2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 36owner reports
- 53,000median miles
- $1,085median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 3, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
605 of the 2,455 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 36 of those describe infotainment.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Infotainment on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the camera (19 reports), the head unit or screen (15 reports) and the module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the electrical system covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 15 recalls on the 2016 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Explorer
Rearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance. Open.
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Windshield wiper malfunction. Closed apr 24, 2000, led to recall 00V-072.
Blower assembly fires. Closed apr 18, 2000.
Heater blower assembly fire. Closed sep 11, 1998.
Blower assembly fires. Closed jan 15, 1999.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 36 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $2,719.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 23,000 and 68,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 13 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software.
9 more on the 2016 Ford Explorer page.
What owners wrote
“The display screen keeps rebooting and not available. Its a safety issue as the backup camera is not available for sometimes up to 10 minutes”
Filed Dec 27, 2025
“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”
Filed Dec 27, 2025
“The rear camera is compromised because water gets inside and is blocking the view of the camera. You are unable to use the rear backup camera because the view is completely blocked or blurred by the water or moisture that is able to get in.”
Filed Oct 14, 2025
“Intermittently, the vehicle's backup camera displays a blank (black) image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The issue resolves its self by turning the vehicle off and back on.”
Filed Sep 10, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 375 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 249 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 248 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 142 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 140 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 110 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 99 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 81 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 73 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 72 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 65 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 54 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 53 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 50 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 48 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports