Exterior Trim A-Pillar Recall

[J_C]

I'm so frustrated with this. Called the dealership and they said 'Ford has told us that they're not doing anything until the beginning of the year, so try calling us back then.' Sounded more like 'Yeah, we're not giving out free parts anymore, so call us back in 2 months so that we can tell you to call back in 6 months.' Unfortunately, my dealership is awful (Spikes Ford). The last time my Explorer was there, Service kept it for 6 months. I finally demanded to get it back, and when they drove it around to service, I kid you not: it was not washed and covered in 6 months worth of dirt, had a dent in the hood from where someone backed into it, and some of the pillar trims were missing. I rarely vent frustrations publicly, but when I saw that, my brain forgot to filter 'What is that? Are you f***ing kidding me?!' Even I was shocked that I said that aloud.

I've replaced it with 3 aftermarket options, and the 2 previous flew off on the interstate. The current one is held on with duct tape, which is beyond tacky. Thinking about just screwing the thing down to be done with it, or just biting the bullet and getting a new vehicle.

Is it possible to screw this down?

Nothing you wrote makes any sense. Can you CONCISELY elaborate?

 

[knotacare]

I'm so frustrated with this. Called the dealership and they said 'Ford has told us that they're not doing anything until the beginning of the year, so try calling us back then.' Sounded more like 'Yeah, we're not giving out free parts anymore, so call us back in 2 months so that we can tell you to call back in 6 months.' Unfortunately, my dealership is awful (Spikes Ford). The last time my Explorer was there, Service kept it for 6 months. I finally demanded to get it back, and when they drove it around to service, I kid you not: it was not washed and covered in 6 months worth of dirt, had a dent in the hood from where someone backed into it, and some of the pillar trims were missing. I rarely vent frustrations publicly, but when I saw that, my brain forgot to filter 'What is that? Are you f***ing kidding me?!' Even I was shocked that I said that aloud.

I've replaced it with 3 aftermarket options, and the 2 previous flew off on the interstate. The current one is held on with duct tape, which is beyond tacky. Thinking about just screwing the thing down to be done with it, or just biting the bullet and getting a new vehicle.

Is it possible to screw this down?

I orderd this from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTYGW2Q5?tag=seriouexplor-20

The bottom piece is bolted down with 8mm bolts and the top snaps on plus has very stick tape on the side closes to the windshield. The top of the outside piece snaps in and its a one time thing so get it right. Look at the top and you'll see it snaps into the car metal. If it's done right it will not come off.

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

Nothing you wrote makes any sense. Can you CONCISELY elaborate?

How does it not make sense? What I said was wordy but straightforward.

But just for you, I'll bullet-point:

1. Local dealer said no A-pillar trim until Jan 2025
2. Don't trust local dealer, as they did more damage than when I brought it in the last time
3. Would like to just screw down my current A-pillar trim pieces. Is that possible?

That better for you?

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

I orderd this from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTYGW2Q5?tag=seriouexplor-20

The bottom piece is bolted down with 8mm bolts and the top snaps on plus has very stick tape on the side closes to the windshield. The top of the outside piece snaps in and its a one time thing so get it right. Look at the top and you'll see it snaps into the car metal. If it's done right it will not come off.

Thank you very much. I've bought my previous pieces from ebay, but I'll try your method. Might be time for a new ride, as this one is starting to have issues.

 

[knotacare]

This might help too, after I got it all lined up I slowly pulled the tape off from underneath then snapped it down. I think Ford has the worse dealers of any manufacture. I've owned well over a 100 new cars over the years and all different brands. Ford has given me more headaches than any of them. This is the last Ford for me and only because my wife liked it....no more

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

This might help too, after I got it all lined up I slowly pulled the tape off from underneath then snapped it down. I think Ford has the worse dealers of any manufacture. I've owned well over a 100 new cars over the years and all different brands. Ford has given me more headaches than any of them. This is the last Ford for me and only because my wife liked it....no more

Thank you for the info, and thanks for your Ford candor. Thought it was just a local thing as to the poor dealerships, but the more I read in these forums, the more rampant the issues are. It's a shame.

My Ford vehicles have been great vehicles, with relatively minor issues (compared to European cars I've owned), but the dealership experience is so far below what I've experienced in the European dealerships, that it kills the Ford love. After that last service debacle, I am beyond done with Ford. How could they have had a vehicle for 6 months and give it back to me in WORSE shape?!

Dangit: now I don't know what to get next lol. . .

 

[peterk9]

This might help too, after I got it all lined up I slowly pulled the tape off from underneath then snapped it down. I think Ford has the worse dealers of any manufacture. I've owned well over a 100 new cars over the years and all different brands. Ford has given me more headaches than any of them. This is the last Ford for me and only because my wife liked it....no more

I had to go back through your posts to find out you have a 2016 Explorer since your profile in the margin shows a 2000 Ltd. It would be helpful if that was updated.
The main reason the 'A' pillar moulding comes off is because of missing or broken clips. Initially Ford shipped replacements without the plastic clips but I understand that the clips are now included when the moulding is ordered. As for using screws, I doubt that would work and you'd risk cracking the plastic itself.
I don't know if you've seen this thread or if it would be useful.

Explorer 'A' pillar replacement

On the passenger side, the black plastic cover on the top is no longer latched. I can see that the plastic mounting piece has split. What's this thing called (or part number) and where's the best place online to buy it? Thanks for your help.

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

 

[J_C]

How does it not make sense? What I said was wordy but straightforward.

But just for you, I'll bullet-point:

1. Local dealer said no A-pillar trim until Jan 2025
2. Don't trust local dealer, as they did more damage than when I brought it in the last time
3. Would like to just screw down my current A-pillar trim pieces. Is that possible?

That better for you?

Thanks but what made the least sense was leaving the vehicle there for over 6 months, that you had to demand to get it back, and that they drove it around, so it was drivable.

 

[jjhowey]

Anyone else have luck with this recall yet? I am still being told no parts

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

Thanks but what made the least sense was leaving the vehicle there for over 6 months, that you had to demand to get it back, and that they drove it around, so it was drivable.

I think it's with where I live. I've lived all over the US, but this area is know for lack of urgency, with just about every product or service.

Had a BMW that was in a shop here for 6 months and the work didn't get done until I finally demanded it (had been calling and nicely requesting updates for several weeks, but kept getting politely blown off ('We're working on it right now, sir. I'll get back to you at the end of the day with it's status', and of course the calls never came)). I read reviews on the place after the fact, and that's what a lot of customers stated as to work not getting done (didn't know that before). I get it, when they have Lamborghinis, Porsches, Astons, etc. at the shop. Those are high dollar customers, so I get it. Just wish they had said 'We can't get to this, but we recommend this other shop.'

As for Ford, I've had so many issues down here. My local dealership has never been remotely fast, unless I'm at the QuickLane lol. The 6 month stay was due to the driveline/suspension parts being 'backordered from Ford'. It was drivable around their lot, but not on the road. Even called them about this A-pillar recall back in October, and they just said 'No parts available. Try us in 2025.'

Even the body shop where I took it to took a year to get to mine because they were so backed up. Became friends with the manager there and even he told me 'Dude, it's great for us, but it also sucks. So many people are so pissed off because of how long it takes, but your insurance company (I think GEICO at the time?) only contracts with 2 body shops down here because of all of the issues that they've run into with other local shops.' I get that: a shop charged me almost $4K and I didn't find out until later that most of the work was not only not done (suspension/driveline, and I wouldn't know how to inspect that), but all 4 new tires they sold me blew up or were about to blow up (literally; this is why I only go to Discount Tires now) within a few thousand miles. Discount was floored when I took them in, but when they heard the name of the shop, they weren't surprised.

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

Anyone else have luck with this recall yet? I am still being told no parts

I've given up, man. I just resorted to duct tape. When people laugh and ask about the duct tape, I just chuckle and say 'It's a Ford, not a Ferrari. The parts are under recall, but Ford has dragged their feet for years on this.'

 

[dybhoff]

Has anyone gotten the windshield trim replaced by the dealership for the Recall? I called today and they do not have any in inventory. I was wondering if they replaced both the inner and outer or just the trim piece? I was told they do both sides. My passenger side windshield trim flew out today on the highway. I am going to call another dealership and see if they have any in stock.

Almost 2 Million Ford Explorers Recalled Due to Risk of Exterior Trim Falling Off - Consumer Reports

Almost 2 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorers have been recalled because of concerns that exterior trim on the A-pillar may detach.

www.consumerreports.org

We have been waiting for 5 mos so far and the dealership just told me Ford is not releasing them yet - they are doing a redesign. Ours flew off on the highway back in August of 2024.

 

[peterk9]

We have been waiting for 5 mos so far and the dealership just told me Ford is not releasing them yet - they are doing a redesign. Ours flew off on the highway back in August of 2024.

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[lobstir]

Has anyone gotten the windshield trim replaced by the dealership for the Recall? I called today and they do not have any in inventory. I was wondering if they replaced both the inner and outer or just the trim piece? I was told they do both sides. My passenger side windshield trim flew out today on the highway. I am going to call another dealership and see if they have any in stock.

Almost 2 Million Ford Explorers Recalled Due to Risk of Exterior Trim Falling Off - Consumer Reports

Almost 2 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorers have been recalled because of concerns that exterior trim on the A-pillar may detach.

www.consumerreports.org

I had mine in dealership and said I needed passenger side replaced
They broke the clips that had it in place . And all along they didn’t even have the parts in stock to even replace it
This was in November of 2024 and I’m still driving around with no trim on car and it is march
It’s back ordered they said so why even attempt to fix it if you didn’t have parts

I’m so pissed I might order it off amazon and shame them if they don’t reimburse me
Ontario Canada

 

[peterk9]

I had mine in dealership and said I needed passenger side replaced
They broke the clips that had it in place . And all along they didn’t even have the parts in stock to even replace it
This was in November of 2024 and I’m still driving around with no trim on car and it is march
It’s back ordered they said so why even attempt to fix it if you didn’t have parts

I’m so pissed I might order it off amazon and shame them if they don’t reimburse me
Ontario Canada

Welcome to the Forum.
I believe you're the 1st member from Brighton. I spent 3+ years in Trenton (RCAF) in 1968.
If ordering a replacement, make sure it comes with the plastic clips.

Peter

 

[J_C]

I had mine in dealership and said I needed passenger side replaced
They broke the clips that had it in place . And all along they didn’t even have the parts in stock to even replace it
This was in November of 2024 and I’m still driving around with no trim on car and it is march
It’s back ordered they said so why even attempt to fix it if you didn’t have parts

I’m so pissed I might order it off amazon and shame them if they don’t reimburse me
Ontario Canada

If the passenger side was loose, they likely removed it so it wouldn't come off while you're driving and cause that hypothetical 1% chance of an accident.

 

[Ironworker40]

Had my oil changed today. They said they are ordering me both sides. No idea when they will be in as they are on backorder

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

I went through 3 aftermarket A-pillar sets from ebay. I never blame those companies, as I'm not the most mechanically inclined and blamed them not working on me. This last set ended up with the driver's side duct-taped down everywhere to keep it from flying off, and also so that I could go through the car wash. I'd finally had enough of the duct tape coming off, and it looking like a hooptie, so I ordered max strength duct tape, and super strength double-sided tape (both from Amazon). Double-sided tape claims it holds up to 300 lbs. I read that and though 'Pffft. . .suuuure it does.' But I was out of options, as we're going on a long road trip tomorrow, and the wind noise from that A-pillar piece arching up, coupled with the duct tape flapping, is enough to drive me bonkers.

Took the A-pillar trim piece (only driver side coming off) off today, and placed the double-sided tape everywhere on the trim piece. Now I understood why they say it holds 300 lbs: it was a nightmare to work with, as my fingers and hands kept getting stuck. Was getting aggravated, then realized: this is going to work. Installed it, fully expecting it to come right off, at which point I was going to say 'f*** this' and go in and chug a beer. But it held. Could not believe it. Only placed one small piece of duct tape at the top while the glue from the tape fully adheres and cures. I'm not waiting for Ford, because they're likely going to end up saying 'We're no longer supporting that generation, because that was 3 generations ago.' This setup will definitely hold until I get rid of her.

Just trying to help y'all, because like you: I was at the end of my tether. Hope this helps.

 

[J_C]

^ It's a recall, they will do the fix once there is sufficient stock. Recalls never expire, not a matter of how many generations old it is. This is legally required to fix it or buy the vehicle back.

I suspect the difference, no matter which source for replacement trim panels is used, is the high quality adhesive added to glue it down as specified in the recall. It wouldn't even need the original design, clips, if going to that measure. Tape is tape, adhesive is far better than the best one-part tape, and then there's epoxy which might be a little TOO permanent and require a chisel to get them off if the windshield later needs replaced. Any adhesion option requires good surface prep.

 

[lobstir]

I had mine in dealership and said I needed passenger side replaced
They broke the clips that had it in place . And all along they didn’t even have the parts in stock to even replace it
This was in November of 2024 and I’m still driving around with no trim on car and it is march
It’s back ordered they said so why even attempt to fix it if you didn’t have parts

I’m so pissed I might order it off amazon and shame them if they don’t reimburse me
Ontario Canada

So I got tired of A Pillar looking like ****e and ordered a pair From Kimbridge canada
Got in 3days perfect fit so ford is dicking us around for some unknown reason. The quality is par with ford got clips also
Trim was $69.00and clips were$19.00 Canadian
I installed them in less than 1/2hr
Go after them to pay up for the all the bullshit!!

I had mine in dealership and said I needed passenger side replaced
They broke the clips that had it in place . And all along they didn’t even have the parts in stock to even replace it
This was in November of 2024 and I’m still driving around with no trim on car and it is march
It’s back ordered they said so why even attempt to fix it if you didn’t have parts

I’m so pissed I might order it off amazon and shame them if they don’t reimburse me
Ontario Canada