NHTSA opens investigation into Ford Explorer Windshield Trim Panel Failure

US Government watchdog NHTSA is investigating complaints that windshield trim panels can fly off of Ford Explorers while they’re traveling at highway speeds. Thus far, NHTSA hasreceived 164 complaints about the trim pieces detaching on 2011 through 2019 Explorer SUVs. The probe covers nearly 2 million vehicles.

Here are the details from the NHTSA ODI (Office of Defect Investigation) Resume:

Problem Description: A windshield trim panel can detach while driving at highway speeds. This could cause the detached piece to hit the windshield of a vehicle, or even a motorcyclist, following behind the subject vehicle and cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash.

Summary: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 164 complaints on model year 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles alleging a windshield trim panel on the vehicle detached while driving at highway speeds. Some of the complaints reported that the driver of the vehicle following behind the subject Ford vehicle allegedly was startled when the trim piece hit the windshield and momentarily lost control of the vehicle.

The investigation could lead to a recall, but so far there hasn’t been one.

Ford says it’s working with NHTSA on the investigation.