Car recalls: Why they happen and what buyers should know
Why do car recalls happen? Here's what you should know if your car has an open recall.
Ford is recalling more than 1.8 million Explorer vehicles because a part connected to the windshield poses a potential safety risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.
Federal safety regulators released the recall on Monday after the safety problems were reported to NHTSA.
The retaining clips for the A-pillar trim, the piece of metal that runs along the left and right sides of the windshield, may not be hooked properly due to improper installation, causing the trim to come loose.
A detached panel could potentially fall from the SUV, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash, NHTSA wrote in the recall letter.
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You can search for open recalls for your vehicle in USA TODAY's recall database.
Which Ford models are being recalled?
All 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models are affected.
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What happens if my Ford Explorer has been recalled?
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim free of charge if necessary.
“We expect only 5% of the vehicle population to be affected and encourage customers to contact their dealer for an inspection as parts become available,” Maria Buczkowski, a Ford spokeswoman, said via email Wednesday. Email to USA TODAY. “From this point onwards, customers will have free access to mobile repair and collection and delivery services at participating dealers.”
Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be sent March 13, 2024, federal safety authorities said.
What is the Ford Explorer recall number?
Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The callback number is 24S02.
You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.