Car recalls: Why they happen and what buyers should know
Why do car recalls happen? Here’s what to know if your car has an open recall.
More than 550,000 Ford vehicles were recalled due to airbag and structural issues that could increase the risk of crashes and injuries.
According to two notices reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 27, the recalls cover 556,043 cars with model years 2016, 2017 and 2025.
The first recall concerns 63,898 2025 Ford Maverick vehicles. The affected cars may have an airbag indicator light that can become loose or dislodged, meaning occupants may not know whether the passenger airbag is on or off, thus increasing the risk of injury.
The second recall is of 492,145 2016-2017 Ford Explorers. The driver and front passenger B-pillar door trim, or the piece that covers the frame separating the front and backseat windows, may detach while driving. This can result in debris flying into the roadway, causing a hazard for drivers of these and other vehicles.
Here is what to know.
Which Ford cars are being recalled?
- 2025 Ford Maverick
- 2016-2017 Ford Explorer
What to do if you have a recalled Ford vehicle?
Anyone who owns a recalled Maverick model can take their vehicle to a Ford dealer to get new airbag indicator light retaining clips installed for free.
A remedy for the Explorer models is still under development.
Owner notification letters for both recalls are expected to be mailed on June 9, 2025. Second letters will be sent when remedies are available. Owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with recall numbers 25C17 and 25S53.
Check to see if your car is recalled
Car owners looking to check the status of their vehicles, car parts or car accessories can enter their information into the NHTSA recall database or check USA TODAY’s recall database for car and motor vehicle recalls.
