NHTSA Complaint #11715505 — 2015 FORD EXPLORER

A recall was issued in Jan 2024 - notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. In the fall, maybe September 2024, we had still been unable to schedule an inspection by the dealership. We were driving on the interstate, and part of the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off of the car into traffic, where it could have potentially caused an accident, had there been more traffic at the time. We finally got the vehicle inspected in Spring 2025, and were told we did need the trim replaced on both sides, and it should be available by the fall of 2025. During the first week in January 2026, I asked again about the replacement, and was informed that the new projected date for the part to be available was a year out (i.e. end of 2026 or beginning of 2027). In Aug 2025, we had the windscreen replaced, and were told by Safelite Auto Glass that they had the A-Pillars and Trim available in their warehouse, but since we were expecting the dealership to replace these parts, we declined the additional expense. I've been informed at the dealership that many people buy them online or from other locations, but there was no offer of reimbursement if I went outside of the Ford parts supply system. I understand with almost 2 million vehicles affected, patience is necessary, but I think 3 years waiting for a fix (when compatible parts are obviously still available in the economy) is excessive, and puts more people at risk, particularly if hundreds of thousands of vehicles are still driving around with the original, un-fixed parts.