2016 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 3%of 2,464 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the suspension of the 2016 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 2,464 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heard noises when I turn my steering wheel. I was told I need to have my rack and pinion steering replace-est cost mid 2k. Starting to research online and I see that this is a common problem with potential severe consequences if not fixed. Why hasn't this been recalled??? Also we had to replace the struts. The car does not have 50k miles yet. I do have the repair for the struts. Have not repaired the rack and pinion yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11415231, filed 2021-05, 49,125 miles“Since I have purchased the vehicle in february 16 it has been back for service nurmous times, starting 2 days after delivery! Major complaint has been coolent loss and burning coolant smell following with a oil leak at the same time. This is a new vehicle 10 miles on it shouldn't have these issues so I demanded a different vehicle, was refused due to demographics! …”
NHTSA complaint #11022581, filed 2017-09, 10 miles“While moving the steering wheel there is a weird clunk/pop noise and feels a bit loose. So this is concerning 66,000 miles on my vehicle. Also the front suspension is very rough and I have taken very good care. Dealership was not sure what it was but stated it was safe”
NHTSA complaint #11373195, filed 2020-11, 62,000 miles“I started hearing a knocking in the front end and the steering was very loose, when I turned right at first and on occasion to the left mechanic said if I had gone much further it would have broken all the way and I would have lost all control of the SUV.”
NHTSA complaint #11328818, filed 2020-06, 72,500 miles“I was driving back to work from my break when I was about to park my car the power steering got locked suddenly. Thanks to god I was not in full motion otherwise I would have been messed up every ways. This car is just driving me crazy everyday I notice some kind a stupid noise. I bought this vehicle not too long ago. The dealer knowingly gave me faulty car right next day I took it back to fix the carbonmonoaxide problem and now the steering locked on me.”
NHTSA complaint #11221932, filed 2019-06, 55,500 milesRelated recalls
- 21V537000Jul 15, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 20V675000Mar 12, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2017
Related service bulletins
- 10232579Feb 7, 2023Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST…
- 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…
- 10208271Feb 18, 2022This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32…
- 10189755Mar 19, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces; Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10189760Mar 8, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10176938Jun 5, 2020For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service…
- 10166446Sep 12, 2019This SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Explorer
591 complaintsSteering
532 complaintsOther or unknown
435 complaintsEngine
382 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
215 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsEngine cooling
114 complaintsFuel system
112 complaintsAir bags
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 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 28, 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