NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
294 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 23, 2025
Power Train
[XXX] � [XXX] [XXX] ⸻ To Whom It May Concern, My name [XXX], and I am writing to file a formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and multiple associated dealerships for gross negligence, financial harm, and discriminatory practices related to a recall repair that began in 2023 and has yet to be properly resolved. I …
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[XXX] � [XXX] [XXX] ⸻ To Whom It May Concern, My name [XXX], and I am writing to file a formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and multiple associated dealerships for gross negligence, financial harm, and discriminatory practices related to a recall repair that began in 2023 and has yet to be properly resolved. I own a 2019 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. In 2023, I brought my vehicle to Wayne Akers Ford in West Palm Beach due to a torque converter recall. Before the issue was fixed, their transmission technician was fired, and I was redirected to Mullinax Ford. That began a two-year ordeal of being passed around between dealerships, misdiagnosed, and ignored while the original issue persisted. Alpaca Ford on 10th Avenue witnessed the malfunction twice but refused to repair it. I was told by Lenny, the Service Manager, and the Advisor Manager to “monitor the mileage” and report back — a delay tactic that eventually allowed them to deny my repair once the issue persisted at under 30 miles. When I returned with proof, they claimed the warranty had expired. This was caused entirely by their inaction and misguidance. To make matters worse: •I was forced to pay $1,300 for motor mounts that didn’t resolve the issue, despite telling them repeatedly it was unrelated. Ford covered a portion, but I was left to pay $897 out of pocket. •Tim Olsen at Wayne Akers Ford has refused to provide my refund and is now ignoring all calls and communication. •Ford’s corporate customer service has been involved from the beginning and failed to intervene effectively — despite acknowledging the situation. •I recently left a Google review describing my experience at Mullinax Ford, including my repeated denial of loaner vehicles while white customers were offered them freely. After posting the review, I was retaliated against — they refused to continue working on my car and told me to “come pick it up” without completing r INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11668647
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2025
StructureUnknown Or Other
In February I was driving to an appt. when the side panel on driver's door broke & started flying around & hitting car. (It has the numbers to enter the car without a key.) So I had to roll down window 1/2 way, grab the broken part & drive 18 miles to town, holding the part so it wouldn't fly off (in 30 degree weather!) So I…
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In February I was driving to an appt. when the side panel on driver's door broke & started flying around & hitting car. (It has the numbers to enter the car without a key.) So I had to roll down window 1/2 way, grab the broken part & drive 18 miles to town, holding the part so it wouldn't fly off (in 30 degree weather!) So I drove by the Ford Dealership where I got my car. They thought there was a recall on that item so I've been waiting. I just saw on the NHTSA site there was a recall for that item on 2016-17? Explorers, but mine is 2019!!! Would you please add the 2019 model to that recall? Also, I'm STILL WAITING (1 1/2 years later) for the recalled trim pieces around the front windshield.
NHTSA ODI #11666924
97,000 miles · Jun 13, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start-up there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start-up there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #11666781
36,000 miles · Jun 10, 2025
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly, and the contact had to depress the brake pedal with added force to stop the vehicle. The …
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly, and the contact had to depress the brake pedal with added force to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated there was an abnormal sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear brake pads and rotors had failed, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #11665992
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manu…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11665001
40,000 miles · Jun 2, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected th…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and advised the contact to apply tape on the windshield trim. The contact stated that the trim was taped; however, while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the weather stripping around the windshield was detaching. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was available at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11664324
95,000 miles · May 20, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it w…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11662081
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2025
Unknown Or Other
Difficulty getting the vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge. Initial recall indicated parts would be available in the latter half of 2024. It is now mid 2025. Ford dealership indicates parts are not available for recall, BUT parts ARE available if I'd like to pay out of pocket for repairs. That seems fraudulen…
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Difficulty getting the vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge. Initial recall indicated parts would be available in the latter half of 2024. It is now mid 2025. Ford dealership indicates parts are not available for recall, BUT parts ARE available if I'd like to pay out of pocket for repairs. That seems fraudulent and the A-pillar trim on my vehicle is obviously defective and coming off the vehicle. This is hazardous and Ford should not be able to charge for repairs and not comply with the recall repairs.
NHTSA ODI #11662041
Mileage unknown · May 15, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11661176
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11660754
Official recalls
6Jul 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.
Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
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.
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
1PE23001 · 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.