Ford Recalls Over 2 Million Explorers in North America
Ford, which ended another year as the automaker with the most recalls in North America, doesn’t seem to want to give up its crown for 2024.
Plagued by well-documented quality issues, the automaker is now recalling some 2.24 million Explorer midsize SUVs across the continent and beyond. The number in Canada is roughly 93,000. Affected models cover the entire fifth generation (2011-2019).
In some cases—roughly 5 percent of the recalled population according to Ford’s estimations—some trim pieces may come loose and fall off the vehicle, creating a possible safety issue for other drivers.
"The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach," Ford explains in a document sent to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Although the company is unaware of any accidents that may have been caused by the problem, it says it has so far received 568 customer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports regarding loose trim. Ford waited to announce a recall until U.S. regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard.
Beginning in mid-March when recall notices will be sent by mail, affected Explorer owners will need to bring their SUV to a Ford dealer to have the trim retention clips inspected to ensure they are engaged. Out of precaution, dealers will also add adhesive to hold them in place..
The recall was not yet listed in Transport Canada’s database at the time of writing. You can always check out Ford Canada’s own recall website to stay up to date.