Ford Recalls Nearly Half a Million Explorers Over Trim Detachment Risk

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for approximately 492,145 of its 2016-2017 Explorer models due to concerns that B-pillar trim appliques on the front doors may detach while driving, potentially creating road hazards and increasing the risk of accidents. The recall, designated 25V347 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and internally as 25S53 by Ford, highlights a defect with the trim pieces located on the sides of the vehicles’ front doors.

The issue stems from a design change in which a foam donut was added to the back of the applique, increasing outward force. Additionally, inconsistent use of hand rollers during assembly led to incomplete adhesion of the trim pieces. Customers may notice these appliques separating from the doors or experience increased wind or rattling noise while driving. Ford’s investigation into the defect began in March 2025 after NHTSA shared multiple consumer complaints, leading to the company’s Critical Concern Review Group opening an inquiry.

By April 2025, Ford had received 1,482 warranty claims related to the defect but reported no accidents or injuries linked to the issue. The affected Explorers were produced between June 11, 2015, and April 19, 2017, with a two-week buffer added to capture all possibly impacted vehicles. Ford’s field action to address the problem was approved on May 16, 2025.

The remedy for the defect is still being developed. Once finalized, Ford plans to notify vehicle owners by mail and instruct them to bring their vehicles to Ford or Lincoln dealers for a no-cost repair. Interim notifications to owners are scheduled to begin on June 9, 2025. Dealer notifications are expected to be completed by May 27, 2025, and vehicle identification numbers will also become searchable at that time.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from Ford Motor Company press release.

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