Ford isreminder more than 548,000 vehicles due to a center console defect that could cause injury to occupants, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall affects certain 2018-2024 Ford Expedition vehicles, the federal regulator announced Thursday. In total, 548,463 vehicles are affected by the recall.
The center console’s chrome plating can bubble and peel over time, potentially resulting in sharp edges, the regulator said. Passengers who come into contact with sharp edges are at increased risk of injury.
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Ford is recalling more than 548,000 vehicles due to a center console defect that could cause injury to occupants. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
“A customer may come into contact with the sharp edge of chipping chrome while driving, increasing the risk of injury,” the NHTSA report states.
NHTSA said the defect may have been caused by chrome trim on the center console that was manufactured by a supplier using settings that did not meet Ford’s specifications.
The manufacturers listed in the regulator’s report are auto parts suppliers Xin Point and Forvia.
The recall affects certain 2018-2024 Ford Expedition vehicles. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images / Getty Images)
According to the recall report, Ford identified a trend in NHTSA Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) in September regarding bubbling and peeling of chrome trim on the center console of 2019-2020 model year Ford Expedition vehicles.
Teleprinter Security Last Change Change % F FORD MOTOR CO. 14.71 +0.41 +2.87% “Five of six reported VOQs report injuries to customers’ hands due to contact with the sharp edge of chipping chrome trim,” the report states.
Ford said it is aware of one crash and 65 injuries related to the issue.
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Ford said it is aware of one crash and 65 injuries related to the issue. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Customer reports of hand and finger lacerations associated with this condition include a small number of cases indicating that professional medical attention was required,” the report states.
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Customers affected by the recall will be able to visit a Ford dealership to have their vehicle inspected and replace the center consoles if necessary, at free of charge.
Notification letters regarding the security risk are expected to be mailed on June 29.
Additional letters will be sent in January of next year “once the cure is available,” according to NHTSA.