Dive Brief:
- Ford Motor Co. has recalled over 548,000 Expedition SUVs due to chrome trim on the center console that can bubble and peel over time, creating hazardous sharp edges, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The recalled SUVs include certain model year 2018-2024 Expeditions produced between March 2017 and December 2024. Approximately 12.8% of the recall population is estimated to have the defect.
- Dealers will inspect the suspect center consoles and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters will be mailed June 29. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy is expected to be sent starting Jan. 29, 2027.
Dive Insight:
The center console chrome trim may have been manufactured with “parameters that do not meet Ford specifications” and sharp edges as a result of peeling chrome trim could injure drivers and passengers. Bubbling of the chrome trim may be visible before any peeling occurs, signaling the defect to vehicle occupants.
In September 2025, Ford learned that the NHTSA received six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires concerning sharp edges on the center console in model year 2019-2020 Ford Expedition vehicles. In five of the six VOQs, customers reported sharp edges from peeling chrome trim had caused hand injuries.
On Oct. 16, 2025, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group opened an investigation into the issue for 2019-2021 Expedition SUVs. The group initially concluded that a safety recall was not necessary because the peeling chrome trim on the center console would be “overt to the customer” and thus injuries would likely be avoidable, per the report.
However, following a review of reported injuries, field reports and warranty claims, Ford’s CCRG determined that injuries could be more severe than initially surmised. Customers reported “hand and finger lacerations” from the sharp edges, some of which required medical attention, the report said.
Ford initially conducted physical testing on the center console trim, which did not change the appearance of the trim or cause peeling or bubbling. But following environmental testing, the center console trim was indeed shown to bubble and peel.
Based on its findings, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall on June 2.
The recall report named Tier 1 supplier Forvia North America and Tier 2 supplier Xin Point North America, both based in Michigan, as manufacturers of the center console components.
Replacement center consoles will be manufactured with chrome plating that meets Ford specifications.
As of June 2, Ford was aware of 4,634 warranty reports, 150 field reports, 34 customer call center reports, 65 injuries and one accident potentially related to the condition.
The Expedition SUV has also faced other recalls this year due to defective windshield wiper arms and trailer module defects.
Since Jan. 1, Ford has issued 50 recalls extending to over 11.2 million vehicles, according to the NHTSA.
