2016 Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.
Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.
For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
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Common 2016 Ford Explorer problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2016 Ford Explorer, several common problems have been reported:
- Faulty Throttle Body:
- Description: The most common problem reported by owners is a faulty throttle body, leading to a sudden loss of acceleration while driving. This issue triggers the check engine light and can result in a complete loss of power, forcing drivers off the road.
- Cost to Fix: Varies
- Prevention: Ensure that the throttle body has been replaced per the VIN to avoid this issue.
- Power Steering Failure:
- Description: Owners have reported sudden difficulty in steering, often requiring a complete replacement of the steering rack. This issue can be expensive and occurs at relatively low mileage.
- Cost to Fix: $2100
- Prevention: Listen for grinding or popping noises while test driving and ensure the steering functions properly.
- Loss of Power While Driving:
- Description: This problem is related to the power and throttle body issues, resulting in a sudden lack of power or rapid deceleration. It is crucial to ensure that the throttle body recall has been completed to prevent this issue.
- Cost to Fix: Varies
- Prevention: Confirm that the throttle body recall has been done and check for normal engine acceleration.
These issues highlight significant concerns with the 2016 Ford Explorer, impacting the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Owners should be vigilant in addressing these common problems to avoid potential accidents and costly repairs.
2016 Ford Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Ford Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Ford Explorer
The NHTSA has received 1962 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Ford Explorer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles.
2024-10-24
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 1FM5K8DH9GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: A engine getting hot light came on in our Explorer and we checked the coolant levels and most of the coolant had leaked out. We filled the coolant but the check engine light was still on.A mechanic did a thorough assessment and found 3 codes were being thrown. He discovered that the coolant was leaking into the combustion chamber. After much research online, we found that there was a class action lawsuit on other ecoboost Ford engines that had the same issue. Out particular Model was not included, but it was the same safety issue. The engine could become overheated and start on fire or the engine could fail and seize up while driving. We personally experienced a few times where the engine would hesitate and almost not go forward but we thought it was a spark plug issue. It was a little scary while driving in traffic and could have caused a rear end situation. We called Ford and they offered no solution. Case #CXH-02862684-P9D9B2
2024-10-23
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT7GG
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that oil from the turbo booster had leaked onto the catalytic converter and both the turbo booster and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that previously the power transfer off unit was faulty, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose accelerating power; and the front control arms and ball joints were replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.
2024-10-17
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 1FM5K8HT9GG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into reverse properly, the vehicle would reverse a few feet and suddenly stall or stop from reversing when reversing out of a parking lot while a crunching sound could be heard from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
2024-10-15
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FM5K7F8XGG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURER); 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure while driving approximately 40 MPH the passenger side A-Pillar trim ejected from the vehicle. During the failure, the driver became distracted and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-10-11
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- VIN: 1FM5K8AT3GG
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Rear toe link (driver side) just purchased the car from a Police department and i was not aware of the recall. 10/8/24 i made an appointment for other service and was informant by Elk river MN ford dealer and recall is scheduled to be preformed 10/17/24. [XXX] at [XXX] when turning left at approximately 30mph (2 lane country roads) the vehicle became uncontrollable mid turn. vehicle did not hit anything. After stopping found driver rear toe link had broken at the weld joint on the knuckle side. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-10-07
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-14
- VIN: 1FM5K7D82GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-10-07
STEERING,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 1FM5K8HT5GG
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS
- Summary: Other Explorers have a recall for electric steering problems but my VIN is not included in the recall. I only have 52,000 miles on the vehicle with clunking sounds when we back up with the wheels turn to the right. I also have had really bad tire wear on the back with the inside edge completely worn off. Toe in adjustment way off, says that this vehicle already had the fix for that but looks like it was not fixed right. We are still driving vehicle at this time but not sure if we should or not? We just had new tires put on vehicle and they checked for the clunking sound. There are no warning lamps on. I will be taking the vehicle to thr Ford dealer on October 23, 2024.
2024-10-04
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT1GG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "MultiTaction Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
2024-10-03
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT1GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, some of the remaining trims were loosened. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-10-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FM5K8D84GG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger side knee airbag went off in an accident causing my dad to have severe lacerations to both legs and a sprained ankle. Those were his only injuries from the accident. All caused by one airbag. There is a good chance he will need a skin graft on one of his legs. The emt and firefighters all said that they have never seen an airbag down there and loon like that. What it did to his legs is horrible. And should have never of happened.
2024-10-02
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-29
- VIN: 1FM5K8F83GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The passenger A-pillar applique trim detached from my vehicle while driving down the freeway. The piece that broke off is not available for inspection. The piece flew off while traveling at a higher rate of speed at night. It hit the front passenger window. I had no idea what it was until we stopped at a safe place and inspected it. The dealer told me they could fix it for $820 as this was before the recall was issued. I declined the repair as I didn’t want to pay that much to fix it. There were no warnings before the piece snapped off. Since the recall has been issued, the Ford dealership is not returning my calls to have my vehicle repaired and I did inform them that the piece has already detached.
2024-10-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 1FM5K8DH5GG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the A/C unit became inoperable. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the A/C unit. The contact was informed that the A/C unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
2024-10-01
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FM5K7D85GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-28
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
- VIN: 1FM5K8D83GG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air Bag light on. Per Dealer service center diagnostics, driver side air bag module FB5Z*78043B13*AA defective. Module replaced, however air bag light on persists. Additional diagnostic determined that air bag clockspring component defective.
2024-09-27
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
- VIN: 1FM5K7B87GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 manufacturer opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-15
- VIN: 1FM5K7D88GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: *Premature water pump failure that is housed in the timing chain chamber and driven by the timing chain. Component is not available for inspection as of this complaint because vehicle is being repaired. *Possible sudden catastrophic engine failure due to water pump failure, which will put safety of driver, passengers, and others at risk. *I am not aware if problem has been reproduced or confirmed by dealer or other independent services. Several dealers that I contacted did expressed that it was a "bad design". *I am not aware if component has been inspected by the manufacturer or others. *The only warning sign of premature pump failure was a small puddle of coolant under the vehicle. This happened at around 70K miles and the dealer was informed, but according to the Ford technician, upon inspection, no sign of coolant leak was found. At approximately 82K, the dealer was informed about a sudden coolant leak, and again, the Ford technician did not find the leak. It wasn't until I personally took a video of the coolant leaking and showed it to them, that they "diagnosed the problem correctly".
2024-09-26
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 1FM5K7F8XGG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed, and the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
2024-09-26
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- VIN: 1FM5K8D80GG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle seized, and the vehicle started rolling. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and noticed that the gear box had blown out. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gear box had fractured and damaged the transmission front assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
2024-09-25
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-24
- VIN: 1FM5K7B83GG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH, the windshield side A-trim panel detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the following day the passenger’s side trim and two clips had detached causing the failure. The trim on the bottom of the front and rear doors between the front and rear wheels had become loosened as well. The contact stated that there was a film on the headlights causing the headlights to not illuminate properly. The contact used WD-40 on the headlamps to remove the film for proper illumination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and removed the trim cover, as instructed by the manufacturer, to determine if the windshield mounting plate, was an older version. Based on the inspection, the dealer determined that the vehicle had failed and there was no need for the part mentioned in the remedy to be used for a repair. While completing the inspection the trim cover had to be removed and the trim cover became loosened, causing further damage with other trim panels detaching from the vehicle. The contact informed the dealer, and the dealer offered to secure the trim with tape. The dealer also advised the contact to use duct tape to further secure the area. The contact stated that the following day the tape had raised up. The contact called BP Ford of Long Beach (2950 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815) and was informed that the part could be ordered to complete the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the trim could be replaced; however, the recall remedy part was not yet available. The headlight and lower trim on the body of the vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-21
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 1FM5K7F81GG
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rack and pinion failure. Caused me almost to wreck. Cost is $4200 to fix. Ford has to program it and send it back to my mechanic. I’m lucky this didn’t go out while going down a hill that would have been very bad.
2024-09-20
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: 1FM5K7B83GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-19
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 1FM5K8D87GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 1FM5K8F83GG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started indicating that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump, resulting in engine damages. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
2024-09-18
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-15
- VIN: 1FM5K8DHXGG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (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 stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-Pillar trim panels were not properly secured to the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 15,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT9GG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was steam was coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The check temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to refill the coolant; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the water pump might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2016 Ford Explorer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the 2016 Ford Explorer.
2024-01-19
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: 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: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
2021-07-15
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: 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: 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.
2021-05-05
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: 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: 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.
2020-11-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- Summary: 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: 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.
2020-10-30
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: 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: 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.
2019-06-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: 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: 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.
2017-11-29
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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: 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.
2017-08-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: WHEELS:HUB
- Summary: 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 manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- Consequence: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
2016-06-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: 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: 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.
2016-03-31
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: 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: 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.
2015-09-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: 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: 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.
2015-07-24
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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: 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.
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