2016 Ford Explorer driver assistance & safety tech problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 3, 202690,686 miNYDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that distorted image would appear on rear view camera every time contact would go in reverse with his vehicle. The contact stated that distortion on camera started happening today, 06/03/2026. Contact stated they contacted dealer but has not contacted manufacturer. The vehicle failure damage regarding rear view camera distortion was 90,686 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11741765 · source
2. Filed Mar 24, 2026NJFireDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Driving down the NJ Turnpike the dashboard started displaying lane assist no longer available along with a check engine light. Once stopped the front of the car had been burned with parts of the bumper melted. No visible fire at that time. Had the vehicle towed to Holman Ford. They assessed the damage to the Explorer and it was determined that the front facing camera had shorted causing an electrical fire that damaged the camera and front bumper writing harness along with…

   NHTSA complaint #11726751 · source
3. Filed Oct 15, 2025107,929 miPADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera screen was distorted. In addition, the contact stated that the screen image was wavy and had several colors. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an…

   NHTSA complaint #11693608 · source
4. Filed Aug 7, 2025116,000 miSCDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact’s spouse stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted, nearly causing the driver to hit a child while reversing in a parking lot. A bystander alerted the driver to stop the vehicle, which prevented the incident from occurring. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.…

   NHTSA complaint #11679140 · source
5. Filed Dec 26, 2024128,000 miTNDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

   Randomly, the power steering, ABS, and traction control went out on my car. There are thousands of others with this issue and previous years of this car have already had a recall relating to this issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11632449 · source
6. Filed Jul 24, 2024NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to leave her residence, it was difficult to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact continued to drive the vehicle when several unknown warning lights displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a power steering rack failure and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11604372 · source
7. Filed Jul 19, 202490,000 miAKDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Pre-Collision Assist Unavailable" and "Cruise Control" messages were displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cruise control module; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose a failure with the Pre-Collision assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11603446 · source
8. Filed Jun 3, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety TechSteeringSuspension

   component or system failed or malfunctioned unavailable for inspection upon he safety of others put at risk Had the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer representatives or others warning lamps messages other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when didnt first appear What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon…

   NHTSA complaint #11592051 · source
9. Filed Apr 9, 2024MODriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission began slipping causing poor control at higher speeds using the cruise control or passing gear. Only about 42,000 miles on the vehicle and no financial help from Ford. Service for a new transmission was $7667.11at Dave Sinclair Ford, 7466 South Lindbergh, St. Louis Missouri, 63125. [phone removed]

   NHTSA complaint #11581973 · source
10. Filed Mar 15, 2024108,000 miMIDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very firm. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed, and the Traction Control Warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11577572 · source
11. Filed Nov 2, 2023KSAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    Back up camera went out and later came on. Today we have been driving the last hour with airbag indicator on. Camera incident was 10-29-2023.

    NHTSA complaint #11553254 · source
12. Filed May 9, 202389,320 miCADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the back over prevention camera malfunctioned and failed to display an image. The contact stated that the message "rear camera not available" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver’s side and passenger’s side window trim molding became unsecured and might detach from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and…

    NHTSA complaint #11521141 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology