NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
728 reports30,000 miles · Sep 16, 2020
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION/TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, WHERE THE VEHICLE ESSENTIAL STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS, THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION APPEAR TO 'SYNC' AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, BUT THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. THE FIR…
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I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION/TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, WHERE THE VEHICLE ESSENTIAL STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS, THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION APPEAR TO 'SYNC' AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, BUT THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN, I WAS IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT, SO I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN, JULY 12TH, 2020, I WAS CROSSING A BUSY ROAD OF TRAFFIC NEAR MY HOME AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. AS I WAS CROSSING THE 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I WAS ALMOST SIDE SWIPED BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE INCLUDING NO FAILED SENSORS IN THE COMPUTER AND THE TECHNICIANS WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE CONCERN. ON AUGUST 19TH, 2020, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP HOPING THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE ISSUES I HAD BEEN HAVING. UPON ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS, THE ERROR WAS CLEARED FOR AN ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR, BUT THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO MY CONCERNS WITH THE ACCELERATION OR TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #11355386
38,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Steering
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM DETECTED A FAULT, TWICE. LOSS POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. I COULD BARELY TURN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11354890
15,780 miles · Sep 14, 2020
SteeringUnknown Or Other
I PURCHASED THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT LAST NOVEMBER 2018, AND THERE'S NO SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I NOTICED IT LAST MONTH AND I GO STRAIGHT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS, THE DISTURBING NOISE IS UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CO…
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I PURCHASED THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT LAST NOVEMBER 2018, AND THERE'S NO SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I NOTICED IT LAST MONTH AND I GO STRAIGHT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS, THE DISTURBING NOISE IS UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CONFUSING PART IS THE SQUEAKING NOISE YOU CAN ONLY HEAR THAT WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. IF IT'S THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE AIR BAG INSIDE IS THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11354823
6,000 miles · Aug 29, 2020
Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE HAD AN ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION (WRENCH) LAMP, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC MESSAGE, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE MESSAGE, AND LACK OF POWER WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0107 (MAP FAULTY). OCCURRED WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT WITHOUT …
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VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE HAD AN ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION (WRENCH) LAMP, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC MESSAGE, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE MESSAGE, AND LACK OF POWER WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0107 (MAP FAULTY). OCCURRED WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS DISABLED THE VEHICLE IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION AND POWER STEERING WAS LOST. VEHICLE LURCHED ERRATICALLY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO SAFETY THEN TOWED TO DEALER. VERY UNSAFE AS IT LITERALLY DIED AND STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING!!! INITIALLY TOWED TO COLLEY FORD IN GLENDORA, CA. THAT DEALER WAS SO HORRIFIC TO DEAL WITH, WE HAD THE SUV IMMEDIATELY TOWED (AGAIN) TO PUENTE HILLS, CA DEALER. UNACCEPTABLE HANDLING BY COLLEY FORD.
NHTSA ODI #11351923
10,111 miles · Aug 26, 2020
Structure
MY 2018 FORD EXPLORER ROOF RACKS FLEW OFF (BROKE OFF) WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING CARS BEHIND ME TO SWERVE TO AVOID IMPACT THIS OCCURRED IN JANUARY 2019.
NHTSA ODI #11351285
43,586 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Electrical System
IN MARCH 2018 I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 EXPLORER. IN NOVEMBER 2019 MY SECURITY SYSTEM STARTED GOING OFF ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY DISTURBANCE TO THE VEHICLE OR ME TOUCHING MY KEYS. THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE FORD SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME MY BATTERY WAS DEAD DUE TO A COLD SNAP (WE ARE IN SC...IT DOES NOT GET THAT COLD)…
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IN MARCH 2018 I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 EXPLORER. IN NOVEMBER 2019 MY SECURITY SYSTEM STARTED GOING OFF ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY DISTURBANCE TO THE VEHICLE OR ME TOUCHING MY KEYS. THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE FORD SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME MY BATTERY WAS DEAD DUE TO A COLD SNAP (WE ARE IN SC...IT DOES NOT GET THAT COLD). I HAD TO GET A BRAND NEW BATTERY. NOW LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, IT'S AUGUST 2020 AND THE KEY PAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR IS MALFUNCTIONING AND BLINKING UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT FINALLY DIED AND DOES NOT WORK. THE CAR IS STILL FUNCTIONING FINE UP UNTIL THIS POINT. NOW 3 WEEKS LATER, MY CAR DID NOT START THIS MORNING AND I HAD TO BE JUMPED OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SOMETHING IS DRAINING MY BATTERY AND IT IS NOT HOLDING A CHARGE. THERE'S NO REASON WHY A 2018 EXPLORER SHOULD NEED TWO NEW BATTERIES IN 2 YEARS. SOMETHING IS DRAINING MY BATTERY AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT THAT ISSUE IS.
NHTSA ODI #11351222
43,000 miles · Jul 24, 2020
Electrical System
HAD CAR SERVICED ON 06/13/20 BATTERY 100% DOCUMENTED. ON 07/09/20 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A QUARTER OF MILE FROM MY HOUSE WHEN THE BATTERY EXPLODED. THERE WAS A STRONG SULFUR(ROTTEN EGG) SMELL THAT FILLED THE WHOLE CAR AND WAS HARD TO BREATHE. STOPPED THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD AND CONFIRMED THAT THE BATTERY HAD EXPLODED SPRA…
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
NHTSA ODI #11341329
4,665 miles · Jul 15, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN ACCELERATING WE CAN SMELL EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF OUR VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. WE HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO GET AIR. ON TRIPS FROM PHOENIX TO SAN DIEGO THRU THE MOUNTAIN PASSES WE HAVE GOTTON DIZZY FROM EXHAUST SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 4+ TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS …
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WHEN ACCELERATING WE CAN SMELL EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF OUR VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. WE HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO GET AIR. ON TRIPS FROM PHOENIX TO SAN DIEGO THRU THE MOUNTAIN PASSES WE HAVE GOTTON DIZZY FROM EXHAUST SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 4+ TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE, DEALER HAS SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NO FIX. YOU CAN SMELL THE HUMIDITY OF THE EXHAUST AS WELL AS THE BURNT OIL. EVERY TIME I GET IN MY VEHICLE WITH FRIENDS, I'M EMBARRASSED OF SMELLING EXHAUST AND HOPE IT DOESN'T AFFECT HEALTH OF ANYONE. WE CAN SEE THE EXHAUST SOOT BUILDING UP ALONG THE ENGINE BLOCK AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD BUT THE DEALER TOLD US THATS NORMAL ROAD GRIME.
NHTSA ODI #11339559
14,500 miles · Jul 13, 2020
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTONATION FORD EAST (28825 EUCLID AVE, WICKLIFFE, OH 44092) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTONATION FORD EAST (28825 EUCLID AVE, WICKLIFFE, OH 44092) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO A POTENTIAL TURBO LAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATED INDICATOR FAULT LIGHTS ON THE DASH FAILED THREE TIMES.*JB
NHTSA ODI #11339021
28,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Tires
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 (255/50R20 105H) TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE TREADWEAR (LESS THAN 2/32 MINIMUM) AND CUTS IN TREAD. HANKOOK TIRES HAVE 28K MILES, ARE ORIGINAL TO 2018 EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE AND TIRES ARE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED VIA PREMIUM MAINTENANCE PLAN. VEHICLE IS ALIGNED. LOW TREAD AND CUTS ARE PREVENTING DEA…
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HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 (255/50R20 105H) TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE TREADWEAR (LESS THAN 2/32 MINIMUM) AND CUTS IN TREAD. HANKOOK TIRES HAVE 28K MILES, ARE ORIGINAL TO 2018 EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE AND TIRES ARE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED VIA PREMIUM MAINTENANCE PLAN. VEHICLE IS ALIGNED. LOW TREAD AND CUTS ARE PREVENTING DEALERS/OTHERS FROM FIXING FLAT CAUSED BY NAIL PUNCTURE. AT LEAST 2 TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND CUTS.
NHTSA ODI #11338199
Official recalls
7Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Jan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
May 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Nov 14, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
AQ22003 · Hertz/vehicles Rented With Open Recalls
Opened Dec 16, 2022 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.