2018 Ford Explorer Structure
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
See attached document for complaint. I am in receipt of your multiple Important Safety Recall notices/letter and am very upset with your company. I keep receiving these recall notices/letters and I call the Ford Dealer to set up an appointment and they tell me the part is not available. This has been going on for over a year!!!! If this is a safety recall then why is it not important enough to service my vehicle?!!!
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was air entering the vehicle through the front driver’s side A-pillar trim. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whistling sound coming from the front windshield. The contact stated that the trim had detached and flown off the vehicle, and there was a constant rattling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed about an open recall on the VIN. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. An alternate dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
[XXX] ur complaint I can't figure out where one files a complaint on an outstanding recall. Ford keeps sending notices, but is obviously not serious about fixing the issue, as its been going on approaching 3 years. If you call their hotline, it cuts you off after entering the recall number, saying there's no available fix at the moment. However, by searching some dealers around the nation, the parts are out there to purchase, but our two local dealers say they've seen nothing and advise using two sided tape in the meantime. How can such a basic part be so difficult to have available in under 2 - 3 years time? Our pillar piece has been barely hanging on for almost 2 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
My VIN was removed for the A Pillar recall. I received no notice as to why and my car was inspected a year ago. At that time the problem was not present. It is present now, but for some reason, my VIN has been removed. I would like to know under what conditions it was removed and by whom.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V301000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in high winds, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on two occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the passenger's side A-pillar trim was loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and there was a waiting list in place for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was inspected. The contact observed that the passenger's side A-pillar trim was missing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was advised that there was a related recall associated with the VIN, but the parts were not currently available. The dealer used Gorilla duct tape on both windshield A-pillar trims. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after arriving home and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the A-pillar trim on the driver's side had detached. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. Another dealer was contacted, AutoNation Ford Valencia (23920 Creekside Rd, Valencia, CA 91355), and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the roof or the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the contact became aware that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had detached from the windshield. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact had been calling the local dealer to schedule an appointment for over 9-months and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the lack of parts.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger side A-pillar trims detached. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding a recall for my vehicle that ha remained unresolved for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to have the necessary repairs completed, I have been informed multiple times by my vehicle's manufacturer that the required parts are unavailable. This delay is a serious safety concern, as my vehicle remains subject to a recall that has not been addressed due to the lack of parts. I have contacted the dealership on several occasions over the past year to inquire about the availability of the necessary parts and have been informed each time that they are on backorder with no clear resolution in sight. This prolonged delay is causing me significant concern, as I have no way of knowing when or if the necessary repairs will be made. As this issue continues to affect my safety and the safety of others, I am seeking your guidance on the steps I can take to ensure that my vehicle is repaired promptly, in accordance with the recall notice. Additionally, J would appreciate any advice on whether there are any regulatory actions that the NHTSA can take to expedite this process and ensure that the manufacturer fulfills its obligation to address the recall in a timely manner. I look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your attention to this important safety issue.
In February 2024, I received the enclosed safety recall notice from Ford Motor Company regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer. The notice described a problem with A-pillar applique trim clip attachments that could cause the pillar trim become detached. In March 2024 while driving home from Pittsburgh PA, my left side pillar trim did blow off while I was traveling south on [XXX], and its final resting place is unknown to me. I notified my local Ford dealer (Mike Castrucci Ford, 1020 SR 28, Milford, OH) where I bought the car new about what happened. They said they were aware of the recall, but that as per the recall notice, replacement parts would not be available until the latter half of 2024. Well, it is almost end of the first quarter of 2025, and I have not received any positive responses to my follow up requests to the car dealer as to when I can expect have this issue resolved. Castrucci Ford's responses have been that the parts are on back order. My attempts to contact Ford Motor Company have also been pointless. Therefore, I am contacting the NHTSA, as per the recall letter, to see if Ford can be motivated to expedite getting my vehicle fixed. Thirteen months from the date of the initial recall notice to today should have been ample time to replace these pillars. As a member of the public, I'm wondering if Ford thinks that if they delay fixing the problem long enough, people will finally give up. FYI, I won't. Thank you for investigating my complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side of the vehicle was raised up by the slipstream and was blown off the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was also rising up but had not been blown off the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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The 2018 Ford Explorer has 234 Structure complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.