2019 Ford Explorer

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle started vibrating and felt like the rear end was driving over a bump in the roadway. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer confirmed issues with the driveshaft, tires, and the engine, but denied covering the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11775260

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

Mileage

95,000 mi

My car was brought into Pocaro Ford in [XXX] for recall 26S08 Suspension Toe Link Replacement on XXX. Following this, my vehicle developed severe rear sway and abnormal rear tire wear. The rear tires wore bald very quickly, creating a safety concern. I returned to the dealership, but the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership could not provide verifiable alignment records for my vehicle and later tried to blame bushings. An independent shop did not find bad bushings. A second Ford dealer later diagnosed excessive rear tire wear caused by improper rear toe settings and performed a 4-wheel alignment. I am concerned the recall repair was not properly completed or the alignment was not properly performed, resulting in unsafe handling and rapid tire wear. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774871

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the passenger-side A-pillar trim detached and flew onto another vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact received notification of the recall, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and the contact was informed that the repair was not needed. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11774447

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

Please see attached letters and photos

NHTSA ID

11773541

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the radio displayed the rear-view camera image or rebooted. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11768475

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

115,000 mi

The cowl grille/top trim has become extremely brittle and deteriorated. The material is breaking apart simply from being touched, and pieces are coming loose and flying off while I’m driving. the entire edge of the cowl is crumbling and separating from the vehicle. This appears to be material deterioration rather than normal wear. I’m concerned that additional pieces could detach while driving and that the cowl may no longer properly protect/seal the area beneath the windshield.

NHTSA ID

11767541

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

We have contacted Ford Motor Company previously about this issue. The leather dash pad on our Explorer is detached near the windshield and is rolling up back towards the interior of the vehicle. The dealer has inspected (Deacon Jones, Goldsboro, NC) and has confirmed the issue. Original quote to fix was approximately $15,000.00, reduced later by FMCO to $6000.00. We have attempted to find local upholstery shop to repair, but they will not touch it. The pad underneath the leather is all white and causes a debilitating glare/reflection on the windshield when driving towards the sun. Please review my previous filing with FMCO and help us with this issue. I note that online, several others are experiencing this same issue. This is developing into a severe safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11767437

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, upon taking the vehicle to a local dealer, no failures were found, and the VIN was removed from the recall. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11766443

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

Mileage

73,000 mi

25E10-S1 Owner letter

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.