NHTSA Complaint #11522220 — 2015 FORD EXPLORER

A-Pillar molding suddenly detached and flew off while driving down interstate. The driver's side flew off in October of 2020. Caused me to swerve as I thought I hit something. Thankfully, no one was beside me. I didn't realize what it was until I was able to pull over at rest stop. Passenger side flew off while on highway in April of 2023. This time, the seal/gasket remained attached and was slapping the side of the vehicle until I could get somewhere to top and yank it off. The pillar molding caused several vehicles behind me to swerve, but no accidents were caused. Both times this happened, several of the plastic clips appear to have been broken. Both times this happened, there was no warning. No sounds or minor lifting to indicate that something might be loose. After the driver's side one happened, I took the vehicle in to the dealership and was told by Barton Ford that "this is a common problem with this style of Explorer." I could not afford the amount that I was quoted to replace. Also, after the first incident, I started noticing how many other Explorers are driving around with the same issue. This is ridiculous that Ford is allowing this issue to remain unresolved. I live in the country, where highway speeds are common on back roads and the sound alone that this makes is terrifying. I thought that I blew a tire and there was rubber on my windshield the first time. The second time, I had people slowing down and trying to get away from me probably in fear that more parts were going to suddenly start falling off. Also caused cosmetic damage to my passenger side door and windows due to the "flapping" of the rubber.