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2016 Ford Explorer visibility complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 68, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 Ford Explorer visibility problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Body, Engine · 77,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle, and the inside of the windshield was freezing. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the defrosted was inoperable. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who blew out the tubes and replaced the water pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, water entered the vehicle from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof track needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Seats, Visibility · OH

Driver seat moves all the way forward on its own and the side view mirror moves out of range. This has happened while in the seat and car running. It happens intermittently. It scares the heck out of you and pushes you all the way into the steering wheel which makes it impossible to steer. You have to be quick in order to stop it and because it startles you when it happens the reaction time is not immediate. Very scary indeed!

Filed Jan 19, 2025 · Visibility · NC

Molding on front windshield is damaged and coming off affect visibility

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Visibility · FL

The moonroof malfunctions and can be stuck in the open position. The drain plug for the moonroof can easily get clogged causing water to back up into the overhead structure. This causes water to fall onto the driver and passengers. The water flows from the overhead area, the side pillars and onto the floorboards. The electrical components are then compromised and the motor that controls the moonroof stops working. In my situation my moonroof was stuck in the open position for several days. I live in Florida where it rains alot. It is not safe to drive with an open moon roof during a severe thunderstorm. In doing my research this seems to be a very common problem with Ford moonroofs. I've had to have it fixed twice now. Luckily the first time it was stuck in the open position but water continued to pour into the interior of my vehicle while I was driving. This caused me to be distracted as I was driving. I had it repaired both times at a Ford dealership

Filed Oct 2, 2024 · Electrical, Visibility · 19,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the A/C unit became inoperable. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the A/C unit. The contact was informed that the A/C unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Visibility · TX

Trim around windshield becomes loose on highway and rattles against windshield and rubber seals have started coming loose

Filed May 17, 2024 · Seat belts, Visibility · 136,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to close. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Filed May 8, 2024 · Visibility · 116,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the sunroof had started to detach and had sunken into the interior of the vehicle, creating an opening that allowed water to leak into the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the sunroof motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2024 · Airbags, Body · 104,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was windy sound coming from the front passenger's side door while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water accumulated between the front driver's side door and the body of the vehicle, which caused water to pour inside the vehicle while opening the door. The contact also noticed that water was leaking from the driver's side of the windshield during inclement weather. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound while making a left turn. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Dec 26, 2023 · Visibility · MI

While driving on the highway, windshield trim flew off (2 different times, passenger and driver side). It scared me at first when it started to come loose because it flapped around and I wasn’t really sure what was going on. And can’t pull over or slow down on highway. When it broke off, it flew up in the air and almost hit another car. I was distracted trying to see what it was and where it landed behind me. So definitely a safety concern. Total repair cost $650

Filed Nov 26, 2023 · Visibility · ND

when traveling at highway speed the side fins fly off. i have had them replaced 3 times now at dealership. thank God there was not someone behind me - especially on a motor cycle it could of killed them

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Visibility · TN

All of the moulding, seals & rubber windshield trim/gasket around the windshield has failed. It has cracked, broken off and much is now missing off the vehicle. Now when I drive the vehicle it makes scary noises due to the cracked/missing moulding/seals. This has created some scary driving situations that almost caused accidents while on highways. Now I worry my windshield will leak and damage the interior. This does not seem to be something that should be happening to my Ford Explorer and why isn't this a recall issue.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Visibility · TN

I was driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on I-65 October 19, 2023, in the afternoon. I thought something flew off of one of the two semis in front of me and hit my windshield on two separate times, within a few seconds of each other. When I arrived home, I checked to see if I had any damages, and I was surprised to see pieces missing from the passenger side of my windshield. This morning, October 20, 2023, I went to a local Ford Dealership and was informed there is no recall regarding the upper and lower pillars (windshield trim pieces). I called Ford Headquarters and was told they hadn't heard of this issue before, and I filed a claim. I researched and found two articles: January 31, 2023, USA Today and Carscoops, February 03, 2023, regarding the federal safety agency investigating these same pieces flying off of Ford Explorers, and I found pictures on the internet that look exactly like my vehicle when these pieces flew off.

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · Body, Visibility · MD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after it had rained, water entered the vehicle through the sunroof and would accumulate inside the roof of the vehicle. While coming to a stop while driving, the water would flow to the front of the vehicle and leak inside the cabin through the ceiling light console. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer on multiple occasions where they replaced the flooring and the sunroof; however, the failure returned after each repair. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the drain tube inside the sunroof had become clogged which resulted in water accumulation inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Visibility · ND

The windshield trim blew off while driving on the Highway. Happened so fast I couldn’t tell if it blew into the ditch or what happened to it. Could have easily hit a vehicle behind me and cause an accident. Very distracting for the driver as well. I almost veered into other lane with oncoming traffic with how loud and surprising it was.

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · Visibility · TX

The windshield trim on right side of the car is coming ungluded. Now weather strip is flapping all over the place damaging my passenger window and mirror. I am now noticing trim is coming unglued on drivers side door. I already replaced the passenger door trim a few years back. Please help us consumers by demanding that Ford issue this recall. It is clear this is a defect in their vehicles.

Filed Jun 23, 2023 · Visibility · CA

While driving on Freeway 10 on June 23, 2023 around the Palm Springs area the passenger windshield side panel flew off. There were considerable wind gusts while driving at average traffic speed around 70 mph. The driver windshield side panel flew off on June 2020 on the same freeway also during wind gusts. I fixed the driver side panel by ordering a replacement part and used additional epoxy reinforcement which proved more effective than just original affixing as the part still remains affixed in place.

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Body, Visibility · MO

Driver A pillar molding flew off and hit the driver's mirror and driver's side window doing 70 mph. Amost resulting in a accident.

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Visibility · FL

The window trim/window pillars keep flying off on the interstate/highway!!! I’ve replaced them multiple times and yet continue to fly off !!!! PLEASE RECALL AND REPLACE THESE ON THE EXPLORERS ITS SAD !!!!

Filed Jun 4, 2023 · Visibility · MA

The windshield cowl is separated from the body of the car and could break apart and hit a car

Filed Apr 19, 2023 · Visibility · MD

I was traveling on I 95 at around 55 to 60 mph when all of a sudden, the plastic trim on the side of the windshield the passenger side flew off cracked and started dangling over my passenger side window and mirror. The piece blocked my view of my mirror while I was traveling in the left lane approaching a left exit. I had to pull to the left shoulder because I was blinded by the piece on my right and could not see if the lanes were clear for me to go right. I put my hazards on and had to get out on I-95 and remove the hanging trim so I could see through my passenger mirror again. The piece probably would have become a flying object at highway speed endangering any motorist behind or beside me.

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Visibility · FL

While driving on the road my front windshield trims started to come loose, cracked and flew away. The windshield trims are compromised all around the front windshield trims. Did report the issue today at the Ford Dealership, they claimed I had to deal with FORD directly. I did reach out to FORD, they claimed no recall has been issued to that effect. Did ask them to address this issue as a serious safety issue that could cause the windshield to dislodge and cause a serious accident. No offer from FORD to fix it. Same issue has been reported to the federal safety agency by 164 other FORD Explorer owners.

Filed Apr 4, 2023 · Visibility · FL

Driving NB on I95 in Georgia IVO MM 12, my windshield started vibrating on the passenger side with a loud flapping noise. Slowed down, pulled over at the next exit and discovered the trim around the windshield had detached. It appears that the trim allowed air to lift the side of the windshield. I used duct tape to secure the trim and drove at a reduced speed the rest of the way to Virginia. Contacted the local Ford dealer for a repair.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Visibility · 82,300 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim separated and detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the warranty did not cover the trim replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 82,300.

Filed Feb 24, 2023 · Visibility · FL

I know it was a Friday in April 2021 not sure what Friday. I was driving down I95 and noticed weather stripping from right side of windshield flapping and hitting the side of the car. Suddenly a piece of plastic flew off the car I am not sure but I do think it hit a vehicle behind me. I immediately pulled over and slowly proceeded on the shoulder incase the other car stopped. No car stopped so I proceeded home. I took the car to have vehicle fixed. Several Ford dealers and three auto repair shops stated "this happens all the time". What was really upsetting was the cost to replace the part. even more upsetting was no one wanted to fix it, advised that in Florida if you end up with a crack or chip in window, insurance will replace windshield. This part usually needs replaced when replacing windshield so told to just wait to you have to replace windshield. It doesn't hurt or cause leaks. But it looks crappy. now I see Ford Explorers all the time missing the trim piece. My vehicle almost all of the weather stripping has rotted away as well. I did just what everyone advised wait to I have windshield damage. BTW I am always needing to clean the windshield manually as my windshield washer has never worked properly from day one. Now it doesn't work at all. Fast forward just over a year later It was late May or early June 2022. I am again on I95 returning home after retrieving both of my parents death certificates (they both died 12 days apart) I again hear banging noise this time on left side of car. Luckily it was about the time I was about to my exit. I pull over and find the left side of window trim stuck in the left rear wheel well. and was flapping against the car. I was able to pry it loose and thankfully it didn't fling with force and hit someone or another vehicle. If Ford knows this happens all the time why do they not recall it. Heck I am tired of my transfer case constantly needing repaired. My steering even went out on this lemon of a car.

Filed Feb 21, 2023 · Body, Visibility · 110,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side windshield side trim loosened. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and placed the trim back in place, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the part was okay as-is. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be inspected. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · Visibility · NY

The plastic piece on the drivers' side of the windshield was loose and flapping. Before I could get it looked at and fixed, while driving down the highway one morning I heard a noise and in my rearview mirror saw black plastic shattering all over the road. If I didn't realize quickly what the noise was, I could have reacted and caused myself harm in an accident and if there were cars close to me, or a motorcycle or even worse a pedestrian, they could have been damaged or hurt. The missing piece has not been replaced or inspected so it is still missing. I had noticed the flapping plastic piece a couple weeks prior to the incident, a month tops.

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · Body, Visibility · 79,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s and passenger’s side window trims detached from the window and struck the side mirror. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Visibility · IA

The passenger side windshield trim flew off while driving on the interstate with no warning. Other than it hitting the side of our car when flying off, no other incident occured. Nobody inspected the windshield trim as we installed a new trim piece we got on Amazon ourselves.

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Visibility · FL

On August 20, 2022, the left side pillar molding unexpectedly came loose while driving and began flapping about. On August 24-25, 2022, we replaced both exterior a-pillar moldings and brackets at our own expense.

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