Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2016 · Ford

2016 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 14 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer. The most recent was reported on July 14, 2026. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: EXPLORER.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Explorer, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
26V448000July 14, 2026Structure › Body
25V685000October 10, 2025Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater
25V347000May 23, 2025Structure › Body
24V031000January 19, 2024Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars
21V537000July 15, 2021Suspension › Rear
21V316000May 5, 2021Structure › Body
20V675000March 12, 2021Suspension › Rear
20V692000November 10, 2020Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft
19V435000June 10, 2019Suspension › Rear
17V767000November 29, 2017Seats
16V475000June 28, 2016Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
16V183000March 31, 2016Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
15V605000September 28, 2015Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
15V464000July 24, 2015Parking Brake

Systems involved: Structure (4) · Suspension (3) · Seats (2) · Engine And Engine Cooling (1) · Equipment (1) · Fuel System, Gasoline (1) · Parking Brake (1) · Power Train (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 26V448000Manufacturer no. 26S54

Structure › Body

Report received by NHTSA
July 14, 2026
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
288,314 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
September 19, 2014 – Not reported
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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, 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V448000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V685000Manufacturer no. 25SA4

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater

Report received by NHTSA
October 10, 2025
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
59,006 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
October 20, 2014 – Not reported
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V685000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V347000Manufacturer no. 25S53

Structure › Body

Report received by NHTSA
May 23, 2025
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
492,145 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
June 11, 2015 – Not reported
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V347000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 24V031000Manufacturer no. 24S02

Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars

Report received by NHTSA
January 19, 2024
Owner notification
July 18, 2024
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
1,889,110 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 24V031000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V537000Manufacturer no. 21S32

Suspension › Rear

Report received by NHTSA
July 15, 2021
Owner notification
March 16, 2022
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
631,176 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V537000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V316000Manufacturer no. 21S22

Structure › Body

Report received by NHTSA
May 5, 2021
Owner notification
October 1, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
616,967 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V316000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V675000Manufacturer no. 20S62

Suspension › Rear

Report received by NHTSA
March 12, 2021
Owner notification
November 27, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
454,941 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V675000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V692000Manufacturer no. 20S63

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft

Report received by NHTSA
November 10, 2020
Owner notification
February 2, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
15,587 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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.

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V692000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V435000Manufacturer no. 19S17

Suspension › Rear

Report received by NHTSA
June 10, 2019
Owner notification
June 26, 2019
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,194,173 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
May 17, 2010 – January 25, 2017
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V435000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 17V767000Manufacturer no. 17S40

Seats

Report received by NHTSA
November 29, 2017
Owner notification
March 16, 2018
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
177,264 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
January 22, 2016 – April 19, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 17V767000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V475000Manufacturer no. 16C11

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

Report received by NHTSA
June 28, 2016
Owner notification
August 18, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
5,280 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
February 17, 2016 – March 7, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V475000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V183000Manufacturer no. 16S14

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine

Report received by NHTSA
March 31, 2016
Owner notification
May 18, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,543 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
October 20, 2014 – January 28, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V183000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 15V605000Manufacturer no. 15S26

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting

Report received by NHTSA
September 28, 2015
Owner notification
October 19, 2015
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
203 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
July 24, 2015 – July 24, 2015
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 15V605000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 15V464000Manufacturer no. 15C07

Parking Brake

Report received by NHTSA
July 24, 2015
Owner notification
September 4, 2015
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
7,165 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Ford Explorer
May 4, 2015 – May 23, 2015
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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

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.

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 15V464000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: July 14, 2026.