Ford recalling almost 2M SUVs, warning trim can fly off

Ford is recalling nearly 2 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. after finding a trim piece can fly off and create hazards for other drivers on the road.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said clips holding trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield can come loose. The trim can fly off and increase risks of a crash, the report said.

The recall covers Explorers from 2011 through 2019 model years.

U.S. regulators opened an investigation in February after receiving more than 150 consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the issue in August, documents show.

Dealers will inspect the trim and replace it as necessary, free of charge, the NHTSA report said.

Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are scheduled to be mailed March 13.

Ford told The Associated Press it expects only 5 percent of the recalled vehicles to be affected by the trim issue. The company encouraged owners to contact their local dealers to have their cars inspected once parts are available.

The Hill has reached out to Ford for additional comment.

As of Jan. 12, Ford said it was aware of 568 consumer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports alleging that parts were detached or missing, according to the NHTSA. It said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the trim.

The NHTSA initially processed an informal inquiry into the piece in 2018. Ford determined the concern was “not an unreasonable risk to safety” due to the low mass of the piece.

The Ford Critical Concern Review Group revisited the issue in April 2021 and last year said the entire vehicle population was susceptible to the issue, prompting the recall recommendation.