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VIN REPORT

1FM5K7FH3GGC985632016 FORD ExplorerLimited

12of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
15
15 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
F
58/100 composite
Complaints · 2016
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
10 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2016 FORD Explorer was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 15 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2016 FORD Explorer

2016 FORD Explorer was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 15 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

  • 15 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Fuel system recall)
  • High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
12
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
15 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
FORD
Model
Explorer
Year
2016
Trim / Series
Limited
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.3L 280 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Ford Chicago Assembly

B+Quality70/100
Good📍 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Produces Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Quality improved after 2020 launch issues.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

Overall Safety Grade
F
Score: 58/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety8/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
73/100Critical
  • ▸Brake system recall
  • ▸Fuel system recall
  • ▸Engine recall
  • ▸Structural/frame recall
Modern Safety Index
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Fire Risk Assessment
Low
  • ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
High
  • ⚠4 recalls on same component: Suspension/Wheels
  • ⚠2 recalls on same component: Exterior/Other
  • ⚠3 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
  • ⚠4 recalls on same component: Body/Structure

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls15

NHTSA Safety Recalls

15 RECALLS
15found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 15 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 15 recalls has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

62%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

FORD Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
89%Good

FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
18mo
#19V435000
Oct 2019

SUSPENSION:REAR

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#17E048000
Invalid Date

WHEELS:HUB

SummaryFord 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, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~60%

~40% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#16V475000
Invalid Date

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

SummaryFord 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 Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~58%

~42% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#17V767000
Invalid Date

SEATS

SummaryFord 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~58%

~42% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#15V605000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

SummaryFord 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 result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#16V183000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SummaryFord 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 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Read full details...
ConsequenceOverheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~66%

~34% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#15V464000
Invalid Date

PARKING BRAKE

SummaryFord 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 Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf 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.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V316000
May 2021

STRUCTURE:BODY

SummaryFord 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V692000
Oct 2020

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V537000
Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:REAR

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V675000
Dec 2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V031000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V347000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE:BODY

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Read full details...
ConsequenceDoor trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~58%

~42% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V685000
Oct 2025

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~60%

~40% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V448000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE:BODY

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~22%

~78% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Recall Age — How Long Open
LONG-STANDING OPEN
SUSPENSION:REAR
7.1yr open
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
6.1yr open
STRUCTURE:BODY
5.5yr open
SUSPENSION:REAR
4.9yr open
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
1.1yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

First Recall
05/05/2021
15 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Suspension/WheelsExterior/OtherFuel SystemEngine/PowertrainBrakesBody/StructureElectricalHVAC
Recall Remedy Breakdown
11
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 4 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints
Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$30,114
~$502/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$6,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $30,114 (~$502/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

15 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$7,500
4 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$1,600
Total recommended deduction−$9,100

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2016 FORD Explorer — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall SUSPENSION:REAR has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture
HIGH
Verify recall WHEELS:HUB has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed
HIGH
Verify recall SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual r
HIGH
Verify recall SEATS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official FORD Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,600–$2,030/yr
~$133–$169/mo
Liability Only
$570–$730/yr
~$48–$61/mo
Category: Full-Size SUV
▼ 10-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1FM5K7FH3GGC98563
Model Year2016
MakeFORD
ModelExplorer
TrimLimited
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.3
Horsepower280

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly CityCHICAGO
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1FM
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)G
Plant Code (Char 11)G
Sequence (Chars 12–17)C98563

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count15
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

1
1
F
2
M
3
5
4
K
5
7
6
F
7
H
8
3
9
G
10
G
11
C
12
9
13
8
14
5
15
6
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
F
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
M
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
5K7FH
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
G
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
G
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
C98563
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"G" → 2016
Could also be 1986
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all FORD VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 2:34:26 AM.