According to the latest news, Ford Explorer recalls will affect 1.9 million cars, which means over 1 million car owners will have to give their cars back to the factory. This action comes after discovering a potential hazard where a piece of trim might come off the car. The specific part in question is the A-pillar trim between the front windows and the windshield.
It seems some clips that should hold this trim in place aren’t doing their job right. This is due to some issues during assembly or repair, says Ford. If you are also affected by the Ford Explorer recalls, keep reading because there are some things you need to know!
Ford Explorer recalls affecting over 1.9 million cars
The seriousness of this issue has been highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They have expressed concerns that a detached trim could pose a hazard on the roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Fortunately, Ford has not received any reports of accidents or injuries resulting from this problem.
Interestingly, this issue first came to Ford’s attention in 2018. However, they did not consider it a significant safety risk at that time due to the part’s size and shape. The NHTSA began a more thorough investigation into this matter in February of last year. You can find the report here.
Over 14,000 warranty claims have been related to this trim issue, indicating its widespread nature. According to USA Today, Ford’s spokesperson, Maria Buczkowski, has estimated that only about 5% of these vehicles will actually be affected by the recall. She encourages owners to reach out to their local dealerships once the replacement parts are available. Ford has committed to conducting inspections and replacements at no cost to the vehicle owners.
Ford plans to send out notification letters to the owners in March. Additionally, they have provided a customer service number for direct inquiries. To ensure convenience for the customers, Ford is also offering additional services such as mobile repair and pick-up-and-delivery at participating dealerships. Federal safety regulators have announced they will begin sending safety risk notification letters to owners starting March 13, 2024.
Models affected by the Ford Explorer recalls
The recall is quite extensive, covering all Ford Explorer models manufactured between 2011 and 2019. If you own a Ford Explorer from these model years, it’s important to stay informed about this recall.
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Ford aims to prevent bigger issues
Through this recall, Ford demonstrates a commitment to the safety and comfort of its customers. While the financial implications for the company are non-trivial, Ford prioritizes the well-being of its customers. By addressing this issue proactively, Ford is taking responsible steps to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards and prevent potential accidents. Well, the authorities asked for it, too, let’s not forget that.
In conclusion, Ford’s recall of over 1.9 million Explorer vehicles over a trim issue underscores the company’s dedication to customer safety. This recall, which affects certain models built between 2011 and 2019, is a significant move by Ford to address potential hazards before they lead to more severe problems.
Vehicle owners are advised to contact their local Ford dealership for inspections and repairs, which Ford assures will be carried out free of charge. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and manufacturer accountability in ensuring road safety.
Featured image credit: Haryad Ali/Unsplash
