NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Wheels complaints
50 reportsClear category filter18,738 miles · Aug 5, 2018
Wheels
I LEASED A NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT MODEL BACK IN MAY OF 2016. AS OF TODAY'S DATE I ONLY HAVE 18,977 MILES ON IT. THE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 ORIGINAL FACTORY TIRES HAVE ALMOST NO TREAD LEFT ON ANY OF THE 4 TIRES. I PAID NO ATTENTION TO THE TREAD UNTIL I HYDROPLANED ON THE HIGHWAY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE…
Read full complaint
I LEASED A NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT MODEL BACK IN MAY OF 2016. AS OF TODAY'S DATE I ONLY HAVE 18,977 MILES ON IT. THE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 ORIGINAL FACTORY TIRES HAVE ALMOST NO TREAD LEFT ON ANY OF THE 4 TIRES. I PAID NO ATTENTION TO THE TREAD UNTIL I HYDROPLANED ON THE HIGHWAY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT WITH THESE TIRES. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AND HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE, EACH BLAMING EACH OTHER. THIS IS A 50,000 MILE TIRE HOWEVER LOSING ALL IT'S TREAD BEFORE 20,000 MILES. THIS IS FRAUD AND A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON THIS SAME TIRE HOWEVER NOT FOR THIS SIZE 255/50R20 105H.
NHTSA ODI #11115842
33,817 miles · Jul 26, 2018
Wheels
URCHASED NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD 4DR IN 2016. THE OEM TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBEL 2 TIRES, SIZED 255/50R20. THE DOT RATING IS "5MNC 1AH 2715". MY FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED AT 32,789 AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER UNDER HANKOOK "WARRANTY" BECAUSE THE FRONT TIRE TREAD WAS "FLAKING/PEELING" ON THE INNER TREA…
Read full complaint
URCHASED NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD 4DR IN 2016. THE OEM TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBEL 2 TIRES, SIZED 255/50R20. THE DOT RATING IS "5MNC 1AH 2715". MY FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED AT 32,789 AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER UNDER HANKOOK "WARRANTY" BECAUSE THE FRONT TIRE TREAD WAS "FLAKING/PEELING" ON THE INNER TREAD, MIDDLE TREAD AND OUTER TREAD. THE CHARGE WAS PRORATED, MY PORTION $112 PLUS MOUNTING AND BALANCING AND DISPOSAL. AT 33,817 MILES I NOTICED A SECOND TIRE WAS FLAKING AND PEELING SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM. TIRE WAS REPLACED UNDER HANKOOK "WARRANTY" AT 34,171. CURRENTLY THE 2 OTHER TIRES ARE NOT SHOWING THE SAME DEFECT, YET. MY PRORATED COST FOR THE TIRE WAS $152.00 (TIRE FULL PRICE $212) AND I HAD TO PAY FOR MOUNT, BALANCE AND DISPOSAL. TIRE STILL HAD 3/32 LEFT ON TREAD AND TIRE RATED FOR 50,000 MILES. REPLACEMENT TIRE HAS DOT 5MNC 0318 AND OLD TIRE WAS 5MNC 1AH 2715. DEALER STATED HANKOOK MIGHT NOT PAY FOR PRORATED REPLACEMENT OF THE 2 REMAINING TIRES IF THEY BEGIN TO PEEL OR FLAKE. THE LAST 2 TIRES HAVE 3/32 AND 4/32 TREAD LEFT AND DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT BUT ONLY IF I PAID THE FULL PRICE FOR THEM. I WILL REPLACE THEM USING A DIFFERENT TIRE MANUFACTURER WHEN THEY REACH END OF LIFE WHICH IS 2/32 AND PURCHASE FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. REVIEWING OTHER COMPLAINTS IT APPEARS HANKOOK HAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE ON THEIR HANDS AND WILL ONLY PAY FOR 100% TIRE REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY IF 25% OR LESS WEAR HAS OCCURRED WHICH IS 12,500 MILES ON TIRE RATED AT 50,000 MILES. HOPING NHTSA WILL REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THIS LENGTH COMPLAINT LIST AND SEE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TIRE MANUFACTERED IN 2016 AND 2017 AND FORCE HANKOOK TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR ANY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES THEY HAVE PAID TO REPLACE TIRE(S)
NHTSA ODI #11113827
10,000 miles · Jun 21, 2018
Unknown Or OtherWheels
ORIGINAL HANKOOK FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED AT ABOUT 10K MILES DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR AND CHUNK OF TIRES PEELING OFF. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO POOR ALIGNMENT. I PAID FOR 2 NEW TIRES. FORD EVENTUALLY REIMBURSED US FOR ONE OF THEM. NOW, 8K MILES LATER THE TIRES ARE JUST AS BAD AS THE ONES THAT WERE REPLACED. THE REAR ONES AR…
Read full complaint
ORIGINAL HANKOOK FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED AT ABOUT 10K MILES DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR AND CHUNK OF TIRES PEELING OFF. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO POOR ALIGNMENT. I PAID FOR 2 NEW TIRES. FORD EVENTUALLY REIMBURSED US FOR ONE OF THEM. NOW, 8K MILES LATER THE TIRES ARE JUST AS BAD AS THE ONES THAT WERE REPLACED. THE REAR ONES ARE ALMOST SMOOTH. HANKOOK IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEALERS TO REPLACE THEM WITH A DIFFERENT MODEL YET MY DEALER WILL NOT DO IT.
NHTSA ODI #11103008
32,789 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Wheels
PURCHASED NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD 4DR IN 2016. THE OE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE 4 HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBEL 2 TIRES, SIZED 255/50R20. THE DOT RATING IS "5MNC 1A H". AT 32,789 MILES 1 TIRE WAS REPLACED UNDER HANKOOK "WARRANTY". THE FRONT TIRE TREADS WERE "FLACKING/PEELING" ON THE INNNER TREAD, MIDDLE TREAD AND OUTER TREA…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD 4DR IN 2016. THE OE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE 4 HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBEL 2 TIRES, SIZED 255/50R20. THE DOT RATING IS "5MNC 1A H". AT 32,789 MILES 1 TIRE WAS REPLACED UNDER HANKOOK "WARRANTY". THE FRONT TIRE TREADS WERE "FLACKING/PEELING" ON THE INNNER TREAD, MIDDLE TREAD AND OUTER TREAD. 3 OTHER TIRES NOT SHOWING THE SAME DEFECT. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER WHERE PURCHASED AND WHO IS A HANKOOK DEALER. MY PRORATED COST FOR THE TIRE WAS $112.40 FOR MOUNT AND BALANCE. RETAIL COST OF TIRE WAS $214.00. TIRE STILL HAD 3/32 LEFT ON TREAD AND TIRE RATED FOR 50,000 MILES. REPLACEMENT TIRE HAS DOT 5MNC 1AH 5117 AND OLD TIRE WAS 5MNC 1AH 2715. REVIEWING OTHER COMPLAINTS IT APPEARS HANKOOK HAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE ON THEIR HANDS AND WILL ONLY PAY FOR 100% TIRE REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY IF 25% OR LESS WEAR HAS OCCURRED WHICH IS 12,500 MILES ON TIRE RATED AT 50,000 MILES. HOPING NHTSA WILL SEE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TIRE MANUFACTERED IN 2016 AND 2017 AND FORCE HANKOOK TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR ANY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES THEY HAVE PAID TO REPLACE TIRE(S)
NHTSA ODI #11101933
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2018
Wheels
TIRES ARE WORN COMPLETELY OUT AT 25,000. HAVE HAD FLAKING AND SHREDDING TREAD DURING PREMATURE WEAR. 50,000 MILE TIRE
NHTSA ODI #11098355
23,000 miles · May 1, 2018
Wheels
VEHICLE HAS 23,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW IN 2016. TIRES HAVE PREMATURE TREAD WEAR AND ARE ALREADY WORN THIN TO THE POINT OF REPLACEMENT. CURRENT TIRE CONDITION IS NOT SAFE. TIRES ARE HANKOOK 255 50R20 105H VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2.
NHTSA ODI #11091136
58,000 miles · Apr 15, 2018
Air BagsUnknown Or OtherWheelsCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 EAST IN HARRISON TWP, MI ON 3/9/18. I WAS TRAVELING A 70 MPH. I HEARD SOMETHING AND SUDDENLY I AM SAW WHITE ALL AROUND ME LIKE A TUNNEL. AT THAT MOMENT I WAS STILL IN MY LANE. WITHIN SECONDS THE I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS THOUGH I HAD NO BRAKES OR STEERING. MY CAR VEERED LEFT HITTING THE CEMENT MEDIA…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 EAST IN HARRISON TWP, MI ON 3/9/18. I WAS TRAVELING A 70 MPH. I HEARD SOMETHING AND SUDDENLY I AM SAW WHITE ALL AROUND ME LIKE A TUNNEL. AT THAT MOMENT I WAS STILL IN MY LANE. WITHIN SECONDS THE I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS THOUGH I HAD NO BRAKES OR STEERING. MY CAR VEERED LEFT HITTING THE CEMENT MEDIAN. THE CAR ROLLED ON ITS LEFT SIDE AND EVENTUALLY FLIPPED BACK UPRIGHT. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE ACCIDENT. MY DAUGHTER, 14, AND I WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES. ON 3/8/18 MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE FORD DEALER TO REPLACE A WHEEL BEARING. THE SERVICE MAN MADE A COMMENT ABOUT OUR TIRES WEARING QUICKLY AND SHREDDING. WE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THEM AT 22,500 MILES. CURRENTLY MY VEHICLE HAD 58,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I TRULY THINK THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE CAR. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEY REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE AND WOULDN'T EVEN SEND BE A LETTER STATING THEY WOULD NOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THEY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAR BECAUSE I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE SO IT WAS OBVIOUSLY MY FAULT. BOTH COMPANIES REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. MY INJURIES WERE NOT SUBSTANSIAL ENOUGH FOR ANYONE TO TAKE NOTICE. I THOUGHT THAT IS WHY VEHICLES HAVE BLACK BOXES WERE INSTALLED. I AM FEARFUL 2016 EXPLORER OWNERS OR THE INNOCCENT BYSTANDERS ARE GOING BE HURT OR WORSE IF FORD DOESN'T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY. I TRULY BELIEVE THE WHITE TUNNEL WAS THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI #11085166
23,950 miles · Mar 12, 2018
Wheels
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES 265/50R20 105H HAVE 23,950 MILES ON THEM AND THE TREAD IS ALREADY WORN ON OUTER SIDE OF 4 TIRES.REVIEWS ALL OF THE INTERNET ARE CONSISTENT IN THAT HANKOOK TIRES (OPTIMUM AND VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 SERIES) DO NOT LAST MORE THAN 25,000 MILES (COMPARED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S 50,000 MILE RATING.TIRE MANUFAC…
Read full complaint
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES 265/50R20 105H HAVE 23,950 MILES ON THEM AND THE TREAD IS ALREADY WORN ON OUTER SIDE OF 4 TIRES.REVIEWS ALL OF THE INTERNET ARE CONSISTENT IN THAT HANKOOK TIRES (OPTIMUM AND VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 SERIES) DO NOT LAST MORE THAN 25,000 MILES (COMPARED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S 50,000 MILE RATING.TIRE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO REPLACE IT AND ONLY OFFERING SLIGHT DISCOUNT ON NEW TIRES. THIS IS GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11078762
20,000 miles · Mar 8, 2018
Wheels
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 OEM TIRES EXHIBITING UNUSUAL WEAR, TIRES CHIPPING AND SHREDDING AT LESS THAN 20,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11078249
14,000 miles · Feb 26, 2018
SteeringSuspensionWheels
2016 FOR EXPLORER SPORT - PURCHASED BRAND NEW. VEHICLE HAS 15K MILES NOW AND I AM HEARING A LOUD POPPING / CREAKING SOUND THAT OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT'S MOST NOTICEABLE AT A SLOWER RATE OF SPEED WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE OR TURNING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. T…
Read full complaint
2016 FOR EXPLORER SPORT - PURCHASED BRAND NEW. VEHICLE HAS 15K MILES NOW AND I AM HEARING A LOUD POPPING / CREAKING SOUND THAT OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT'S MOST NOTICEABLE AT A SLOWER RATE OF SPEED WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE OR TURNING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TODAY, ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHEN TURNING LEFT THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT AGAIN. EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED THERE IS ANOTHER LOUD POP SOUND THAT CAN BE HEARD. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPLAINT ACROSS THE BOARD WITH 2014 - 2016 EXPLORERS ALONG WITH THE WHEEL BEARING, SUSPENSION AND LOSS OF POWER COMPLAINTS.
NHTSA ODI #11075009
Official recalls
14Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Jan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Jul 15, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
May 5, 2021
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 & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Mar 12, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Nov 10, 2020
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 & remedy
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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Jun 10, 2019
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 & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Nov 29, 2017
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 & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Jun 28, 2016
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, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 31, 2016
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 & remedy
Consequence: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Sep 28, 2015
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 & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Jul 24, 2015
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 Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab
Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Illustration