Chrome trim on the center console of certain Ford Expedition SUVs may peel and create sharp edges, prompting a nationwide recall. The issue has been linked to dozens of reported injuries and affects vehicles produced over several model years.
Ford Motor Company is recalling 548,463 Ford Expedition SUVs in the United States after identifying a defect involving chrome-plated trim on the vehicle’s center console. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the trim may bubble and peel over time, potentially exposing sharp edges that could injure occupants.
The recall applies to certain 2018-2024 Ford Expedition models manufactured between March 14, 2017, and December 3, 2024. Ford said customers who come into contact with the peeling trim while driving may face an increased risk of injury. The company plans to inspect affected vehicles and replace center consoles when necessary at no cost to owners.
Investigation Linked Defect to Supplier Manufacturing Process
The recall stems from an investigation that began after Ford identified a pattern of complaints submitted through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire system. According to the agency’s recall report, Ford noted a trend on September 24, 2025, involving reports of bubbling and peeling chrome trim on center consoles in 2019 and 2020 Expedition models.
Five of the six complaints reviewed by Ford alleged hand injuries caused by contact with sharp edges formed when the chrome trim peeled away from the underlying material. The automaker’s Critical Concern Review Group opened a formal investigation on October 16, 2025.
Initially, Ford determined that a safety recall was not warranted because the condition was considered visible and easily detectable by vehicle occupants. The company later reassessed the issue after expanding its review of injury reports, field reports, and warranty claims. According to the NHTSA filing submitted by Ford, the review concluded that injuries associated with the defect could be more serious than originally believed.
The automaker also conducted environmental testing on center console components that showed no visible signs of damage. The testing resulted in chrome plating bubbling and peeling from the base material, reproducing the condition described in customer reports.
Ford Reports 65 Injuries Connected to the Issue
As of June 2, 2026, Ford reported being aware of 4,634 warranty claims, 150 field reports, and 34 customer call center reports worldwide that may be related to peeling center console chrome trim. According to the NHTSA recall documentation, the company has also received six Vehicle Owner Questionnaires potentially linked to the defect.
Ford stated that it is aware of one accident and 65 injuries globally associated with the condition. The reported injuries primarily involved hand and finger lacerations. According to the recall report, a small number of cases required professional medical attention. No fires related to the issue have been reported.
The company attributed the defect to chrome trim that may have been manufactured by suppliers using production parameters that did not meet Ford specifications. The suppliers identified in the NHTSA report are Xinpoint and Forvia.
Dealer notifications began on June 10, 2026. Interim owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed between June 29 and July 2, 2026. According to the NHTSA, remedy notification letters are expected to be sent between January 29 and February 2, 2027, once replacement components become available. Owners can contact Ford or a local dealer to determine whether their vehicle is included in the recall.
