Some recent recall news from the Ford Motor Company has had some consumers raising their eyebrows. Specifically, a recall of two million Ford Explorer SUVs due to an underlying trim issue has caused alarm and left many Ford customers wondering what they need to do now, if anything. 

Learn everything you need to know about this trim recall and what to do in the event of a Ford recall in the future.

Details of the Recall

First and foremost, for those who haven’t heard, Ford recently issued a significant recall impacting nearly two million Ford Explorers from model years 2011 to 2019. The cause of the recall lies in the A-pillar exterior trim piece, which is located on either side of the front windshield. These seemingly insignificant plastic parts are held in place by clips, which, incidentally enough, may not be as secure as promised.

Many customers have lodged complaints and reports that these trim pieces have detached while driving. This turns the trim pieces into dangerous loose debris on the road, which can lead to an accident for the driver of the Ford Explorer and other vehicles on the road, as reported by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA has known about the issue since around 2018 and launched a formal investigation into the claim. With over 550 complaints filed for the issue and over 14,000 related warranty reports, it was determined that this problem warrants a recall. Affected Ford owners are expected to receive notice via mail service if their vehicle is included in the recall in March. Ford is unaware of any reported accidents or crashes stemming from this issue.

Safety Concerns and Implications

While thankfully, no injuries have been reported yet as a result of this issue, the potential damage can still be troubling. Any piece of debris flying off of a vehicle poses a serious danger to yourself and other drivers on the road. From a damaged windshield to damaging components on a car itself, debris can lead to major accidents. The risk of a crash or general safety hazard skyrockets when the trim retention clips give out on the affected Ford Explorers, which is why owners of these vehicles should take immediate action.

3 Steps Ford Owners Can Take

The anticipation of knowing whether or not your Ford Explorer is included in the trending recall can be troubling, but knowing the proper steps to take next can help. There are three main steps all Ford owners can take to stay on top of the situation:

1. Check for recall inclusion. There’s no reason to leave anything to chance with a recall for affected vehicles. You should visit the NHTSA recall checker website and enter your VIN to see if your car is included in any recalls.
2. Schedule a free inspection. Once you have confirmed that your vehicle is included in the recall, contact your local Ford dealership as soon as possible to have it inspected for free. This will likely involve replacing the adhesive on the clips that keep the trim fastened.
3. Stay informed. To avoid missing information on future recalls, consider registering with Ford to receive updates and notifications specific to your vehicle.

Ford’s Response and Rectification Plan

Luckily for Ford owners, the company is taking the situation quite seriously. They have openly acknowledged the issue and are clearly in the midst of reaching out to the owners of vehicles that may be affected by the problem. Free repairs will be provided at all their dealerships, a proactive approach that can help drivers on the road while minimizing risk for everyone.

While Ford is taking active steps to solve the issue, alerting drivers by mail can take some time, so consider revisiting step one from above and checking whether your vehicle is affected.

Impact on Owners and Industry

Recalls, while inconvenient, tend to highlight a manufacturer’s commitment to safety and taking responsive action when issues arise. However, they can also create concerns regarding vehicle quality and leave you feeling unsafe. This situation, as well as any recall, should serve as a reminder of the importance of the following:

• Tackle regular maintenance frequently. While vehicles under 36,000 miles generally require very little maintenance, anything over will require frequent checkups. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact schedule required, but handle quick-hit items such as oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs, and more regularly.
• Stay up-to-date on company trends. As mentioned previously, the best way to stay proactive about your vehicle’s safety is to stay on top of industry trends.

Role of Extended Warranties in Recall Situations

While the manufacturer will typically cover repairs related to recall situations, having an extended warranty contract with your vehicle can help. An automaker will cover certain repairs but not all of them, which is why an extended warranty can offer an extra layer of security and comfort. In addition to protection for crucial components under the hood, certain extended warranty providers, such as Endurance, can provide the following benefits:

• 24/7 Roadside and Towing: In the event of unexpected breakdowns due to a recall, having roadside assistance with towing coverage can help you get your vehicle to a dealership or repair shop quickly
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Recalls can leave you stranded and wondering what to do next. However, extended warranty contracts may allow you to be reimbursed for renting a vehicle while your Explorer is fixed at the shop.
• Trip Interruption Coverage: The last thing anyone wants on vacation is to have something go wrong with their vehicle, but breakdowns aren’t convenient. Having your warranty contract provide for trip interruption coverage can help with this issue.

How Endurance Can Protect Your Ford Vehicle

Ford will cover the cost of repairing the issue with vehicles affected by the recall, but that doesn’t mean other issues won’t arise in time. Keeping your Ford protected in the long run with an extended warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract, from Endurance can be an excellent choice.

While smaller components such as automotive trim parts may not be covered by a warranty, Endurance offers contracts ranging from high-level stated coverage to near bumper-to-bumper coverage. In addition to your breakdown protection and standard 24/7 roadside assistance, you can enjoy our Elite Benefits package for a small activation fee. This package offers bonus perks such as tire coverage, key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and much more.

To learn more about how Endurance can help you and your vehicle, call our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price today!