Ford Recalls More Than 288000 Explorer SUVs Over Roof Rail Cover Safety Risk
Ford Recalls: Ford has announced a major safety recall involving 288,314 Explorer SUVs after determining that exterior roof rail covers may loosen and detach while the vehicle is moving. A separated trim piece could land in traffic, forcing another road user to brake or change direction suddenly. The action covers certain older Explorer vehicles and follows a renewed investigation into complaints involving loose, rattling, or missing roof trim. Ford is not aware of any related injuries, although one alleged accident has been linked to the condition.
Ford Explorer Roof Rail Cover Recall Affects 2016–2019 Models
The Ford Explorer roof rail cover recall applies to selected 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model-year SUVs manufactured from September 19, 2014, through March 3, 2019. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists the campaign as 26V448, while Ford identifies it as recall 26S54. NHTSA estimates that approximately 1% of the recalled population may have the defect.
Because the vehicles were not produced in a simple VIN sequence, owning an Explorer from one of the listed model years does not automatically mean the SUV is included. Owners must check the vehicle identification number to confirm its recall status.
Why the Roof Rail Covers May Detach
The problem involves decorative covers fitted over the Explorer’s roof rails. Some vehicles previously received an adhesive-based repair under Ford customer satisfaction program 20N11. Ford’s investigation found that this repair depended heavily on correct technician application. In some cases, damaged retention clips may not have been replaced. The adhesive may also have been applied in the wrong location, in an incorrect amount, or under unsuitable curing conditions.
Ford Ends Its 113-Year-Old Assembly Line to Build a New $30000 Electric Truck in the United StatesThe recall also includes some vehicles with satin-chrome or chrome-plated covers. Ford determined that years of heat cycles and normal wear may weaken the retention clips. However, vehicles repaired with the mechanical push-pin method under the 2021 recall were found to be performing as intended.
Warning Signs Explorer Owners Should Notice
Drivers may receive warning signs before a cover separates. These can include stronger wind noise, squeaking, rattling, a visible gap, or misalignment between the roof rail cover and the roofline. Anyone noticing these symptoms should contact an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership for an inspection rather than attempting a temporary adhesive repair.
The recall does not carry a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. However, a loose cover should still be treated seriously because it could separate and create a hazard for people traveling behind the SUV.
How Ford Dealers Will Repair the SUVs
Dealers will inspect both roof rail covers to determine whether the additional end fasteners are already installed. If the required push pins are present, no further work will be necessary. The inspection and required repairs will be completed free of charge.
The Recall Timeline and VIN Checks
Interim notification letters are scheduled to be mailed from August 24 through August 28, 2026. Ford expects final repair notices to be sent between September 21 and September 25. Owners can check their VIN through NHTSA’s recall database, contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer, or call Ford at 866-436-7332.
The campaign demonstrates why owners should check for open recalls even when a vehicle was previously inspected or repaired. Completing the mechanical push-pin remedy can prevent a loose exterior part from becoming a danger to other road users.
Sources
- NHTSA — The official report identifies 288,314 affected 2016–2019 Explorers under recall 26V448 and details the safety risk and remedy.
- Cars.com — Dealers will inspect and repair the roof rail covers for free, with interim notices beginning August 24, 2026.
- Motor1 — Ford’s investigation followed 46 owner reports involving loose or detached roof rail covers, including previously repaired vehicles.
- Autoevolution — Vehicles without the required fasteners will receive replacement clips or covers and four additional push pins per side.
- BizzyCar — Warning signs may include wind noise, squeaks, rattles, visible gaps, and roof rail cover misalignment.
