Drivers Claim This Ford Shedding Body Parts at High Speeds Sparks Federal Probe | Carscoops

      The NHTSA's initial evaluation aims to assess the extent and seriousness of a possible issue.

      By Brad Anderson

      Nearly 36,000 Ford Flex SUVs are currently under federal investigation due to trim failures.

      Reports indicate that B-pillar trim pieces may detach unexpectedly at highway speeds.

      One report involved a detached trim striking another vehicle on the road.

      No one wants parts flying off their vehicle, but according to five owners of 2019 Ford Flex models in the US, that’s precisely what can occur. Their complaints have caught the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has initiated an investigation through its Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

      The reports detail that the B-pillar trim on specific Ford Flex models can come loose and detach without warning, sometimes at high speeds. In addition to being an inconvenience for the driver, a trim piece hitting another vehicle could pose a safety risk and increase the likelihood of a collision.

      Documented incidents indicate that one complaint mentioned the B-pillar trim of a Flex striking a vehicle following it on the road. The government agency is aware of similar complaints regarding B-pillar trim on 2016-2018 Ford Flex models, but emphasizes that this investigation is focused solely on the 2019 models, as the “rate of allegations is significantly higher” for them.

      The NHTSA intends to determine the scope and severity of the potential issue through this preliminary evaluation. It will also include 2016-2018 Flex vehicles in its analysis to identify any similarities or differences that might explain the varying rates of issues among these model years.

      Approximately 35,950 Ford Flexes from the 2019 model year in the US are affected by the ODI’s investigation.

      Related recalls include Ford’s recall of 2016-2017 Explorers due to a similar concern reported in June. The company stated that the driver and front passenger B-pillar door trim can detach while in motion, affecting nearly 400,000 vehicles nationwide.