by Ford recalls nearly half a million Explorer SUVs due to trim issues
Ford has announced another vehicle recall — this time affecting nearly half a million Explorer SUVs. Although the issue does not involve mechanical failures, it could pose a hazard to other road users. The manufacturer has yet to develop a final solution to address the defect.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the exterior trim on the B-pillars on the driver and passenger sides may detach while driving. This could lead to additional noise or even damage to other vehicles. The problem affects 2016–2017 models produced between June 2015 and April 2017.
Ford notes that the cause may be a design change that included additional foam under the trim, as well as possible flaws in the factory installation process.
What should owners do?
Owners are advised to check whether the B-pillar trim has begun to detach, especially if additional noise is heard while driving. So far, the company has received 1,482 warranty claims regarding this issue, but no injuries have been reported.
Interestingly, Ford had already acknowledged this problem back in 2019 but did not consider it serious enough for a recall at the time. However, after numerous complaints, NHTSA compelled the manufacturer to reconsider its decision. Notices to owners will begin arriving next week, but exact repair timelines remain unknown.
This situation serves as another reminder of the importance of attention to detail in vehicle manufacturing. Even minor design changes can lead to large-scale problems that only become apparent after years of use. For now, owners can only wait for official instructions from the manufacturer and monitor the condition of their vehicles.
