Ford Initiates Recall for Over Half a Million SUVs Due to Interior Safety Hazard

Ford has initiated a significant recall affecting more than half a million of its Expedition SUVs, spanning model years 2018 to 2024. The primary concern revolves around the chrome trim located on the vehicle's center console, which has shown a tendency to bubble and peel. This defect can result in sharp edges, presenting a potential laceration hazard to vehicle occupants. The company's decision to issue this recall comes after a thorough re-evaluation of the potential severity of injuries, a reversal from an earlier stance that deemed the issue not critical enough for a safety recall.

The issue was first brought to light in September 2025, when Ford began noticing a pattern in Vehicle Owner Questionnaires submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These reports detailed incidents where owners of 2019-2020 Expedition models experienced injuries, specifically hand lacerations, from the peeling chrome trim. Following these reports, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched an internal investigation the subsequent month to assess the scope and danger of the problem.

Initially, Ford's internal assessment led to the conclusion that a safety recall was not necessary. This decision was based on the premise that the peeling trim was easily detectable by owners, thus mitigating the risk of severe injuries. However, this perspective shifted after the CCRG revisited the potential for more serious harm. A comprehensive review of injury reports, field observations, and warranty claims revealed that the chrome's peeling could indeed lead to more significant injuries than initially perceived. The company has acknowledged 4,634 warranty claims and 65 injury reports globally, with some requiring professional medical attention.

To rectify this safety concern, Ford plans to replace the defective center console trim with components that adhere to its specified quality and safety standards. This recall marks the 41st for Ford this year alone, highlighting an ongoing commitment to addressing potential safety issues in its vehicle lineup. The automotive manufacturer had a substantial number of recalls in the previous year as well, with 138 actions in 2025.