2016 Ford Explorer Police Intercept Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2016 Ford Explorer Police Intercept. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the unknown or other. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“The contact stated that the police department owns a 2016 ford explorer. The contact stated that while a police officer was attempting to drive the vehicle; however, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the government mechanic who previously…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer police interceptor. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle downshifted independently with the rpms increasing rapidly. The contact stated he was unaware if there was any warning light illuminated. The contact stated pulled over to the side of…”
“The plastic pieces on the "a" and "b" pillar, driver and passenger side are coming off.”
“The plastic pieces on the "a" pillar are coming off”
“The driver and passenger "a" and "b" pillars are coming off.”
“I started my vehicle and put in drive my steering wheel was locked in one position I was unable to turn the wheel left or right I started getting several lights on my dash from hill start assist, service advancetrac, steering assist fault. I was unable to turn my vehicle & had to back in through…”
“I started my vehicle and put in drive my steering wheel was locked in one position I was unable to turn the wheel left or right I started getting several lights on my dash from hill start assist, service advancetrac, steering assist fault. I was unable to turn my vehicle & had to back in through…”
“Fuel pump assembly, sending unit. Fuel gauge stopped working. Vehicle had 38,000 miles on it. Dealer charged 600.00 plus to fix, not covered under recall or warranty.”
Defect investigations
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
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…
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
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…
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
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…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2016 Ford Explorer Police Intercept as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.