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If you own a 2011-2019 Ford Explorer, you may want to contact your local dealership service department about open recalls. The latest problem? A plastic trim piece covering the “A-Pillar” between the windshield and front windows is liable to fly off while driving and cause an accident.

A factory worker assembles a Ford Explorer full-size SUV
2019 Ford Explorer | Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has heard from 164 Explorer owners who had problems with this trim piece. And Ford admitted to the NHTSA that it is aware of 568 more owners reporting problems. Ford is quick to add that it is not aware of any accidents that have been caused by the malfunction–yet. The NHTSA still insists, understandably, that it’s a major safety concern that the SUV tends to eject bits of itself. Flying debris could distract other drivers or even damage other vehicles.

Ford admits that the problem could affect almost two million Explorers. But the automaker is optimistic that only 5% of these vehicles will have the problem. That’s still 95,000 unsafe SUVs, each with two pieces of trim threatening to take flight. Ford Motor Company is still hustling to get enough replacement parts to its dealerships, then plans to notify owners of the recall in March. But you don’t have to wait that long.

Red Ford Explorer SUV racing down the road.
2014 Ford Explorer Sport | Ford

You can always take your 2011-2019 Ford Explorer in to the local dealership’s service department and ask about Ford Recall 24S02. Ford says the techs there should be able to tell if the glue and fasteners holding your A-Pillar trim pieces are bad. Honestly, I’d rather have the techs remove the trim pieces, and drive around without them even if replacements won’t be available until March. But I might be overly cautious.

You can always call the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4238 (1-800-424-9153), read them your VIN, and find out whether there are any open recalls on your vehicle.

Next, find out why an avalanche of recalls is coming, or see more common problems with the fifth-generation (2011-2019) Ford Explorer in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.