Content
Recent Posts
Ford Recalls 288,000 Explorer SUVs Over Roof Rail Safety Risk
Ford is recalling 288,314 Explorer SUVs in the United States after identifying a defect that could cause exterior roof rail covers to detach while the vehicle is in motion. While the issue may sound minor, loose vehicle parts can become dangerous road debris, increasing the risk of crashes for other motorists and prompting federal safety regulators to step in.
The recall affects certain 2016 through 2019 Ford Explorer models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the adhesive securing the roof rail covers can deteriorate over time, allowing the trim pieces to loosen or completely separate from the vehicle while driving. If a cover falls onto the roadway, it may create a hazard for surrounding traffic, especially at highway speeds.
Content
Why Ford Is Recalling These Vehicles
The recall centers on the decorative roof rail covers mounted along both sides of the roof. These components are attached using adhesive and retaining clips. Over years of exposure to changing temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and road vibrations, the adhesive may weaken enough for the covers to shift out of place or detach entirely.
Drivers may notice warning signs before the part comes loose. Ford says affected vehicles could develop increased wind noise while driving, squeaking or rattling sounds from the roof area, or visible gaps and misalignment around the roof rail trim. While these symptoms do not guarantee the cover will detach, they should not be ignored.
Although the defect does not directly affect steering, braking, or engine performance, federal regulators consider detached exterior components a significant safety concern because they can strike other vehicles or become obstacles on the road.
Affected Models
The recall includes 288,314 Ford Explorer SUVs from the 2016 through 2019 model years sold in the United States. Owners should verify whether their specific vehicle is included by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Ford's recall portal or the NHTSA recall database.
What Ford Is Doing
Ford dealerships will inspect the roof rail covers and install an improved repair at no cost to owners. If necessary, technicians will replace or properly secure the affected components using updated repair procedures intended to prevent future separation.
According to the recall schedule, owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on August 24, with additional information about the repair process following in September once all replacement parts and procedures are fully available.
Owners of affected Explorers do not need to stop driving their vehicles immediately, but they should remain alert for any signs that the roof rail covers are becoming loose. Unusual wind noise, rattling, or visible movement around the roof trim should be inspected as soon as possible.
Drivers should also check whether their vehicle is included in the recall using their VIN and schedule a free appointment with a Ford dealership once they receive notification or confirm their eligibility. Until repairs are completed, owners should avoid ignoring any visible roof trim damage, as a detached cover could become a hazard for other road users.
For more industry updates, visit our automotive news section.