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
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
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.
Related recalls
Same brand · FORD
- HighFord Recalls 2015 Transit Connect Vehicles for Rearview Camera Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-06
- Severe
- Severe
- HighFord Recalls 2026 Rangers for Rearview Camera Display Failure
NHTSA · 2026-09-22
- HighFord Recalls 2025-2027 Vehicles for Contaminated Headlight LED Chips
NHTSA · 2026-09-22
Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company
See all →- High
- High
Same hazard · road hazard
See all →- HighAirstream Recalls 2026-2027 Rangeline RVs for Fairing Adhesion Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-01
- SevereKuat Pivot V3 Swing-Away Hitch Adapter Recall for Weld Cracking
NHTSA · 2026-10-01
- High
- SevereHighland Ridge Range Lite Air Travel Trailer Fresh Water Tank Recall
NHTSA · 2026-09-30
- HighStarcraft Super Lite Maxx Travel Trailer Recall for Water Tank Fasteners
NHTSA · 2026-09-30
Similar recalls
- HighFord Recalls 2016-2017 Explorers for Detaching B-Pillar Door Trim
NHTSA · 2025-05-23
- HighFord Recalls 2016-2019 Explorers for Detaching Roof Rail Covers
NHTSA · 2021-05-05
- HighFord Recalls 2017-2019 Flex Vehicles for Detaching B-Pillar Trim
NHTSA · 2025-10-24
- SevereFord Recalls 2016-2019 Taurus for Detaching B-Pillar Door Trim
NHTSA · 2025-09-12
- SevereFord Recalls 2011-2017 Explorers for Rear Suspension Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2019-06-10
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Explorers for Windshield Bonding Defect
NHTSA · 2026-01-21