Here is a picture of my 2021 Explorer. Is this rust?
It’s not rust. The panels are made of aluminum. There’s aluminum corrosion under the paint that’s causing it to bubble.
Ford used to have a Technical Service Bulletin for aluminum corrosion on vehicles under 5 years old. I’m not sure if that’s still available. Check with your dealership.
kendichristine said:
It’s not rust. The panels are made of aluminum. There’s aluminum corrosion under the paint that’s causing it to bubble.
Ford used to have a Technical Service Bulletin for aluminum corrosion on vehicles under 5 years old. I’m not sure if that’s still available. Check with your dealership.
Ford has struggled with getting paint to stick to aluminum for 20 years. But I don’t think that’s the issue here because I’m almost certain the doors are steel. Usually, only the hood and hatch are aluminum.
kendichristine said:
It’s not rust. The panels are made of aluminum. There’s aluminum corrosion under the paint that’s causing it to bubble.
Ford used to have a Technical Service Bulletin for aluminum corrosion on vehicles under 5 years old. I’m not sure if that’s still available. Check with your dealership.
Ford has struggled with getting paint to stick to aluminum for 20 years. But I don’t think that’s the issue here because I’m almost certain the doors are steel. Usually, only the hood and hatch are aluminum.
A simple way to check is to use a magnet.
MysticWanderer said:
kendichristine said:
It’s not rust. The panels are made of aluminum. There’s aluminum corrosion under the paint that’s causing it to bubble.
Ford used to have a Technical Service Bulletin for aluminum corrosion on vehicles under 5 years old. I’m not sure if that’s still available. Check with your dealership.
Ford has struggled with getting paint to stick to aluminum for 20 years. But I don’t think that’s the issue here because I’m almost certain the doors are steel. Usually, only the hood and hatch are aluminum.
A simple way to check is to use a magnet.
The magnet test shows it’s steel.
I had the same issue on my 2017 Explorer Platinum. The bubbling started on the hood within the first 6 months. They replaced the hood with a new one. It was definitely aluminum under the paint.
It looks like rust causing the paint to bubble. Keep an eye on it and use fluid film if it gets worse. Rust often starts in this area.
Gordon said:
It looks like rust causing the paint to bubble. Keep an eye on it and use fluid film if it gets worse. Rust often starts in this area.
It’s not rust. It’s aluminum corrosion.
Gordon said:
It looks like rust causing the paint to bubble. Keep an eye on it and use fluid film if it gets worse. Rust often starts in this area.
I agree, fluid film is good for preventing rust, but this looks like aluminum corrosion.
On a side note, I’m thinking about switching from Subarus to a few-year-old Explorer. How do you like it so far?
TheMostMasterfull said:
On a side note, I’m thinking about switching from Subarus to a few-year-old Explorer. How do you like it so far?
I love it. I have the XLT with the appearance package. I also wrapped my roof and spoiler black. It looks very premium. The ride is great with good options, and it’s a good value for the money. It meets all my needs. Now I need to deal with this corrosion issue.
TheMostMasterfull said:
On a side note, I’m thinking about switching from Subarus to a few-year-old Explorer. How do you like it so far?
I love it. I have the XLT with the appearance package. I also wrapped my roof and spoiler black. It looks very premium. The ride is great with good options, and it’s a good value for the money. It meets all my needs. Now I need to deal with this corrosion issue.
Congrats! I never owned a Ford product, but I think GM declined after the Trailblazer became an economy car. I had a few Trailblazers before. I love the size and capabilities of the Explorer, it’s on my short list. Or maybe a Golf R/GTI, which I know isn’t the same. Enjoy your new car, my friend!