661,000 Ford Explorer SUVs Recalled By U.S. Regulators

Cars are designed with the highest safety standards in mind. But ever so often a recall is announced causing general concern for drivers. The type of recall can range from headlight issues to airbag failures, even to problematic tires. In March, we reported on the Nissan Sentra recall for a brake light malfunction.  This month, Ford is feeling the heat with a recent recall on 661,000 Ford Explorer SUVs, spanning across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. 

Read on to find the solution to the Ford Explorer SUV recall in 2021. In addition, discover the growing concern over the vitality of Ford Explorer SUVs.

Detecting the problem

Ford Motor Co is recalling 661,000 Ford Explorer SUVs due to roof rail covers detaching. The roof rails provide security and an added pinpoint for recreational gear and storage on top of your SUV. However, loose roof rails are a recipe for disaster. 

According to Ford press release, the recall concerns base and XLT trim levels as well as Police Inceptor and Explorer Sport models. The problem stems from roof rail detaching while driving, which endangers other drivers on the road.

This recall applies to all Explorer sport utility vehicles from 2016 to 2019. If you drive a Ford Explorer SUV from those years, this article is for you. But we encourage all drivers to remain aware of this recent recall.  

Sourcing the remedy

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating this issue back in April 2020. As a result, Ford initiated an extended warranty on roof rail repairs. Until further data was collected, offering a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty was the best remedy. By spring 2021, the roof rail issue required greater awareness.

A national recall holds dealerships accountable. If you are a drive a Ford Explorer, the dealership is responsible for remedying the roof rail problem. Ford dealers will fix your broken roof rail by installing push pins to securely mount the roof rails back on the hood of your Ford Explorer SUV. This solution will thereby prevent the roof rails from continuing to lose effectiveness and prevent safety hazards on the road. 

In light of this recent recall, Ford has stated that it is not aware of any injuries or casualties relating to the roof rail malfunction.

Does this cause alarm for Ford Explorer drivers? 

The short answer is no. While recalls warrant our awareness, it doesn’t always mean that your life is in immediate danger. With that said, it is best to address the issue as soon as possible. It isn’t worth having to find out why the recall is occurring. Don’t assume it won’t happen to you. 

Manufacturers might not always get everything right, but a recall is a blessing in disguise to keep automotive companies accountable. With the watchful eye of U.S. regulators and other non-profit organizations geared toward automotive safety, recalls happen the moment an issue seriously jeopardizes consumer safety.   

This time, the Ford Explorer SUV is calling your attention. However, this isn’t new for the Ford brand. The American automaker is pretty notorious for recalls. In 2018, Ford issued recalls on 1.6 million Ford F-150s and 1.3 million Ford Fusion sedans. 

Further concern with the Ford Explorer SUV

Image source: Ford

The recent recall concerns only 2016-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs, but the 2020 model has already raised concern over the future genuity behind this once most-selling sport utility vehicle. Watch the video below to find out why the Explorer may have reached its peak, including what went wrong with the latest redesign. 

Remember — if you drive a 2016-2019 Ford Explorer SUV, make sure to reach out to your local Ford dealership to address this concern. Drivers can expect official notice starting June 28th, 2021. Until then, stay safe on the road.