The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·26V448000·Announced 2026-07-14

Ford Recalls 2016-2019 Explorers for Detaching Roof Rail Covers

Ford is recalling 2016-2019 Explorers because roof rail covers may detach, creating a road hazard and increasing crash risk.

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 vehicle defect (detaching roof rail covers) that creates a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, which increases the risk of a crash. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316.

Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and, as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on August 24, 2026, with additional letters sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
288,314

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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