2016 Ford Explorer Base
2016 Ford Explorer Base — 2.3L 4 Cyl, FWD, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
Safety & Recall Score: Caution
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
VIN 1FM5K7BH1GGC33135 identifies a sport utility vehicle — the 2016 Ford Explorer Base. This specific unit was assembled at the CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA) facility, one of Ford's North American production plants. It is equipped with FWD/Front-Wheel Drive and a 2.3L 4 Cyl engine producing 280 hp.
This vehicle carries an unusually high 15 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include suspension:rear, wheels:hub, seats:front assembly:recliner. All recalls must be repaired by a Ford dealer at no charge to the owner. Contact a dealer with this VIN before finalizing any purchase. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 39 MPG combined (41 city / 36 highway), which represents above-average fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $1600 at national average gas prices. It scores 9/10 on the EPA greenhouse gas scale, emitting 230 g CO₂/mile.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 2016 Ford Explorer Base falls in an estimated used-market range of $9,000–$12,900. The high recall count may suppress resale value — factor this into price negotiation. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. Get the full history with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to unlock it. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
VIN Decoded
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- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
15 Open Recalls- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer...
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub...
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year...
Owner Complaints
2436 filed with NHTSA- 25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the...
- Truck turns off
Fuel Economy
39 MPG Combined- City: 41 MPG
- Hwy: 36 MPG
- Combined: 39 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
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VIN Breakdown
Engine & Powertrain
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
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Wheels & Tires
Manufacturing & Identity
Recall & Safety Summary
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Risk: 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...
WHEELS:HUB
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature,...
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none...
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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...
Risk: 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...
SEATS
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.
Risk: 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...
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
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...
Risk: 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,...
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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...
Risk: 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,...
PARKING BRAKE
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...
Risk: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the...
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,...
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Risk: 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...
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25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the...
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...
Truck turns off
Truck turns off
The contact called on behalf of his wife, who...
The contact called on behalf of his wife, who owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated....
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet...
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The...
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The owner received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall...
We received the recall 25S53/25V347 on XXX. Then on...
We received the recall 25S53/25V347 on XXX. Then on XXX; [XXX], sent me a picture of the trim / rubber coming off the front windshield. I contacted the...
Been waiting on parts to repair existing A pillar...
Been waiting on parts to repair existing A pillar trim recall for almost 2 years. This is unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior a pillar trim on the driver’s and passenger’s side...
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Estimated depreciation for this 2016 FORD Explorer based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
Ford reliability is mixed. Trucks and V8 Mustangs score well; some EcoBoost engines and electronics have higher complaint rates.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2016 FORD Explorer:
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Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2016 FORD Explorer.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2016 FORD Explorer:
CO intrusion recall. MyFord Touch infotainment glitches common.
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