it fixed. I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in 2024. At the time of purchase, the dealership did not disclose any outstanding safety recalls. Within a few weeks of purchasing the vehicle, I noticed the exterior trim panels were loose and beginning to separate from the vehicle. I returned to the dealership, where I was told that replacement parts were not yet available but should be available soon. Ford’s recall notice stated that parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. However, that representation has proven inaccurate. I have now been waiting more than two years for this safety recall to be repaired. During that time, I have contacted the dealership regularly, often weekly, seeking updates and a resolution. No repair has been offered, and no meaningful timeline has been provided. The unrepaired condition has created significant safety hazards. Because of the loose trim panels, my windshield frequently fogs on the inside, making it extremely difficult or impossible to properly defrost during cold weather. This severely limits visibility while driving. I have experienced multiple near-collisions while transporting my children because I could not adequately clear the windshield. More recently, the situation escalated when a trim panel from the driver’s side door detached while I was driving. The panel flew off the vehicle and struck my daughter in the face while she was seated in the rear seat with the window down. Fortunately, her injuries were not more severe, but the incident demonstrates the serious danger posed by this unresolved recall. As a single mother of four children, I rely on this vehicle for daily transportation and cannot simply replace it. I have made every reasonable effort to obtain the recall repair, yet I continue to drive a vehicle with a known safety defect that has alrea
NHTSA complaint #11743417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastover, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been put off every month for over a year to have this fixed. It is a safety risk. Not only does the recall state the trim can come off and cause a crash, the rubber around both sides also keep coming loose and flapping on my windshield which causes interference with my view of the road. I am not sure why a safety recall was issued in 2024 but has still not been able to be resolved by 2026. They say the parts are not available but they should be making them available for any issue that can cause crashes and harm people.
NHTSA complaint #11741456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The A pillar piece has been on recall since 2024. I have been trying to get this fixed for almost 2 years and Stevens Ford in Milford has been telling me the pieces are on back order since then. The piece became loose recently when driving on highway and I called them (Ford dealer) to notify them. They said they were still waiting on parts and were not going to have them until August. I called Ford corporate number two times and then received a call back for scheduling my recall repair. The recall was on the driver side and passenger side A pillar. They only repaired the side that was missing that flew off on highway. I explained to them the risk of safety to myself and others if the other side was not repaired in a timely manner. Kait Brudecki service advisor told me in person today when I picked up my car, that they have no control over the parts they receive and that they only get one part delivered to them every 6 months and that this recall has cause them a lot of grief. This piece that flew off of my car on highway caused me to swerve because I thought something hit my car, it then hit the car behind me causing them to swerve as well. I am scared that if this other piece on driver side is not replaced this will happen and end up in an accident. I drive for work and do home health care and frequent the highway. Please help!
NHTSA complaint #11741392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof rail covers, exterior A and B pillar trim have not been fixed. I was told at the time of purchase the recall (1) was fixed. The rubber trim in the pillar trim flaps in the wind and I was told to buy the parts on Amazon and that it isn’t hard to install. Along with the A/C not working a week after I bought the SUV. dealership is uncooperative.
NHTSA complaint #11737677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collegepark, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ford has failed to remedy this issue and has been pending for more than 1 month
NHTSA complaint #11736706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When acceleration hot air blows through dashboard fogging front driver windows. Weather strips in doors are coming apart.
NHTSA complaint #11734466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Grove, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Whenever it rains or I go through a car wash, water leaks in around the back lift gate hatch. And it goes in into the spare tire wheel well and there ands up being several inches of water in there. It’s also covering whatever electrical component or plug that is the bottom of the wheel well. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11734691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When it rain outside, my passenger side floor has a puddle of rainwater. This happened at least 4 times over the life of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11730996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally request your assistance regarding an unresolved recall part issue affecting my 2016 Ford Explorer (VIN# [XXX] ). On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] , the exterior A pillar trim on the front windshield unexpectedly detached, creating a significant safety hazard for myself and other motorists. Following this incident, I scheduled an assessment at Frontier Ford in Santa Clara, CA on 4/9/2024. During the visit, I was advised to contact Ford’s complaint line, after which I returned to the dealership. The required replacement part was ordered, but I have now been waiting for over two years, as it remains on back order. Despite several follow-up calls, visits, the issue remains unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11730998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novi, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is the 3rd time I've notified NHTSA about this concern. The remedy for this "safety recall" is still unavaiable. This recall is for the 'B Pillar' appliques; however, as I mentioned in my previous concerns/complaints to NHTSA the 'A Pillar' applique on the driver's side of my 2016 Explorer was loose and I was afraid that it would blow off. Well, on April 2, 2026 while driving on I-75 that applique broke loose and flew off at 75 mph smacking against the side of my vehicle and narrowly missing the vehicle travleing behind me. What has (is?) NHTSA going to do about this hazardous -safety issue?
NHTSA complaint #11730567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
a, DC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle equipped with red and blue emergency lights, excessive auxiliary lights prohibited by law, facilitates color of law violations, poses a risk to general public regarding harassment, impersonation of police officer, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purchase agreement with buyer, and can be liable for crimes committed by others as a coconspirator.
NHTSA complaint #11728832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novi, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver side B pillar applique is loose and I fear it may become completely dislogdged or blow off during high speed highway travel and cause some sort of accident. This recall has been open since May of 2025 and Ford Motor Company still has no remedy or fix for it yet. In addition -and not included in this recall- the driver side A piller applique on the windshield has also come loose and may also fly off during travel. This too should be fixed. Can you help?
NHTSA complaint #11724269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2016 FORD Explorer EXTERIOR A-PILLAR & B-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP THIS MAY RESULT IN THE B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUES DETACHING WHILE DRIVING. A B-PILLAR TRIM APPLIQUE THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford Dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? No warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11713670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yukon, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.
NHTSA complaint #11710094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition
NHTSA complaint #11710157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schulenburg, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.
NHTSA complaint #11706166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Vernon, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall ford # 21S22 roof rack cap. I called ford and reported that the roof rack cap has broken off. They stated that recall for my vehicle has been completed and closed. If the issue is still happening after the recall has been established even if it has been repaired, why is it still not covered under the recall. The repairs made to correct it were obviously not adequate.
NHTSA complaint #11705534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving my Explorer feels like the gear is stuck making the vehicle jerk. Very loud at start up from fan. I have taken it to get the code read, I think it stated transmission needed to get checked.
NHTSA complaint #11702116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Union, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield trim on my car is missing. There is a recall on this but there is no remedy yet. With this not being fixed it is causing a safety issue with our car as well as allowing our car to flood inside when it rains. I have contacted Ford and they told me unfortunately there was nothing they could do at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11700291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nevada, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When accelerating more rapidly (like getting on interstate), a burning smell will enter the cabin. It is not noticed at low speeds, nor when acceleration to high speeds happens gradually. The smell is strong and lingers for about one minute.
NHTSA complaint #11694289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Encino, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear camera is compromised because water gets inside and is blocking the view of the camera. You are unable to use the rear backup camera because the view is completely blocked or blurred by the water or moisture that is able to get in.
NHTSA complaint #11693397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Falling Waters, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to the dealer, Parsons Ford. The pillar b even has the weather stripping from recall is even detaching. Which they saw and stated its part of the recall. No recommendations to fox it. They said no parts or remedy at this time. Today when driving I heard noise and looked over. Saw the stripping getting worse. I contacted Ford and they say the same thing. This recall has been out since 2024 and no one wants to even fix it. I have a newborn coming and this is the only car I can use to transport her. I feel this is a safety risk not just for us but other people. See the pictures below all from today 9/5. The weather stripping is coming off more. I called Parsons Ford, they were to call me back. No response back today. Ford Social Media filed a claim and dealer to reach out. No response. All responses from Ford and myself today.
NHTSA complaint #11685391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Byron Center, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was made aware of a recall for my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport involving the Exterior A-Pillar Appliqué molding recall#24S02 and NHTSA# 24V031 I had an inspection done on 12/30/24 and it was determined at that time it needed to be replaced, but parts were not yet available. I have since then regularly checked with the dealership to see if parts were available, but they have not become available. I reached out to Ford directly on 7/28/25 and was told my case was escalated and I need to work with my 'case handler' who did not contact me until 8/11/25 after I made multiple repeated requests to speak to someone. They informed me there are no parts, there is no ETA and despite assurances to the contrary(they informed me that they "...works daily with your dealership's management team." have not spoken to the service advisor at the dealership as of yet. their case number at ford is [XXX] The part flew off on the highway on [XXX] and now today, [XXX] the rubber around the windshield is coming loose. Ford continues to say they have no updates. The dealership said the last they checked, last week, there were over 30,000 orders in for this part, that Ford was no longer accepting new orders from dealers for this, and that they will not give any ETA on this being remedied. I'm concerned that more damage is being done to my vehicle and based on Ford's behavior thus far will try to not cover any additional repairs that caused by their inability to provide a repair in a reasonable and timely fashion. I'd like this repaired, correctly, and any other repairs necessary due to the delay, by no later than the end of the month of August. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Green, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The water pump has been replaced 3 times within a 2 year period on this vehicle . Something is causing it to fail and the constant leaking of fluid causes the vehicle to drive erratically in highway traffic. The alternator has been replaced twice within a 10 month period. Something is causing it to fail and it has caused major anxiety because the vehicle has completely turned off in the middle of extreme traffic. This is a dangerous situation and has yet to be fully remedied. I believe this model to be a lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11679633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My B-pillar trim flew off while I was driving down the road. We received a recall letter and got in contact with the Ford dealership where I live. They came out to asses the vehicle and said they would call me when they received the part to be replaced. I have been waiting at least a year for it to be fixed. I have called several times but they keep telling me the part is on back order and they will call me when it comes in.
NHTSA complaint #11677245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitola, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Good Morning, I’m reaching out in regards to my 2016 Ford Explorer. I’ve been trying to get the necessary recall repairs completed, but unfortunately, I’ve been unable to locate the required pillars for the repairs. I recently brought my vehicle back to the dealership, but was told that no work can be done until both parts are available. I was also advised to try sourcing one of the parts from another Ford dealership on my own, which I’ve had no luck with. To be honest, I’m feeling very overwhelmed. I purchased this vehicle used, back in September 2025, and since then, it has been one issue after another. I’ve already invested more into mechanical repairs than what I currently owe on the vehicle. I’m a [XXX], and this vehicle is our only mode of transportation. I’m growing increasingly concerned for our safety, especially knowing that the recall parts are critical and things could start to fall apart — literally — if they’re not addressed soon. With that said, I would greatly appreciate your help in exploring any other options available through Ford or the dealership. Some specific questions I have are: Is there any way for the dealership to help source the necessary parts through other Ford networks or escalate this to Ford corporate? Can you assist with a temporary vehicle solution while waiting on the parts (loaner or rental)? Would there be any way to explore trading in or transitioning into another vehicle, even with the current issues and financial position I’m in? I understand that supply issues happen, but I’m just trying to keep my kids and myself safe, and right now I’m feeling stuck. I would extremely appreciate any help or direction you can offer. Please feel free to call or email me directly. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11674977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.