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Ford Explorer roof rail covers can come loose
high How serious is it? About this label
A roof rail cover that comes off becomes a hazard in the road, which increases the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V316000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | May 5, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Structure:body |
| Vehicles covered | 2 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2019 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
Ford is recalling certain Explorer vehicles because of the covers on the roof rails, the strips that run along the top of the vehicle. The pins that hold these covers in place can work loose, and a cover can then come off the vehicle while it is on the road. Dealers will install push-pins and, if needed, replace damaged rail clips and roof rail covers at no cost to the owner.
What you should do
2. Contact a Ford dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (recall number 21S22), to book an appointment.
3. Have the dealer install the push-pins and replace any damaged parts — the repair is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V316000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Structure Recalls Cover Loose Trim, Roof Parts, and Joints · all 20 Ford recalls in this area
Other Ford Explorer recalls
- Jul 21, 2026Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator Seats May Reclinemedium
- Jul 14, 2026Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers May Detachhigh
- Jul 14, 2026Ford, Lincoln Second-Row Seats May Shift Unexpectedlyhigh
- Jun 24, 2026Ford, Lincoln SUVs: Transmission Park System May Failhigh
- Jun 9, 2026Ford Explorer Park System May Fail, Rollaway Riskhigh
- May 27, 2026Ford Explorer Engine May Fail Suddenlyhigh
Official notice
- Component
- STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
- Safety risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.