This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
In February of 2024 I had a second windshield exterior trim come off on the highway. The poor people behind me almost lost control of their vehicle on the ice because of this hitting their car. I have purchased this part in the past for the right side as that was coming off the passengers side. I had it replaced at my expense and would like to get that money back as it was a faulty part obviously. This cost me a great deal of money. I do not have the money to do this again while you are waiting to figure out how to make all the parts for people. This is now becoming a bigger issue as water is getting inside my vehicle around the dash. It looks also like someone tried to repair this part that is attached to the vehicle long ago (glue or weld), previously broken on drivers side. I have called Ford here in Pocatello, Idaho three times now. They said, "We do not have a remedy just yet on the recall. It should happen later in the year around November and you will receive a letter." One person told me I could just buy the part and have it replaced. When there is a recall, I should not have to do this. Please contact me at: [XXX] or [XXX] I look forward to getting this resolved soon. Thank you! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver's side window trim piece (which includes keyless entry keypad) detached from vehicle while driving 70+ mph & smacked several times against driver's side window before busting off. Bottom part is attached by wires (for keyless entry pad) & continued to smack against the window several times before I was able to safely pull over and tape to vehicle. I'm surprised it didn't bust the window as hard as it hit and startle of it detaching could have caused an accident in heavier traffic. Also, trim pieces on both sides of rear window are cracked in the same area on each side. I wouldn't be surprised if they flew off at some point and hit a car travelling behind me.
Seam seal where the roof, D pillar, and hatch area meet had a hole in it leaking water into the cabin causing underpadding of the floor to become soaked and creating a moldy/musty smell. Patched hole to stop water leak. Ruined the carpet from the spare tire well up to the front passenger floor board
The exterior A pillar on my Explorer flew off while driving. I had to pay out of my pocket to repair this. Now I have been notified that there is a safety recall notice on this item. I should be compensated for the repairs I had to make as a result of this faulty part. How do I go about receiving compensation from Ford?
February 2023 I was driving on interstate approximately 75 mph. This was not a particularly windy day. The passenger side windshield trim molding ripped off the vehicle. This is a piece approximately 2.5 feet long. Just a few weeks later the same thing happened on the driver side molding while driving on a state highway approximately 60 mph. After the first incident I have noticed multiple other Ford Explorers with this same cosmetic issue. I ordered a new set for both sides via Amazon and installed them in April 2023 but approximately 6 weeks later the passenger side tore off again while driving. The new driver side molding is hanging on but I hear it rumbling and cracking when on the highway. It is a matter of time before it will also fly off. I pray that no one is hurt when this happens. Aside from the cosmetic appearance issue this is a very dangerous problem as these pieces of the vehicle are flying off at high rates of speed & can damage other cars or cause a collision. I have talked to other owners with the issue and all complain of the problem on 2012-2015 Ford Explorer models.
- Checotah, OK, USA
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front windshield trim to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal snap and saw the trim panel of the front windshield detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass shop and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The contact stated that the trim panel has been replaced 3 times now. The fourth set of trim panel is now cracked and will have to be replaced again. All sets of trim panel were purchased from and installed by the same two companies each time. The contact also stated that the failure mileage was 50,000.
While traveling at highway speeds, the windshield trim panel on the passenger side of my Explorer, suddenly flew off my car, and caused the car behind me to swerve side to side. Fortunately, they did not have an accident, but it looked like they would for a moment. We weren't sure what happened until we pulled off an exit and examined my car. Unfortunately, traffic was heavy and I wasn't able to go back and pick up the trim piece. I have priced out the repair, and I understand the should be done by the dealer, or a glass shop, as it's now suggested the trim pieces be applied with some form of adhesive, in addition to the clips which normally hold it in place. My explorer has only 140,000 miles on it, and it's in excellent condition inside and out. I believe both trim pieces should be replaced by the dealer, performing the additional necessary steps to insure the trim pieces are bonded into place properly.
The windshield trim is deteriorating and flies off occasionally while driving down the road. These pieces of flying debris could fly off and hit another car or worse a motorcyclist. This pertains to the investigation the nhtsa and ford are currently working on.
Driving around 70 mph during last summer and trim piece on driver side pillar flew off. Into traffic. I bought a new one and installed. Saw a news article today about it and wanted to let you know.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the front driver-??s side trim detached from the vehicle and landed in the middle of the road. The driver then continued driving to his destination. The driver took the vehicle to the local dealer and ordered the front driver-??s side trim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The hinge of the hatchback has cracked. water enters into my car through the rear right hinge. The water then runs down my 3rd row right seat belt. Down into the storage area for the spare. Mold has started growing. this is a safety hazard. I have searched and seen multiple complaints of the same issue. I purchased this car in 2018. And noticed from day one of rain. I also noticed the previous owners have tried to remedy with some type of caulking or glue. The car had been inspected by my mechanic.
When it rains water leaks inside vehicle in the rear area. I checked online and many people have the same complaint about water leaks. If it rains a lot the spare tire compartment fills with water. Also, when water leaks you get that funky smell inside vehicle. Afraid that mold can built over time.
Water leaks inside vehicle filling up spare tire compartment (rear of SUV). This happens when it rains. I have read many complaints of people saying the have the same problem with their Ford Explorer.
I was driving on highway today at 70mph and all of a sudden I heard a slapping noise on passenger side the rubber molding from winshield came loose and was hitting passenger window. After stopping at next exit I was able to push it back into trim piece but the trim piece is a little loose.
Water is leaking from the roof that causes electrical issues. Bad design by Ford in which seal seams not properly installed, which cause leaks inside vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pocatello, ID, USA