IllustrationMY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WHEN I HEARD AN ODD NOISE. I STOPPED AND DECIDED TO MOVE ONLY TO HEAR A GRINDING NOISE ANY TIME I TURNED STEERING TO LEFT OR RIGHT. WENT TO THE CHANTILLY FORD DEALERSHIP IN VIRGINIA. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A STEERING RACK PINION PROBLEM WHICH COST JUST OVER $2000
2016 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Explorer years
Owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Explorer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 609.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Explorer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
4560–25K
31325–50K
26850–75K
20575–100K
211100–150K
49150K+
1,502 reports with mileage · 947 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 584 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 530 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 381 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
39 crash reports14 fire reports43 injury reports
Steering complaints
530 reportsTHE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERATIVE WHEN STATIONARY AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN MY GARAGE AND TEMP WAS BELOW FREEZING. THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP AND YOU COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES (TRYING TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL BACK & FORTH) IT WOULD LET YOU THEN TO …
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THE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERATIVE WHEN STATIONARY AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN MY GARAGE AND TEMP WAS BELOW FREEZING. THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP AND YOU COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES (TRYING TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL BACK & FORTH) IT WOULD LET YOU THEN TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT DID THIS 3 TIMES AND I HAD A FORD DEALER CHECK IT OUT. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING SECTOR AND IT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE TIMES THE STEERING LOCKED UP IT ALSO WAS BINDING WHEN I STARTED MOVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I FEEL IF THE STEERING SECTOR FAILED IN ABOUT 4 YEARS IS SAFETY ITEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND OWNERS REFUNDED FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. IT COST ABOUT $2300.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. IF THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING I WOULD HAVE LOST 100% OF THE STEERING.
ISSUES STARTED WITH SEVERAL ELECTRICAL GLITCHES THAT OCCURRED AND STILL OCCUR CONSISTENTLY WITH NO RESOLUTION. BATTERY WAS "FRIED" AND REPLACED, SYNC MODULE WAS REPLACED, NOW THE GLITCHES INCLUDE A FROZEN STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING AND A "CHARGING SYSTEM SERVICE NOW" LIGHT THAT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING. …
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ISSUES STARTED WITH SEVERAL ELECTRICAL GLITCHES THAT OCCURRED AND STILL OCCUR CONSISTENTLY WITH NO RESOLUTION. BATTERY WAS "FRIED" AND REPLACED, SYNC MODULE WAS REPLACED, NOW THE GLITCHES INCLUDE A FROZEN STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING AND A "CHARGING SYSTEM SERVICE NOW" LIGHT THAT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING. ALSO PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR GETS STUCK OUTWARDS, INTERIOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. TRUCK IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM TIRED OF PAYING $150 DIAGNOSTIC FEES WITH NO RESOLUTION.
STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN SAFELY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD IF GOING AT HIGHER SPEED OR AROUND A CURVE. WAS ABLE TO STOP AND REALLY FORCE WHEEL TO TURN A BIT. DEALER STATED I NEEDED TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION. $2500, BUT MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME
LOUD KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING TURNS. ASSUMED IT WAS THE SWAY BAR BUSHING NEEDING REPLACEMENT BASED ON SEARCHES, HOWEVER AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE A WEEK THE DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT IT IS A FAULTY STEERING GEAR. I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT SO THAT THERE ARE MORE OF THESE DOCUMENTED OUT THERE. MY VEHICLE WA…
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LOUD KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING TURNS. ASSUMED IT WAS THE SWAY BAR BUSHING NEEDING REPLACEMENT BASED ON SEARCHES, HOWEVER AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE A WEEK THE DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT IT IS A FAULTY STEERING GEAR. I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT SO THAT THERE ARE MORE OF THESE DOCUMENTED OUT THERE. MY VEHICLE WAS STILL OPERATIONAL WHEN I TOOK IT IN, HOWEVER READING SIMILAR STORIES AND PROBLEMS OF OTHER OWNERS, IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE AND RESULTED IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. ADDITIONALLY WHEN TALKING WITH FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT THEY SAID AT 37,500 THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT. I'M CONCERNED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE THERE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE RISK TO OTHER OWNERS.
VEHICLE LURCHED INTO ADJOINING LANE ON INTERSTATE WHILE GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT ABOUT 70MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE ADJACENT LANE OR I ALMOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME THAT I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK (ABOUT A MILE),…
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VEHICLE LURCHED INTO ADJOINING LANE ON INTERSTATE WHILE GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT ABOUT 70MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE ADJACENT LANE OR I ALMOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME THAT I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK (ABOUT A MILE), BUT THE STEERING WOULD 'STICK'/PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHEN TURNING SUCH THAT I HAD TO FORCE IT BACK TO CENTER (WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN). LIMPED HOME AT ABOUT 10 MPH. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHO DIAGNOSED A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR AND STEERING RACK. THEY SAID THEY'VE SEEN THIS A FEW TIMES WITH 2016 EXPLORERS. THE FORD TECHNICIAN WAS SHOCKED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVE-ABLE AT ALL GIVEN THE DAMAGE TO THE FAILED STEERING GEAR/RACK. HE EXPLAINED THAT I COULD HAVE EASILY LOST ALL STEERING AND HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN NO ACCIDENTS OR HAD ANY OTHER INCIDENTS THAT COULD ACCOUNT FOR THE FAILURE. THE FORD TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE OEM PARTS. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR COST APPROXIMATELY $2,100.
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH 56,000 MILES. ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR FAILED. LOST POWER STEERING. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT NEAR HOME - NO ACCIDENT. $2,200.00 REPAIR COST; NO WARRANTY COVERAGE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESUME NORMAL OPERATION.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AN INDEPENDENT TOWING COMPANY TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. ARUNDEL FORD (1561 PORTLAND RD, ARUNDEL, ME 04046, (800) 889-7171) WAS CONTACTED AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
THE FIRST TIME MY STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WAS ON 09/13/2019 WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ON A CITY STREET. IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF, AND THE STEERING FAULT HILL START AND TRAC LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE WHEEL WHICH CAUSE ME TO GET ONTO OF THE SIDE WALK ALMOST HITTI…
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THE FIRST TIME MY STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WAS ON 09/13/2019 WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ON A CITY STREET. IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF, AND THE STEERING FAULT HILL START AND TRAC LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE WHEEL WHICH CAUSE ME TO GET ONTO OF THE SIDE WALK ALMOST HITTING A TREE. I HAD TO HIT MY BREAKS IN ORDER TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT. MY KIDS BODY JERK BACK AND FORTH REALLY HARD. I TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS WORKING AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY. THE SECOND TIME THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WAS ON 10/05/2019. WHILE ON THE A CURVE OF RAMP TO GET OUT OUT THE FREEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF AGAIN, AND THE STEERING FAULT , HILL START AND TRAC LIGHTS WENT ON AS WELL. ONCE AGAIN I HAD TO HIT THE BREAKS HARD IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE RAIL, AS I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRY TURNING MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN TO SEE IF THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD WORK AGAIN BUT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. I HAD TO CALL MY HUSBAND TO COME AND PICK ME UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE POWER STEERING EQUIPMENT WHICH COST ME A TOTAL OF $2350.39.
AT AROUND 75K MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKING POPPING/GRINDING NOISES. THE SOUND RESOLVED WITHIN THE SAME TRIP AND STOPPED. IT'S BEEN TWO MONTHS AND THE GRINDING SOUND RETURNED WHILE DRIVING THIS WEEKEND ON A WINDING ROAD WITH MY TWO YEAR IN THE BACK SEAT. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AT MODERATE SPEED (35-40 MPH), THE STEER…
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AT AROUND 75K MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKING POPPING/GRINDING NOISES. THE SOUND RESOLVED WITHIN THE SAME TRIP AND STOPPED. IT'S BEEN TWO MONTHS AND THE GRINDING SOUND RETURNED WHILE DRIVING THIS WEEKEND ON A WINDING ROAD WITH MY TWO YEAR IN THE BACK SEAT. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AT MODERATE SPEED (35-40 MPH), THE STEERING WHEEL BRIEFLY STUCK AND BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE EDGE OF THE PAVEMENT BEFORE I GAINED CONTROL AGAIN. THE STICKING PERSISTED AROUND CORNERS AND WHILE TURNING BOTH DIRECTIONS. ONCE UNSTUCK, THE STEERING FELT LOOSE AND NEAR UNPREDICTABLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHO CONFIRMED IT'S A RESULT OF RACK AND PINION FAILURE AND QUOTED AROUND $2500 TO REPAIR. THEY CONFIRMED THIS IS COMMON IN EXPLORERS. MY RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS HUNDREDS OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS EXACTLY AS MINE, OFTEN IN FRIGHTENING AND LIFE THREATENING CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE IS SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR FATAL OUTCOMES WITH THE NATURE AND FREQUENCY OF THIS MALFUNCTION.
Official recalls
1426V448000 · Structure:body
Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
25V685000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater
Oct 10, 2025
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
25V347000 · Structure:body
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
24V031000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
Jan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
21V537000 · Suspension:rear
Jul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
21V316000 · Structure:body
May 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
20V675000 · Suspension:rear
Mar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
20V692000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
Nov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
19V435000 · Suspension:rear
Jun 10, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
17V767000 · Seats
Nov 29, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
16V475000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Jun 28, 2016
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
16V183000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Mar 31, 2016
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 affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
15V605000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Sep 28, 2015
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 tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
15V464000 · Parking Brake
Jul 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab
Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve