Body Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The fabric/plastic/felt under the car is falling to pieces! it's becoming a safety hazard. This complaint is posted in a lot of forums.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The mold that holds the windshield came off of the side of the windshield in both sides of the window and since then there is a loud noise coming from the windshield as we drive and gets louder the faster you go.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Roof rail covers, exterior a and b pillar trim have not been fixed. I was told at the time of purchase the recall (1) was fixed. The rubber trim in the pillar trim flaps in the wind and I was told to buy the parts on amazon and that it isn’t hard to install. Along with the a/c not working a week after I bought the SUV. Dealership is uncooperative.

Sunroof retractable headliner.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warnings or indications of failure. The incident suggests a possible hood latch or secondary safety latch malfunction. I am submitting this report due to a serious safety concern involving sudden loss of driver visibility.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

A and b trim pillar pieces are loose and I just lost one going down the interstate. It is also causing my car to leak when it rains. Recall was issued over a year ago and still no parts available to fix it.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While driving at highway speeds on the interstate, the b-pillar exterior trim suddenly detached from the vehicle. The trim remained tethered only by the keypad wiring, causing it to flail in the wind and create an immediate road hazard. Simultaneously, the vehicle’s instrument cluster triggered a "liftgate open" warning, despite the liftgate being secure. I was forced to make an emergency pull-over onto the shoulder of the interstate—a dangerous situation—to prevent the trim from completely detaching and striking other vehicles. Upon reaching my destination, the vehicle suffered a significant electrical short. The interior lights remained on indefinitely due to the false "liftgate open" sensor reading, and the door keypad became completely inoperable. To prevent a total battery drain and potential fire risk from the short, I had to manually disconnect the battery. The dealership confirmed the failure but stated that current b-pillar recalls (such as recall 25s53) currently only apply to 2016–2017 models, despite my 2019 model using the same defective clips and adhesive. This failure is identical in nature to recall 24s02 (a-pillar detachment). The detachment of this trim is a documented projectile hazard. Furthermore, the resulting electrical short in the door harness has compromised the integrity of the vehicle’s sensor system. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the expansion of the b-pillar recall to include the 2019 model year to prevent further highway incidents.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The a-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected the part and said that it needed replaced. I first noticed this due to the sound of wind while driving even with the windows shut. Not long after, I noticed the trim sticking out away from the body of the car.

My b pillars started coming off on the highway going 60 mph. Driver side was hanging by electrical piece for the keypad for door opening. My son looked and passenger side coming off as well. Had to pull over and duct tape it on. Already had a pillars replaced which left side was coming off, had to duct tape. For some reason their is a recall for this on 2016 and up but not 2015.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

After more than two years with an open recall, Ford has not been able to repair my 2013 Ford Explorer due to an inability to source the replacement parts. On Sunday, April 12th the defective a-pillar trim on the driver’s side detached while driving at highway speeds on the interstate. My Ford dealer states that there is a backorder of over 80,000 a-pillar covers. It doesn’t seem that they are very interested in addressing this recall. What recourse do I have?.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of multiple additional problems (three separate issues) affecting the vehicle. In addition, the check engine light remains on continuously, even after attempted repairs, indicating unresolved underlying problems. I have also previously attempted to have a recall repair completed, but was told that the necessary part was unavailable and that I would be contacted when it became available. Months later, I have still not been contacted, and the recall issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience and publicly documented issues, this appears consistent with known defects associated with this model, including reported water pump failures leading to engine overheating, rear suspension issues affecting control, and concerns regarding exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This is not normal wear and tear, but a potential safety-related defect. It is a serious concern that known recalls and defects cannot be repaired due to lack of available parts, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. I am also concerned about the risk of continuing to operate this vehicle and potentially causing an accident that could injure myself, my family, or others on the road. This risk is heightened by the lack of timely communication and resolution regarding known defects and recalls. I am requesting investigation into these issues to prevent harm to drivers and passengers.

Insignias on motor vehicle labeled as "police" facilitates false impersonation of a police officer and/ perception of false pretenses. Seller has actual knowledge and can be punished under color of law upon a purchase agreement.

Vehicle contains traces of cychlorphine, labeled as "police," facilitates criminal activity impersonation of a police officer, seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon purchase agreement. Safety risk for buyer, and the general public for false police pretenses, harassment, and actual police scrutiny. Vehicle has open recall.

While driving in the freeway a loud noise came from the outside of the car, I was concerned but no way to pull over safely, the noise was getting louder and thats when I was the pillar of driver side swinging all over the windshield, I was able to lower the window and grab it. I hate to think how much damage it would have caused if it hit a car, this is the second time this has happen now I'm missing both pillars from the front windshield and dealership has no solution.

In regards to recall 24v031 and 25v347, both of my a pilars have flown off my car while driving. Luckily no damage was caused but the replacement parts are still not available. The recall is from 2024 and 2025. Does it really take over a year for replacement parts?.

The b post on the driver side flew off while driving. This is has been an ongoing issue. Ford has fixed them before and they keep causing issues on both the driver and passenger side. The exterior panel does not stay connected to the truck. It flew off at highway speeds, causing the air and rear tailgate to malfunction after it pulled a wire out. This is a huge safety issue Ford refuses to acknowledge.

The a-pillar applique trim, which borders the left and right side of the front windshield of my 2019 Ford Explorer has been under recall since January 2024. I've taken it to bill utter Ford in denton, texas, on four separate occasions to ask for it to be repaired. Generally stated, every six months since the recall. They tell me its too bad, there are np arts to repair it. Question, how can you all allow 2 years to pass and not force them to do something? on March 29, 2026, the drivers side piece came flying off at 30 miles per hour. Luckily no one was behind me. Now my windshield has no protection trim. Further, I cut my right hand trying to force the broken pieces back in.

First my roof rack trim flew away on the freeway, now my mirror cover flew away on the freeway as well hitting a car begin me . . . .

The a pillar molding flew off the passenger side of my car while traveling down the interstate.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. I have noticed that there have been several complaints regarding that issue. Also, there was a strange smell coming inside the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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 pillers where in inspected by the dealership and determined that they need to be replaced and one of the recalls have been for over 2 years and the other is for over 8 months. I called Ford and they just told me the parts are still not availabe as the dealer walker Ford in clearwater also claims.

Roof rail on passenger side flew off. Clips were broken but some clips still in place. This part is in a recall for other 2016 Explorers but was excluded on models with the chrome roof rail. The rail is the same plastic as the recalled vehicles and should have been included. See Ford 21s22 / 20n11. The chrome is not structural. The drivers side will eventually detach too as it is loose. It will fly off at some point. I already had silicone on the rail and it does not hold. These should be recalled as the plastic is the same as the rails that were included in the recall.

The driver's side pillar along the door and windshield blew off and almost hit the car behind me. On 10/22/24, the exact same thing happened but on the passenger side that time. Our Ford dealer said the 2020 Ford Explorer model was not a recall item only 2017-2019 however later models also had many issues where these side pillars blew off.

The safety problem is a known recall that remains unfixed since 2024 and should have higher priority for Ford then they currently do. Since owning the vehicle there have been numerous occasions where when on highway speeds the trim flies off. First two times there was nobody behind us but the third time a piece flew off of the trim causing the car behind us dramatically. Luckily no accident was caused but potential for flying debris should be a higher priority for you and Ford as well. Debris should be a major concern specially in highway with speed up to 75mph debris can be deadly. Honestly this debris is a ticking time bomb for anyone driving with these trims that have not popped off yet. We dont need to wait for someone to be seriously hurt or killed in order to move up this repair in priority. I believe Ford and maybe even you guys consider this a low priority becaue it is "cosmetic" but flying debris can be deadly specially when we know its an issue last 2 years.

According to the recall of the a-pilar which can lead to the safety of the road and people on the road. There as yet to be a solution to fix this issue on the Ford Explorer which leave an open recall. Ford is highly responsible for not finding a remedy to fix this is for the safety of the owner of vehicle and other drivers on the road.

Similar to NHTSA recall number 24v031, driver's "b-pillar" trim (top edge) has detached and loose, and is only secured in-place by remaining anchors/attachments. In inspecting underlying substrate, it appears that a mechanical anchor is missing and adhesive exhibits cohesive failure (remainder adhesive on both supporting/underlying substrate and backside of trim.

The panoramic sunroof sunshade in my 2022 Ford Explorer failed and now sags downward. The shade hangs low enough to partially block the rear window and interferes with visibility through the rearview mirror. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same failure with the sunroof sunshade mechanism or clips. This appears to be a common defect. The reduced rear visibility while driving creates a safety hazard when checking traffic behind the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

This is a complaint regarding the handling of safety recall 20s62 (also referenced as 20s32) by Ford motors and the dealership that performed the recall repairs, hallada motors. The vehicle was taken by the previous owner to hallada 3 separate times to address the same recall related to the rear suspension toe link/ball joint issue. Documentation indicates the most recent repair occurring in 2022. This recall specifically involves components connected to the rear suspension that, if not properly addressed, can lead to corrosion and structural damage affecting the frame. Based on the history of repeated recall repairs and the current condition of the vehicle, we believe that the repair approach taken was insufficient. By the time of the third recall service in 2022, the frame should have been thoroughly inspected and potentially replaced due to corrosion risk identified in the recall guidance. The vehicle is currently being inspected and serviced at ewald Ford. Their technicians documented significant corrosion and unusual frame damage, which they photographed and submitted to Ford corporate while requesting that the recall case be reopened. Despite this documentation, Ford has refused to reopen the recall or authorize a frame replacement. Ewald Ford technicians noticed irregularities in the documentation from hallada motors. 2 separate entries list the mileage as exactly 87,600 miles and exactly 95,000 miles, both ending in multiple zeros. The technicians indicated this is unusual and raised concerns whether the recall work was properly completed. The vehicle now has severe frame corrosion and structural damage and is unsafe and unusable. We are without a vehicle and have incurred financial loss. We believe the current condition is the result of improper/incomplete recall repairs. We request a look at the recall repairs performed were completed in compliance & Ford's refusal to reopen is consistent with safety obligations. Ford should be held accountable.

There is currently a safety recall 25s53 for b pillar trim that is out but Ford says my SUV is not covered under it. The b pillar trim is in fact beginning to fall off now.

Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23s55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take responsibility . I then put in a repair order through Ford and they denied repairs for the recall mishap . I am being stuck with a $3500 bill for a recall that was installed improper.

B-pillar panels (both driver side and passenger, driver side has keyless entry). Panel could be come completely detached if not properly secured and cause a driving hazard in the roadway. No, the dealership stated I would have to pay out pocket to repair (estimate of $1900). Yes, it was inspected while at the dealership for a separate recall. No, the adhesive or clips that keep the panels on the door have either completely broken or non-existent.

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

I went to open my hatch and the bolts have completely rusted through to the point of detaching the rear hatch/trunk on the left side due to rust corrosion. Car is in a shop but I am told this might be a Ford defect. I have had multiple people tell me of huge rust issues from the rack into the rear trunk/hatch door.

I was driving on the highway and I heard a loud bang , with grinding and a jerk I assumed the rear axel or differential something in the rear area along with smoke and I was able to swerve to the side of the highway along the grass and jump out with my kids multiple cars where behind me but I turned on my emergency lights & got out just in time before causing a accident , this is all tied to a recall that’s been fixed twice now here we are a third time and it’s back again at Ford dealership.