{"id":"2016_ford_explorer","make":"Ford","make_slug":"ford","model":"Explorer","model_slug":"explorer","year":2016,"url":"/ford/explorer/2016/","pts":["gas"],"configs":[{"id":36301,"model":"Explorer FWD","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.3,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":19,"hwy":27,"comb":22,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":410,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2850,"save_spend":-3000,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36305,"model":"Explorer AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":4,"displ":2.3,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":18,"hwy":26,"comb":21,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":428,"fe_score":5,"ghg_score":5,"fuel_cost":2950,"save_spend":-3500,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36299,"model":"Explorer 2WD FFV","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.5,"eng":"FFV","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":17,"hwy":24,"comb":20,"cityA":13,"hwyA":18,"combA":15,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Gasoline or E85","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":452,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3100,"save_spend":-4250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36300,"model":"Explorer FWD","pt":"gas","drive":"Front-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.5,"eng":"","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":17,"hwy":24,"comb":20,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD","co2":452,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3100,"save_spend":-4250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36303,"model":"Explorer AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.5,"eng":"","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":16,"hwy":23,"comb":19,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":474,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3300,"save_spend":-5250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36302,"model":"Explorer AWD FFV","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.5,"eng":"FFV","turbo":false,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":16,"hwy":23,"comb":19,"cityA":12,"hwyA":17,"combA":14,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Gasoline or E85","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":474,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3300,"save_spend":-5250,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"},{"id":36304,"model":"Explorer AWD","pt":"gas","drive":"All-Wheel Drive","trany":"Automatic (S6)","cyl":6,"displ":3.5,"eng":"SIDI","turbo":true,"super":false,"start_stop":false,"city":16,"hwy":22,"comb":18,"cityA":0,"hwyA":0,"combA":0,"kwh100":null,"range":null,"range_city":null,"range_hwy":null,"erange":null,"phev_comb":null,"charge240":null,"charge240b":null,"charger":"","charger_b":"","motor":"","fuel":"Regular","vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","co2":490,"fe_score":4,"ghg_score":4,"fuel_cost":3450,"save_spend":-6000,"guzzler":false,"mfr_code":"FMX","modified":"Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2016"}],"vclass":"Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD","segment":"Midsize / large SUV","recalls":[{"campaign":"26V448000","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2026-07-14","owner_notified":"","units":288314,"summary":"Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.","consequence":"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.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"26S54","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"25V685000","component":"EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2025-10-10","owner_notified":"","units":59006,"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.","consequence":"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.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"25SA4","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"25V347000","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2025-05-23","owner_notified":"","units":492145,"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.","consequence":"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.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"25S53","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"24V031000","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2024-01-19","owner_notified":"2024-07-18","units":1889110,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"24S02","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"21V537000","component":"SUSPENSION:REAR","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2021-07-15","owner_notified":"2022-03-16","units":631176,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"21S32","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"21V316000","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2021-05-05","owner_notified":"2021-10-01","units":616967,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"21S22","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"20V675000","component":"SUSPENSION:REAR","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2021-03-12","owner_notified":"2020-11-27","units":454941,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"20S62","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"20V692000","component":"POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2020-11-10","owner_notified":"2021-02-02","units":15587,"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.","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.","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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"20S63","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"19V435000","component":"SUSPENSION:REAR","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2019-06-10","owner_notified":"2019-06-26","units":1194173,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"19S17","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"17V767000","component":"SEATS","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2017-11-29","owner_notified":"2018-03-16","units":177264,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"17S40","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"16V475000","component":"SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2016-06-28","owner_notified":"2016-08-18","units":5280,"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.\"","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"16C11","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"16V183000","component":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2016-03-31","owner_notified":"2016-05-18","units":1543,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"16S14","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"15V605000","component":"FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2015-09-28","owner_notified":"2015-10-19","units":203,"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.","consequence":"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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"15S26","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"},{"campaign":"15V464000","component":"PARKING BRAKE","mfr":"Ford Motor Company","reported":"2015-07-24","owner_notified":"2015-09-04","units":7165,"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.\"","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.","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":"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.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"15C07","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"}],"recall_count":14,"critical_count":3,"park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"score":35,"grade":"F","complaints":{"count":2468,"crash":38,"fire":14,"injured":59,"deaths":0,"comps":[["Structure",593],["Steering",538],["Unspecified",438],["Engine",385],["Power Train",218],["Electrical System",130]],"by_year":{"2015":4,"2016":213,"2017":272,"2018":185,"2019":233,"2020":168,"2021":158,"2022":197,"2023":313,"2024":271,"2025":345,"2026":109},"excerpts":[["2024-03-26","Steering","The contact stated that the Police Department owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while a Police Officer was attempting to drive the vehicle; however, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the Government mechanic who previously diagnosed the vehicle a\u2026"],["2021-07-06","Steering","With less than 75k miles, the steering began to grind when turning. We had to get an entirely new rack and pinion unit replaced for over $2400. Thousands of 2016 Explorers have reported this problem but it is still not been deemed a recall. Recently, at 84K miles, the clutch on the AC compressor went out causing a $720\u2026"],["2021-07-02","Suspension","The contact owned a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 - 67 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle when the rear driver side toe link fractured. The vehicle ended up in a ditch and crashed into several trees. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance but his wife, who w\u2026"]]},"investigations":[{"action":"PE23001","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS","opened":"2023-01-27","closed":"2024-02-08","campaign":"24V031","subject":"Windshield trim molding Item detachment","summary":"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 experi"},{"action":"EA17002","component":"STRUCTURE:BODY","opened":"2017-07-27","closed":"2023-01-17","campaign":"","subject":"Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab","summary":"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 monoxid"}],"ncap":[{"desc":"SUV AWD","overall":5,"frontal":5,"side":5,"rollover":4,"rollover_risk":0.174,"seats":null,"fcw":"Optional","ldw":"Optional","aeb":"No","esc":"","backup_cam":"Standard","variant":null},{"desc":"SUV FWD","overall":5,"frontal":5,"side":5,"rollover":4,"rollover_risk":0.164,"seats":null,"fcw":"Optional","ldw":"Optional","aeb":"No","esc":"","backup_cam":"Standard","variant":null}],"popularity":16,"headline":{"range":null,"mpg":22,"ncap":5,"complaints":2468},"presskit_trims":[],"generated_at":"2026-09-11 05:01 UTC","sources":["EPA fueleconomy.gov","NHTSA recalls","NHTSA complaints","NHTSA NCAP","NHTSA investigations"]}