Ford said on Wednesday it was recalling 2.24m older Explorer SUVs worldwide because trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, Reuters reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reportedly said on Wednesday the recall included 1.89m SUVs in the US and covered 2011 through 2019 model year vehicles because the trim could detach.
Ford said it was unaware of any reports of crashes or injuries relating to the recall, according to the report.
Dealers would inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary. Ford stopped using the part in 2019.
Ford said it expected 5% of the vehicle population to be impacted, according to Reuters.
Owners of the affected vehicles night see gaps around a loose A-pillar trim or detect audible rattles or excessive wind noise from the A-pillar area.
The automaker said it first received an informal inquiry from NHTSA in 2018 related to exterior A-pillar trim parts detachments on 2012-2014 Explorer vehicles.
Ford said that in 2018, it determined the issue did not pose an unreasonable risk to safety. In 2021, it reopened a review of the issue but again determined no recall was needed.
In February 2023, according to Reuters, NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation to review the issue and, in August, Ford received an inquiry from Transport Canada over the same issue.
NHTSA reportedly told Ford the trim detachment while driving was a road safety hazard to other vehicles. Ford said it was aware of 14,337 warranty reports alleging missing or detached exterior A-pillar trim parts.
