7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$420
Average Mileage:
65,200 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace trim (27 reports)
  2. not sure (12 reports)
  3. replaced windshield and trim 3x, same issue! and now again (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #40

May 302023

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 201,000 miles

I just finished a chat conversation with Ford Motor Co. customer service. They are denying that there is any record of incidents involving windshields on their Explorers. Horse hockey! This will be my fourth repair on my 2013 Ford Explorer. I love this car, it was my husband's car until he passed away, and I loved driving it and our Ford truck as well. Right now I am reporting this as a single incident, since I am not sure of all of the dates when I had to deal with this, but I know that three have been in the last three years, and one was when my husband was traveling for work, so probably five years ago.

The first two times we thought it was a fluke when the trim snapped off at highway speeds, and risked the lives of the drivers behind me. Once was while my husband was traveling through Nevada, the second and third times were while I was driving across Kansas. By the third time, I was complaining to my awesome auto repair guys at Muellers Auto in Grand Junction, CO. They took the time to find out that there were numerous other complaints, which of course Ford was denying. Even with them being "nice" and cutting me a deal. I am still out a lot of money, not to mention a lot of stress and anxiety on the road.

The latest (4th time!!) I was driving home from visiting my children and grandchildren at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. I first heard that familiar sound of wind rushing under the edge of the windshield and the sound of the trim rattling. Then the rubber seal around the windshield broke and was hitting my driver's side window. I was miles from a service station or store where I could buy tape to apply to try to hold it in place. I was afraid that I would have an accident or cause an accident for others, leading to a very stressful drive. I bought some 10x tape and put tape all over that trim and gasket and windshield. I am home safe, but now I am stressed out because I don't have the funds to pay for yet another repair, especially when I shouldn't have to pay for any of these. After a frustrating "chat" with the representative, I plan to send a letter to both Ford and the NHTSA today.

It occurred to me to look online, and I was stunned to find so many articles with complaints about the same issue. Since Ford refuses to do the right thing, I also think it may be worth contacting an attorney and the media - we have all three network stations here in town. I just want Ford to do the right thing for all of its customers and to keep people safe. Each of these incidents put a damper on what was otherwise a good visit, leaving me shaken up, worried about safety and liability, and frustrated at facing costs again. Since I use the car both for work and pleasure, I cannot afford to not repair it, cannot take it on the highway at high speeds and cannot afford the expensive repairs. Come on Ford Motor Company, do the right thing! Acknowledge the issue, even if it is widespread and expensive, and make the necessary repairs or make it right for your Ford Explorer owners!

- Theresa B., Grand Junction, CO, US

problem #39

Jan 032023

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 202,800 miles

click to see larger images

windshield trim flies off windshield trim flies off

Daughter used my car to go on vacation and windshield trim came off and hit car behind her causing them to swerve and almost causing an accident. Good thing the people behind her was her friends following them or she probably would be in court right now. Ford wanted to charge me over $400 to replace trim I found online for $60 bucks!!! Well the replacement came off when I was driving a month later! 🙃 Bought another one and this time I glued the trim down and sealed the edges. So far it has held on. Will update in another month or if it comes off again.

- Maurice R., Schertz, TX, US

problem #38

Nov 222019

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

This flapping noise started and then got worse on the passenger side, then the piece of trim starting flying around... and it was distracting and could cause an accident... this is such a disappointment.

- Fred D., Rowland Heights, CA, US

problem #37

Feb 182017

Explorer XLT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I bought this 2013 Ford Explorer XLT in 2016 used with 75,000 miles. It immediately had recalls that need to be addressed like the door locks for the front doors. So I got that done at the dealer. Then, there was the gas fumes smell in the car after every fill up recall. Got this done at the dealer.

Not too long after these, the window trims went flying off on the highway! First the left side. Then a few months later the right side flew off too! Totally dangerous because I don't know if it hit another car or what! Anyway, I still have both missing because Ford hasn't issued a recall yet.

- Antonio D., Miami, FL, US

problem #36

Aug 282019

Explorer Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I live 40 miles from a dealer or anyone else that can fix the trim. I bought an on-line kit - new trim and clips. I can't find a diagram or photo hat shows me how the frame pillar is supposed to be configured, I'm not sure that I have all the parts. A configuration diagram/photo of the trim piece would also be good.

Ford should redesign the trim attachment system. When it flys off it could cause an accident. I am just short of drilling some holes and screwing the trim into the body frame. $300 for lousy piece of plastic trim mounted on a car is bad planning. Otherwise the Explorer has been a good car.

- Bob G., Leavenworth, US

problem #35

Mar 302019

Explorer LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,500 miles

The windshield molding flew off on the highway. I just made my last payment on this vehicle.

- nrobin, La, US

problem #34

Oct 052018

Explorer Limits 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,188 miles

Just bought the car from a dealership, headed up the road 95N FL to DC. About 300 miles out there was this flapping sound on the drivers side. Pulled over to inspect, I see that the molding trim came lose from window. No proper way to fix it, I stuffed tissue paper in the crack and forced the molding back in place. This event in turn caused my windshield wipers to work in mist mode, couldn't turn it off. Called dealership, after turning they repaired it.

- Louis L., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #33

Jul 312017

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Trim flew off in road. Luckily was able to get it fixed free because the dealership said that a recall should be coming because they had a few other Explorers with the same issue.

- ladysc, Aiken, US

problem #32

Nov 012018

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Had this problem fixed before and now the trim on the other side of the vehicle has flew off. Do not know where it is and what harm it caused other people. Do not want to have to get it fixed and pay out of pocket. Especially when this is an issue for 2013 Ford Explorers. I am going to post a review on every site I find.

- ladysc, Aiken, US

problem #31

Jun 122018

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Driving down the highway and driver's side windshield guard blew off. Not sure if it hit another car or caused a problem because it was late at night. I didn't notice till the next morning and the passenger side is loose.

- sherrylm, Austin, US

problem #30

Nov 272017

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,300 miles

My windshield trim flew off while driving in the freeway. I went to Ford and was told this is very rare and that they only have one more car that this happened to. I looked up complaints and there seems to be many complaints about this problem. They are charging me $500 to fix this. This is not under the warranty. Looks like this is a manufacture problem. Not sure why Ford is making people pay for this since this is happening very often.

- Gaby G., San Diego, US

problem #29

Sep 062017

Explorer Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,500 miles

click to see larger images

windshield trim flies off

First off the seal around windshield on both sides has broken loose and while driving, hit windows and then tore off. Then the other day when driving on highway I heard a weird noise and then when I finally was at my destination I noticed the the side panel to my windshield was gone. I was driving 65-70 on a highway and so I hope that it did not hit any cars behind me. It was dark out and so I didn't see it fly off. The other side looks like it may come off as well. I have only had the vehicle 4 months. This is a serious problem and Ford really should do a recall on this before it causes an accident or a death.

- campbell525, Palm Harbor, US

problem #28

Aug 222017

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,001 miles

Yesterday in the evening, while my husband and I were headed out of town on I-695, I suddenly noticed something hanging off the car just outside my window on the passenger's side. I alert my husband, he looks over and puts on his signal to change lanes and pull off of the beltway. Before he could change lanes, the piece flew off the car and caused three cars behind us to swerve, narrowly avoiding a collision! He exited the beltway and pulled into a gas station where we discovered the window trim was gone! That was a terrible experience! I called the Ford Service department as soon as they opened this morning to report the issue. When I told the Customer Service Representative what happened, she said it sounded like something from Smokey and the Bandit. The service manager told me to come to the body shop for an estimate. This should not be happening! The Ford Motor Company should add this to the recall list!

- Yvette W., Baltimore, US

problem #27

Aug 222017

Explorer 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,359 miles

click to see larger images

windshield trim flies off

Diving down the 90 east in Mass. when for a minute I heard a strange rattling/vibration sound on dash... all of a sudden a loud crack occurred on my driver mirror and i saw my trim piece flying behind me. Luckily there was no one behind me!! I'm sure it would've caused a bad accident.

It was about 90 degrees and humid out with a good amount of wind. I believe this is faulty adhesive/clips. Just purchased vehicle from used dealer and going in tomorrow to see if I get a new trim piece. This is a safety hazard and a recall should be issued! Other trim piece looks like the top might let go soon.

- Andrew L., North Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #26

Jul 032017

Explorer XLT 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I had my windshield replaced due to crack and since then nothing but issues. I would complain to the people that replaced the windshield, but its falling apart. This has nothing to sue with re-installation. As an engineer, I can easily say this is a faulty design. I will be calling the dealership and complain. I'm sure since I had someone else do the repairs, They wont honor the warranty.

- Jorge G., Spring, US

problem #25

Jul 232017

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I was driving home on 59 going about 70 when the trim flies up and slaps my windshield a few times and blew away. It was not recoverable due to high speed traffic. I was told it will cost about 400.00 to replace. I think Ford should cover this expense because from what I'm reading this is not the first time this has happened. They are playing stupid like they have never had this problem before. I'm pissed and will never buy another Ford.

- Pam F., Conroe, US

problem #24

Jun 032016

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,239 miles

I was traveling to Oconto, Wisconsin on the highway when my driver side window trim blew off in congested traffic at a high speed. I thank GOD no one was injured nor did an accident occur. Then a week later on the way to work the other trim blew off on the regular street of 45mph. I was able to pull off and capture it from the street unlike the one on the highway. Upon calling the dealership, they quoted me $569 apiece to fix them each. I am frustrated because when I purchased the vehicle the windshield had a fog spot between the glass that obstructed the drivers view. The company gave me an IOU to have the glass replace for free. Upon replacing the windshield and regaining my truck, an hour later the trims were very loose and flapping. I called the shop and told them and they stated it was the windshield company responsibility even though Ford hired the company to do the replacement. I have always purchased GMC / Pontiac vehicles all my life and the one time I step away and purchase a ford vehicle I have encountered more problem in a short time than the years of Pontiac. I had a grandma for 11 years before I had a major issue with reversing my vehicle from parking spots. Otherwise the standard maintenance was kept up. Ford needs to step up there vehicles and service to customers.

- dunnmj, Zion, IL, US

problem #23

May 172017

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Windshield trim is to prevent leaks. The car is only 4 years old and should not be having these problems already. Of all the cars I have owned, I have never had these problems so early. I still own a 96 Mark 8 and a 77 Chevy Nova that did not have those type problems within the first 10 years of ownership.

- Wanda D., Orlando, FL, US

problem #22

May 272017

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

click to see larger images

windshield trim flies off windshield trim flies off windshield trim flies off

Both came flying off at 70mph and almost caused an accident. I only could retrieve one as the other flew into a canal. Going to Ford Dealer to see what they will do. I don't expect much. If they don't help, I'm going to Twitter and other means. Ridiculous!

- Kevin T., Miami, US

problem #21

May 202017

Explorer XLT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,500 miles

Window trim flew off on the drivers side. This is the second time it happened. The first time was on the passenger side. The first time was covered by the original warranty. This time was in the early morning. The first time was in a heavy cross wind. This second episode cost me just shy of $400. For a design defect. This is a safety hazard for other cars on the road. I expect this to be an ongoing issue every couple of years as I live in a very hot environment and the sun is going to bake those black window trims, and the clips that hold them into place. Ford should address this problem with it's customers. Total BS.

- Scott W., Clovis, US

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