NHTSA Complaint #11647649 — 2016 FORD EXPLORER

I own a 2016 Ford Explorer with approx. 61,000 miles on it. In August 2023 the B Pilar cover broke off while I was driving down a local freeway at approx. 70 MPH. I replaced this cover out-of-pocket. In October 2023 the A Pilar cover also broke off at freeway speeds and I also replaced it out-of-pocket. Neither pilar cover showed signs of being loose prior to coming off. In December 2023 the B Pilar cover came off again. On 1/19/2024 the NHTSA issued a recall for the Ford Explorer A/B Pilers coming off. (24V031). I contacted my local Ford Service Center, where I have had all my Ford vehicles serviced for over 35 years, and inquired about getting the A/B Pilers replaced. I was told that they had no parts coming in to do the repairs and that I would need to call then every month the check if they had parts. I did this for a year when I talked with someone who seemed to know more. I was told that the vehicle would need to be brought in, inspected and then it could be placed on their list and I would be notified when the parts were in. I was also told that they have been told by Ford that parts may not be available for months or the end of the year and there was nothing they could do about that. In the meantime the vehicle looks terrible and the gasket that surrounds the windshield is cracking and large pieces are coming off due to the exposure to the sunlight and weather. I received a telephone call today from the local dealership, inquiring if I was interested in trading in or selling my vehicle. I asked if they would fix the A/B Piller issue if they were to buy and then sell it. The person seemed to know where I was going with this and said they had nothing to do with the service department or the recalls, but, yes, the vehicle would have any recalls handled prior to them selling it.