The $5 plastic clip behind millions of Ford Explorer recalls: report

Ford Explorer owners may be surprised to learn that the auto part responsible for a series of recalls isn't related to the SUV's engine, but a $5 plastic clip that can be easily replaced.

The motor giant has issued three recalls for the fifth-generation Ford Explorer for plastic retention pins that can detach, allowing various parts to come loose, including the A- and B-pillar trim, and roof rail covers, CarBuzz reported.

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Despite being cheap to replace, the defective pins have been responsible for more than two million Ford recall notices issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In more than 500,000 late fifth-generation Explorers, the retention pins "could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle," resulting in pieces falling off the car and creating a road hazard, the report states.

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A January 2024 recall said the vehicle's A-pillar could pop loose and detach. Ford chose to inspect the impacted vehicles and issue a replacement.

In a previous statement to FOX Business, back when the A-pillar trim recall was first issued in early 2024, Ford said it expected "only 5% of the vehicle population to be affected."

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The B-pillar recall impacted hundreds of thousands of Explorers in a May 2023 recall in which the exterior door trim could be lost while driving.

Ford's fix in this instance involved a simple inspection and replacement of the part.

FOX Business has reached out to Ford.