Ford Explorers Recalled Over Loose Trim Parts

Ford Motor Co. is recalling roughly 1.9 million Explorer sport utility vehicles because of an issue with loose parts.

A trim piece can unexpectedly fly off of the SUVs, the company recently told federal vehicle safety regulators. That poses a serious road hazard, Ford acknowledged.

“Some of the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair,” Ford said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If this occurs, the A-pillar applique trim, which borders the right and left side of the windshield, may be loose, missing, or become detached.”

The recall covers certain Ford Explorers from model years 2011 to 2019. 

The company told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled Explorers via mail by the end of March. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. 

Explorer owners can also check the agency’s website to see if their vehicles are covered by the recall. 

Safety Concerns for Ford Drivers

These kinds of serious safety recalls are all too common for the world’s biggest auto manufacturers. They are most common, however, for Ford.

Ford has issued more safety recalls in the U.S. than any other auto manufacturer for three straight years, USA Today reports. The company announced 58 separate recalls last year alone, about 30% more than the next most recalled brand.

Ford said in early January that it is recalling some 130,000 Focus and EcoSport vehicles over concerns about engine stalling and loss of power brake assist functions. The cars’ oil pump drive belts or drive belt tensioners could fail, the company said at the time.

The company said around the same time that it separately would call back more than 112,000 F-150 trucks. Ford cited a rear axle problem that could cause vehicles to lose power or roll away while parked.

How the California Lemon Law Works

There is some good news for anyone who owns or leases a Ford vehicle in California. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Namely, you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective or malfunctioning vehicle fixed.

Known formally as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the California lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

The law also requires automakers to buy back cars that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.