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.
