2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Takata airbag inflator recall
- 30owner reports
- 65,235median miles
- $1,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 2, 2025 · checked Oct 2, 2026
30 of the 99 reports of airbag on the 2016 Explorer describe Takata airbag recall.
Part of Airbag warning light or recall (99 reports) · also: airbag light on
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Takata airbag recall on other Explorer years
No other Explorer model year has enough reports of Takata airbag recall for a sheet of its own. See every Explorer year.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside airbag problems for complaints about inflator recalls, Takata's above all. Many owners here aren't describing a failure they've seen. They're describing a recall notice, a dealer who doesn't have the part, and the question of whether the car is safe to drive in the meantime.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the inflator (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the airbags covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the Explorer
Mis-assembled airbag clockspring. Closed feb 25, 2003.
Inoperative air bag system. Closed jul 2, 2002.
Airbag system's light dysfunctional. Closed may 23, 2000.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
11 of the 30 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $660 to $1,100.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 47,000 and 78,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The rear seats in my 2016 ford explorer platinum have a know air bag issue that ford said is not a safety issue when addressed. It is a know issue by ford and they refuse to fix it because it is not under recall. The air bag light illuminate due to a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector which in turn will cause the rear airbags to not deploy during an accident.”
Filed Jun 2, 2025
“2016 Ford Explorer. the air bag warning light was illuminated it was coming off and on and now stays on. took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired.”
Filed Jan 26, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 30 reports involved a crash. 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 Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
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
- 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
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports