The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·24V031000·Announced 2024-01-19

Ford Recalls 2011-2019 Explorers for A-Pillar Trim Retention Defect

Ford is recalling 2011-2019 Explorers because A-pillar trim clips may not engage properly, allowing trim to detach and become a road hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural component (A-pillar trim) that can detach and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk. Per the rubric, this is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, corresponding to a score of 3.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, which allows the trim to detach from the vehicle.

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This is a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024, and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
1,889,110

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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