Ford Explorer Owners: Check Your Roof Rails - New Recall Issued

Ford has announced a recall affecting roughly 17,000 Explorer SUVs from the 2016 to 2019 model years. The issue involves the roof rail covers, those plastic trim pieces running along the top of the vehicle, which may detach while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the clips securing the covers can fail, especially in warmer climates, posing a hazard to other motorists if the parts fly off.

S. states, including Florida, Texas, and California, where sun exposure is more intense. Ford says the adhesive used on the clips can degrade over time, causing the covers to loosen. Owners in affected regions will receive notifications starting in late April. Dealers will replace the roof rail covers with an updated design, free of charge.

If you own a 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, you can check your vehicle’s recall status by entering your VIN on Ford’s website or the NHTSA’s recall portal. Boca Auto Care recommends scheduling an inspection if you notice any looseness in the roof trim. While this recall is specific to certain regions, the shop can help verify if your Explorer is included and assist with the repair process.