Dearborn, MI – February 15, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.9 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because a piece of exterior trim may detach while driving and create road debris. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.
This recall follows a U.S. government investigation caused by several incidents involving trim pieces flying away from these vehicles.
Recall summary
The listed SUVs have a plastic trim surrounding the windshield, which is held in place with clip attachments. In the affected vehicles, the trim was not seated properly and may become loose and detach while driving.
Recall risks
The trim may become a “road hazard” and increase the risk of a crash.
Background of the recall
The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation started in January 2023 after the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), received over 150 complaints about the fly-away trims. There have been several instances of drivers behind the Explorers “momentarily” losing control of their cars while trying to evade the object.
Warning signs
The driver may notice the trim is not seated correctly or hear it rattle while driving.
Other Ford recalls
Last month, Ford recalled close to 190,000 Maverick pickup trucks whose turn signals may fail to operate.
On a separate note, there is an ongoing issue with Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away, with the latest recall caused by this issue taking place in October 2023.
The repair
The dealers will replace A-pillar trims repairs are free of charge.
Owners should receive letters with more information between March 13, 2024, and March 25, 2024.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
Almost 2 million of Ford’s popular SUVs are affected by this fly-away trim recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
