2017 FORD EXPLORER Structurebody Problems

The black weather striping under the windshield trim molding is coming off / detaching while driving

Front windshield pillars came off auto while driving. The passenger side flew off in July 2022 and the driver side came off in July 2023. Nether hit a car behind us but it happened on the freeway so could not stop to find the piece. We had the passenger side replaced by Vroom auto shop and just ordered a non OEM part for the driver side. If we have Ford replace it the cost is about $500 EACH.

Driving 70 mph on Interstate -10 the window seal came off and a side panel adjacent to the window flew off of the Explorer. I had to pay for the two parts and labor charges. I had the trim piece and the window seal replaced at a Ford dealership. The Ford Represenative told me, “Ford is aware it's been a problem”. At the present the rubber seal around the doors are coming apart from the frame.

Since June 5th, 2023, I have had to have the passenger side windshield pillar mount trim replaced 3 different times due to clips breaking and the trim piece begins to become unattached when driving. It was replaced again yesterday and not even 2 hours after it was replaced, the top clip that is attached to the trim piece and clicks into the body of my car, it already broke off from the trim piece and the top of the trim piece is loose again. This is absolutely unacceptable and a major safety issue.

The front windshield side trim piece detached from my vehicle while driving and was hanging on by a tiny piece of rubber. I had to pull over on the interstate to pull it off which was very dangerous.

Component: Passenger side windshield trim Safety Risk: I was traveling on the interstate between 70-75mph when the trim flew off. It went directly in the path of the vehicle behind me causing them to swerve. They nearly hit the vehicle in the left lane by doing so. Problem confirmed: No, just happened and have not contacted dealership yet Component inspected: No, was destroyed after being run over multiple times in rush hour traffic Warnings, messages, or symptoms: Just as it was happening there was a clicking or smacking sound then it went. Maybe 30 seconds between sound and part flying off.

Driver side windshield trim detached from vehicle while driving at highway speed. Do not have the actual trim, have photographs of the A-post where trim detached. Safety of other drivers at risk due to part flying off vehicle at highway speeds. A quick Google search shows this as an issue for many drivers. No inspection of the issue completed. No warning lamps or messages. Rubber trim around windshield began to degrade and rattle could be heard on occasion at highway speeds.

My Wife, child, and I, were driving down the interstate and the exterior driver side panel by the windshield flew just flew off. When we stopped at a gas station it looked like serious deterioration to the seal and clips that held it together was present. The clips were all broken. On this same trip, we began to hear what sounded like bees buzzing in the dash. We stopped again to worry that something had to be going wrong. We did some research on the spot, and it seems to be the windshield cowl. After getting home it we did more research and it looks like these are very common issues, but when we talk to Ford, they just dismiss our concerns and tell us it's not covered under warranty. even though it's an apparent quality control issue on their part. We bought this vehicle used about 5 months ago...

When you hit the button to close the hatch whether it be by the hatch button, dash button or key fob button if something is in the way it doesn’t stop closing. So if your arm or a small child’s head, arm it would just keep closing. If it can’t latch it does go back up but that is only when it goes all the way down.

Windshield trim flew off driving down the interstate, hit my side mirror, and passenger window. The trim piece put my family and me in a dangerous situation. It could have easily broken the window. No warning.

The pillar trim windshield molding on both sides detached and flew off the vehicle while driving on the highway.

Right side pillar trim detached at 70 mph on freeway causing other vehicles to avoid flying debris.

The windshield trim on the drivers side flew off while I was driving on the highway unexpectedly and startled me. I was driving at 75mph and could have easily lost control of my vehicle. This is very dangerous! While searching for how to fix it online, I read that this is VERY common! How is this not a recall? This is awful!

As I was driving on the freeway, the windshield trim panel flew off my car. This put the safety of the cars behind me in jeopardy as it did or could have hit them or caused an accident by people attempting to avoid running over it in the road. I took my car to a Ford and they said this car is notorious for having this problem and they see it all the time. The previous owner of this car said that the trim on the opposite side had flown off too and had to have It replaced as well.

As I was driving down the freeway the panel between the front and rear passenger door flew off. Noticed today that the driver side one is loose and it holds the keyless entry pad.

Was driving at highway speeds when a hitting sound was heard to the body. Could not determine while driving what or where the noise came from. Later discovered the RH side a-pillar trim had detached from the car. Unsure whether the trim piece affected other vehicles on the road.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side windshield trim detached. Additionally, while driving at 80 MPH, the driver’s side windshield trim detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,415.

Passenger side Window trim. Trim detached flying off at traffic behind almost striking vehicle traveling directly behind my vehicle on interstate. No inspections have been completed by any professionals at this time. trim retainer is broke in half while still attached to the car. the trim piece itself was unable to be safely recovered. rubber along windshield next to trim came loose minutes before.

Outer plastic A-Pillar Trim detaching from body of vehicle, putting other drivers at risk of vehicle parts coming off and hitting vehicle or causing accident

August 28, 2021 I was driving on the interstate when out of nowhere the rubber moulding/trim on my passenger side came partially detached and continued to bang up my window for the remainder of my trip (about 20 minutes at that time) until I could safely pull over and see what was happening. Majority of the rubber was missing and continued to disintegrate and fall off over the last 2 years. Yesterday, May 7, 2023, I was again driving on the highway when the entire pillar trim/moulding and rubber flew off the driver's side going 60+ mph which hit my mirror and side door chipping the paint on it's departure from my vehicle. This is obviously a major safety issue and needs to be a recall immediately. I've had nothing but continuous problems with this poorly manufactured vehicle (including the roof racks STILL not being repaired after over 10 repairs...

While driving, a large piece of debris came off of my windshield area causing the vehicle next to me to swerve. The remaining material was flapping in the air at highway speeds causing a startle reaction. I initially thought I had hit something. When stopped, I discovered the material in question was coming from around the windshield. Large portions of the material are coming loose.

I was driving down the interstate and the passenger side pillar molding appliqué completely dislodged and flew off behind me, narrowly missing a vehicle behind me. Had I not already been in the furthest left lane, it would have hit another car. When I arrived to my destination, I checked the same part on the drivers side, which includes the electric keypad entry, and it was also pulling away at the top. I contacted the ford dealership. They said this was a commonly known issue, but unfortunately was only recalled up until the 2016 model so I would have to pay to replace the complete molding all around each window and possibly onto the windshield. Their comment was that it’s basically only attached with 3M double sided tape.

I've had both passenger and driver side Windshield A-Pillar Molding rip off while driving on highway which thankfully no one was behind me but could have causes serious damage if it hit another vehicle going 70 mph. Both of these have failed to stay intact/ place

Windshield trim ripped off at highway speeds. Blocked driver vision and then flew into air striking vehicle behind. This could have caused a serious accident in either vehicle. I know you are researching for recall at this time. It should have been recalled years ago.

Traveling at highway speeds the front passenger side door trim flew off the car. It looks like the adhesive that was holding it on gave out.

The windshield trim flew off and almost caused two accidents and the car is unsafe to drive with this missing as well as what happens when the other one flies off. The trim on the top of the car, both of them have flown off and almost cause two additional accidents. The trim on the back is completely cracked and came that way on the car. This has been very dangerous and could harm my children and I and other drivers. As well as extremely stressful. I have three children's live at risk. There were 3 different incidents.

Right side of windshield frame piece fell off while driving

As with 2 million other Ford Explorer drivers my passenger side windshield trim came off.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim panel started to detach from the windshield and partially separated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,720.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the driver’s side windshield pillar trim separated from the windshield, struck the driver’s side door window, and then struck the truck behind. The contact veered to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,253.

Frame piece flew off while driving. This put other drivers at risk. I have taken pictures of multiple other Ford Explorers with the same missing piece on either side. Mine came off the drivers side.

Door trim coming off of my well maintained 2017 Explorer in 3 places. Estimate for repair was obtained from Ford garage but I am angry I have to pay for this as it is no fault of mine that this is happening to my vehicle. I am worried these pieces will fly off and be a hazard to other drivers on the road, as I keep reading statements of this happening to others. Ford should stand behind their products when this is a potential safety hazard.

The trim on the driver side of the windshield blew off while driving.

Exterior windshield trim on passenger side. Yes it is available for inspection. This part flew off of our vehicle while driving on the highway. This part could have hit another vehicle and caused harm. Yes this is a known issue when I took my vehicle to Corwin Ford in Springfield MO. Service representative stated that this is under an Investigation for recall. Vehicle has not been seen by any other than service department with dealer. No warnings or messages of any kind.

2018 Ford Explorer windshield trim panels detached and nearly flew while driving at highway speeds. I’ve also experienced the passenger side window panel detached while driving at highway speeds. The consequences of the defect could result in a detached panel hitting another vehicle's windshield, a driver, or even a pedestrian. This could cause a driver to swerve and cause a major accident. Ford must recall the defective panels and all panels immediately.

While driving on the interstate going the speed limit of 70 mph the plastic windshield trim on the left side of the vehicle (driver’s side) became loose and flew off. This was alarming and caused a distraction that could have resulted in an accident. The trim piece is about 2-3 feet long and could have caused damage to the vehicles behind us. Or worse an accident. The trim appears to have also damaged the left side view mirror when it flew off as there are scratches and paint missing from the mirror housing now. Upon inspection of the location of the trim it appears there were plastic tabs holing on the trim that broke off. Due to safety the trim piece itself was not able to be recovered. The plastic seal around the windshield looks to be damaged as well. This is a major safety issue we feel Ford should...

The rubber lining around my windshield is falling off. It’s breaking into parts all across my windshield and is coming apart. It’s my understanding this is a common problem with my year make and model.

Body trim around window fell off while driving on freeway. Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety risk would be to other drivers who could be hit by part flying off. Fortunately, no person or vehicle was struck when part flew off my car. Car has not been inspected since incident. There was no warning or symptom prior to incident.

A-post (passenger side) trim because detached at high speed, striking another car.

I was driving on the interstate highway- I-20 in Alabama going eastbound at approx. 70 mph. Suddenly, the driver's side windshield trim moulding blew off without any warning. Mileage was 51,278. The safety issue is that this trim moulding is approx. 18 inches long - 4 inches wide which may have hit another vehicle as it departed my vehicle at highway speeds. I further read that approx. 170 Ford Explorer owners have also reported the identical issue, so I wanted the goverment to be aware that this occurred and hopefully there is a full recall. The dealer wants $650 to replace this moulding.

Traveling at Highway speed (70mph) on level road without unusual road conditions is clear daytime weather, the drivers side windshield pillar trim separated from the vehicle, and the drivers side mid pillar trim loosened, but did not separate. No other vehicle damage occurred. The vehicle had been purchased from a Dealer in Bowie Tx, 15 minutes before the incident. The dealer has agreed to repair the damage.

At highway speed the Windshield-Outer Trim Molding Pillar Driver Left Side departed the vehicle. I saw something flicker by but did not know what it was until I stopped and saw the missing trim piece.

While driving on the interstate the second day that we had the car, bought it used the right side window A pillar trim came off the car and landed on the interstate and broke in pieces. Several cars behind us had to swerve to keep from hitting the parts. Could have caused a very bad accident as there was a lot of cars on the road. I see that this a major issue with the Explorers and should be recalled due to safety.

"A" pillar window trim fails to remain affixed to the vehicle. After just a year of new vehicle ownership, on at least 15 different occasions, my passenger side "A" window trim or driver's side window trim would fly off while in travel. This usually occurs on the highway at any speeds exceeding 40 mph. I feel that this creates a safety issue and a financial burden as the piece and sometimes the mounting bracket have to be purchased at each incident. The safety issues are a somewhat large part of the vehicle separates and goes flying into any following traffic. The separation from the vehicle is usually a noisy and distracting affair for the operator/driver. Further, following traffic has to avoid the now airborne part. An additional safety concern is the missing part exposes the edges of the windshield, possibly affecting the integrity of the windshield, not to mention little...

piller moldings between the front and rear windows became loose and one came off. this creates a hazard to other vehicles on the road. we had them replaced by Earnhardt ford in Chandler AZ on 2/10 2023. .

Traveling west on I90 out of Boston a piece of the bodywork (plastic trim sealing the windshield) on the passenger side of the car tore away and flew into the path of vehicles behind. The car has been inspected and repaired by a Ford dealer to the expense of $250 parts and labor. I have filed a complaint with Ford. They simply said that they would not pay for the damage. Nevertheless, this should not be happening. The bodywork should not failing while driving. No police or insurance representatives have been involved. And there was no indication this would happen prior to the incident on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

Wind pulled the ‘A’ pillar trim off the vehicle, breaking g the plastic trim and rubber gasket. This is a know problem that FORD has not issued a recall on, but should.

While driving, the driver side windshield trim flew off almost hitting a car behind me. While inspecting the vehicle, the other side is also starting to coming off, and the panel near the code to enter the drive side door is also starting to come off. The auto body shop has confirmed that this was a recognized problem by Ford and they have seen many Explorers come in with this issue and the body problem was tweaked in upgrades on 2020 explorers and later. Luckily the car behind me was not damaged and it didn't cause an accident but this is not safe & when calling the auto body shop, it would be over $1000 to repair both side windshield trim; not including the door panel that is also starting to dislodge. For this to be a known problem, this should be covered by Ford.

I bought the 2017 Ford Explorer on 8/29/2020. The next month I drove to Nags Head, N.C. from Nashville, Tn. Sometime within an hour of arrival, the a piece of trim on the passenger side panel between the doors fell off while going over the bridges. We never saw it and did not know where it landed. I ordered a replacement from Ford Parts to replace it.

The driver side windshield panel thing flew off while I was driving.