2016 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Explorer
5
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (585 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 585 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (529 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 529 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (381 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 381 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (214 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 214 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (125 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 125 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
289 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
15
Suspension Red flag
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Wheels Red flag
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Parking Brake Check
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.
Structure Check
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Suspension Red flag
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension Red flag
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2016 Explorer. The most serious involve Suspension (19V435000) and Wheels (17E048000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Structure (585 complaints) and Steering (529 complaints), out of 2450 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Structure, which drew 585 complaints for this model-year.