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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2016
Ford · Large SUV

2016 Ford Explorer

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
30 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls4 critical 14
Complaints39 crash · 14 fire · 59 injured reported 2,484
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 22 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer FWD, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 2484 complaints, most often about the structure. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer FWDGasFWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo192722$3,050
Explorer AWDGasAWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo182621$3,200
Explorer 2WD FFVGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer FWDGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162319$3,550
Explorer AWD FFVGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162319$3,550
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36301, 36305, 36299, 36300, 36303, 36302, 36304.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Explorer AWD, Explorer FWD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer AWD FFV5 / 10Bin 5All 50 states (federal, all altitudes)—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.5 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower290 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

DrivetrainFWD/Front-Wheel Drive

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Base, Limited, Police, XLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length198.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height69.7 in
Wheelbase113.0 in
Track, front66.9 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight4,557–4,731 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear54/46

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV AWD, 4-door SUV FWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Explorer
Other years The 2027 Explorer Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

26S54
288,314 vehicles
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle. Risk A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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 Numb
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V448000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
Problem 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. Risk An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Fix 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

25S53
492,145 vehicles
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving. Risk Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V347000 reported May 23, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

24S02
1,889,110 vehicles 21% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 reported Jan 19, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

21S32
631,176 vehicles 67% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V537000 reported Jul 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

21S22
616,967 vehicles 75% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 reported May 5, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

20S62
454,941 vehicles 78% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 reported Mar 12, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

20S63
15,587 vehicles 68% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V692000 reported Nov 10, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

19S17
1,194,173 vehicles 64% reported repaired built May 17, 2010 – Jan 25, 2017
Problem 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. Risk A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 reported Jun 10, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

17S40
177,264 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Jan 22, 2016 – Apr 19, 2016
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V767000 reported Nov 29, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

16C11
5,280 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Feb 17, 2016 – Mar 7, 2016
Problem 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." Risk The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V475000 reported Jun 28, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

16S14
1,543 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Oct 20, 2014 – Jan 28, 2016
Problem 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. Risk Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V183000 reported Mar 31, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

15S26
203 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Jul 24, 2015 – Jul 24, 2015
Problem 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. Risk If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 15V605000 reported Sep 28, 2015 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Parking Brake

15C07
7,165 vehicles 79% reported repaired built May 4, 2015 – May 23, 2015
Problem 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." Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V464000 reported Jul 24, 2015 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Windshield trim molding Item detachment closed

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 experi

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Feb 8, 2024 · action PE23001 · the investigation’s page →

Structure:Body — Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab closed

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 monoxid

Opened Jul 27, 2017 · closed Jan 17, 2023 · action EA17002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Explorer →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
2484complaints filed

39 involved a crash · 14 a fire · 59 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2015: 4 · 2016: 213 · 2017: 272 · 2018: 185 · 2019: 233 · 2020: 168 · 2021: 158 · 2022: 197 · 2023: 313 · 2024: 271 · 2025: 345 · 2026: 125

Most-cited components

Structure → 601
Steering 540
Engine → 501
Unspecified 444
Power Train → 219
Electrical System → 133

In depth: body and structure problems → · engine problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems → · fuel system problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer Police interceptor. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle downshifted independently with the rpms increasing rapidly. The contact stated he was unaware if there was any warning light illuminated.
Power Train at 99,603 miles Sep 10, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11354281
The plastic pieces on the "a" and "b" pillar, driver and passenger side are coming off
Structure at 38,944 miles Apr 12, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11195900
I started my vehicle and put in drive my steering wheel was locked in one position I was unable to turn the wheel left or right I started getting several lights on my dash from hill start assist, service advancetrac, steering assist fault.
Electrical System at 26,406 miles Jan 12, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11166639
The seat manual tilt lever for the driver sit is busted. It locks and does not allow adjustment. The local dealership said it was not covered under warranty. The cost to replace the unit was extreme. We have had three 2016 explorers Police package fall victim to the same issue. The issue began about a year into it's use.
Seats at 30,000 miles Oct 16, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11140555
Two Police officers were patrolling in a city environment together in a 2016 Ford interceptor utility and had symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. This vehicle previously had all carbon monoxide related Ford recall work completed. The officers' symptoms included headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest spasms.
Engine at 28,975 miles Jun 21, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11102985
The contact stated that the Police Department owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while a Police Officer was attempting to drive the vehicle; however, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated.
Steering at 49,000 miles Mar 26, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11579478

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 166 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 197 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 49k

miles, typically

Half the 1,495 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 20,000 and 83,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 236
10k–20k 137
20k–30k 116
30k–40k 118
40k–50k 154
50k–60k 135
60k–70k 89
70k–80k 93
80k–90k 85
90k–100k 73
100k–150k 212
150k + 47

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine35128,0000.45×
Steering34958,0001.21×
Structure29583,0001.84×
Unspecified22822,630—
Power Train15349,0000.94×
Electrical System8641,7850.93×
Fuel/Propulsion System8511,0000.23×
Air Bags6152,0001.23×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: engine (0.45×), fuel/propulsion system (0.23×); later: structure (1.84×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 240
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-30
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 236 service bulletins, 3 others, 1 emissions

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train, Structure.

  • 25E10-S1 Other
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • 25E10-S1 Owner letter
  • 25E10-S1 Emissions
    2026-07-02 · Unknown Or Other
  • NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
  • 25B51 Other
    2026-05-09 · Engine
  • Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
  • 25N17 Other
    2026-03-25 · Back Over Prevention — Rearview System Braking
  • Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
  • SSM 54601 Service bulletin
    2026-02-24 · Electrical System
  • Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). Th
  • SSM 54366 Service bulletin
    2025-11-12 · Power Train
  • Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
  • TSB 25-2005 Service bulletin
    2025-01-24 · Unknown Or Other
  • "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"
  • SSM 53040 Service bulletin
    2024-10-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
B141B
B141B on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Air Bags3 bulletins · 10 owner reports
B141C
B141C on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Air Bags3 bulletins · 9 owner reports
P0011
P0011 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train7 bulletins
P0015
P0015 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0016
P0016 on Ford →		The crankshaft and camshaft are not where they should be relative to each other — timing, chain or phaser.Power Train7 bulletins
P0017
P0017 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0018
P0018 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0019
P0019 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0021
P0021 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 2 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train7 bulletins
P0025
P0025 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0012
P0012 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P0014
P0014 on Ford →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Power Train6 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 5.4% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.7% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 5.4%

failed emissions

5,044 initial inspections of 4,867 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 ExplorerEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check5.4%4.2%5,017
Failed the safety inspection1.7%2.2%5,044
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.57%0.27%5,044
Miles driven a year11,23410,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer115,431103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 F 7 737 22 mpg2017 F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 this page F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2016 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer, 4 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V685000, covering Equipment. 7 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, January 2027, November 2026. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (30/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 22 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Transport Canada measured it at 198.4 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 69.7 in tall, on a 113.0 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,557–4,731 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 2484 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer, most often about structure, steering, engine. Of those, 39 involved a crash, 14 a fire, 59 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Ford Explorer?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Ford Explorer runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 5, LEV-II ULEV — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 240 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Explorer, most often covering engine, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-09-30. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Ford Explorer do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 5.4% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.7% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls14NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints2484NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins240NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA9 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Explorer The Explorer model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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