Steering and fume problems remain
The 2016 Explorer drew nearly 2,500 complaints: steering racks that grind and lock, exhaust fumes, and roof rack caps that fly off. It also carries many recalls.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,464 owner complaints and 15 recalls
992 1.8x the Explorer average
15 free to fix at a dealer
Every Explorer year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 Explorer
Top problems and what they cost
Steering rack failure
Grinding and lock-up from a failing rack and pinion.
Fix: Steering rack $1,500 to $2,500.
Steering
Exhaust fumes inside
Exhaust smell in the cabin, especially uphill.
Fix: Sealing work $200 to $600.
Body
Roof rack caps detaching
Roof rack end caps can fly off at speed. Recall 21V316 covers them.
Fix: Free under recall.
Body
Recalls
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Show all 15 recalls
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 t...
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 increase...
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Ford Explorer
- Confirm every recall shows as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Explorer has 15 recalls on record, listed below.
- Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for grinding.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.531 of the 2,464 owner complaints about the 2016 Explorer involve the steering (22%).
- Smell for exhaust on a hill with the AC on.The A/C should blow cold the whole time on max. Warm air usually means a leak in the system, and replacing an evaporator or compressor can cost over $1,000.
- Check both roof rack caps are firmly attached.Small parts like wipers, trim and roof rack covers have come loose or failed on some of these cars, and a few were recalled.
Questions
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?
Steering and fume problems remain. The 2016 Explorer drew nearly 2,500 complaints: steering racks that grind and lock, exhaust fumes, and roof rack caps that fly off. It also carries many recalls.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
15 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Explorer problems?
Steering rack failure; Exhaust fumes inside; Roof rack caps detaching.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.