Hand with blood on fingertip touching peeling chrome trim in vehicle
Ford has issued a recall for over 548,000 vehicles, specifically certain 2018-2024 Ford Expedition models, due to a defect in the center console that could lead to occupant injuries. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the chrome plating on the center console may deteriorate over time, creating sharp edges.
This peeling chrome poses an increased risk of injury to passengers who come into contact with these sharp surfaces. According to the NHTSA report, the defect may stem from a supplier’s manufacturing process for the center console chrome trim, which reportedly failed to meet Ford’s specifications. The suppliers identified in the recall report are Xin Point and Forvia.
Ford became aware of the issue in September after reviewing customer complaints. Six Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) indicated a trend of bubbling and peeling chrome trim on the center consoles of 2019-2020 Ford Expedition vehicles. Five of these reports specifically mentioned customer hand injuries resulting from contact with the sharp edges of the peeling trim.
Ford has stated it is aware of one accident and 65 injuries related to this defect. Some customer reports indicate that hand and finger lacerations required professional medical attention. Affected customers will be able to have their vehicles inspected and, if necessary, have their center consoles replaced at no cost by visiting a Ford dealer.
Notification letters detailing the safety risk are expected to be mailed to owners starting June 29. Additional letters will be sent in January of next year once the repair remedy is fully available.
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