Investigations
Underbody shields detachment
NHTSA Defect Petition DP25001 — open, opened 2025-09-05 and involving the FORD EXPLORER.
NHTSA investigation DP25001 is a Defect Petition opened on 2025-09-05 and currently open. The subject of record is FORD EXPLORER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-09-05 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Defect Petition like DP25001 starts when a person or group formally asks NHTSA to investigate a specific alleged defect. Petitioners submit evidence, NHTSA reviews it within 120 days, and either grants the petition (opening a PE) or denies it with a written explanation in the Federal Register.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The pe..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11682326. The petition cites an allegation of premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody shields, potentially leading to road debris. A defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.
About This Investigation Type
A Defect Petition (DP) is initiated when an individual or organization formally petitions NHTSA to investigate a potential safety defect. NHTSA reviews the petition and decides whether to open an investigation.
Other FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Collisions Involving Ford BlueCruise
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.