Ford has issued a large-scale safety recall for 492,145 of its popular Explorer SUVs over an issue that can cause a piece of the exterior trim to detach and fly off the vehicle while it is in motion. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall targets specific older models and addresses a potential hazard for other drivers on the road.
A permanent fix is still being developed, but here is what owners of these affected Explorers need to know.
The Problem: What Explorer Owners Need to Know
The recall focuses on the exterior B-pillar trim—the vertical black panel located between the front and rear doors. Due to an issue with its installation, this trim piece can become loose over time and eventually separate from the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. A detached piece of trim can become dangerous road debris, creating a risk for other motorists.
The cause has been traced back to the manufacturing process. According to Ford, a foam ring behind the trim, combined with inconsistent pressure from hand rollers during installation at the factory, can cause the trim’s retaining clips and adhesive to fail. The recall covers Explorers produced between June 2015 and April 2017.
Affected Models and How to Spot the Issue
This recall is specific to the following vehicles:
Ford has advised that there are warning signs owners can look out for before the trim detaches completely:
The Solution and Notification Timeline
Currently, Ford is still in the process of developing a permanent remedy for this issue. As a result, a final repair is not yet available.
The notification process is being handled in two stages:
- An initial « interim » notification letter was mailed to affected owners between June 9 and June 13, 2025, to make them aware of the potential problem.
- Ford will send a second official letter once a final repair has been developed and the necessary parts are available at dealerships.
The future repair will be performed completely free of charge at Ford and Lincoln dealerships.
What Owners Should Do Now
Owners of a 2016 or 2017 Ford Explorer are advised to visually inspect the B-pillar trim on their vehicle. If the trim appears loose or is making noise, they should contact their local Ford dealer for guidance.
Owners can also confirm if their specific vehicle is included in the recall by entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recalls website (nhtsa.gov/recalls).
Fortunately, as of the recall filing, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
