The last-gen Ford Expedition’s chrome-plated center console trim can cut occupants.
Right off the bat, there’s one critical element to note with this recall. While mechanical issues and fire concerns have been two major problems concerning several automakers (not just Ford), this campaign is not a fire risk. It is, however, an injury risk to some 548,463 Expedition owners between the 2018-2024 model years. According to what the Ford Motor Company told safety regulators, the chrome-plated center console trim can bubble and peel under certain conditions, creating sharp edges.
Specifically, the company says, “The center console chrome trim can peel or separate from the base material, resulting in sharp edges. A customer may come in contact with the sharp edge of peeling chrome while driving, increasing the risk of injury.” To-date, as many as 65 people have suffered some level of injury, and Ford is aware of one accident related to the issue.
In September 2025, the automaker noted a pattern in Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) posted to the NHTSA website for 2019-2020 Expedition models. All VOQs concerning the center console trim described the peeling concern, while five of six that Ford noted at the time alleged hand injuries. Through June 2026, after further investigation, Ford says it is aware of 34 customer call center reports, 150 field reports and 4,634 warranty claims globally. Those are all in addition to the earlier referenced injuries, where in the company notes a “small number of instances stating that professional medical attention was required.”
This recall impacts 2018-2024 Expeditions built between March 14, 2017 and December 3, 2024.
What’s the fix?
In describing the issue, Ford blames its suppliers for manufacturing the chrome center console trim outside its specifications. To fix the problem, owners will be instructed by mail in two phases. An interim notice (basically “there’s an issue, but the fix isn’t ready just yet”) will go out between June 29 and July 2 of this year. The remedy notice (a fix is ready) won’t go out until January 29, 2027.
After the remedy is available, customers can take their Expedition into a Ford or Lincoln dealer. Technicians will confirm that chrome peeling or bubbling is present and replace the center console if it is, free of charge. The new consoles “will be produced with chrome plating that meets Ford specifications.”
Considering the scale of the recall and that the particular Expedition we’re talking about is no longer in production, it will probably take that full six months or more for replacement parts to be readily available. In the meantime, you can check Ford’s recall website (recall number 26S38) or the NHTSA’s online portal (recall number 26V-368) to determine whether your Expedition is included in the recall.
The 548,463 units in the recall population pretty much covers every last-generation Expedition sold, though, so there’s a good chance you will be receiving a notification about this one. Of that population, Ford estimates 12.8% — or just over 70,000 Expeditions — actually has peeling chrome trim that necessitates a replacement.
