Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[TXplorer2011]

TXplorer2011, I received your message and I’ll be getting to it as soon as possible. I’ll do everything I can to assist to resolve this.

Cory

Thank you Cory, I am sure you'll do what you can to help out. Here is the latest:

I just heard back from the dealer. He says that he could not duplicate it (today is not a windy day so no surprises). His technitian called the hotline and was told to not fix anything unless he can duplicate it.

To me this says, it doesn't matter what you heard or experienced Mr customer. Thank you for the 45K but we're not going to fix it and Ford doesn't think we shoudl either!! I am gett ing frustrated.

After a discussion with the service manager, he said that if you can get Ford to agree to escalate this and allow us to fix it then we will.

I just want a fix similar to "yourstone" Why can't my dealer or the hotline be as sensitive to their customers needs!

 

[janskim]

Parts came in finally, replaced yesterday,silence today. Fingers crossed the fix holds.

 

[FordService]

Thank you Cory, I am sure you'll do what you can to help out. Here is the latest:

I just heard back from the dealer. He says that he could not duplicate it (today is not a windy day so no surprises). His technitian called the hotline and was told to not fix anything unless he can duplicate it.

To me this says, it doesn't matter what you heard or experienced Mr customer. Thank you for the 45K but we're not going to fix it and Ford doesn't think we shoudl either!! I am gett ing frustrated.

After a discussion with the service manager, he said that if you can get Ford to agree to escalate this and allow us to fix it then we will.

I just want a fix similar to "yourstone" Why can't my dealer or the hotline be as sensitive to their customers needs!

Thank you for updating me with the latest info. I can see why that would be frustrating, to say the least, and as soon as I’m able to get to your message, I will escalate your concern.

Cory

 

[deerfarm]

I had my right A-pillar repaired two days ago. It seems to be fine, but I have not driven it in windy conditions. They used the same parts that were used on Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico. The dealer had said that they would have to hear the noise before they could contact Ford about a repair. Luckily, it had kept getting worse and I was able to demonstrate it for the technician.

So I was fortunate to get it fixed without Cory’s help, but I do appreciate his offer.

 

[deerfarm]

I had my right A-pillar repaired two days ago. It seems to be fine, but I have not driven it in windy conditions. They used the same parts that were used on Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico. The dealer had said that they would have to hear the noise before they could contact Ford about a repair. Luckily, it had kept getting worse and I was able to demonstrate it for the technician.

So I was fortunate to get it fixed without Cory’s help, but I do appreciate his offer.

 

[SuperT]

Wind Noise

I'm having the same issue. It sounds like crumpling paper coming from the top-center of the windshield starting at about 55 mph. Honestly, I didn't notice it until my MFT screen went black and I was driving with no music/navigation. I have 1200 miles on this vehicle and this is my first Ford ever. It's disheartening to say the least.

 

[RSNovi]

My parts have arrived at the dealership too. I just need to get away from work for awhile to take it in.

 

[donm527]

can you take pictures of the original piece on the window and the new so that we can see if there is any physical difference is thickness or shape... or if these are just the same parts being replaced and they are just gonna wear and fart as the wind beats down on it over time.

thanks.

I had my right A-pillar repaired two days ago. It seems to be fine, but I have not driven it in windy conditions. They used the same parts that were used on Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico. The dealer had said that they would have to hear the noise before they could contact Ford about a repair. Luckily, it had kept getting worse and I was able to demonstrate it for the technician.

So I was fortunate to get it fixed without Cory’s help, but I do appreciate his offer.

 

[deerfarm]

picture

can you take pictures of the original piece on the window and the new so that we can see if there is any physical difference is thickness or shape... or if these are just the same parts being replaced and they are just gonna wear and fart as the wind beats down on it over time.

thanks.

I don't really know how. It is behind the rubber flap and I really don't want to bend it out for fear it will permanently deform.

 

[julbox]

Hi everyone! I just joined today, and this is my first real post.

This thread interests me because I have never heard of an A-pillar before, but I think my soon-to-be new Explorer (I pick it up tomorrow night) had an issue with it.

The dealership loaned us the car overnight so that we could make a decision on whether or not to buy it. We made the decision to buy it, was on the interestate heading back to the dealership the next day when we heard something like a rock hit the car. Long story short, when we got out of the car, we noticed that the piece of plastic running along the passenger side of the windshield had blown off! I was shocked! How does that happen on a new car? We went ahead and purchased the car, but they said they had to order the part/piece of trim and that it would be ready for me tomorrow.

Before I realized the part was missing, I kept hearing a rattle on that side of the car, and it was bothering me. It sounded like a leaf or a piece of paper flapping in the wind.

So my question is: Do I need to say/ask about this A-pillar issue to the dealer when I pick it up tomorrow?

 

[drogs]

Another Victim of the A-Pillar Buzz

Glad to find this forum as my Explorer Limited acquired the rattle/buzz after about 1500 miles. I am gathering info. before seeing what kind of response the dealer gives me as this will be somewhat difficult to duplicate if the wind isn't blowing at the right angle to the front passenger side of the vehicle. Requested TSB info. from CustServ person on this site so will see what that reveals.

Now have to find out why my BLIS and backup system shuts down part of the time and why the AC smells bad after resuming a trip in hot weather. Will be looking at other threads for these issues - any help appreciated.

Explorer appears to have been built on 2-16-11 per the window sticker.

 

[FordService]

I had my right A-pillar repaired two days ago. It seems to be fine, but I have not driven it in windy conditions. They used the same parts that were used on Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico. The dealer had said that they would have to hear the noise before they could contact Ford about a repair. Luckily, it had kept getting worse and I was able to demonstrate it for the technician.

So I was fortunate to get it fixed without Cory’s help, but I do appreciate his offer.

I’m really glad you were able to get this fixed!

SuperT, I’m sorry I didn’t see your post before. Have you had a chance to schedule an appointment to have your Explorer taken in to the dealer for the noise or MFT issue? If not, and you would like my help, please PM me your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name and I’ll do everything I can to help.

Cory

 

[FordService]

julbox, welcome to the forum. I would be a bit surprised too if that happened to me. I’d like to offer to lend a hand if you need any help with the issue. So I can assist, please send me a private message with your VIN, dealer name, and approximate mileage.

drogs, I received your PM and I’ll reply as soon as possible.

Cory

 

[deerfarm]

Rattle Returns

I had my right pillar repaired 1,000 miles and one month ago. They used the parts that Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico used. My left pillar has never made a sound. The noise in the right pillar is starting again. It is no where near as loud yet. I'll have it addressed at my next oil change.

Anyone else have this experience?

 

[chimoman]

Yep,
Mine came back yesterday. I got out and gave the plastic applique a good wack with my fist. The noise stopped again. I'm an engineer. The problem was solved when I set the applique back into the clip. NOISE STOPPED. Hmmmmmm. Seems to me that whatever clip system they are using is not working. Mine was alright for 3 mos and then it started again. When I try to move the other applique by wiggling it, it is solidly in place. When I wiggled the side making the noise it was loose. When I hit it, it was solid and the noise went away. The dealer will be fixing the clip. Case closed. Funny thing is I just got a call from FORD CANADA. Asking me how things were going. I told them excellent except for the rattle. He said not to worry.... it'll be covered. I told him I KNOW. I'm not telling the dealer this though. I want to see what they slide my way first. If I catch em. I'm getting something for free.......

 

[Holligl]

I had my right pillar repaired 1,000 miles and one month ago. They used the parts that Yourstone’s EX in New Mexico used. My left pillar has never made a sound. The noise in the right pillar is starting again. It is no where near as loud yet. I'll have it addressed at my next oil change.

Anyone else have this experience?

I had the noise return one time, much lower dBs. I still need the appliques they marred on the door during the replacement fixed so they can recheck it then. I've been holding them off since I would like to pickup the "significant" MFT/Synch update at the same time. My case is still open.

 

[CharlieJTC]

May I have your email address? The passenger side pillar rattles the most. Sometimes they both start resonating and it gets quite loud. Picked up the vehicle April 30. I now have 6600 miles on the Explorer

 

[CharlieJTC]

My post was directed to CORY from FORD. My delivering dealer was Freehold Ford, NJ

 

[FordService]

My post was directed to CORY from FORD. My delivering dealer was Freehold Ford, NJ

I don’t have an email to provide CharlieJTC, but I’d be happy to continue communicating with you via PMs. I received your private message and sent you a response. Please check your inbox for the details.

Cory

 

[janskim]

After about a month since getting the gaskets replaced I started picking up a faint rattle again today. Given the intense heat the last few weeks my guess the gaskets have flexed again allowing the air to start getting under. Its only on the passenger side.