What 1,191 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Explorer

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11615628

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11614875

Driving and B pillar on the driver side came off my vehicle. Then later while driving the B pillar broke while driving down the interstate, luckily no one got hurt when it broke in half. Now I have it taped up so water doesn’t go into my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11612040

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the passenger’s side window. The contact observed that the trim on the A-pillar was loose and had almost blown off the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving and later was able to remove the damaged trim piece. The contact stated that the driver's side trim was also loosened. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11608658

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact observed that the door panel was separating from the door frame on the driver's side. The contact stated that the panel was separating from the middle of the panel and was creating a gap from left to right. The contact stated that the gap had trapped his left arm shirt sleeve and was more noticeable while wearing a coat. The contact stated that the failure impeding drivability. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and the contact was forwarded to an auto body shop for the repair. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door panel was also separating from the center top. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603970

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the A-pillar on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed that a part of the trim on the A-pillar near the top of the trim had loosened. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or repair facility. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11591466

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while observing the vehicle, the A-pillar trim on the driver's and passenger's sides was detaching. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle on both the driver's and passenger's side. The contact stated that mold and mildew was growing inside the vehicle and there was a mildew odor. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11589338

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, she observed an unknown noise from the outside of the vehicle. The contact stated that when she opened the driver's door, the A-Pillar trim fell to the ground. Additionally, the contact stated that her hair got caught in the tar where the A-Pillar trim was supposed to be. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,373.

NHTSA ODI 11580524

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the exterior A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle on the highway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580103

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the driver's side A-Pillar Trim flew off hitting the driver's side mirror and cracked the mirror and casing. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577639

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had noticed that the trim on both A-pillars were loosened. The contact stated that the trim pieces had not detached nor separated from the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11576253

Driver side window panel flew off during my drive on the interstate directly after I noticed it being loose for the first time. 3rd row seatbelts leak when it rains on both sides. Rear backup camera is opposite/flipped and goes in and out. Trunk will close on you after opening it up with the car not running. It will not sense movement when the car is off and continues to shut resulting in harm.

NHTSA ODI 11575023

Trim on left side A-pillar detached at highway speeds causing further damage to vehicle. The plastic trim and rubber seal detached and were damaged along with door trim and left marks on the driver window glass and upper door sash from the rubber seal.

NHTSA ODI 11545258

I was driving on interstate 95 when the trim that covers the driver's side A pillar began to flap for a few seconds before flying off the car. It smashed the B pillar and cracked it before ultimately flying directly at the car behind me narrowly missing it. It was difficult to maintain control of the vehicle due to the sudden noise, it felt like the car was suddenly under attack.

NHTSA ODI 11535979

The windshield trim on the driver's side flew off of the vehicle when I was traveling on the interstate (at interstate speed - about 70 mph). It did not hit another vehicle, but certainly could have if another vehicle had been to my left or close behind my vehicle. I was unable to stop and retrieve the part. No inspection has been made by police, insurance, etc. I now need to have the trim piece replaced, and I am nervous about the windshield trim on the passenger side possibly doing the same thing.

NHTSA ODI 11515936

I read an article online dated 1/31/23 that indicated that the NHTSA was investigating windshield trim panel issues on certain year models of the Ford Explorer. My 2011 Ford Explorer driver-side windshield trim panel flew off the vehicle while driving at highway speeds (70+ mph) on May 3, 2021, so I wanted to provide this information and photos of the damage. I agree this is a serious issue for this Make and model that should be addressed. This was an expensive repair and dangerous for other drivers on the road. I can provide additional information if needed.

NHTSA ODI 11513580

Passenger side windshield trim came off while traveling on freeway at 85 mph hit the windshield. Then about hit the car behind us and about hit a car next to us. The car is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11509953

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508953

Driver's seat windshield panel flew off while driving. Part number BB5Z-7803145-AA

NHTSA ODI 11507388

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trim panels detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that he repaired the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507011

While traveling at freeway speeds a vibration sound could be heard around the front windshield area when a slight cross wind would occur, I was unable to locate the cause until after a couple months of this behavior the passenger side windshield trim piece suddenly departed the vehicle while traveling at 70 mph. The vehicle was serviced at Novus glass and the trim was then replaced. However, the new also began falling off after only a few days, and Novus Glass advised that they see this type of issue all the time, as the plastic tabs that are meant to secure the trim piece often get broken even when installing a new part.

NHTSA ODI 11504830

Driver’s side black plastic A pillar windshield trim piece detached as I was driving on the highway. Startled me but I kept my composure. No other damage. Piece could have hit another vehicle behind me or a motorcyclist. When I stopped I confirmed the piece missing. Seems only held on by tape and Velcro

NHTSA ODI 11505065

I NOTICED THAT MY WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS STORED, HAD WATER IN IT ABOUT 2 INCHES DEEP. I REMOVED THE 3-4 DRAIN PLUGS AND ALLOWED WATER TO DRAIN OUT AND TIME TO DRY. I THINK IT HAS BEEN LEAKING A WHILE BECAUSE THE TIRE JACK AND WHEEL WELL HAD OBVIOUS RUST. THEN I NOTICED A SMELL OF MILDEW IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL ITEMS IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WERE DAMP. SINCE THEN, IT IS APPARENT THERE IS A WATER LEAK IN THE REAR. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS.

NHTSA ODI 11253168

RIGHT FRONT AXLE/CONTROL ARM FAILING (SNAPPED CLEANLY IN 2) 3 TIMES WITHIN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME MAY HAVE BEEN SUBSEQUENT TO LOW SPEED FRONT END COLLISION. SECOND & THIRD TIMES DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH WITH NO COLLISION UNTIL AFTER HEARING THE SNAP & SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF STEERING. SECOND TIME FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP & TURNING LEFT ON A CITY STREET.THIRD TIME I'D BEEN DRIVING STRAIGHT APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE ON A CITY STREET WITH SPEED NO GREATER THAN 25 MPH. LAST TWO REPLACEMENT/REPAIR DONE BY PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITY.

NHTSA ODI 11235001

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH THE SUN ROOF IN THE CLOSED POSITION, WATER LEAKED FROM THE SUN ROOF INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. COURT ST. FORD (558 WILLIAM LATHAM DR, BOURBONNAIS, IL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *TR*JB

NHTSA ODI 11229528