Body Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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 . . . .

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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).

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

2016 Ford Explorer exterior a-pillar & b-pillar applique trim clip this may result in the b-pillar trim appliques detaching while driving. A b-pillar trim applique that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer the vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? no warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.

Woke up one morning and noticed the b pillar almost completely detached. Called Ford dealership in musk*** mi. They told me I could pay out of pocket for labor and parts since no approved remedy is available. I’m a single mother of twins, and I cannot afford this. I need this fixed. The Ford dealership told me to duck tape it. This is dangerous and could kill someone with spring coming around the corner and motorcycles (think of all the other states that are warm enough all year round)- mi allows you to have no helmet by choice thank god nobody has brought out a bike yet and had one hit them in the face. Sounds like a lawsuit to me. It is really selfish to hold off on a remedy for greedy purposes if that is what this is just to save a buck at the cost of someone’s life. I’d hate to see someone I know get hurt. And yes I’m ticked off I have to duck tape my freaking car as well.

My VIN was removed for the a pillar recall. I received no notice as to why and my car was inspected a year ago. At that time the problem was not present. It is present now, but for some reason, my VIN has been removed. I would like to know under what conditions it was removed and by whom.

I brought my 2025 Explorer in on 12/19/2025 for a recall check. I mentioned to the service advisor that the left rear inner wheel well skirt was detached from the quarter panel. After the car was looked at, he came to me and said that they can be replaced at a cost of $600. . . Wtf. He said it is from the snow and ice tearing them because of the larger tires on the vehicles now. . . . No shit . . We live in wny. This is a brand new-ish vehicle with 15,000 miles. How is this something that is my cost, there is obviously a problem with parts or engineering. Basically I will have to replace these after every winter season for the reason that was given. . . . Again. . . Why is this not covered. I regress, he did say Ford may help the first time. . . Really?? what happens the next winter and the one after that?? $40k+ for the vehicle and this.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was driving down the road and my roof driver's side roof rail flew off. The previous owner had the recall addressed in 2023. The previous dealership who fixed the vehicle glued down the rails instead of installing new screws. There is dried glue now exposed where the roof rack use to be. When contacting Ford they claim there is no resolution but for me to fix my own roof rack though it was recalled for this issue. Thankfully no one was behind me when it flew off but it could have hit someone else or damaged my window that it hit when it flew off. The passenger side is also loose and showing the dried glue as well. Ford states that since the warranty period has expired there is nothing they can do. I cannot find the roof rail on the road to put it back and have been told it is $400+ just for the part. This is a safety hazard that was supposed to be fixed and there is no telling when the next one will come off as that is loosening as well.

Loose/detached bilateral exterior c-pillar around the rear window. Both sides are lifted and very loose with the potential to cause driver to lose control if detached resulting in damage to other vehicles on the road or even a traffic collision… this is a safety defect.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

Exterior a-pillar appliqué trim clip attachments mfr recall # 24s02 NHTSA recall # 24v031 remedy has been unavailable @local Ford dealership too long and gave been told it’s not available to them. Approximate date given for incident occurrence is not remembered and date entered is inaccurate).

Roof rail brackets (snap pieces) broke off of both left and right side and roof rails fell off of car while driving.

I am filing a complaint regarding Ford recall 24502 / NHTSA recall 24v031 for my 2017 Ford police interceptor utility (explorer-based). My vehicle’s a-pillar interior trim was identified as defective under this safety recall. For nearly two years, the repair has not been completed because the dealer claims the required parts are still on backorder. In that time, the a-pillar trim on my vehicle has become loose and is now detaching while driving, which creates a dangerous condition. The loose trim vibrates, moves, and could detach completely at highway speeds, posing a safety hazard to me and other drivers. Ford and the dealership have confirmed the recall but have not provided a repair, a temporary safety fix, or a loaner vehicle. I have repeatedly contacted the dealer, and they continue to tell me that Ford has not supplied the part. Because this is a federally mandated safety recall and the defect is actively creating a crash risk, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to provide parts or a remedy within a reasonable timeframe. This is an unresolved safety hazard, and Ford has not provided a solution.

Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service dept. At Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defect has existed from the date the car was purchase(or earlier).

Pillar molding driver side.

The current b-pillar trim issue that Ford hasn't remedied. In October 2025 my b-pillar broke off my car while driving, shatteringagainst the car behindme. When it did that the wiring immediately caused my liftgate to think it was open and I have not been able to access that back of my SUV since then. In order to do so a piece in the door had to be removed and I have to crawl thru the vehicle to manually find a switch to release it. This has gone on for 5 months with me being unable to use the entire back half of the vehicle. If I open it manually it risks not getting shut fully and popping open. It's ridiculous it has taken this long for a fix.

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.

1 year ago, the exterior pillar trim detached on the 202 highway in mesa, arizona while I was drivign 65 mph. It cracked another windshield. I received the recall and went in to robert horne Ford dealership. They informed me those pieces are on recall. I told them to notify me when they became available. It has been 1 1/2 years and still nothing. This week, the other side pillar trim came off, again while I was on the highway. This is dangerous. Now I feel like my windshield is not secure, as it is shaking while I am driving. The recall was announced in January of 2024. It is October of 2025. How can a company ignor the recall and simply not address explicit safety violations? NHTSA # 24v031.