2019 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

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 molding around my windshield is no longer there due to a recall from 1/19/24. I am no worried that either my windshield could fall out or that I might get water damage in my vehicle from the missing molding that goes around the windshield. The recall is for the A-Pillar trim and that is what I am referring to.

NHTSA ID

11644810

Incident

Dec 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated on several occasions while the vehicle was parked or while driving at various speeds, the side mirrors failed to tilt left or right but tilted up and down. The contact manually moved the mirrors for proper visibility. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the switch on the driver’s door was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11630086

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Mileage

43,000 mi

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is currently subject to the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer® — A-Pillar Trim Detachment Recall (Recall Reference Number: 24S02). The exterior A-pillar trim on my 2019 Ford Explorer, covered under the aforementioned recall, has caused severe issues including vibrations and a loud whistling noise around the windshield area, particularly at highway speeds. These problems are not only a nuisance but also pose a potential safety hazard, as the vibrations could lead to more severe structural damage or detachment of the trim while driving. I have contacted several Ford dealerships in my area, as well as Ford headquarters, seeking a resolution under recall 24S02. Unfortunately, I was consistently informed that the necessary parts to correct the issue are not available. I was told that Ford had provided the parts, but they were only available for a two-week period and are no longer in stock. The person I spoke with at the dealership advised me to call back at a later time to check if the parts are available. Additionally, when I reached out to Ford’s headquarters customer relations department for further assistance, I was simply transferred to my local dealership without any other form of help or guidance. This lack of support from the manufacturer is deeply frustrating and concerning. Furthermore, one of the dealerships informed me that another customer with similar issues under the same recall has been waiting for over a month and has yet to receive the necessary parts. This delay, coupled with the lack of clear communication and guidance, is highly concerning, especially given the potential safety risks associated with the defect. Given the severity of the issue and the inadequate response from Ford, I am requesting that the NHTSA intervene to ensure that Ford takes the necessary steps to resolve this safety concern promptly. I am concerned that a serious incident can occur if not resolved.

NHTSA ID

11612440

Incident

Aug 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield was slightly detached from the vehicle. While driving at various speeds there was a whistling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was diagnosed that there was mold along the sides of the windshield panel causing the windshield to detach. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11563484

Incident

Aug 11, 2022

Mileage

50,000 mi

The windshield piece flow off while we were traveling around 45mph. We did not know what happened until the next day when we saw it missing.

NHTSA ID

11511064

Incident

Mar 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield gasket was crumbling. The contact was concerned that water might leak into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected but the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the failure, although they had seen the failure on other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass repair shop and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11419535

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

40,000 mi

ROOF RAIL COVERS ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF 2019 FORD EXPLORER COME LOOSE AFTER DEALERSHIP REPAIRED FORD TSB-20-2154, STILL COMING LOOSE, THEY CAN FLY OFF VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ELECTRICAL WIRES ARE CODED WITH SOY CAUSING SQUIRRELS / RODENTS ETC.TO EAT ENGINE WIRES AND TRYING TO BUILD A NEST IN ENGINE CAN CREAT A FIRE

NHTSA ID

11377906

Incident

Jul 15, 2020

Mileage

7,083 mi