Ford Recalls Almost 1.9 Million Explorer SUV’s

By Hamodia Staff

Ford announced Wednesday that it is recalling nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs due to a trim piece that can fly off while driving, creating a hazard for other drivers and pedestrians.

The recall covers Explorers from the 2011 through 2019 model years.

Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that clips holding the trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield can come loose. If that happens, the trim piece can fly off and increase the risk of a crash. The recall comes after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into the problem last January after receiving 164 consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the problem. Documents say that at first Ford decided against a recall, citing the low mass of the part. But the company decided to do the recall after U.S. regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard.

Ford said in a statement Wednesday that it expects only 5% of the recalled Explorers to be affected by the problem. It encourages owners to contact dealers for an inspection when parts are available.

Dealers will inspect the trim pieces to make sure the clips are engaged and add adhesive to hold them in place.

Owners will be notified starting March 13.

With reporting from wire services.