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Ford recalls 661,000 Explorer SUVs in Canada, U.S. and Mexico over roof rail concerns

Ford Motor Co. announced Sunday that it is recalling Explorer SUV models from 2016 through 2019 over concerns that roof rail covers could detach from the vehicle. (Mario Tama/Getty Images - image credit)
Ford Motor Co. announced Sunday that it is recalling Explorer SUV models from 2016 through 2019 over concerns that roof rail covers could detach from the vehicle. (Mario Tama/Getty Images - image credit)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 661,000 Explorer sport utility vehicles in North America at the request of U.S. regulators because retention pins could loosen and allow roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

The recall covers 2016 through 2019 model year vehicles and includes 620,483 vehicles in the United States, 36,419 in Canada and 4,260 in Mexico. Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers.

The second-largest U.S. automaker said in documents posted Sunday that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration first inquired about the issue in early 2020 following 11 reports of roof-rail cover detachment.

In April of last year, it asked Ford to issue a recall, but the automaker initially said that wasn't necessary because of the low likelihood a roof rail would detach and its small weight, as well as the fact that drivers would likely detect a loose roof rail cover, according to the documents.

Ford in November said it would extend its warranty to cover the issue for 10 years or 150,000 miles (just over 240,000 kilometres) before agreeing to the recall on April 30.

A Ford spokesperson said Sunday the automaker is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The vehicles covered by the recall have roof rail covers that are painted silver, black or absolute black. Customer notifications will begin the week of June 28.