2016 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

My touch screen isn’t working properly and I have brand new converters in there is smoke coming out of my tail pipes, also I have to jump my vehicle every time I want to go somewhere.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. A message on the instrument panel to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted, the contact was able to resume normal driving. A friend of the contact's son inspected the vehicle and discovered that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Airbag light on dash came on right after 100k mile warranty. I had Ford repair it and paid out of pocket, because I have a family and I would like to be safe. The issue has come back less than 4 months later and based on multiple online complaints, it seems to be never ending. How is Ford getting away with this? Is it going to take losing loved ones or a big media/lawsuit scandal? This is unacceptable, how is our government entities protecting consumers in these cases?

The rack and pinion failed and need to be replaced.

Steering while driving thru town or on highway is loosing power steering assist randomly and causing major steering and control issues

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on two separate occasions; the windshield trim panels on the passenger’s and driver’s side detached from the vehicle. The contact replaced the parts himself; however, the failure returned less than a year after the initial failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive the contact became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. While driving the vehicle with manual steering, the steering wheel started jerking to the left or right without warning. Occasionally, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle would be restarted and the steering would function however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The stability control warning light and stability control off warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted and informed the contact that the rear suspension and toe link might be fractured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump was leaking causing a mixture of the engine oil and coolant. The contact was also notified of a front axle failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly and was emitting abnormal rumbling sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Big Valley Ford, Inc. (M-28, Ewen, MI 49925), where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. However, the parts were on national backorder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The driveshaft was replaced. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 47,075.

While driving approximately 70mph on the highway, the vehicle check engine light came on and the engine began shutting down with the over temp light on. We had to coast over 2 lanes to safely get out of traffic. Upon pulling over I noticed there was no coolant in the reservoir so i pulled the engine oil dip stick and could see evidence of coolant in the oil. After having the vehicle towed back home, I pulled the valve cover and could see the water pump shaft seal had failed and leaked coolant into the oil and the sprocket on the water pump shaft has been ground down. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than myself but I do have pictures of the damage. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident and the oil was just changed 4 weeks ago with no signs of coolant in the oil.

Have 2016 Ford Explorer which my son had while at college and at 72,940 miles on 09/15/2021 the steering malfunction which made steering very difficult and safety hazard. Ford dealership looked into the issue and stated it needed a new steering gear assembly which cost $3,493.92. Ford dealership stated that there was no recall for this repair and when ask the dealership how this does happen, they stated, "I DO NOT KNOW". I had the repaired made and decided to talk to Ford on the issue. Made two calls on 11/29/2021 & 01/13/2022 to the Ford Customer Service and received case#CAS35022773 but received no solution in having Ford pay for this repair.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph when attempting to make a left turn when the vehicle's power steering had failed. The contact had difficulty getting the vehicle to straighten back up while accelerating. The contact stated the steering wheel had emitted a grinding and humming sound whenever they would turn the vehicle left or right. The contact also noticed there was fluid leaking from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact contacted the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering gearbox failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was told their failure related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (STEERING) however their vin was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 60,025.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed that the roof rail cover located on top of the vehicle had become loosened. The contact attempted to reattach the roof rail to the vehicle but was unable to attach the roof rail. The contact then stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, the roof rail detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact called the dealer who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer provided a case number and referred him to the NHTSA. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Failure of water pump which is known to cause failure of engine because of where the water pump is located (inside of engine). There have been many cases reported that there is none or limited warning when it fails and cases have resulted in engine failure. When engine failure occurs, the car shuts down and can leave individuals stranded and in harm's way. In my case, thank God, my husband noticed a couple of drops of fluid on the garage floor. As of yet, we have not been notified of engine failure as it is in the dealer getting fixed. I am not sure why no one has addressed this issue with Ford. There was a lawsuit pending and it was dismissed in the US based on the fact that the plantiffs could not prove Ford knew this when building the engine (Canada just approved a recall on this same issue). However, Ford should be held responsible now that they now. Ford has NEVER notified individuals who have this type of engine (with the water pump inside the engine) of the risk of this problem. Even if it does not warrant a recall, Ford still should be notifying individuals of the hazard of the water pump failure which could easily cause engine failure. Please do something about this.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake and then stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that water was entering the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that the sunroof failed operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was informed that the sunroof needed to be opened to be diagnosed. The sunroof was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Our trim around our windshield came off while driving on a highway. Tried to fix it ourselves but trim replacement would not fit on it properly.

The rear seats in my 2016 ford explorer platinum have a know air bag issue that ford said is not a safety issue when addressed. It is a know issue by ford and they refuse to fix it because it is not under recall. The air bag light illuminate due to a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector which in turn will cause the rear airbags to not deploy during an accident.

My 2016 Ford Explorer, with 68,000 miles has a leak in the rear A/c lines and lost all the coolant. This appears to be a common problem with the Ford explorer. Is the leaking into the environment an issue? Ford does not have a recall on this issue. To fix it, the Ford dealer told me it would be $2,500. I opted for a block off kit to block off the rear a/c that cost $166 plus labor of $637 for a total cost of $803. Interesting that they make a block off kit which tells you that this is a common problem.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I took my vehicle to 2 mechanics and they notated a rack and pinion issue on my vehicle. I have attempted to take it to my local Ford Dealership (Woody Anderson) but they claim there are no appointments available for months. I googled and found there was a recall on Ford Explorers including 2016 for Rack and Pinion, but it was not associated with my VIN. I believe this should be covered under the recall and would like for there to be an assessment to get this recall to cover my vehicle. The rack and pinion is causing shaking in the steering and posing a safety issue.

Indicator light indicating power train issues came on after a few days of delayed shifting and slipping between gears. As well as thunking when putting the car in reverse. The car would not accelerate at all and was not safe to drive. I had it towed to the mechanic who consulted with a ford engine specialist. The specialist said the codes and symptoms lead to needing the torque converter fixed. That is when I consulted the recall for my exact vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. Ford is not agreeing to repair the recall. They have only agreed to fixing the valve body for $903.00. I would like my recall repair.

Vehicle started overheating, when inspected I notice a coolant leak. Had it diagnosed, outcome was water pump leaking. Vehicle only has about 58685 miles. Warranty expired and extended warranty also expired. Not sure why the water pump started to leak at such low milage. Vehicle is currently at the Ford Dealer for repairs.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle and then there was an explosion. There was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the PTU, transfer case and differential had exploded. The mechanic informed the contact that the PTU, transfer case and differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty had expired and to research the lemon law. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, he was alerted by two people that there was water leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a water pump failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

I felt a thumping when turning the steering wheel and took it to the dealership who kept it for two days to attempt to replicate the same noise but they were unable to reproduce or replicate. Two or maybe three months later, the thumping noise turned into a clicking noise. Again, I immediately took it to the Ford dealership and fortunately a mechanic was still on duty. They test drove the vehicle and heard the same noise. They ask if I could leave the vehicle for more testing with their suspension specialist and they will contact me the next day. The next day they contacted me and I was told 'this is a common problem and Ford is aware of issue but has not issued a recall'. Concerned about the comment I took it to a second Ford dealership. The second dealership kept it for a day and of course they could not replicate the thumping or clicking sound. They even inspected the steering/wheel components but found nothing. Worried, I did some additional research and found this website with other people complaining about the same issue https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2016/steering/steering-rack_and_pinion.shtml I even found a few YouTube videos addressing the same problem. October is here and winter is about to set in and my vehicle is still thumping and clicking. I am driving the vehicle but concerned I am putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. Based on the information I found, it is clear that I am not the only one with this issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the water pump and power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled with the engine coolant temperature message displayed; and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,174. The VIN was not available.

Bad sudden brake fluid leak problems, alarm on car alerting to extremely low brake fluid warning. Have refilled a couple times but the leak is bad and for no apparent reason. Other similar years of ford vehicles have been recalled for the low brake fluid reason.

Driving to work through mountain passes as I live in northern Montana, warning lights came on in dash. Lost power steering ran off road, regained control, took it to ford dealership they said $2200 to fix, I've only had the car just over a month, I pay $750, and now the car sits

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband noticed that there was a fluid leak underneath the vehicle onto the ground. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) that she had received. The dealer informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the water pump replacement. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump, timing chain, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, and camshaft sprockets were replaced and the anti-freeze coolant life was extended. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Consumer would like a reimbursement incurred for repairs for the recall.

My car is a 2016 and I am having issues with my water pump. A 2000 dollar fix. This seems to be common with this year. I pay 500 a month and now this. It only has 85000 miles.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle intermittently started shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer at lower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed; however, several weeks later, the contact noticed an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, she noticed that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who contacted the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer sent out a field technician who diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed, and the small block or engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact followed up with the manufacturer who informed her that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 82,700.

1) Engine consuming coolant - 102,000 miles 2) Gauge Temperature should be by default in the dashboard computer. This is not the case in the 2016 Ford Explorer. Complain: Consumers can not detect on time if the engine is overheating, because the gauge temperature is not visible on the dashboard. If you change setting to monitor any other component of the car - ex: tire pressure, others...the gauge temperature disappear from the screen.

Out of no where there is a chemical/propane smell. Took it to a ford dealer. They said my water pump is causing it. Got that fixed and the smell is still there. The small is so bad I get a head ache and nausea every time I drive it. Took it to another mechanic and he acknowledges the smell but can not figure it out. There are no warning lights on. I am scared to drive my own car.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering. No, it has been repaired at a local Ford dealership. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No, the problem occurred when starting the vehicle in the morning after it sat all night. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it certainly would have put myself and others in danger. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was repaired at my local Ford dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, it was repaired at my local Ford dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the following: Service advance trac Steering assist fault required Hill start assist not available I discovered the problem 03/23/2022 and had it towed to my local Ford dealership for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle was parked in my driveway at the time. The steering wheel was VERY difficult to turn. Had this happened while driving I would have been unable to steer the vehicle. The problem was confirmed and repaired at a Ford dealership.

While driving down the road the drivers side (A pillar molding) windshield molding broke loose with no warning and flew into traffic behind me. Fortunately this did not hit anyone or cause an accident this time, but it has the potential to do so. From discussing this with the Ford dealer near me it is a common problem with the interceptors and sport model explorers. The design of this is such that you don't know the clips are failing until a sudden andcatastrophic failure occurs.

I was driving along in town and heard a real loud pop sound and the car jerked. The front started smoking heavily. I get off to the nearest parking lot and fluids had spewed underneath and there was a small fire from this that went out. I had two children both in child restraints that had to be removed from the vehicle, thankfully my husband was with me. It was towed to two repair shops whom both stated the PTU had exploded and broke the transmission as well. I tried to get assistance through Ford and have hit a dead end. It is at the local dealership where they claim the ptu exploded, broke transmission and cracked the engine block resulting in close to $14,000 dollars needed in repairs. This vehicle was running completely fine, no lights had been displaying on the dash. Consumer stated dealer is blaming the defects on a tread pattern on 1 tire(not size).

The Passenger second row seatbelt will not latch, The Ford Dealer want's $240.00 to diagnose the problem. The passenger second row seatbelt has an airbag built in, so it will be an expensive replacement, something I do not feel should be at a cost to the consumer. Major Safety issue in my opinion! We noticed it when we tried to latch out handicap teenager in the car, since we could not latch her in, we had to move her to the other side of the car.

The windshield outer trim on the passenger side has detached two separate times (I replaced it each time at my cost), and it could be a hazard when it happens while I am driving on the highway.

There is a VERY STRONG sulfur odor emiting into the cabin without an engine warning light. Tested for error codes and inspected by Ken Towery in Louisville and the seriviceperson couldn't detect the source of the odor. The defect appeared at 98458. The smell causes me to gag and feel light headed. Please advise.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was parked and the contact saw engine coolant leaking from the bottom of the engine. The contact was able to refill the radiator with coolant and drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and found that the water pump was leaking and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to another independent mechanic. Additionally, the front axles made a loud banging sound while the vehicle was turned to the right or the left. The contact stated that the steering wheel shook as if it was detached. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not diagnose or repair the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that power steering functionality returned without restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,237.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed coolant was leaking onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the water pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

Water pump has failed. Causing the engine to shutter and stop running normally. This happened on the highway with kids on board. Water pump is internally and cost of repairs are more expensive than what is fair for a consumer. No one should pay for that, it’s misleading at least. If they were to warn that a regular wear an tear part would causes thousands. No one would buy Ford. The responsibility should be Ford and not the consumer

2nd row seat seat belt not working is loose and will not reset. Took it to ford they want to charge me a lot of money, it's a safety issue

When my Explorer was in for routine service on Friday, 3/11, it was explained to me by my authorized Ford dealership's service department that my water pump was leaking and that it was a risk to continue driving the vehicle, since engine failure was possible as fluid mixed into the oil. I agreed to allow them to do the work. I was quoted a price of $3300+ given 12 hours of labor for a water pump placed inside Ford's cyclone-style engine (Duratec). I was also assured that Ford had upgraded the pump and that the new one would likely not leak so prematurely. My vehicle has been dealer serviced since I purchased it in July of 2016 and only has 53k miles on it. I have been in touch with Ford directly, hoping to hold them responsible for the repairs. I initiated a case with Ford on Saturday, 3/12 and at present, I am still waiting to hear from them.

For the least 4 or five days I've noticed increased resistance and a "stickiness" when turning the steering wheel. Its not constant but each time I turn the wheel is have to manually assist the wheel with making the turn or getting back to its preturn starting point. Ive learned in this vehicle, since there is not steering fluid the issue may be electronic.

While driving down the highway the windshield weather strip molding broke off and was flapping over the windshield. Luckily it did not break off, that could have caused a really bad accident. However it was flapping all around. no onw has inspected it. no warnings or symptoms appeared.

The A pillar of my car came loose while driving and is now flapping there. The A pillar on the other side was loose when I bought the car and the dealer fixed that one at that time. I fear these pillars coming loose and flying and hitting other cars while driving. Seems like a safety issue Ford should do something about.