Body problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer - part 1

Since 2024 I have been trying to fix recall 24s02/ 24v031 - exterior a-pillar trim but the dealer always has the same answer. We don't have the parts available, we will call you, but they never call back and show no signs of progress. Explorer 2015 [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the passenger side. In addition, the second recall,oct 13,2025 manufacturer recall number25sa9 NHTSA recall number25v695 is also an extreme issue with my vehicle. The backup camera has malfunctioned several times, almost daily at this point. It also will not notify me of something behind me as it's intended to at times. Ford has yet to remedy either of these.

Hello. From what I understand, Ford has not come up with a solution for the exterior a--pillar applique trim clip attachments. I fully believe they have abandoned this issue as its not a brand new vehicle. Well, its new to me so it fully counts and should not be abandoned. I was on the highway in st. Louis, missouri (I live right across the river in illinois) and out of nowhere, something hit my car. I swerved and almost hit a driver to my left and after that, I almost got the guy in front of me. Now this caused a massive panic attack and soon after anxiety set in. I have horrible anxiety issues and I have the prescriptions to prove it. Its so bad, I can't fall asleep and so I take another prescrption for help getting to sleep. Anyway, I got off the closest ramp ands parked to see what happened. Sure enough, the passenger side exterior a-pillar is hanging there. That's the "something that hit the car and almost caused a multi car accident. I tried to call Ford about this but I'm left with ongoing ringing. Live chat agent had no idea what I was talking about. That set me off. I had taken a screenshot of the kelly blue book website stating there was a recall, which, by the way, has been removed. Now that is extra suspicious. The kbb website stated notices were sent sometime earlier this year but I got nothing. The registration is in my name and is 100% accurate with my address and phone number are all up to date. I found no other way to contact Ford. I didn't want to file a complaint, but here we are. This is a safety issue which caused me to fall into a panic and anxiety attack. I have a witness as my husband was in that passenger seat when it happened. Like I said, I, without a single doubt, believe that Ford motors has abandoned this problem and that they don't care. This issue needs addressed now. I can't afford to go get it repaired myself as I am between jobs. If this isn't resolved, I will call my attorney for guidance.

I received a recall letter in February 2024 stating there was a recall on my vehicle and that the parts for fixing the recall were out of stock, and they should be available in the latter half of 2024. I never recieved another letter and the part of my vehicle that is recalled flew off my vehicle while driving on the highway it hit my rear passenger window and scared everyone in the vehicle the window didn't bust and I didn't realize that it was a piece of my vehicle that flew off until I got to where I was headed and seen the part missing, while we were driving I thought someone threw something out the window.

Best Ford in nh stated NHTSA recall 24v031 was completed but it was not, possible fraud.

My vehicle is impacted by the existing safety recalls. The trim around my windshield has broken and parts have flown off the car while driving. I have taken my car to the dealer to ask for repair and they said they should have parts in about 3 months. It has been nearly a year and they still do not have parts. I cannot imagine why they can't get the parts for a safety issue in this amount of time. Is there anything you can to do force them to prioritize getting these parts and getting my car fixed?.

The pillar trim recall has been in effect for nearly 2 years. I took my husband’s Explorer (I am his legal guardian as he suffered an anoxic brain injury and he has been hospitalized for over a year) to chillicothe mo Ford in October of 2024 for the safety recall on this trim issue, as my a pillar trim flew off from the highway and may have impacted another vehicle on southbound I-35 between st. Joseph and kansas city at around that time. Chillicothe Ford inspected the vehicle and ordered parts. It is now almost over a year, and neither chillicothe Ford or Ford corporate office can give me an estimate on when it the parts are available. I escalated this concern yet again to Ford corporate, and they blamed it on the chillicothe dealership for not requesting an emergency part order. I talked to chillicothe Ford immediately thereafter, and they said that they did escalate the part request, and nothing has been done -not just for me but over 10 other Explorer owners who are waiting on the parts for this recall. I called richmond mo Ford dealership this week, and was informed they had the same problem and that Ford is lying about the part availability. Almost a million consumers are affected by this recall, and accordingly there are exponentially as many unfortunate drivers who could be hit by flying parts, and Ford refuses to address this recall. My sister had the same part fall off her car into traffic a month ago with her Ford Explorer. This is a life safety issue and nhsta needs to hold Ford motor company accountable for willfully putting the public in harm’s way!.

A recall was issued in Jan 2024 - notice 24s02/NHTSA recall 24v031. In the fall, maybe September 2024, we had still been unable to schedule an inspection by the dealership. We were driving on the interstate, and part of the exterior a-pillar trim detached and flew off of the car into traffic, where it could have potentially caused an accident, had there been more traffic at the time. We finally got the vehicle inspected in spring 2025, and were told we did need the trim replaced on both sides, and it should be available by the fall of 2025. During the first week in January 2026, I asked again about the replacement, and was informed that the new projected date for the part to be available was a year out (I. E. End of 2026 or beginning of 2027). In Aug 2025, we had the windscreen replaced, and were told by safelite auto glass that they had the a-pillars and trim available in their warehouse, but since we were expecting the dealership to replace these parts, we declined the additional expense. I've been informed at the dealership that many people buy them online or from other locations, but there was no offer of reimbursement if I went outside of the Ford parts supply system. I understand with almost 2 million vehicles affected, patience is necessary, but I think 3 years waiting for a fix (when compatible parts are obviously still available in the economy) is excessive, and puts more people at risk, particularly if hundreds of thousands of vehicles are still driving around with the original, un-fixed parts.

I dont understand Ford Explorer has same recall I have a lot of recall on these and I cant take it off everytime its a recall. I work 7 days a week. Thats the reason I try to trade it in . But I still own a lot for it. I dont know to much about the Explorer I brought from the carlot.

The a-pillar trim piece on the passenger side of my 2015 Explorer came off of the vehicle while it was being driven. This could have put someone on the road behind me at risk of a serious accident. I took it to the Ford dealership and they inspected it and determined that both a-pillar trim pieces need to be repaired and replaced under an existing recall from Ford motor CO. . The dealership did not give me a copy of the inspection report, but I signed one on 8/12/2024. I was told by the dealership service department that the parts are on backorder, and a date for replacement could not be given. I was told that I could continue to drive my car "as is" while waiting indefinitely for parts for this repair and replacement. I feel that Ford motor CO. Is not giving this the attention it deserves, and is certainly not fixing this recall issue in a timely manner.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v031000 (structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the a-pillar trim was detaching from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

One of my window pillar flew off at night on 95. This is so dangerous and the other side is about to come off. The local dealerships do not have the parts available. I have been waiting a long time.

The pillar applique trim has came off on both sides of my windshield. I was driving down the highway and the trim came 90% off. I swerved wondering what was going on, almost wrecked and had to slow down to exit. I had tape in the car and had to tape it down. This is a known issue to Ford and they have a safety recall on it, yet has no date when it can be fixed. I was told if I need it fix it has to be done at a Ford dealership if I would like to be reimbursed once the “full” recall goes in effect. However, I was told since there is safety recall, Ford dealerships will not fix it! l the bolts and screws are showing on both side of my windshield.

Waiting for recall repair to be done, over 1yr and still nothing.

The external a pillar clip is clearly malfunctioned with no remedy available.

The exterior right-side a-pillar panel departed the vehicle unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds (~70 mph). No early warning signs or indications were present. The incident occurred on the highway at night. When the panel departed, it made a loud noise like something hit the windshield. The driver and passengers were unaware that the panel was no longer attached to the vehicle until exiting the highway and inspecting the vehicle. The panel was not found on the highway after the incident and very well could have hit another vehicle, person, or animal and caused an accident. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The Ford motor company has an active recall for this issue and has indicated that they will not replace the panel until a remedy is identified later this year (2024). With the panel missing, there are broken pieces of plastic still loosely attached to the a-pillar and make a vibrating noise when driving at highway speeds.

Extensive leaking from the windshield area that is causing a significant amount of water to flood the passenger floorboard and the middle console where the screen for the radio, ac/heating control, and navigation system is. The lights on the middle console screen have become wet and are now blinking. The radio and the ac/heating screen is not allowing for any adjustments. The airbag light is now on the driver's console screen. The safety concerns due to the leaking of the windshield or the seals around the windshield would be an sudden loss of vehicle power while driving. Another safety concern is the windshield or the parts of the seals will come lose while operating the vehicle. There is also water leakage coming from the interior lights right above the middle console control panel.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification NHTSA campaign number: 24v031000 (structure), however, the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated while driving 50 mph the right pillar trim detached from the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed the vehicle was included in the recall and the vehicle could be repaired under an advanced recall if the contact paid for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact he had to wait to receive a recall letter in mid 2024 and it was possible to receive a refund for the repairs. VIN tool confirms remedy not yet available.

Passenger's side a-pillar molding flew off while driving.

Exterior a-pillar applique trim clip attachments not properly engaged due to improper assembly . An exterior a-pillar trim part that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

The moonroof/sunroof’s motor always breaks down in winter due to snow freezing and water entering the roof and engine, I've had it repaired twice at the dealership, but every winter the problem returns, I talked to owners of the same model of vehicle and the same thing happens to them.

Passenger side front window trim (column). The rubber seal started flapping on the expressway (60-70mph), followed by the entire trim piece ripping off. Created a significant distraction for driver and passenger. Trim piece flew off vehicle onto a 6 lane highway creating a safety issues for other drivers. There was no previous history of damage/accident involving this trim piece.

Outer windshield panel on drivers side completely detached and blew off into oncoming and following traffic without warning. It did not make contact with any vehicle or pedestrian, however the risk was still there.

-driver side front door/window trim flew right off while on freeway and almost hit another car. This is actually the 2nd time the trim came off after being repaired not even 5 months ago (I didn't file a complaint the first time). -it could hit another car or motorcycle while going high speeds and possibly cause a crash. -I haven't checked with my dealer but have read articles online how there already are complaints regarding this. -I took it to a local private car repair facility, and they claimed to have seen it happen quite frequently. -you can slowly see the trim start to delaminate over time. My passenger side trim is half-way off and probably a matter of time before the same happens to it.

While driving on the freeway, the windshield trim panel on the passenger side detached, lifted, and folded about 2/3 of the way up the panel. The detached portion then banged against the roof of the vehicle, door, and front passenger window until it snapped and flew off. It put us and other motorists in danger.

A pillar molding blew off on the highway.

Driver's side windshield a pillar molding. . Flew off on the interstate.

Driving down the highway and the passenger side windshield trim broke and detached from car, scraping down the side of my car and hitting the car behind us.

I currently have a 2015 Ford Explorer. This is the 2nd time that I am having to replace the windshield trim on the passenger side due to it flying off while driving.

Driver side windshield trim flew off on interstate.

The passenger side window trim flew off on the expressway. Barely missing the vehicle behind. The drivers side trim looks as if it's becoming detached also.

While driving around 45 mph I was startled by something black flapping against the passenger side of the windshield. I thought I must have hit a large bird and it was caught somehow. I immediately pulled off the road to see what happened. I found a large strip of rubber sealer had come loose from around my windshield and was causing the flapping, also the windshield trim was gone. I drove back the way I came and found the missing part in the road. Yes I feel this is a hazard to traffic. I was very startled with the commotion and if there was a car behind me they could have been startled by flying pieces of my car. I haven't had the repairs done yet.

The windshield trim piece on the passenger side flew off while driving and could have hit another vehicle /property or a person causing damage or injury. Online research indicates there is a known issue with these parts. However, I was unable to locate a recall.

Was driving on the freeway going about 60mph when passenger side windshield moulding flew off the vehicle and hit my windshield & mirror. I have no idea where the part landed. My concern is - the part should not just fly off even on an older vehicle. I have no idea if the part hit anyone else’s vehicle. I had no warning that this part could just fly off.

A-pillar molding suddenly detached and flew off while driving down interstate. The driver's side flew off in October of 2020. Caused me to swerve as I thought I hit something. Thankfully, no one was beside me. I didn't realize what it was until I was able to pull over at rest stop. Passenger side flew off while on highway in April of 2023. This time, the seal/gasket remained attached and was slapping the side of the vehicle until I could get somewhere to top and yank it off. The pillar molding caused several vehicles behind me to swerve, but no accidents were caused. Both times this happened, several of the plastic clips appear to have been broken. Both times this happened, there was no warning. No sounds or minor lifting to indicate that something might be loose. After the driver's side one happened, I took the vehicle in to the dealership and was told by barton Ford that "this is a common problem with this style of Explorer. " I could not afford the amount that I was quoted to replace. Also, after the first incident, I started noticing how many other Explorers are driving around with the same issue. This is ridiculous that Ford is allowing this issue to remain unresolved. I live in the country, where highway speeds are common on back roads and the sound alone that this makes is terrifying. I thought that I blew a tire and there was rubber on my windshield the first time. The second time, I had people slowing down and trying to get away from me probably in fear that more parts were going to suddenly start falling off. Also caused cosmetic damage to my passenger side door and windows due to the "flapping" of the rubber.