Those who own a 2016 or 2017 Ford Explorer should pay attention because almost 492,000 vehicles are affected by an important recall. Ford has recently stated that the B-pillar trim, which is the decorative strip between the doors, may detach or come loose while driving, and pose a danger to other motorists. This may be seeming as not very important, but it is actually road danger.
The B-pillar trim is affixed and adds a decorative touch to the frame of the vehicle's door as well as tidying up the fuse box cover. In cases where the trim piece is detached or loose, it becomes potential loose change. Ford has come to understand this issue 2019 and refused to recall it straight away. Only after receiving more complaints and facing additional pressure from safety authorities did they decide the need to recall and repair the Explorers.
The recall impacts the Explorers manufactured between June 2015 and April 2017. Notices to the owners will be issued starting June 2025, and dealership repairs will be complimentary. As an owner of the model in question, it would be prudent to verify other crucial details of the vehicle to ensure safety for oneself and other passengers.
What Is Incorrect with the Door Trim (and Pertains to B-Pillar Trim) and Why Does It Matter?
Specifically referring to B-pillar trim, it serves the purpose of covering the space between front and rear doors in a vehicle. As the rest of the parts within this section, the trim is primarily decorative while serving the practical purpose of maintaining the clean aesthetic of the automobile's interior. Explorers of the selected make may experience these trim falling during travel, as there is a potential for it to loosen over time.
Why is this a big issue?
In the case where the trim does detach while traveling at sped, foreseen risks like crashing into other cars or unexpectedly stopping or changing lanes arise, all as a consequence of hitting the trim. This should come as no surprise to others in a scenario where they need assistance. Even in the absence of the creation of an accident, detaching and losing components from the vehicle while in operation is dangerous."Ford thought at first that this was simply a small inconvenience. Numerous drivers have noted issues with loose trim components, and as none of them seemed to cause accidents, the corporation didn’t make recalls a priority. However, the NHTSA was also getting endless consumer calls and after analyzing these calls, they were able to convince Ford to take action.
Ford recalls all of the Explorers now to ensure that the trim is at least fixed or replaced appropriately. If you happen to see or have any concerns regarding the door trim rattling or coming off, do not wait, and get it looked at so you can be truly set on the road.
How do you check if your Explorer is a part of this recall?
In case you are not really in doubt whether your Ford Explorer is under the list of recalls, the unit’s number will give you the simplest answer. You can gain access to your VIN through your registration documents, through your insurance document, or even at the bottom part of the car’s windshield on the drivers side.
Upon obtaining your vehicle Identification Number (VIN) visit the NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Input your VIN, and the site will instantly verify if your vehicle falls under any tagged recalls. If you require additional assistance, you may also check with Ford's official recall page or dial their customer support line.
Should your exploration unit be included in the list, Ford will dispatch a letter to the registered owners in June 2025 detailing the steps to undertake for the free repair. Even in the absence of the letter, it is prudent to verify your VIN and strategize around the necessary changes in advance. This will create a seamless experience without unwarranted surprises later.
What measures is Ford implementing regarding the fix for loose trim issues?
Ford technicians will conduct a visual evaluation on the B-pillar trim during the maintenance or service appointment of your Exploration unit. The loose trim may be affixed using existing trim, and to further ensure redundancy, an anti-loosening device will be employed on the replacement component. The end result of this effort is that the trim will be attached so securely that it will not come off when the vehicle is in motion.
This is indeed good news because repair costs will be covered. However, as this recall pertains to a significant number of vehicles, it may take time for all the affected Explorers to undergo repairs. If you receive the recall notice, it is best to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity.
Ford has stated that prior self-repairers may qualify for reimbursement. Hold onto those receipts and contact Ford to obtain information regarding reimbursement procedures.
What Are Other Explorer Owners Have Been Commenting On?
Since the recall news was announced, Explorer owners have shared their experiences on various forums and discussion boards. Some users remarked that they observed the rattling of their trim years or even months ago but assumed it was a byproduct of age. Others admitted that they had no clue this was a safety issue until the recall announcement.
Most users are appreciative that Ford is finally taking some measures, especially considering the repairs the dealerships will carry out at no cost to the customers. Some drivers expressed their anger at the need to make appointments, but the overwhelming professional opinion has been that it is better to take these steps and be safe.
If you own an Explorer, you will be comforted to know that you are not the only one, there are many forums and groups where you can share experiences and get suggestions while the car is being repaired.
What This Recall Means for You as a Driver
Recalls issued by manufacturers may seem trivial and for this case, a thumbnail strip trim, For Ford though it is, at least, a reminder while unintentional that any component aids in affecting officially what bus safety means. Ford is stepping in does show that he does care as much claimed they need to and that is a positive outcome to all motorists and their dependents.
So if you driver's do not wish to ignore it don't ignore check your official notification it is free simple straightforward and aids in boosting the level of safety for other motorists.
Safe driving is more than operating the steering wheel and obviously looking straight ahead for any vehicles, animals, people, or signals. Despite what is obvious, safe driving means taking the time to service this car which will aid in making sure which is done the Explorer will be in its.
That said, caring for your vehicle means everyone will in turn be contributing to safer roads.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver, autos.yahoo
