Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[jumpervb]

It must be an on and off problem. My truck was built December 15th, 2010 from what I can tell, and it doesn't rattle at all.

Mine has the same build date as yours.
So far I haven't heard any rattle but I haven't had it on the interstate but once or twice for maybe five or six miles.

 

[yow04xplr]

I bought a Ltd off the lot. Both the truck I bought and the one I test drove had the A-pillar noise. I have only noticed it a few times at 70+mph with a cross or head wind. If it becomes problematic, I'm glad they have a fix for it. Other than this issue, I have no shakes or rattles of any kind. Extremely tight and quiet vehicle.

 

[yourstone]

Mine has the same build date as yours.
So far I haven't heard any rattle but I haven't had it on the interstate but once or twice for maybe five or six miles.

The A pillar rattle for mine occurs not just from achieving a speed of about 55 mph or higher but also a strong crosswind. And when my compass heading changes enough then the rattle goes away.

 

[gregross]

Does Ford have a TSB out for the A pillar rattle?

 

[yourstone]

Mine has the same build date as yours.
So far I haven't heard any rattle but I haven't had it on the interstate but once or twice for maybe five or six miles.

Speed alone does not elicit my A pillar rattles. They need a strong crosswind too. So in New Mexico in the spring time that means daily.

 

[yourstone]

Does Ford have a TSB out for the A pillar rattle?

good question, not sure about that. they need to.

 

[yourstone]

A pillar rattle fix update. Parts still needed. My dealer called just now and told me that they will receive part four of four to fix the A pillar rattle in about ten days. They told me that Ford will release the fourth part on 4/8. My dealer currently has 3 out of 4 of the needed parts.

 

[edge929]

There's actually at least 2 other threads on this very topic, the OP probably didn't know it was coming from the A-pillar at the time.

I also have this rattle in both pillars. Only heard it when traveling on the interstate with medium to strong crosswinds. I need to take it to my dealer and get the parts ordered. No one ever confirmed that a true dealer-fix existed until this thread.

 

[chimoman]

Hey,
Just had the rattle today on the highway. Had the music playing and didn't notice it at first. Can anyone tell me whats involved in replacing the gasket. I.e. What work and parts will have to be removed and replaced to fix it. Will they have to remove the windshield?
Thanks

 

[yourstone]

Hey,
Just had the rattle today on the highway. Had the music playing and didn't notice it at first. Can anyone tell me whats involved in replacing the gasket. I.e. What work and parts will have to be removed and replaced to fix it. Will they have to remove the windshield?
Thanks

First go to your dealer and describe the problem. My dealer ordered four parts. Three of the four are in their shop now. They told me that Ford will release the 4th part this coming Friday, 4/8.. And then in about ten days I can get it fixed.

I forgot to add that I don't know if they will need to pull the windshield. If so that is fine by me.

 

[gregross]

I wonder if Seni can tell us when this was fixed at the factory. Like after what build dates should you not have the problem. Mine is 3/16 but don't have the ex yet.

 

[yourstone]

I wonder if Seni can tell us when this was fixed at the factory. Like after what build dates should you not have the problem. Mine is 3/16 but don't have the ex yet.

That is a great idea. Go ahead and ask her.

 

[gregross]

Will do.

 

[yourstone]

Mine has the same build date as yours.
So far I haven't heard any rattle but I haven't had it on the interstate but once or twice for maybe five or six miles.

I just got home from driving on the interstate at abvout 65 mph. Today in Albuquerque New Mexico the spring winds are kicking 35 mph with gusts to 55. The left A pillar rattled a lot.

 

[gregross]

I asked Seni about when this was fixed at the factory (as of what build date). She said she didn't have access to that information and to check with the dealer when the ex arrives to see if there is a TSB out on it.

 

[yourstone]

I asked Seni about when this was fixed at the factory (as of what build date). She said she didn't have access to that information and to check with the dealer when the ex arrives to see if there is a TSB out on it.

I do hope that Ford has fixed this A pillar rattle in builds after mine (2/15). I expect to see the fourth of four parts needed for the fix arrive at the dealer sometime next week.

 

[tmilicia]

Mine was built the week after yours, and so far (knock on wood) I haven't noticed any rattles at all in the a-pillar. I have a tiny little rattle in the moonroof when it is open, but it's not enough to have my dealer's techs in there messing around with it.

 

[chimoman]

Just spoke with a dealer here in Canada today. Said he looked the problem up with the Ford oasis database for known problems in vehicles under my specific Vin Number, he said he didnt see anything for rattling panels ( A pillars). Then said this doesnt mean its not happening (imagine that), just means that its not a hugely popular or known issue.
Asked me to bring it in to the shop so they can have a look at it. I told him that there are several new explorers with this problem and told him what was causing the issue. He said as this was a warranty matter they would still have to look into it. I explained to him that other dealers were fixing the faults in other vehicles. Going in on Thursday, will keep you updated. Cheers.

 

[jrepiek1]

A pillar "rattle"

My early build (11/23) rattle was fixed the first time at the dealer in early March. Just did a 550 mile trip yesterday and no noise. So, its not a big deal, probably depends on the knowledge of the dealer service depertment. Recall on the second row seat was taken care of at the same time. The only problem remaining is that the windshield has defects in it ( looks like sandblasting) only visible when driving into the sun. looks like it is in the film in the middle of the glass. Pictures have been forwarded to Ford twice on two different occasions. The third time if there is one will be the deciding factor if we go to arbitration with this. it is a safety factor.
This explorer is the best new vehicle out of the last 12 we've had. All Fords.
Mileage with 4500 mileson it is at 22.3 average for FWD.
Unlike the various magazines saying that this car is not the best, the numbers sold tell a different story.

 

[yourstone]

It is interesting that the Ford system has not listed it yet as an issue. The A pillar rattle has been on the Exlorer facebook site and on this site for at least a month or so now. I know that Ford people are reading these threads. I was told by my dealer that Ford will release the fourth of three parts to fix the A pillar rattle this Friday. So Ford does know about it. If any of you have a dealer that seems to not be in the know on this have them go read this thread. Sheesh. They should be all over this issue. Other than this A pillar annoyance my 2011 Explorer is awesomely quiet. Good luck to all of you in getting this fixed.