Defective windshield clip sparks Ford Explorer recall

Ford Explorer recall overview: 

• Who: Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 1.9 million of its 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. 
• Why: A retention clip on the vehicles’ A-pillar trim can detach and fall off the vehicle.
• Where: The Ford Explorer recall is valid across the United States.

Ford Motor Co. has issued a recall of nearly 1.9 million of its 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles due to a retention clip issue that can lead to windshield trim falling off the vehicle.

If the trim falls off a vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash, the Explorer recall safety report says.

The attachment clips for the trim, which runs along the right and left side of the windshield, were either loose, missing or detached because they were not properly assembled or repaired, the Ford windshield trim recall says.

“The customer may visually detect gaps around a loose A-pillar trim or detect an audible rattle and/or excessive wind noise from A-pillar area,” the recall says.

The trim clips were used from May 17, 2010, through March 3, 2019, the recall says.

Ford or Lincoln dealers will fix or replace Ford windshield trim attachment

Ford did not indicate whether it has received any reports of injuries related to the recall so far. The company is not facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Ford recall notices were sent to dealers Jan. 22 and will be sent to vehicle owners between March 13 and 25. A Ford or Lincoln dealer can inspect the A-pillar exterior trim and replace defective parts for free as required. Out-of-pocket costs for fixes made before a safety recall notice in March 2023 will be reimbursed, the Ford windshield recall notice says.

Ford can be reached at 866-436-7332, or customers can contact a local Ford or Lincoln dealer about specific information regarding the vehicle. 

Ford announced a recall in October for 238,364 of its model year 2020-2022 Ford Explorer SUVs over concerns their rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the vehicle’s driveshaft to disconnect.

Are you affected by the Ford Explorer recall? Let us know in the comments. 

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