Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers Could Fly Off: 288,000 Vehicles Recalled

Ford has issued a recall affecting nearly 288,000 Explorer SUVs from the 2016 through 2019 model years. The problem? The roof rail covers, those sleek plastic trim pieces running along the top of the vehicle, might not stay put. According to documents filed with federal safety regulators, the covers can loosen over time and detach while driving, creating a potential hazard for other motorists.

The issue stems from a manufacturing defect that prevents the covers from locking securely into place.

The recall covers Explorers built between March 2015 and July 2019, primarily those equipped with roof rails as standard or optional equipment. Ford says it has received a handful of reports where covers came off at highway speeds, though no injuries have been linked to the problem so far.

Owners may notice the covers rattling or appearing misaligned before they fully separate from the vehicle. If a cover does fly off, it could strike another car or land in the roadway, posing a risk of accidents.

For Boca Auto Care customers, this recall is a straightforward fix. Ford dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and, if necessary, replace them with an improved design that includes stronger clips. The service is free of charge, and owners should receive notification by mail starting in early April.

If you drive a 2016-2019 Ford Explorer and haven’t gotten a recall letter yet, bring it by our shop, we can check your vehicle’s VIN and help coordinate the repair. Safety is our priority, and we want to make sure your Explorer is road-ready without any loose parts.