2016 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the Summer of 2024 and 2025 both the A-pillar and B-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2.5 years now I have driven a duct taped windshield on both drivers and on the passenger sides windows and on the tops of the door frames. The windshield rattles on the interstate--I feel this is dangerous. I have now recieved my 3rd factory recall: 25N17 Every day I drive this duct taped FORD, it is cemented in my mind that I will never purchase another Ford or Ford related product.

NHTSA ID

11753159

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

one fell of window right side when driving on right side of window i tried to glue it back on don't think it will hold don't drive it much now went to ford dealer several time always told part is not available why it is a 2016 after 10 years should replacement parts not be available

NHTSA ID

11745266

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

I have been put off every month for over a year to have this fixed. It is a safety risk. Not only does the recall state the trim can come off and cause a crash, the rubber around both sides also keep coming loose and flapping on my windshield which causes interference with my view of the road. I am not sure why a safety recall was issued in 2024 but has still not been able to be resolved by 2026. They say the parts are not available but they should be making them available for any issue that can cause crashes and harm people.

NHTSA ID

11741456

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear glass unexpectedly shattered. There was no impact on the windshield to cause it to shatter. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11728897

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud POP! Noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.

NHTSA ID

11714807

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

There have been EXCESSIVE delays with the repair of the A-Pillar trim. This item flew off of our vehicle while traveling down the highway at 70mph. THANKFULLY this piece did not impact the car behind us. This piece has now been missing for over 14 months. Numerous inquiries placed to dealerships and being told that the piece is still not available is not acceptable. Please encourage Ford to do better and make these pieces available for repair.

NHTSA ID

11714394

Incident

Dec 8, 2024

Backup camera is cloudy/foggy. Brought it to ford service department attention in regards to Issue Date 2022-08-26 Campaign 22S51/22V644 Per Fullerton Ford, they would not participate. I feel this is a visability issue when backing up and would like Ford to also consider 2016 ford Explorer in this recall since it is a safety issue

NHTSA ID

11707303

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, water leaked inside the vehicle from the dome light. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the moonroof failed to function as intended and was no longer able to be opened. The contact stated that there was mold on the front driver's side and front passenger's side seats, as well as inside the cupholders. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. However, the contact was informed that the moonroof assembly needed to be repaired. The contact had a friend inspect the vehicle and found a burnt wire underneath the steering wheel unit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

NHTSA ID

11685256

Incident

Mar 5, 2024

Mileage

153,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that water was leaking onto the passenger’s side floorboard and passenger’s side door, causing an electrical short with the windows. The contact stated that the window was stuck. The contact left the windows opened to air out the vehicle. The contact used duct tape to secure the structure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was added to a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,800.

NHTSA ID

11680570

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

Mileage

86,800 mi

Windshield seal flies out from under the pilar molding and smacks windshield and passenger window.

NHTSA ID

11662145

Incident

May 20, 2025

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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11653932

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Mileage

77,000 mi

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!

NHTSA ID

11651232

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

Molding on front windshield is damaged and coming off affect visibility

NHTSA ID

11636914

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11634915

Incident

Jan 8, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11617773

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

19,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11595583

Incident

May 3, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11589314

Incident

May 13, 2024

Mileage

136,000 mi

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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11587689

Incident

Jul 15, 2023

Mileage

116,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11573627

Incident

Aug 23, 2022

Mileage

104,000 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

NHTSA ID

11561869

Incident

Nov 10, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11556847

Incident

Oct 20, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11553408

Incident

Jun 2, 2023

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11551074

Incident

Oct 19, 2023

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 NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11548057

Incident

Sep 1, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID

11534096

Incident

Apr 11, 2023