Rear door trim may detach, increasing crash risk
Ford is recalling 132,914 Lincoln Aviator SUVs in the United States due to a defect that could cause rear door window bars and trim to detach while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Tuesday.
The recall affects 2020 to 2025 model year Aviators. According to the agency, an estimated 3.2% of vehicles may have insufficient adhesive bonding on the rear door components and C-pillar trim. If the parts separate from the vehicle, they could pose a danger to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Parts could fall off due to weak adhesive
Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, stated that the issue stems from inadequate adhesive retention used during assembly. The company confirmed that the C-pillar appliques and window division bars may not be securely attached, allowing them to detach unexpectedly during normal operation.
The NHTSA emphasized that such incidents could obstruct traffic, cause accidents, or harm pedestrians, prompting the safety recall.
Repair details and owner instructions
Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification letter by July 28, with instructions to visit their dealer for free repairs. Dealers will either repair or replace the defective trim parts to ensure proper adhesion and safety compliance.
A second letter will follow once the remedy parts and procedures become fully available at service centers.
Ford faces growing recall scrutiny
This recall adds to a growing list of vehicle safety issues Ford has addressed in recent years, underscoring increasing pressure from federal regulators. The automaker has not reported any injuries related to this specific defect but is acting proactively to prevent future incidents.
