Ford recalls 1.9M Explorer SUVs citing trim piece that may fly off

Ford has announced a significant recall of nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the United States, citing concerns that a trim piece may detach and pose a traffic hazard. The recall affects Explorers from the 2011 to 2019 model years. The issue involves clips on the roof-support trim near the windshield, which may loosen and cause the trim piece to dislodge and potentially cause a crash.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented the problem, leading to the recall after receiving 164 consumer complaints. The decision comes despite initial reluctance from Ford, as the company initially deemed the recall unnecessary due to the part’s low mass. However, after NHTSA classified the issue as a safety hazard, Ford agreed to the recall.

Ford has acknowledged 568 customer complaints and over 14,000 warranty reports about the missing or detached parts. Fortunately, no crashes or injuries have been reported. Starting March 13, Ford will notify owners to bring their vehicles in for an inspection. Dealers will check the trim clips and apply adhesive for added security. Owners are urged to contact dealers once parts are available for inspection.