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Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers Can Come Off

NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · Reported 2026-07-14 · Ford Motor Company · medium severity what's this?

Affected vehicles

2018 Ford Explorer
2019 Ford Explorer

What's wrong, in plain English

The covers over the roof rails — the trim strips running along the top of your Explorer — may work loose and fly off while you are driving. A piece coming off at speed can land in the road and become a hazard for you and the drivers behind you. Ford will check the covers and fix or replace the clips, push-pins, or the covers themselves. The parts for the repair are not expected to be ready until January 2027.

How serious is it?

A cover that detaches can cause a crash for you or someone behind you, but the notice does not tell owners to stop driving or park outside, so you can keep driving while you wait for the repair.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — Explorer VINs for this recall became searchable on July 16, 2026.
2. Contact your Ford dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (recall number 26S54) to ask when parts will be available; the remedy is expected in January 2027.
3. Have the inspection and any needed repair or replacement done as soon as you are notified — it is free of charge.

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Which Ford trim panels, roofs and body structures are under recall? · all 18 Ford recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and 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 inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.