- 174,853 Ford and Lincoln vehicles recalled for faulty moonroof clips.
- 341 warranty claims, 2 reports, no injuries or crashes recorded.
- Dealers to inspect and secure clips free of charge in November.
Sometimes the smallest parts cause the biggest commotion. Take the humble moonroof wind deflector: a thin strip of molded plastic and clips that keep your cabin calm when the roof’s open. Remove it, or let it come loose, and the result isn’t just noise but a rolling air-pressure circus inside the cabin. Many Ford owners have learned that the hard way.
Now, after hundreds of reports and complaints, Ford is recalling nearly 175,000 vehicles because their moonroof wind deflectors can detach while driving.
More: After 46 Fires, Ford Issues Urgent Recall And Stop Sale Order
According to a new filing with the NHTSA, the issue stems from poorly seated clips on the defector’s fabric lower attachment strip.
In certain cases, extra molding material prevented those clips from locking onto their tabs. When that happens, the deflector can break free at highway speeds, turning from a simple aerodynamic aid into an unexpected projectile.
Obviously, in cases where one flies off a car, it can create a road hazard to other road users. As such, Ford wants to fix the issue before it becomes a larger problem.
Who’s Affected?
While it believes that the situation affects just one percent of the recall population, it already admits knowledge of 341 warranty claims and two field incidents. In both of those incidents, the deflector hit the driver, but thankfully, there were no injuries or accidents.
The recall affects 174,853 vehicles in total, including 91,850 F-150s, 39,461 Super Duty pickups, 34,573 Expeditions, and 8,969 Lincoln Navigators built between 2021 and 2022.
Ford says that Webasto Roof Systems in Rochester Hills, MI, supplied the moonroof assemblies. Dealers will inspect the moonroof assemblies on affected vehicles and ensure all 13 clips are securely in place. Those who need replacement clips will get them free of charge.
Ford says it’ll notify owners by mail starting on November 3. Those looking for info on whether or not their car is affected can search via Ford’s website, NHTSA.gov, or contact a local dealer about the issue beginning on October 30.
Between now and then, owners should keep an ear out for something flapping above their glass roof.Â
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