Ford is recalling close to 500,000 Explorer SUVs from model years 2016 and 2017 due to a safety concern involving the exterior door trim, which could detach while driving and create a hazard on the road, according to U.S. safety officials.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that 492,145 vehicles are included in the recall. These Explorers were built between June 11, 2015, and April 19, 2017.
Although Ford initially became aware of the issue in 2019, the company did not originally deem it a significant safety risk. However, after the NHTSA presented Ford with numerous reports from vehicle owners earlier this year, the company launched a deeper investigation. That inquiry led to the formal recall decision.
Ford determined that inadequate adhesive bonding was causing the trim to come loose. So far, there have been no reported injuries or crashes related to the defect.
Ford plans to begin notifying affected owners by mail starting June 9. Once a repair solution is finalized, owners will receive further instructions to bring their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a free fix.
The NHTSA has assigned the recall number 25V347, and Ford’s internal recall code is 25S53.
