Defect
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.
Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough
2016 Ford Explorer Recall
Ford Explorer Recall service at Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough in Westborough, MA
SCHEDULE NOWFrequently asked questionsStructure
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 616,967 vehicles affected
Consequence
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Axle Shaft
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · 15,587 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will receive an interim notification about the recall beginning November 30, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Rear Suspension
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 318,381 vehicles affected
Defect
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 l
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, 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.
NHTSA campaign 17E048000 · 630 vehicles affected
Defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Consequence
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Seat
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
NHTSA campaign 17V767000 · 177,264 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
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.
NHTSA campaign 16V475000 · 5,280 vehicles affected
Defect
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
Consequence
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
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.
Engine
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 16V183000 · 1,543 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Fuel Tank
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 15V605000 · 203 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Parking Brake
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 15V464000 · 7,165 vehicles affected
Defect
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
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Structure1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 616,967 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Axle Shaft1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · 15,587 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will receive an interim notification about the recall beginning November 30, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Rear Suspension3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 318,381 vehicles affected
Defect
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 l
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, 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.
NHTSA campaign 17E048000 · 630 vehicles affected
Defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Consequence
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Seat2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
NHTSA campaign 17V767000 · 177,264 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
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.
NHTSA campaign 16V475000 · 5,280 vehicles affected
Defect
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
Consequence
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
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.
Engine1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 16V183000 · 1,543 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Fuel Tank1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 15V605000 · 203 vehicles affected
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Parking Brake1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
NHTSA campaign 15V464000 · 7,165 vehicles affected
Defect
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
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.
Corrective Action
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
5 common questions answered
What recalls has NHTSA issued for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA has issued 10 recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer involving the Structure, Axle Shaft, Rear Suspension, Seat, Engine, Fuel Tank, and Parking Brake components.
- Reported concerns include roof rail cover detachment, axle bracket failure, rear suspension and wheel-end separation risks, seat restraint concerns, engine block heater overheating, fuel tank separation, and parking brake operation.
How do I check if my 2016 Ford Explorer has an open recall?
- You can check your VIN at NHTSA.gov or receive a free VIN check at our service department.
- Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough can identify open recalls and explain the applicable manufacturer remedy.
How much does a 2016 Ford Explorer recall repair cost?
- A 2016 Ford Explorer recall repair costs nothing when completed by an authorized dealer under the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
- Applicable inspections, repairs, and replacement parts are performed at no charge to the owner.
Can an independent shop fix a 2016 Ford Explorer recall?
- No; only an authorized franchise dealer performs the manufacturer remedy at no charge.
- Authorized Ford technicians have the manufacturer procedures, diagnostic tools, and OEM parts required for recall work.
Does an open recall affect the trade-in value of the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- Buyers and dealers check recall status, so completing an open recall can support a smoother trade-in conversation; visit our trade-in page to get started.
- A completed recall remedy provides useful service history when you discuss your Explorer with a dealership.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Comes First
NHTSA recall information describes defects that can affect important safety systems on the 2016 Ford Explorer. Roof rail covers may detach and create a road hazard. Axle shaft bracket failure may cause unintended movement or loss of motive power. Rear toe link or wheel-end problems may change handling, reduce steering control, or allow wheel separation. Seat concerns may reduce occupant protection in a crash. An engine block heater may overheat, while fuel tank or parking brake concerns can increase fire or rollaway risk. Waiting to check your VIN can leave a known safety issue unresolved, so schedule service promptly if you have a notice or concern.
Ford-Trained Recall Care
At Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough, factory-trained technicians use Ford manufacturer diagnostic tools, repair procedures, and OEM parts to complete eligible recall remedies correctly. Our team can check your VIN, explain the applicable recall, and perform the manufacturer repair at no charge to the owner. We serve drivers in Westborough and nearby communities throughout Massachusetts, including those traveling along Route 9. Whether your concern involves suspension, seating, the engine block heater, fuel tank, parking brake, axle shaft, or structure, our authorized Ford service department is ready to help with clear, reassuring guidance.
Simple Next Steps
Start by checking your VIN through NHTSA.gov or contacting our service team for a free VIN check. If an open recall appears, bring your 2016 Ford Explorer to Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough so a technician can complete the applicable remedy. If you are unsure whether a previous repair was completed, schedule service anyway—the check is free and helps clarify your vehicle’s status. Use schedule an appointment to choose a convenient time. Prompt attention helps address safety concerns before they become more serious.
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