NHTSA Complaint #11703347 — 2018 FORD EXPEDITION

The chrome trim on the upper center console of my 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Max has begun peeling and lifting, creating a razor-sharp exposed metal edge in the front passenger compartment. The sharp metal edge is located where the driver and front passenger/children rest their arms and where the console storage is opened and accessed during normal use. The edge is sharp enough to cause deep lacerations with normal contact. This defect has already resulted in multiple significant cuts to occupants, producing wounds that bled for several hours and required medical care to control bleeding. The center console cannot be used safely without risk of injury, and occupants cannot reasonably avoid contact with the affected area. A vehicle interior surface should never create the risk of open wounds to occupants during ordinary operation. Manufacturer Response Ford Motor Company, Ford Customer Care, and Ford Protect have been notified of the safety risk. Despite documented injury, the dealership and Ford warranty administrators have refused to repair the component, stating that the part is categorized as “cosmetic” in their parts system. Because of this internal categorization, they declined to submit or review the issue as a safety-related failure, and no remedy has been offered. Reason for Filing The failure of interior trim material to maintain structural integrity has resulted in dangerous exposed sharp metal, causing real injury and presenting a continuing safety hazard to vehicle occupants. Manufacturer refusal to take corrective action after injury demonstrates the need for federal safety review.