Investigations
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25007 — open, opened 2025-08-07 and involving the FORD FORD.
NHTSA investigation PE25007 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2025-08-07 and currently open. The subject of record is FORD FORD, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-08-07 — 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 Preliminary Evaluation like PE25007 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received five complaints alleging the detachment of the B-pillar trim piece in model year 2019 Ford Flex vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege th..." 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) has received five complaints alleging the detachment of the B-pillar trim piece in model year 2019 Ford Flex vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that the trim piece can detach without warning while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a potential road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. One complaint alleges that the trim piece detached from the vehicle and subsequently struck a trailing vehicle on the roadway. ODI is also aware of allegations of B-pillar trim piece detachments in model year 2016-2018 Ford Flex vehicles. This investigation is focused on the 2019 model year, as the rate of allegations is much higher for that model year. However, the 2016 – 2018 vehicles will be assessed as peer vehicles in this investigation to understand any similarities or differences that may account for the differences in rates. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields 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.