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Recall Campaigns
15
Federal recall campaigns
Urgent Safety Directives
0
Zero urgent stop-drive alerts
Affected Subsystems
9
Body & Structure, Suspension
Authorized Remedy
100% Free
Mandated dealer repair by law
Federal Safety Campaign Analysis

Executive Recall Findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 15 official safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Body & Structure, Suspension, Engine & Cooling.

VIN Specificity Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is open.
Campaign Status & Legal Rights
  • • Federal Authority: Recalls administered under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301.
  • • Free Dealer Remedy: Under federal law, safety defect repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers.
  • • Latest Campaign Filing: Recorded on July 14, 2026.
Federal Directives

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (15)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

NHTSA Campaign #26V448000 STRUCTURE:BODY
Filed: July 14, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

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, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. 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.

NHTSA Campaign #25V685000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Filed: October 10, 2025

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

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 September 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.

NHTSA Campaign #25V347000 STRUCTURE:BODY
Filed: May 23, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

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.

NHTSA Campaign #24V031000 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Filed: January 19, 2024

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

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.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V537000 SUSPENSION:REAR
Filed: July 15, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #21V316000 STRUCTURE:BODY
Filed: May 5, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #20V675000 SUSPENSION:REAR
Filed: March 12, 2021

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #20V692000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Filed: November 10, 2020

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #19V435000 SUSPENSION:REAR
Filed: June 10, 2019

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #17V767000 SEATS
Filed: November 29, 2017

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #17E048000 WHEELS:HUB
Filed: August 28, 2017

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #16V475000 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Filed: June 28, 2016

What is defective?

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."

Safety Risk / Consequence

The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #16V183000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Filed: March 31, 2016

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #15V605000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Filed: September 28, 2015

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / Consequence

If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA Campaign #15V464000 PARKING BRAKE
Filed: July 24, 2015

What is defective?

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."

Safety Risk / Consequence

If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Subsystem Scope

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2016 Ford Explorer

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

01 5 CAMPAIGNS

Body & Structure

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Body & Structure subsystem.

584 Consumer Complaints →
02 3 CAMPAIGNS

Suspension

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Suspension subsystem.

73 Consumer Complaints →
03 2 CAMPAIGNS

Engine & Cooling

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Engine & Cooling subsystem.

443 Consumer Complaints →
04 2 CAMPAIGNS

Seats & Interior

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Seats & Interior subsystem.

32 Consumer Complaints →
05 1 CAMPAIGN

Brakes & Traction Control

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Brakes & Traction Control subsystem.

38 Consumer Complaints →
06 1 CAMPAIGN

Electrical System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Electrical System subsystem.

125 Consumer Complaints →
07 1 CAMPAIGN

Fuel & Propulsion System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Fuel & Propulsion System subsystem.

112 Consumer Complaints →
08 1 CAMPAIGN

Powertrain & Transmission

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Powertrain & Transmission subsystem.

214 Consumer Complaints →
09 1 CAMPAIGN

Wheels & Tires

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Wheels & Tires subsystem.

63 Consumer Complaints →
Fleet History

Recall History for Ford Explorer

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)

Model Year NHTSA Recalls NHTSA Complaints Detailed Report
2015 Ford Explorer 9 1773 View 2015 Recalls →
2016 Ford Explorer Current Page 15 2441 Current
2017 Ford Explorer 14 1687 View 2017 Recalls →
2018 Ford Explorer 7 720 View 2018 Recalls →
2019 Ford Explorer 6 291 View 2019 Recalls →
2020 Ford Explorer 34 1198 View 2020 Recalls →
2021 Ford Explorer 27 416 View 2021 Recalls →
2022 Ford Explorer 25 257 View 2022 Recalls →
2023 Ford Explorer 15 105 View 2023 Recalls →
2024 Ford Explorer 10 19 View 2024 Recalls →
2025 Ford Explorer 19 95 View 2025 Recalls →
2026 Ford Explorer 12 0 View 2026 Recalls →
Consumer Checklist

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns apply to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and manufacturing date ranges. To verify if your individual vehicle has an uncompleted safety recall:

  • Locate your 17-character VIN on the driver's side door jamb or dashboard.
  • Enter the VIN into the official NHTSA recall lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
  • Contact any franchised Ford dealership to schedule a free remedy appointment.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 711)
Related Workstations

Related Official Reports for 2016 Ford Explorer

Explore owner problem reports and crash safety ratings for this model year

← 2016 Ford Explorer Overview

Key performance indicators, EPA fuel economy specs, powertrain variants, and summary ratings.

2016 Ford Explorer Owner Complaints (2441) →

NHTSA defect complaints breakdown across all vehicle subsystems and recurring symptoms.

2016 Ford Explorer Safety & Crash Ratings →

NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash test results, driver assistance systems, and rollover ratings.

2016 Ford Explorer MPG & Range →

EPA fuel economy ratings, electric range, and annual energy cost benchmarks.
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Safety Recalls & Federal Directives for the 2016 Ford Explorer

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2016 Ford Explorer

How many safety recalls are on file for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

The 2016 Ford Explorer is associated with 15 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns, affecting systems including Body & Structure, Suspension, Engine & Cooling.

A recall campaign listing indicates that a safety defect or noncompliance standard was determined for specific production runs of this vehicle model year.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

Are there urgent 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' directives for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

No official 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' safety advisories are associated with recall records for the 2016 Ford Explorer in AutoUtility's current dataset.

Urgent directives apply to critical safety risks; standard recall campaigns require timely inspection and remedy at an authorized dealer.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database

Are recall repairs free for the 2016 Ford Explorer?

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge.

Federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301) requires manufacturers and franchised dealers to provide authorized safety recall repairs at no cost to the vehicle owner. Because campaigns apply to specific production runs and option packages, vehicle owners must verify their 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm individual applicability.

Source: National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301)

Does a recall campaign apply to every 2016 Ford Explorer?

Not necessarily. Model-year recall campaigns typically apply to specific vehicle production date ranges, assembly plants, or optional equipment packages.

AutoUtility's model-year records describe campaign scope; owners must check their individual 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm if an open recall applies to their specific vehicle.

Source: NHTSA VIN Lookup Service
Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database under 49 U.S.C. 30118.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.