Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55-65 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim detached from the front windshield. The tire pressure system fault warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called two other local dealers Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River Service (2440 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428) and J. Allen Ford Service (9274 US 49, Gulfport, MS 39503), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH exiting a residential area. The front wheel axle came apart. The contact's husband removed the shocks. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17E048000 (Wheels, Suspension). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there were no associated recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer equipt with Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Plus tires size P245/60/18 N/A, and DOT: RBVDRIM0916. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, a rotational noise was present coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver side and passenger side tires had experienced cracking located above the tire bead area on the inside wall of the tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 70 MPH. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with the TPMS warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
I [redacted] went with my mom [redacted] to buy a vehicle off of [redacted] . It was a 2016 ford explorer. I payed 13,000. The began to lose control when driving on a bumpy road and while braking I took the car to a Ford dealer and had some repairs, but they didn't find the problem. I used the car sparingly and within two weeks it got much worse. Very unsafe to drive I brought it to another Ford dealership and I paid for substantial repairs for the suspension. The first time I drove it on a bumpy the car lost control again. I managed to regain control and drive it to the side of the road and had someone pick up the car. I went to trade the car in and learned the vehicle had been in two accidents and was reported as a total loss. Per the Carfax report. We were never told it was a salvaged vehicle or we would never purchased it for our family vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in traffic, a trim piece detached from the vehicle. The TPMS and check engine warning light were illuminated. The dealer sent a tech to the contact's place of employment, but the tech was unable to complete the recall repair due to the bolt not being available. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that the turbocharger had been replaced on three occasions. Upon investigation, the contact had linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed, but no assistance was provided. …
Other Explorers have a recall for electric steering problems but my VIN is not included in the recall. I only have 52,000 miles on the vehicle with clunking sounds when we back up with the wheels turn to the right. I also have had really bad tire wear on the back with the inside edge completely worn off. Toe in adjustment way off, says that this vehicle already had the fix for that but looks like it was not fixed right. We are still driving vehicle at this time but not sure if we should or not? We just had new tires put on vehicle and they checked for the clunking sound. There are no warning lamps on. I will be taking the vehicle to thr Ford dealer on October 23, 2024.
Rear toe link (driver side) just purchased the car from a Police department and i was not aware of the recall. 10/8/24 i made an appointment for other service and was informant by Elk river MN ford dealer and recall is scheduled to be preformed 10/17/24. [redacted] at [redacted] when turning left at approximately 30mph (2 lane country roads) the vehicle became uncontrollable mid turn. vehicle did not hit anything. After stopping found driver rear toe link had broken at the weld joint on the knuckle side.
On February 03, 2022 I took my to the Ford dealership in my area, I was told that rear toe link was replaced. After 8 months while I was driving the Explorer 2016, the car starts swerving from side to side, and lost the control. For few seconds I was struggling to stop the car, after I stopped the car I checked the tires, I saw the rear left passenger tire was loosen, and steering wheel wasn't straight. Me and my friend were terrified and still not feeling alright. I lost the confidence in Ford Explorer.
The rack and pinion steering has gone bad. This is causing the vehicle to be hard to drive as it is very difficult to turn the wheel and control the vehicle. This is making it dangerous to drive as you are unable to turn the wheel very well.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 2,462 complaints. The component named most often is pressure monitoring and regulating systems (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford Explorer wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2016 Ford Explorer, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Explorer wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 68% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.