Ford Recalls In 2024 Are Unparalleled, 1.8M Now Impacted

Detached Trim Woes: Ford Recalls in 2024 Surge as 1.8 Million Explorers Face Safety Concerns

As of January 24, Ford recalls in 2024 are already making strides toward surpassing its total count from the previous year, and given that Ford was the most-recalled automaker in 2023 by a considerable margin, this is a notable development. In 2023, Ford issued a staggering 58 recalls, covering 6.1 million Blue Oval vehicles in the U.S. Now, just a few weeks into the new year, 1.8 million Ford Explorers in the States find themselves subject to recall due to trim pieces that could potentially detach while driving. This issue isn’t confined to the U.S. alone; globally, it affects 2.2 million vehicles, as reported by Automotive News. This is concerning as the company has expanded the lineup in recent years with new vehicles such as the all electric SUV Mustang and redesigned Ford Bronco.

The root cause of this extensive recall lies in a seemingly simple problem. Recall number 24V-031, documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reveals that some exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments in the affected Explorers are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair. Specifically, Explorers from model years 2011 through 2019 are impacted, and the consequence of clips not being securely engaged is the potential detachment of trim pieces during operation.

While Ford maintains that no accidents or injuries have resulted from this failure, an examination of incident reports suggests a significant number of occurrences. According to Ford’s chronology report on the recall, there are 568 Vehicle Online Questionnaire reports and 14,337 warranty reports detailing instances of the exterior A-pillar trim either detaching or missing. Notably, the report indicates that Ford initiated an initial investigation in 2018 at the NHTSA’s request. At that time, it was deemed “not an unreasonable risk to safety” based on the low mass and geometry of the part, aligning with the NHTSA’s assessment. However, the situation took a turn in February 2023 when the NHTSA opened its own preliminary investigation, ultimately acknowledging the safety hazard posed by plastic parts potentially flying off a vehicle.

In response to the recall, Ford issued a statement to Motor1 on January 22, indicating the company’s commitment to addressing the issue promptly. The statement reads, “Ford issued a recall Jan. 22 on certain 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles for potential A-pillar trim detachment. We expect only 5 percent of the vehicle population to be affected and encourage customers to contact their dealership for an inspection when parts are available. At that point, customers will have free access to mobile repair and pick-up-and-delivery services at participating dealerships.”

The good news is that the solution to all of the Ford recalls in 2024 are relatively straightforward. Ford dealers will conduct inspections of the affected Explorers’ A-pillar trim and perform repairs or replacements as necessary to ensure secure fastening. The notification process for affected owners is set to commence in March. For those with concerns or seeking additional information, Ford customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332, with reference to recall 24S02.

Ford’s recall of 1.8 million Explorers due to potential trim detachment underscores the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly. While the recall adds to Ford’s already significant tally from the previous year, the automaker assures affected customers of a straightforward solution and offers support through inspections, repairs, and transparent communication channels.

Photos: Ford

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