On approximately June 13, 2025, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport on the highway, the driver's-side exterior B-pillar trim appliqué came loose. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms before the failure. The trim did not completely detach because it remained connected by the exterior keypad wiring. The failure created a risk to other motorists because the trim could have completely detached at highway speed and entered the roadway. I stopped at a gas station and temporarily secured the...
Read the full complaint
loose component with black duct tape to prevent it from completely detaching. Just a few days after the incident, I received Ford's recall notice involving this same B-pillar trim condition, Safety Recall 25S53/NHTSA Recall 25V347. The rear liftgate also stopped operating immediately following the incident. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for service. Ford repaired the liftgate issue, but the dealership was unable to complete the permanent recall repair for the failed B-pillar component. As of November 7, 2026, nearly 17 months after the recalled component actually failed while I was driving, Ford still has not completed the permanent recall repair. Ford's recall information continues to show Recall 25S53 as incomplete and states that Ford has a remedy but parts are not available. The failed recalled component remains temporarily secured to the vehicle with black duct tape because Ford has been unable to provide the permanent recall remedy. I have contacted and escalated the matter with Ford seeking a permanent resolution. The vehicle and failed component remain available for inspection upon request.