Ford Recalls Over 288,000 Explorers Over Loose Roof Rail Covers That Could Detach and Cause Accidents

Ford has recalled 288,314 units of the 2016–2019 Ford Explorer due to loose roof rail cover trim pieces that could detach while driving and create a road hazard. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a detached roof rail trim cover can separate from the vehicle in motion, increasing the risk of a crash for other drivers. The issue is linked to prior repairs, and in some cases heat cycles may have worsened retention clip loosening. Ford received one incident report involving a cover that detached after an epoxy/adhesive-based repair method. The recall follows NHTSA contact with Ford on March 23, 2026, after the Office of Defects Investigation received 46 vehicle owner questionnaires alleging looseness and/or detachment, including vehicles previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program 20N11 or Safety Recall 21V316/21S22. Ford approved a field action on July 7, 2026. Owners are expected to be notified and directed to dealers for remedy work.