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2016 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

45 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data

45
Complaints
3
Recalls
6
Crashes
Jan 2021Dec 2020
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Suspension Recalls (3)

RECALLCampaign #19V435000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #21V537000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #20V675000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Fix: 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.

Owner Complaints (45)

criticalSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: May 2024

My car has 84000 miles on it. The car recently over heated, I checked the coolant level, and it was low. I filled it to the required level and the warning went away.

NHTSA #: 11589114
criticalSUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2024

Subject: Urgent Vehicle Safety Complaint Regarding Defective Water Pump in Ford and Lincoln Vehicles I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety concern affecting numerous Ford and Lincoln vehicles worldwide, specifically those equipped with Cyclone (Duratec) engines.

NHTSA #: 11571881
criticalSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Nov 2023

The rear toe suspension link failed on my Ford 2016 Explorer Sport for the 4th time on 10/20/2023 while I was driving. I heard a pop and lost total control of my vehicle. My vehicle immediately veered right going down an embankment.

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NHTSA #: 11556061
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2023

The rear suspension toe link fractured while driving. The vehicle became uncontrollable and we nearly had a crash. When I ordered a new suspension toe link, it was different from the original one.

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NHTSA #: 11542835
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2023

Ford Dealer reports 3 toe link recalls are for 2013-2017 Ford Explorer are not on my 2016 Ford Explorer Limited but my toe links are out of spec and unable to be adjusted. Private mechanic (independent service center) reports this condition can lead to a crash. Vehicle was purchased and driven in New Jersey.

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NHTSA #: 11534632
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2021

The tie rod on my 2016 Ford Explorer BROKE. Luckily my husband was just backing it out of our garage He heard a loud noise sounding like he had run over something metal and the car would not move. He got out to take a look and the right front wheel was turned completely sideways The dealership told us to bring it in.

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NHTSA #: 11433456
criticalSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Jul 2021

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.

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NHTSA #: 11423212
criticalSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Jan 2021

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension). The vehicle taken local dealer kevin's royal ford of cooperstown (5069 ny-28, cooperstown, ny 13326:(607) 547-9924) and had the recall completed.

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NHTSA #: 11386786
criticalSUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Oct 2020

Two separate failure within a four day time span. Company sold me the vehixal said it was a tie rod and fixed the right passenger rear wheel. The vehical was real eased to me today with the understanding that the rear suspension was fully repaired.

NHTSA #: 11363338
criticalSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Sep 2020

I had the rear toe links replaced due to a safety recall december 2, 2019. On 09/27/20, I was returning home after dropping my kids off traveling 70 MPH on a highway, when the recal part I had replaced less than a year ago break. This caused me to lose control and have an accident.

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NHTSA #: 11361496
criticalSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Mar 2020

The recalled toe link on the rear suspension broke 3 months after it was replaced and cause a crash while diving down the highway, slowing for a speed zone for a town. Involving body damage.

NHTSA #: 11315894
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension) regarding the toe link fracturing. The contact called oxmoor ford lincoln (100 oxmoor ln, louisville, ky 40222, (502) 426-2500) and an appointment was scheduled to have the recall serviced.

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NHTSA #: 11242496
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2018

In the recent past both rear tie rods have broken, one at a time while being driven on dirt roads at less than 18 MPH. The vehicle has less than 27,000 miles on it. When this happens the wheel turns from straight to a 45 degree angle.

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NHTSA #: 11089812
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving and decelerating, the rear passenger’s side suspension suddenly failed, rendering the vehicle undrivable.

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NHTSA #: 11696576
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering failed, and the vehicle started fishtailing. The contact used excessive force to regain control of the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11492540
highSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2019

As I was driving my 2016 ford explorer on the highway on 08/01/2019 I experienced the vehicle start to stutter just before I was going on to the on ramp merging on the highway and after I was on the high way the vehicle started smoking from under the hood and would no longer accelerate and I could smell oil burning and pulled over and shut the car off looked under the car and saw the pile of oil underneath but the vehicle did not have the any check engine light or warnings once we towed the vehicle home I looked under the car and saw that the transmission casing was cracked pretty much in half I could actually see the gears inside the casing of the transmission I also rememberd in the past year or so the vehicle would shift very hard after braking and then getting back on the gas it happened every once in a while .

NHTSA #: 11241216
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your driver's side B-pillar trim (the vertical panel between your front and rear doors) detached while you were driving at 30–35 MPH. Your dealer informed you that the part needed to fix this recall issue wasn't available, and the vehicle hasn't been repaired yet. You're concerned that the manufacturer has taken too long to address this recall.

NHTSA #: 11726372
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2025

Both an and b pillars are junk and dealer inspected a pillars and said they were fine? And there’s no remedy for the b ones which is annoying. My car shakes bc of a transmission shutter at 100k miles it’s not bad but why is jt going on?

NHTSA #: 11689303
mediumSUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Nov 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11625307
mediumSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal.

NHTSA #: 11621498
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2024

I brought my vehicle in for a recall that replaced the rear toe links. The factory adjustable toe link was replaced with a solid non-adjustable toe link. This dealer stated there is no way to adjust the toe.

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NHTSA #: 11604711
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the snow, the vehicle started fishtailing. The contact was able to continue driving at slow speeds.

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NHTSA #: 11596123
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service, and the contact was made aware of a failure with the rear upper control arms. The contact stated that both control arms displayed abnormal movements, and the suspension could not be properly aligned.

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NHTSA #: 11587626
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and making a left or right turn, the wheels continued to turn.

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NHTSA #: 11578842
mediumSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a rattling noise was heard underneath the vehicle. Additionally, water was entering the vehicle from the roof rack.

NHTSA #: 11509003
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2022

When driving made horrible noises but took into the dealer Purvis Ford, we showed them the recall letter but then stated it was only the control arms which we ended up paying for .

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NHTSA #: 11460833
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.

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NHTSA #: 11459680
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available.

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NHTSA #: 11438059
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available.

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NHTSA #: 11417943
mediumSUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2021

Car went in for recall NHTSA #20v675 and dealer inspected vehicle and informed us, it has failed inspection and will require replacement. They have parts quoted at 4-6 weeks out and we asked about a rental vehicle and were informed that it would not be covered. We asked if the vehicle was safe to drive and they will not state it is safe to drive, so therefore we cannot drive it.

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NHTSA #: 11387609
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

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NHTSA #: 11386779
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2020

Broken toe link. Ford refusing to recognize it as a failure under ford recall 19s17. They say it was repaired under ford recall 17s11.

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NHTSA #: 11350961
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2019

After rear toe link recall was completed, vehicle rear end swayed while braking on rough roads. This was getting worse as was starting to happen without breaking. Took vehicle to a different dealer (wilson ford saginaw, mi) than the one who did the recall work (lafontaine of birch run).

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NHTSA #: 11277672
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension). Big star ford (17717 s fwy, pearland, tx 77578, 713-960-9800) was contacted and stated that parts were not available.

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NHTSA #: 11255111
mediumSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact was concerned that the air bags could deploy at any time and the seat belts may not work.

NHTSA #: 11242885
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time as the recall notice was received over a year ago.

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NHTSA #: 11231994
mediumSUSPENSION,SEATS
Filed: May 2019

Passenger seat stuck all the way front won't move back and popping noise when turned wheel it's struck tower mounts struts and front sway bar links

NHTSA #: 11209573
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2018

Car makes a knocking noise when turning(curving) sounds like a jar of marbles. Got the axles replaced and still does it

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NHTSA #: 11104168
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2017

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 #: 11022581
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2021

I received the recall notice in october 2020 manufacturer recall number20s62 NHTSA recall number20v675. When attempting the schedule with koons ford annapolis, I have been told the parts are still on back order. This is now month 5 and the recall has not been corrected.

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NHTSA #: 11402554
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2020

I received a recall notice from ford on thursday. Everytime I call to make a service appoint, I told recall computers are down.

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NHTSA #: 11378291
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2020

This car has extremely bad sway in the rear end, it cannot be driven over 40 MPH or you will lose total control of the vehicle

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NHTSA #: 11344099
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2019

Ford rear suspension toe link recall did not notify me through mail or other form and period has closed. I never received a notification letter for NHTSA recall number: 19v435 NHTSA date:jun 10, 2019 ford recall number: 19s17

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NHTSA #: 11278073
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2019

Received recall 19v-435 brought it into dana ford staten island an was told this recall only covers rear allignment and this could effect the front alignment and I would have to pay $89 plus tax. Why should I pay for 5heir mistake?

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NHTSA #: 11234721
lowSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension). The contact called mcclary ford at 866-644-9524 (located at 1104 u.s.

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NHTSA #: 11233305

Other 2016 Ford Explorer Issues