2019 Ford Explorer

Water is entering the rear liftgate which fills up during a rain event. This can potentially create problems with the electrical components mounted inside of the liftgate. i.e. Power door release, Rear defog, third bake light, window wiper, rear tail lights. These could short out or maybe cause a fire. It is already causing premature corrosion at the lowest end seam of the panel as the paint it now bubbling and beginning to seperate from the surface. This could also create a structural integrity issue with the liftgate. The rear glass is stationary. Not designed to open. Maybe this is a similar adhesion issue that the 2016 Transit connect had with the windshield which was recentlyn recalled for improper adhesion process/defect aloowing water to enter into the cabin.

It has been more than a year later, Ford has not resolved the issue with the exterior A-Pillar. The response at the dealership has been, A) we do not have the parts or B) If you pay for them out of pocket, we can fix the issue. Which tells me they can fix the issue but chose to not do so because they are banking on owners paying for this recall. What recourse do I have?

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is currently subject to the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer® — A-Pillar Trim Detachment Recall (Recall Reference Number: 24S02). The exterior A-pillar trim on my 2019 Ford Explorer, covered under the aforementioned recall, has caused severe issues including vibrations and a loud whistling noise around the windshield area, particularly at highway speeds. These problems are not only a nuisance but also pose a potential safety hazard, as the vibrations could lead to more severe structural damage or detachment of the trim while driving. I have contacted several Ford dealerships in my area, as well as Ford headquarters, seeking a resolution under recall 24S02. Unfortunately, I was consistently informed that the necessary parts to correct the issue are not available. I was told that Ford had provided the parts, but they were only available for a two-week period and are no longer in stock. The person I spoke with at the dealership advised me to call back at a later time to check if the parts are available. Additionally, when I reached out to Ford’s headquarters customer relations department for further assistance, I was simply transferred to my local dealership without any other form of help or guidance. This lack of support from the manufacturer is deeply frustrating and concerning. Furthermore, one of the dealerships informed me that another customer with similar issues under the same recall has been waiting for over a month and has yet to receive the necessary parts. This delay, coupled with the lack of clear communication and guidance, is highly concerning, especially given the potential safety risks associated with the defect. Given the severity of the issue and the inadequate response from Ford, I am requesting that the NHTSA intervene to ensure that Ford takes the necessary steps to resolve this safety concern promptly. I am concerned that a serious incident can occur if not resolved.

I took my vehicle last year to the dealership to report the safety concern I had with a loose piece under my hood causing a flapping sound while driving. They determined the exterior a pillar was warped, loose and missing pieces. I received the recall in the mail a few weeks later, although they will not set up an appointment for me to resolve this issue. Not only does it state this is a potential safety concern, it has already been established this piece is defective on my vehicle. I also drive fellow associates around to meetings in my vehicle and it is putting them in danger along with myself and is bringing concerns it has not yet been addressed. The recall was sent to me a few weeks later on 01/26/2024.

The B-pillar trim piece has become detached from the vehicle due to broken clips and when driving it appears as if it will fall off. Ford will not address the issue, other then using two sided adhesive tape which needs to be replaced continuously. The clips that hold the trim in place are broken and this is common on many explorers. There are other body trim pieces which have been recalled for and this needs to be added as well. The A-pillar trim was recently a recall item and this is just as much a hazard.

Operator law enforcement was idling for an extended time in this vehicle. He was found unconscious in the vehicle and diagnosed with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. He was hospitalised for 4 days, and suffers continuing neurological deficits. Post-incident testing by engineer instructed by operator indicated two improper or incomplete welds on exhaust system, allowing exhaust to pool under vehicle and enter passenger compartment through HVAC fresh air intake. Post-incident testing recreated rising CO levels in passenger compartment. Vehicle has also been inspected by manufacturer. There were no warning lamps or messages.