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orywireFord is recalling certain 2018–2024 Expedition SUVs because peeling chrome trim on the center console may create sharp edges. Owners should check their VIN and watch for Ford’s mail notices before scheduling the free dealer inspection.
Ford is recalling 548,463 Ford Expedition SUVs because chrome trim on the center console may bubble or peel, leaving a sharp edge. Owners of 2018–2024 Expeditions should check the 17-character VIN through NHTSA or a Ford or Lincoln dealer instead of relying on the model year alone.
The recall is listed in Ford’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as recall 26V368. Ford’s recall number is 26S38.
The recall covers certain 2018–2024 Ford Expedition vehicles. The NHTSA filing lists production dates from March 14, 2017, through Dec. 3, 2024.
The filing says the affected vehicles were not produced in VIN order. That means a 2018–2024 Expedition is not automatically included, and a vehicle outside an owner’s immediate visual concern should still be checked by VIN.
Ford estimated that 12.8% of the recalled population may have the defect. The NHTSA filing for this campaign lists Ford Expedition vehicles only.
Ford told NHTSA that chrome plating on the center console may separate from the base material. If that happens, the peeling chrome can create sharp edges.
The warning sign is visible bubbling or peeling on the center-console chrome trim. Ford said the condition is visible to occupants before or as it develops.
As of June 2, Ford said it was aware globally of 34 customer call center reports, 150 field reports and 4,634 warranty reports that may be related to peeling center-console chrome. Ford also reported one accident, 65 injuries and no fires related to the concern. The reported injuries included hand and finger lacerations, with a small number of reports saying professional medical attention was required.
Owners should use the vehicle’s VIN, not just the model year, to confirm whether a specific SUV is included.
NHTSA says the VIN is a 17-character number found on the lower left of the windshield. It may also appear on the vehicle registration card or insurance card.
Owners can search the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup tool. NHTSA says a VIN or license-plate search can show whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall, though some newly announced recalls may take time to appear as VINs are added.
Ford’s filing says affected VINs were planned to be searchable on June 10. Owners may also call Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or contact a local Ford or Lincoln dealer, which can check the vehicle through Ford’s dealer system.
Ford says owners will be told to take the vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a center-console inspection. If bubbling or peeling chrome is present, the dealer will replace the center console at no charge.
The replacement consoles are expected to use chrome plating that meets Ford specifications.
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The NHTSA filing does not list a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory for this recall. Still, owners who see peeling trim should avoid touching the exposed edge and should arrange the official inspection through a dealer when their vehicle is confirmed in the campaign.
Dealer notification was expected on June 10, according to the NHTSA filing.
Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed from June 29 through July 2. Those letters are meant to alert owners to the safety risk before the final remedy mailing.
Ford expects remedy owner notification letters to be mailed from Jan. 29, 2027, through Feb. 2, 2027. Owners should keep any completed repair paperwork with the vehicle records, especially if they plan to sell or trade the SUV.
The main item still to watch is final remedy timing. NHTSA’s filing says the remedy letters are expected in early 2027, so owners should recheck their VIN if they do not receive a letter but believe their Expedition may be affected.
This article should be updated if NHTSA or Ford changes the remedy schedule, adds service instructions, changes the VIN-search guidance or releases a new owner letter.
Honda is recalling 880,514 Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport and Acura MDX vehicles over a rear subframe corrosion risk. Owners should check their VIN and schedule a free dealer inspection if their vehicle is included.
