Body Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

Ford Explorer owners have reported 1,446 problems related to body (under the structure category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.

1 Body problem of the 2018 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 09/14/2025

This recall has been 1. 5 years and still does t have a remedy by Ford? part was checked by Ford dealership, they advised yep it qualifies but we don't have parts then left. That was 1 year ago.

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2 Body problem of the 2019 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

The a pillars are coming off. Other years make and model were recalled . The a pillars on the sides should be recalled just as the front b pillars.

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3 Body problem of the 2022 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

The sunroof does not seal properly. Randomly it starts to make a clicking sound when driving. It goes away once we open and close the sunroof. The sound is only generated when moving forward at speeds 35 and above. Appears to be a loose seal.

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4 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/23/2025

Both my a pillars have ripped off on the highway. Called Ford service center and they continue to say there are no parts available. Most recent incident was on [xxx], when my passenger side ripped off information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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5 Body problem of the 2012 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/23/2025

Trunk liftgate isn't operating. Cannot open up the trunk. Interior driver sides armrest stitching is busted.

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6 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/21/2025

Both an and b pillars are junk and dealer inspected a pillars and said they were fine? and there’s no remedy for the b ones which is annoying. My car shakes bc of a transmission shutter at 100k miles it’s not bad but why is jt going on? and wind noise because of the pillars I’m hoping? needing help from someone.

7 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/15/2025

The panoramic sunroof rolo shade has malfunctioned and is currently sagging. This condition is expected to worsen over time, potentially obstructing driver visibility or posing a safety risk due to the possibility of entrapment or flammability. The vehicle has been brought to a certified Ford dealer for inspection; however, no additional inspections have been performed by other authorities at this time. There are no warning lights or alerts displayed in the vehicle related to this issue.

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8 Body problem of the 2015 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/12/2025

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.

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9 Body problem of the 2013 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

Why is it taking Ford years to fix body molding for a recall. It would appear they are not going to comply with the recall and hope they wait long enough they can age out the vehicles and there won’t be any left. I don’t understand why n. H. T. S. A is night having Ford comply with the recall.

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10 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 08/06/2025

So for starters the visibility wipers should have a auto wiper function as in when it detects rain they will automatically come on. Well they do but they also come on at random intervals even when it’s not raining. Secondly the glove box design is horribly engineered and it falls apart by its self. My glove box flew open while driving down the road and caused me to run off the roadway with my kids in the car. Luckily my kids and I are safe and no one was hurt but something should be done about this. The tension cord that hooks to the glove box just snapped from the looks of it.

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11 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/27/2025

I am writing to you today with an urgent and serious safety concern regarding my 2016 Ford Explorer XLT. My vehicle is affected by the a-pillar molding inspection recall, campaign 24s02/24v031. Last week, while I was driving on the interstate, the passenger side a-pillar molding detached from my vehicle and flew off. This created an extreme safety hazard for myself and other drivers on the road. I contacted my local Ford dealership, cloninger Ford of salisbury, to have the recall addressed. They informed me that they cannot perform the repair because the necessary part is out of stock. This is a critical safety issue. The driver's side a-pillar molding is also loose and could detach at any time, posing the same risk. I have found the replacement part is available for purchase from various online retailers, which contradicts the dealership's claim of part unavailability. The recall documentation states that a detached trim piece can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Given that this has already occurred with my vehicle, I need an immediate and concrete solution. I am requesting a specific timeframe for when a permanent remedy will be available for recall 24s02/24v031 and when I can bring my vehicle in for the repair. The safety of myself and others on the road is at risk. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] VIN: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

12 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/23/2025

Exterior review side mirrors cause loud whistle noise when driving.

13 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

The a-pillar trim on the vehicle flew off after being notified that there was a recall for that part. We have contacted the dealership several times about fixing it and have gotten the same response of "there are no parts available yet. " the last time getting the vehicle serviced the dealership informed us that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. We checked on this website and found that there are no recalls that hove not been fixed. The vehicle has never been fixed for this and is currently missing the trim that was recalled.

14 Body problem of the 2015 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

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.

15 Body problem of the 2014 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/13/2025

On [xxx] I was driving on the freeway when both a pillars came loose and the rubber trim was damaged. I had to pull over and buy some electrical tape from the gas station to somehow secure them so that I can get home. While I was looking into the repair I came across information that there is a current safety recall for the a-pillars for the Ford Explorer and my vehicle was one of the affected vehicles. Manufacturer recall # 24s02 and NHTSA recall # 24v031. I contacted two Ford dealerships performance Ford located in 2000 e. Garvey Ave west covina, CA. 91791 and also chino hills Ford 4480 chino hills pkwy. Chino, CA. 91710. Both businesses gave me the excuse that they did not have parts for the repair but aftermarket parts are available with other vendors. I explained that my vehicle is actually one of the affected vehicles and I was concerned with not just the pillars flying completely off but also possibly water damage since the seals that go with the a-pillars were damaged. They had nothing to say other than they will contact me when parts become available this recall is over a year old. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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16 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/12/2025

A pillar components have come detached on both sides of my vehicle. One on the right side in spring of 2024 and one on the left side summer 2025. The entire rubber and plastic moulding is missing on the right and the entire rubber became unattached underneath the plastic pillar accent on the left. I am afraid of that piece detaching and hitting a car. Why is it taking so very long for a remedy for this?!!!!???.

17 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/11/2025

B-pillar trim has an open recall on it. Both pieces have broken and are now coming off of the car. The drive side b-pillar broke in half and and is being held on by the power cord for the keyless entry and duct tape. The top half of the b-pillar flew off the car while going 70 mph down the highway. I am lucky we caught the other one coming off before it flew off and hit another vehicle. Ford refuses to fix until they have a remedy for it. This has been an open recall since may and Ford still does not have a remedy. Tried to make an appointment with a dealer and the appointment was cancelled by the dealer because they do not have a fix. The pieces are now duct taped to the car and not sure how long that will hold with the heat in texas. The interior is also exposed by several holes that we have attempted to cover with tape. . I am also unable to roll down both windows due to the way the part has to be duct taped to the car. The adhesive has been a known problem with previous recalls issued for the same problem. Called Ford customer care and was told until there is a fix, they do not have to fix the broken parts.

18 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 07/07/2025

I received an “important safety recall” regarding exterior applique trim pieces, possibly becoming loose and detaching from the car. This notice was received February 2024, indicating “when parts become available” I would be notified to schedule service. Parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. I still have not received notice of parts being available and have in fact had applique trim pieces loosen, putting myself and others at risk. Please advise me on what to do from here, as it is over one year past the initial notification.

19 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/28/2025

On the glass panels in between the rear and front side windows, the panels are shattering underneath both sides. When looking up online to see if anyone else has this problem, there’s all kinds of pictures of this problem posted online. . I’m including photos of mine. Have included photos of driver and passenger side.

20 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/28/2025

The adhesive on the keyless entry door trim failed and the trim detached from the door while driving. This could have caused an accident and is a safety issue. There was no warning of any kind prior to the incident. This also caused a mechanical problem where we were unable to open the rear hatch manually or remotely. We took the SUV to be repaired at a dealer. There is currently an open recall for b-pillar trim due to adhesive failure. I contacted Ford as this is the same issue with adhesive failure on trim. They stated it was not yet a recall but they have had reports of this issue. I requested some type of compensation and told them it is a safety issue. They opted to do nothing even though they have known adhesive problems with the trim. We were fortunate that it did not cause an accident for us but needs to be addressed. I was not at all satisfied with Ford’s lack of action.

21 Body problem of the 2013 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/25/2025

Manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available recall is over 15 months old and manufacture still hasn't developed a resolution.

22 Body problem of the 2012 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/23/2025

Jan 19,2024 manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available this recall has been unavailable due to "lack of parts" for 18 months. Mine had already come off, and I had been holding them on with black duct tape. In the heat, the glue from the tape melted and they flew off my vehicle on the freeway and I was unable to retrieve them. When is Ford supposed to have the parts? this has been going on too long.

23 Body problem of the 2015 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/23/2025

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

24 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/20/2025

2016 Ford Explorer. A-pillar trim piece flew off vehicle while driving on highway. Part recalled Jan 2024, currently no solution available from Ford. Paid out of pocket to replace in 2022. B-pillar trim piece flew off vehicle while driving on highway, remained attached by soldered wires. Part recalled may 2025, currently no solution available from Ford. Paid out of pocket to replace heavy duty, waterproof double sided tape in Jan 2025, tape failed again by July ‘25. Cannot tie piece on because the window won’t function. Tape fails, so currently having to reattach while driving with my arm out the window or pull over every few minutes and drive slowly. Left with no options to repair from Ford!.

25 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/07/2025

Loose trim in the exterior rear window came loose and flew towards another can the lucky avoided the metal trim.

26 Body problem of the 2018 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/01/2025

B pillar trim behind passenger door (vertical pillar) is peeling from the top. May fly off and cause a safety issue on roadway if unaddressed. Similar to existing recall of a pillar trim for same year and model as well as an existing recall for 2011-2017 b pillar trim (same issue as mine, but adjacent model years).

27 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 06/01/2025

Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident risk. Unable to drive vehicle until leak is fixed and mold is remediated.

28 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/31/2025

On may 31st I noticed the front passenger side trim panel that runs alongside the window was detaching. After showing a friend, he told me to put double sided 3m tape, that's used on vehicles, under it. I already had some so did it that day. It still sticks out a little though. Then a few days later, I got an email from NHTSA informing me of a recall on that part. When I checked, it wasn't for my exact vehicle. When I went out to take a picture of it for this complaint, I found the front driver side trim panel also starting to detach. I will need to better adhere both panels this week, myself. I will be driving 1500 miles next week, mostly at interstate speed. I don't want to chance losing those panels.

29 Body problem of the 2014 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/30/2025

A frame pieces have detached and were flapping/ flying onto the highway. We are now missing both sides of a frame pieces and replacements for the recall are not available.

30 Body problem of the 2011 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/26/2025

Recall 24s02??. Exterior a-pillar applique trim clip on Ford Explorer 2011 -dealership: pearson Ford, 10650 n michigan road, zionsville in 46077 -August 2024: I notified the Ford dealership that the rubbery part around the a-frame on drivers side windshield was coming off and there has been a recall on this part. They looked at it and said the part was on back order. -over the next few months the rubbery part that attaches to window came completely off. -I continued to notify Ford dealership throughout the next several months, and they continue to say the part is on back order. -April 2025: after filing a google complaint, tyler with customer service called back and said he will contact me when the a-frame is ordered and in the shop. [xxx]: I was on the highway and the right side a-frame (part of the body) completely flew off and hit the car behind me. May 26-29th, 2025: I have attempted several times to get ahold of someone at this dealership (text, phone messages), and no response. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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31 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/20/2025

Windshield seal flies out from under the pilar molding and smacks windshield and passenger window.

32 Body problem of the 2025 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/07/2025

My 2025 Ford Explorer has a wind noise that Ford has admitted to having an issue with. My case number is cxh04811376. In the upper corner of both the drivers and passenger side front window there is a loud wind noise that begins at speeds of 40 mph and more. A customer experience specialist admitted there is a problem but they will not fix it until there is a recall.

33 Body problem of the 2016 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/06/2025

On [xxx] the passenger side exterior a-pillar applique trim piece broke free from the vehicle on hwy. Vehicle was doing about 70mph at the time of the incident. No damage nor accidents to people or property resulted. Upon investigation of replacing the part, learned of an existing safety recall for this problem. Reference NHTSA 24v-031. Scheduled repairs with the dealership for 5/9/25. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

34 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/05/2025

My 2017 Ford Explorer is leaking water through faulty welds in the rear hatch area. A review of many complaints online reporting the same thing shows this is a very common and repeated issue with many Ford Explorer years and has never been addressed by Ford. The complaints are all the same as water leaks in from the faulty welds and causes water to pool in the interior, especially in the spare tire well after leaking down the interior. All the complaints show a chronic weld issue and needs addressed. Notices issue last year but thought it was sunroof drains plugged. Noticed it is actually faulty cracked welds this year.

35 Body problem of the 2017 Ford Explorer

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

Driver's side a pillar trim, a recalled component, detached from vehicle while driving on the highway. Killeen, TX Ford service center noted in an earlier service appointment that the recalled component was serviced, but it appears it was not done properly. They are now refusing to service the broken trim, stating that it does not fall under the recall.


Other Common Structure related problems of Ford Explorer


Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations