by Federal Investigation into Ford Flex
US federal authorities have launched an investigation into nearly 36,000 2019 Ford Flex SUVs. The reason is owners’ complaints about the decorative B-pillar trim detaching while driving, particularly at highway speeds. Cases have been recorded where these parts have landed on other vehicles, creating a danger on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), through its Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), has already received five official complaints. One incident describes a situation where a detached part struck a following vehicle. Although similar problems have been recorded on 2016-2018 models, the investigation is focused specifically on the 2019 model year due to a significantly higher frequency of complaints.
Preliminary Measures and Scale of the Problem
The ODI plans to conduct a detailed analysis to determine the scope and severity of the defect. Data from previous model years will be used for comparison. Currently, about 35,950 vehicles are at risk.
Ford already announced a recall in June for a similar problem with B-pillars, which affected nearly 400,000 vehicles in the US.
This situation highlights the importance of manufacturers responding promptly to potential malfunctions. Although an official recall for the 2019 models has not been announced yet, the investigation could lead to additional safety measures. Ford Flex drivers are advised to carefully monitor the condition of the decorative trim, especially after prolonged high-speed driving.
