Front Bumper Fit Issue

Has anyone experienced an issue with the front bumpers fit to the fender underneath the headlamp? It appears my fender/bumper fit is poor and it causes the fender to keep popping out the last bumper clip underneath the headlamp on the drivers side. You can pop it in but after driving the fender pushes it out again. It kind of an eye sore with the corner of the bumper sticking out 1/4-1/2 inch. I will try and post a picture later. I am taking it in to the dealer Monday. Its looking like a part is out of spec and causing the poor fit. I am hoping that they take care of this properly and put either a new fender or bumper on. I will try and post a picture later.

Oh, mine was built in the week of 2/24.

Mine was built the same week as yours and so far I've noticed no issues with fitment on any of the body panels. The only issue I have so far (and it just might be my imagination too, I haven't ruled that out) is that I think my passenger seat heater gets a bit hotter than my driver's seat. And I certainly want my butt as toasty as my passenger's.

There is another thread here where some recall work is noted for various VINs. I can't remember which one its on, but I believe what you are talking about is noted there - but if I recall the problem is being chalked up to catching the bumper on "things" that are pulling it off.

I believe there is a service bulletin about this issue.

Not sure if this is it, but this is from the Front Pillar Rattle thread

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS
11-03-26
2011 EXPLORER LOWER VALANCE COMING LOOSE
SOME 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE THE LOWER VALANCE POPPING OUT OF THE RETENTION CLIPS AT EITHER END. THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE VALANCE COMING INTO CONTACT WITH AN OBSTACLE SUCH AS A PARKING BLOCK, SNOW OR SAND WHILE PARKING AND THEN BEING POPPED LOOSE WHEN BACKING UP. FOLLOW SERVICE PROCEDURE TO CORRECT CONDITION.
See TSB for complete details
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/23/2011

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Looks like I do have some sort of manufacturing defect, either a broken or out of spec part. Dealers body shop is going to replace the bracket the bumper and fender attaches to. Hopefully they get it right, its kind of odd to have your car in the body shop after 1 week.

This issue is 100% different then the lower valance issues. I circled the area where the bumper corner is sticking out.

Had my fender just fixed this week, they told me it was a clip that just fell out.

Defiantly something to watch for when everyone picks up there new Explorer's, my dealers body shop had to replace the bracket the bumper attaches to. It was slightly off alignment coming off the assembly line and that is what was causing my bumper clip to repeatably fall off.

Can someone post a picture showing the bumper clip location that we should scrutinize when picking up the vehicle?

This ?



Saw this pic on the internet a few weeks ago, and it looked odd

Saw this pic on the internet a few weeks ago, and it looked odd

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Ok, this does look odd. This picture makes the fender to be out of position at the farthest-foward point where it meets the bumper just below the amber reflector...OR... the bumper section is pushed in a bit too far at the same location, waiting for a jar to pop it out.

That picture is common with some parts not being fit properly.

Hi guys,

I can see why you would want to have your front bumper fit just right, and I’d like to reach out to lend a hand by escalating your concern. So I can help, please send me a private message with your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name.

Cory

Razziel24 said:

This ?

Saw this pic on the internet a few weeks ago, and it looked odd

Click to expand...

My step father purchased a new 2011 Explorer Limited on March 16, literally right off the back of the cargo truck at the dealership. Shrink-wrap and all, with only 7 miles on the odometer. His Explorer was built on March 11. It has been fantastic.

After a weekend of driving several hours around the hill country picking peaches at orchards with the family, we noticed that the driver side front bumper panel was popped out just underneath the headlight, in the same spot as in the picture above. However, unlike the picture, the left panel was the one popped out. (In the picture it looks like the left panel is pushed in). I was the one that actually did all the driving and I never remember hitting any big bumps or pot holes. There are no scratches or signs of anyone hitting in with their car door or anything. (Several places had crowded parking). So my guess is that road vibration and wind caused it to pop out.

I was able to pop the panel back it, and I heard a click like as if it went into a clip. I was surprised to find out that the whole front panel is actually plastic, and not metal.


Should I still have my step dad take it to the dealership and have them look at it? Or should we wait and see if int pops out again? The Explorer has less than 5,000 miles on it. ( As you can tell, this Explorer has already been on several long trips in it's short life.)


PS - This V6 is more powerful than I was expecting it to be. We had 7 people, and the back filled with a cooler full of drinks and food and the Explorer had no problem getting on the highways from a dead stop. (on 290 in the hill country, there are no on ramps. You get on the highway just like a surface street and the speeds ranged from 60-70mph.)

Edit - Just got off the phone and the panel popped out again after my step dad went golfing this morning. He will be taking it to the dealership and hopefully they will be able to help him and won't give him any problems. Is something like this covered under warranty?

Yes it is and depending on how good of a dealership they will take care of it with no issues if any beef see cory of ford he on the web site he will help !!!

Just got my 2011 Limited on 6/11/11 and I have the same issue on the driver's side fender panel. Guess I'll have to get the dealer to fix it. Hope its just a missing clip.

I have a limited that was built in early Feb. Just this last week I did notice that the front panel just below the headlite had popped out. I pushed it back in and it did snap when I did that. I have not bumped and curbs or ran into any thing. I did go down a bumpy road though, and it was in the middle 90's. It has not popped out since then. I will be keeping an eye on it.

I appreciate your recommendation NEWPORTNJ. Chris311 & whsbuss, please keep me updated as you work with your dealer. If you would like help at any point, please don’t hesitate to private message me with the info I mentioned earlier in the thread so I can assist.

Cory