2016 Ford Explorer steering problems
528 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2016 Ford Explorer — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2016 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. Filing against Planet Ford Dallas regarding incomplete Regional Program 21R01 (Rear Toe Link Replacement), tied to Federal Safety Recall 21V537. May 11, 2026: Vehicle presented for 21R01 service. May 15: Returned with recall marked complete in Ford's system. 21R01…”
filed Jun 22, 2026
“The electronic power steering failed Yes its available for inspection My child and my safety were put at risk when I warning came up and said "steering loss, stop safely" and the steering wheel was locked. The problem was still there when it was brought into Ford service center Nothing prior to the…”
filed Jun 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 75 | 4% |
| 2015 Explorer | 343 | 20% |
| 2014 Explorer | 496 | 30% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.