Ford has recalled the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUV for a trim piece that can come loose while driving and become a road hazard to other drivers, the NHTSA disclosed Monday.
The piece in question is on either of the Explorer’s A-pillars, which are the two arms that frame the windshield. Due to improper assembly, the plastic brackets holding the trim piece in place may not have been properly secured. This can cause the trim piece on either side of the windshield on the exterior of the Explorer to rattle, and there may be excessive wind noise. The most obvious sign would be pieces missing from the A-pillar, and an exposed windshield frame.
The issue has been investigated by Ford since 2018, but in 2021 Ford noted that the incidence of this happening was decreasing, and closed the investigation. Early in 2023, the NHTSA opened its own investigation, eventually causing Ford to recall the entire vehicle population, or 1,889,110 Ford Explorers from the 2011-2019 model years.
Though no crashes or injuries have been attributed to the issue, Ford acknowledged 14,337 warranty claims by owners for the A-pillar part either detaching or missing entirely. In a similar recall from May 2021, Ford recalled the 2016-2019 Explorer for roof rail covers that could detach while driving.
The Ford Explorer three-row crossover SUV was redesigned for the 2020 model year, but it has had a slew of production problems that have led to 19 recalls, ranging from fractured axle bolts that can allow the vehicle to roll away while parked to distorted rearview camera displays.
Ford is expected to refresh the popular Explorer for the 2025 model year, with the updated model likely to go on sale this summer.
Regarding the A-pillar issue, Ford owners will be notified by mail as early as March 13, and will be advised to bring their vehicle into a Ford or Lincoln dealer service center to have the trim pieces installed with additional adhesive. The service center will also inspect the parts to ensure the clips are engaging and holding the pieces. There will be no charge for the service and reimbursement may be provided.
For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall page here.
