VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Explorer transmission problems

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 214 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

214

Transmission complaints

7%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

20V692000TransmissionNovember 10, 2020 · 15,587 units

Defect

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

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.

What owners report

Ptu burnt out less than 53k miles. Molding on passenger side broke off while driving 60mph struck another vehicle causing to other vehicle to leave road. Thank God no one was injured. This thing could have killed a motorcycle driver. Checked online and there are thousands of reports of same molding…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 25, 2025 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 214 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer transmission — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 20V692000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.