US investigates more than 1.8 million Ford Explorers

US traffic safety agencies are investigating more than 1.8 million Ford Explorers for a defect involving windshield panels that can fall off.

According to Reuters, US auto safety regulators are opening a safety investigation into more than 1.8 million Ford Explorers. The investigation is due to multiple reports that windshield panels on the vehicles can fall off when traveling at high speeds.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is conducting a preliminary review of Ford Explorer SUVs from the 2011-2019 model years for the defect. The windshield panels are said to be able to detach and strike another vehicle or a motorcyclist, leading to a loss of vehicle control and a crash.

"There were several complaints from drivers following a Ford SUV who were startled when the trim hit their windshield and briefly caused them to lose control of their vehicle," NHTSA said.

Ford said it has been notified by NHTSA and plans to work with the agency as usual. There have been more than 160 complaints about the issue.

Some Explorer owners admit to having replaced the part more than once and have also experienced windshield trim coming off their vehicles while driving on the highway.

For example, an August 2022 complaint from a Placentia, California, owner said that “while driving on the freeway, the trim on the right front exterior pillar came off and flew backwards.” The driver then had to replace it at a cost of $500.

Nguyen Hoang