Ford has issued a recall for nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the United States, spanning model years from 2011 to 2019.
The recall comes in response to a potential safety hazard related to trim pieces near the windshield, raising concerns about road safety and the risk of crashes.
Ford Recalls 1.9 Million Explorers Due to Hazardous Trim Pieces Posing Crash Risk
Safety Hazard Revealed
NBC News tells us that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took action after receiving a substantial number of consumer complaints—164 to be exact—prompting an investigation into the matter last January.
The focal point of concern is the trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield, with clips holding them in place. If these clips come loose, the trim piece has the potential to detach, becoming a dangerous projectile and heightening the risk of a collision.
Interestingly, Ford initially hesitated to recall the vehicles, citing the relatively low mass of the problematic part. However, a shift in stance occurred as U. regulators determined that the issue presented a genuine safety hazard.
The decision to recall came after careful evaluation and consideration of the potential risks the loose trim pieces posed.
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Hazardous A-Pillar Trim Clips
Federal safety regulators published the recall on Monday, shedding light on the specific component at the heart of the matter—the A-pillar trim retention clips.
USA Today tells us that these metal pieces run along the left and right sides of the front windshield, and improper assembly might result in insufficient hooking, leading to the trim's detachment.
The NHTSA underlined the gravity of the situation, warning that a detached trim piece could not only pose a hazard on the road but also elevate the likelihood of a crash.
Extent of the Recall
Ford estimates that the trim piece issue may affect approximately 5% of the recalled Explorers. While this might seem like a relatively small percentage, the potential consequences are significant.
A detached trim piece on the road could not only endanger the affected vehicle's occupants but also pose a threat to other drivers.
To address the issue, Ford has advised owners to contact dealers for an inspection once the necessary parts become available. Dealers will scrutinize the trim pieces, ensuring the clips are properly engaged.
As a preventive measure, adhesive will be added to secure the trim pieces in place, mitigating the risk of detachment.
Incident History
Ford is well aware of the trim pieces' concerns, acknowledging 568 consumer complaints and over 14,000 warranty reports citing missing or detached parts.
However, the company emphasizes that, to date, there have been no reported crashes or injuries stemming from the trim piece issue.
Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to be notified about the recall starting March 13. This proactive communication aims to keep owners informed and encourages timely action to address the safety concerns associated with the trim pieces.
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