Ford Recalls 288,000 Explorers Due to Loose Roof Rail Covers

Key Takeaways

• Ford is recalling 288,314 Explorers due to loose roof rail covers.
• The components can come loose and fly off the vehicle, posing a danger to other road users.
• One accident has already been reported.
• The recall affects 2016-2019 Explorers with roof rail covers that can loosen over time.
• A remedy is not yet available, but owners will be notified in August and again when the repair is available.

What’s Causing the Problem?

The root cause of the issue remains unknown, but it’s believed that heat cycles and wear could potentially result in the loosening of retention clips.

For vehicles repaired with epoxy, the process is ‘repair technician-sensitive,’ so it’s believed employees may not have replaced damaged retention clips or may not have applied the epoxy in the right location or amount.

How Does the Recall Affect Owners?

Owners will receive an initial notification in August and another when the repair is available, likely in September.

Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers – as needed.

Is This a New Issue for Ford?

No, Ford has previously addressed the issue of loose roof rail covers in 2020 and 2021.

In 2020, the company conducted a ‘customer satisfaction’ campaign to address roof rail covers that could become loose, show a visible gap, rattle, or detach.

What About the Hyundai Recall?

Hyundai is recalling 47,749 crossovers, including the 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona, due to a rear center seat buckle that ‘may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.‘

The supplier of the seatbelt buckle, Joyson, told Hyundai about a failed dynamic test in February, which kicked off an investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Explorers are affected by the recall?

A: 288,314 Explorers are affected by the recall.

Q: What is the cause of the problem?

A: The root cause of the issue remains unknown, but it’s believed that heat cycles and wear could potentially result in the loosening of retention clips.

Q: How will owners be notified?

A: Owners will receive an initial notification in August and another when the repair is available, likely in September.