2016 Ford Explorer Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 434about this part
- Share
- 18%of 2,463 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 434 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 18% of the 2,463 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While I was driving I started to get a strong smell of rotten eggs/sulfur that filled the cabin. It got so strong that I had to roll down the windows to air it out and it started to give me a headache. It happened again while driving back to my home that same day. The smell got so strong it started to make me dizzy, nauseous and gave me a headache.”
NHTSA complaint #11365986, filed 2020-10, 70,000 miles“My 2016 Ford Explorer cabin has been filling with co I purchased a co detector a month ago after feeling sick while driving on multiple occasions. Today the co detector read 15 with no air on. Yesterday it read 18 with air conditioning on. I feel this could be dangerous to people who don't know about co poisoning symptoms. Please help me with this.”
NHTSA complaint #11209423, filed 2019-05, 37,500 miles“The interior of the car fills with exhaust smells. It is overpowering and has caused nausea and headaches in myself as well as my two older children. I am not sure how it is affecting my 3 month old. The smell is uncomfortable and the only way to get rid of it is to stop the car and open windows. It happens when vehicle in motion as well as stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11064562, filed 2018-01, 31,500 miles“Every time I accelerate or merge or drive with all the windows up, I can smell a engine exhaust/burning type smell. This smell gives me a head ache and makes me feel nauseas. I have already had the 'carbon monoxide concerns' dealer service and this smell has not changed. I have to put the windows down constantly to not smell this smell that gives me a head ache.”
NHTSA complaint #11082575, filed 2018-04, 42,000 miles“There is a rotten egg smell everytime we accelerate at a high speed when the ecoboost is used. I've taken it to Ford to have seals checked and the smell is still there. My toddler complains of headaches everytime we're in the vehicle and I've had nausea several times. I am now pregnant and worry the fumes will affect the unborn baby.”
NHTSA complaint #11093528, filed 2018-05, 28,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037788Sep 30, 202625E10-S1 Owner letter
- 11035464Jul 2, 2026NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and…
- 11030282Mar 25, 2026Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 11013144Jan 24, 2025"Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R •…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where…
- 10172972Mar 9, 2020SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 26% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2024 | 4 | 19% |
| 2023 | 26 | 23% |
| 2022 | 58 | 21% |
| 2021 | 90 | 20% |
| 2020 | 212 | 17% |
| 2019 | 48 | 16% |
| 2018 | 168 | 23% |
| 2017 | 374 | 22% |
| 2016 | 434 | 18% |
| 2015 | 407 | 22% |
| 2014 | 343 | 20% |
| 2013 | 351 | 16% |
| 2012 | 108 | 13% |
| 2011 | 118 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 6 | 18% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 48 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 27 | 3% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 43 | 2% |
| 1997 | 40 | 2% |
| 1996 | 33 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 16 | 1% |
| 1993 | 11 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Explorer
591 complaintsSteering
532 complaintsEngine
382 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
215 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsEngine cooling
114 complaintsFuel system
112 complaintsAir bags
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 complaintsSuspension
73 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
68 complaintsWheels
50 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology