2016 Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Ford › Explorer › 2016
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2016 Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
15 recalls name the 2016 Ford Explorer. Newest first.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
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.
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.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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."
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
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…
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
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…
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flapped across the front windshield. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The dashboard cover has separated from the dash just under thr windshield close to the bottom of the windshield but just in front of the air vent. The separation has caused the covering to draw up exposing white insulation foam underneath to cause a glare on the windshield that creates a visibility issue during the day. I have received repair estimates in the $3,000.00 range but after researching this it seems this IS an often reported issue that I believe ford should address. There was no warning as one day I noticed the glare and realized what happened.
The b pillar is coming apart and may cause an incident. They put out recall in May of 2025 but still no remedy. .
2016 Ford Explorer, Falling pedal to the floor. acceleration of high speed. No physical obstuction. Noted that 2016 Ford Exployers have been highly documented for widw spread issue, which involves a defective EIB. Noted that automobile will be sent to dealership.
manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. They have only repaired 1 side of the trim. Dealer states driver side is on back order
On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting that this be reviewed as a possible recall-repair-related safety issue. The PCM failure and associated engine/electrical problems could affect drivability and the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. The vehicle and related repair records are available for inspection.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that at the time of inspection the recall repair was not necessary. The contact stated that the vehicle should be repair since the failure had occurred after the inspection. The failure mileage was 135,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [XXX] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires were flat. Believing it was unsafe to continue at normal speed, I proceeded cautiously and drove the vehicle slowly to my service center for diagnosis. After examining the vehicle, the service center informed me that the rack and pinion steering assembly was the cause of the problem I experienced. At the time of the incident, I had an extended warranty/service contract that provided powertrain coverage. However, I was informed that because the rack and pinion system in my vehicle is electronically assisted, the repair was not covered under the terms of the policy. Given the sudden loss of steering control and the potential safety risks involved, I am seeking a review of this matter by your team. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by Insurance agent who declined my insurance claim. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No prior symptoms. Approximately first week of September 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver's and front passenger's side B-pillar trims were fractured. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair.
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had become loosened and pieces of the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle while driving. The contact had used a glue-like substance to secure the A-pillar trims on both sides; however, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the pillars while driving at various speeds. In addition, the passenger’s side B-pillar detached from the vehicle while at a car wash. The contact ordered the part online and had a family member attach the part to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. 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 failure.
Driver door B Pillar detached and fell off while driving last week. This repair has taken a significant amount of time to find a resolution. We would highly encourage pressure on the manufacturer to solve this issue in a more timely manor.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trim detached while I was driving and was flapping against the vehicle. There was a risk that the part could have completely separated from the vehicle and struck another vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the roadway. I was also distracted while attempting to manage the situation and find a safe place to stop. Operating a vehicle with components coming apart created an unsafe condition for me and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. A Ford dealership observed the detached trim and temporarily secured it with tape. The trim was later repaired; however, the same component has detached again, demonstrating that the problem has recurred. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The component was inspected by a Ford dealership, which temporarily secured the trim and later repaired it. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages before the B-pillar trim detached. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured, the vehicle began exhibiting additional symptoms, including a malfunctioning security system, inability to open the tailgate, and failure to shut off completely.
The driver’s side A Pilar keeps coming off. Dealerships state they do not have the replacement part and are unable to fix the issue until the parts are in stock. I’m afraid it will fall off on the freeway and create a safety hazard to other drivers. This is one of the reasons I do not drive this car on freeways or highways making life difficult.
There was a recall issued on XXX for Exterior A-pillar appliqué molding inspection campaign 24S02/24V031. There was a Ford dealership Stivers Ford South in [XXX] that claims they performed the recall on my vehicle. I live in [XXX] and take my car to Bob Allen Ford in [XXX] to be serviced. I was driving home from a long road trip when the passenger A-Pillar came off this happened on Friday XXX. I called my dealership on Saturday XXX to schedule for the recall, however, I was told another dealership had already completed the recall. I called Ford customer service who then informed me I would need to call the Ford dealership in [XXX]. I called the Ford dealership in [XXX] on Saturday XXX, I was told a service manager would give me a call back. I did not receive a call that day. I called on Monday as well with no response from anyone. I called Ford customer service on Tuesday XXX and filed a fraud complaint about the dealership. I was told the service manager was looking into it and would give me a call on Tuesday. It is now Friday XXX, and I have not heard from the service manager or service director at the dealership in [XXX]. The Ford customer service informed be I should hear back by early next week. I want to get my car repaired as it is damaged from the recall. The A-Pillar applique came off when I was going down the highway. I don't feel safe driving my car until I can get this fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side A-pillar trim unexpectedly detached. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim on the front passenger’s door unexpectedly detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and that the parts were anticipated to be available in March 2027. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
I am scared of this in fix recall for my family and kids I travel a lot for my son football on the freeway and road. If this was unsafe they should have been fix for us. Thank you I do not want to deal with trying to fix anymore.
B-Pillar door trim came off of 2016 Ford Explorer. There has been a recall on this problem since May 2025. This problem is still listed as no repair or parts available. It is now Sept. 2026. 1 1/2 years is too long for a company to delay in solving this safety problem and/or providing parts for said problem.
As I was driving down the highway, my A pillar trim began to get loose and flew off and hit the car behind me. It forced them to swerve yet they gained control of their car and approached me letting me know what happened. They were highly upset because it damaged their front windshield. I had no choice but to pay for the person's windshield to get repaired. This issue was recalled almost a year before this happened and every time I went to the dealership I asked them about it and they said the recall part was not in stock for repair and that they would call me when it is. I have yet, to receive a call regarding this. Now there are 2 additional recalls on my vehicle and they are all stating the same thing. That the part is unavailable.
Approximately 3 years ago, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on a [XXX], warning chimes sounded and a power steering/steering assist fault message appeared. Electric power-steering assist then stopped functioning and the steering became extremely difficult to operate. I slowed down and was able to maneuver safely off the freeway. I shut the vehicle off, opened the driver’s door, waited approximately 45 seconds and restarted it. Normal steering assist returned. Shortly afterward, I took the vehicle to Oakdale Ford in Oakdale, CA and reported the problem. I was advised that further diagnosis/investigation would involve approximately $5,600 in costs. I declined due to the expense, and no repair was performed. The cause of the failure remains UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains available for inspection. During the approximately 3 years since, the vehicle has unexpectedly lost electric power-steering assist at least a dozen additional times, at different speeds and on different types of roads. Sometimes warning chimes/messages occur without loss of assist; other times assist is actually lost. Shutting the vehicle down, opening the driver’s door, waiting approximately 45 seconds and restarting has restored steering assist each time, but the problem later recurs unpredictably. I live in a mountainous area and regularly drive narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs and limited or no guardrails. Sudden loss of steering assist while negotiating a curve makes the vehicle significantly harder to control and creates a serious risk of leaving the roadway. No crash or injury has occurred to date. The failure is intermittent, unpredictable, repeatedly occurs while driving, and has not been repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to report a severe, inherently dangerous engineering defect regarding the internal water pump design on the 2016 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine.On September 8, 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic primary seal failure of the internal water pump while operating. The vehicle immediately began dumping large quantities of engine coolant onto the ground from the designated engine block weep hole located on the lower passenger side. Because Ford engineered this specific engine with the water pump hidden entirely behind the front timing cover and driven directly by the engine's timing chain, any mechanical failure of the pump poses an immediate, severe safety risk to the driver and occupants. If the secondary pump seal fails or the weep hole becomes obstructed, coolant dumps directly into the engine crankcase, mixing with the engine oil. This sudden loss of lubrication can cause the internal pump bearings to seize rapidly, leading to the timing chain snapping or jumping tracks.The consequences of this design create two distinct, critical safety hazards:Sudden Engine Stall at Speed: A seized water pump or broken timing chain will cause an instantaneous, un-commanded engine shutdown while traveling at highway speeds. This immediately cuts off the vehicle's power steering assist and power brake booster, placing the driver at extreme risk of a high-speed collision. Passenger Cabin Hazmat Hazard: A major coolant dump underneath the engine bay onto hot exhaust components generates blinding steam and toxic chemical fumes that can enter the vehicle’s HVAC system, severely impairing driver visibility and breathing.This internal, chain-driven water pump design is a known, systemic manufacturing defect that forces vehicle owners to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 in preventative labor to fix an auxiliary cooling component before it destroys the entire engine block. I urge the NHTSA to open a formal safety investigation int
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact reached out to the local dealer and 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 B-pillar trim was taped to the door; however, after the tape lost the stickiness, the trim became loose and was hanging down by the electrical wiring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle and the contact were informed that the B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and that only half of the B-pillar trim could be replaced. The dealer stated that the remaining part needed to be provided by the manufacturer. The dealer informed the contact that parts might to available April of 2027. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Transmission is company. Was driving and it bucked forward SO bad I had a panic attack with my kids in the back and had to have it towed home. Sounds like a computer issue because no me manic can figure out what’s wrong with it. Dealership had put in a ‘brand new’ transmission when I bought it in 2021.
After multiple communications with the local Ford Dealership, the recall on the vehicle has not been completed nor inspected. The Ford Dealership has repeatedly stated that they do not have the parts and cannot give an estimated time frame of arrival. The conversation always ends, "we will call when the parts come in". This has been over a year now. Today I called a different dealership in the area and received the same response. The Recalled Part on my vehicle is deteriorating, and it is only a matter of time before it detaches and causes damage or injury. Any help resolving this issue would be appreciated.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and was dangling by two wires. The contact later used black duct tape to seal the trim in place. The dealer was notified of the failure and later informed the contact that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) were not available for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver’s side A-pillar trim was rattling while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
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
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.