2016 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

The transmission suddenly downshifts causing rapid deceleration, if on the freeway could have caused an accident, the Ford garage could not duplicate the problem, there were no warning lights and no computer codes

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the snow, the vehicle started fishtailing. The contact was able to continue driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension toe links had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving in the rain. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving after the rain stopped. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly while driving over potholes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. 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 unknown.

On June 14, we drove our 2016 Ford Explorer from Tallahassee, FL to Boone, NC without issue. However, on [XXX], upon starting the vehicle, we noticed a gasoline smell. Concerned for our safety, we checked the car before leaving the neighborhood and discovered fuel pouring from the front. We parked the vehicle in a safe location and coordinated a tow to the local Ford dealership and were informed our fuel line had ruptured. The vehicle had 41,000 miles at the time of the incident. We were not given a clear explanation for the fuel line rupture, leaving us apprehensive about the safety and reliability of Ford vehicles. The ordeal cost $4,000 in repairs, and the service experience made us feel taken advantage of after we were routinely asked if we were local. Our Ford mechanic in Tallahassee later mentioned that labor charged by the Boone dealership seemed excessive. Additionally, they refused to replace the gasoline-covered cabin air filter and engine cover, raising further concerns about the service provided. The rupture of the fuel line posed a severe safety risk as it could have led to a fire or explosion, endangering the lives of the occupants and others nearby. The problem has not been reproduced but was confirmed by the local Ford dealership. No inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives to our knowledge. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Our gas tank was nearly full the morning of June 17, and it was empty when we picked it up from the Ford dealership after repairs were completed. Given the serious nature of the fuel line failure, the potential risks involved, and the financial burden of the repairs, we believe this issue warrants a recall investigation to prevent future incidents and to ensure the safety of Ford customers, especially given the multiple recalls already issued and the shared “significant safety concern” shared by the NHTSA on this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Trim around windshield becomes loose on highway and rattles against windshield and rubber seals have started coming loose

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front windshield trim had detached. The contact used duct tape to hold the trim in place. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she became aware that the A-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that a couple months later the rubber gasket on the driver’s side had flown off. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting him to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to allow the engine to cool down. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the outer structure of the A-Pilar trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed pieces of rubber on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides were deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exterior A-Pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.