Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[aepilot]

Took mine to the dealer today to get our wind noise issue resolved. They are having a windshield company come out and replace the seals around the windshield. Hopefully this was fix the issue

 

[Holligl]

Sealing the gasket to the windshield with automotive silicone or gasket sealer is the only real fix. The design of the current parts is faulty, and just reseating or replacing the moldings/covers will not work long term.

I'm with an earlier poster here - consider me a "fanboy", but the lack of visible effort from Ford to address this widespread issue is very disconcerting.

I agree with scottfmc. Early issue for me. I had the parts replaced and quiet for several months. Last month, in extreme wind conditions the buzz was still there. Trying the gasket sealer now on the offending side. Hard to apply it cleanly though. I also had issues with the gutter under the wipers fluttering. It needs to be firmly snapped down and can also be a problem. I owe a call back to the dealer after a less than acceptable service survey, but owners should not have to be fixing design issues. I am concerned that with ice scrapping season approaching, even the gasket sealer approach is temporary. What was Ford thinking when they came up with this A-pillar design?

 

[JustB_Rad]

I just got mine back from the dealer. Supposedly they replaced the gaskets and it seems to be put back together better than when I took it in. I had it going 80 on the freeway this morning and heard no buzz, but there isn't really any wind today.

 

[FordService]

Hi guys,

I’ve been under the weather after being attacked by a nasty flu virus. If you’re waiting for a reply to a PM, I’ll be working hard to send a reply as soon as possible.

A big thank you goes out to Seni, Melissa, and Noemi for all the help while I was out!

Cory

 

[gregross]

I just got mine back from the dealer. Supposedly they replaced the gaskets and it seems to be put back together better than when I took it in. I had it going 80 on the freeway this morning and heard no buzz, but there isn't really any wind today.

Had mine replaced about a month ago; so far so good. I don't know why this will work however.

 

[JustB_Rad]

Had mine replaced about a month ago; so far so good. I don't know why this will work however.

The only reason mine rattled was because something was pushing the black cover out (I'm positive it wasn't installed correctly) and that allowed the gasket to move and make the noise.

 

[2012Millstadt]

Windshield - Wind noise

I just bought a new 2012 XLT ecoboost 3 weeks ago, and I am noticing the wind noise that everyone is talking about. I first noticed it about two days ago on a very windy day. I actually had it come from both sides of the lower windshield. I jsut called the dealership this morning, and the service department had no idea what I was talking about, that they have never heard of this issue before. After seeing so many people talking about this topic, it's hard to believe they do not know about this either.

Are there any suggestions on how to proceed? I love the vehicle, but that noise is quite annoying, especially when I am driving around trying to get my son asleep.

Thanks!

 

[Burnout01]

Has there been a TSB released for this yet? I've seen one for my other issues but only seen the parts list in this thread.

Thank you,

 

[gbissi]

That's because they are still finalizing the Technical Service Bulletin. They need to have parts available when the TSB is released. You have to remember that less than 10% of people usually experience even what seems like a big issue. There probably is an electronic message that was sent out to alert dealers, so have them check for that first. It probably provides direction.

 

[jrichracing]

I'm being told by my Service mgr that Ford does not have a fix for this yet, and the new A-Pillar trim pieces have not been 100 % successful for this issue. The new moldings have not made any difference on my 2012.

No offense to Cory or Ford Cust Service, but I think we all would prefer to hear from someone at Ford Corporate/Engineering that actually has some insight into this problem. Let us know that you are going to fix this!

 

[Rollingrock]

I'm being told by my Service mgr that Ford does not have a fix for this yet, and the new A-Pillar trim pieces have not been 100 % successful for this issue. The new moldings have not made any difference on my 2012.

No offense to Cory or Ford Cust Service, but I think we all would prefer to hear from someone at Ford Corporate/Engineering that actually has some insight into this problem. Let us know that you are going to fix this!

Totally agree and I we were denied to speak to the "factory tech" who inspected our car and said "Normal for this car"

Well he was right...it is normal for this car. Seems EVERYONE has the same issue.


That said, had me and wife been allowed to ride with them with our cell phones recording video, he wouldn't have said this is normal.

 

[FordService]

Hey guys,

The TSB provides instructions that provide a more robust attachment of the appliqué to the A-Pillar. In our experience, this repair has resolved the issue for the majority of customers. Occasionally, the clips are damaged during installation, so the concern persists.

Cory

 

[jrichracing]

Cory,
Please post the TSB.

 

[FordService]

Cory,
Please post the TSB.

jrichracing,

TSBs are not publicly posted by Ford but you can go to http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vd...pageid=cat_main&gutsid=cat_main&menuIndex1=30 where TSBs are available for purchase on a one-time or subscription basis.

Cory

 

[jrichracing]

jrichracing,

tsbs are not publicly posted by ford but you can go to http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vd...pageid=cat_main&gutsid=cat_main&menuindex1=30 where tsbs are available for purchase on a one-time or subscription basis.

Cory

you've got to be f_cking kidding me!

 

[Burnout01]

We have to pay for the TSB that could provide the solution to an issue covered under warranty? Really?.........
Thank you Ford.

 

[Woolaroc]

When I had my 2012 in a couple weeks ago they were unable to find a TSB for the A-Pillar issue. They talked with the engineers and replaced the appliqué.

Seems to be working on the passenger side after a long highway drive I did not hear any rattle/flapping. I will have it back in for the driver side replacement.

 

[FordService]

When I had my 2012 in a couple weeks ago they were unable to find a TSB for the A-Pillar issue. They talked with the engineers and replaced the appliqué.

Seems to be working on the passenger side after a long highway drive I did not hear any rattle/flapping. I will have it back in for the driver side replacement.

That’s great to hear, Woolaroc. I still have your Explorer’s info so let me know if you’d like further help when you go back in.

We have to pay for the TSB that could provide the solution to an issue covered under warranty? Really?.........
Thank you Ford.

Burnout01,

Even though I can’t publicly post TSBs, I can help by arranging a call from the Customer Service Manager in your region. So I can do this, please send a PM with your contact information, VIN, dealer name/state, and approximate mileage.

Cory

 

[GWA1]

Just picked up the Ex from dealer. 2nd time in for A-pillar. First time per TSB they replaced all gaskets. Lasted about three months. Went from flapping noise to buzzing noise. This time (as per Ford) they taped down trim to see if that would resolve noise. It did. They said Fords fix is to run a bead of silicone. Ex has to go back when rubber molding for pass. door comes in (7-10 days) and they will silicone windshield then. Service adviser said they want to tape trim down and keep it overnite. Loaner car offered.

 

[mustangmad]

My 2011 XLT has been buzzing since the day we took delivery. Sounds like a huge, angry bee wailing away inside the cowl or around the windshield header. Depends on speed and wind direction. Very annoying. Dealer performed a TSB fix to the cowl area which did nothing.