Ford is facing a growing number of quality control challenges, with an alarming rise in recalls that have already surpassed the total issued in all of 2024. The frequency of these recalls has increased so dramatically that it seems a new issue surfaces almost every week. The latest in this string of problems involves the Lincoln Aviator, a premium SUV marketed as a luxury offering. Ironically, parts of its body trim appear to have ambitions of taking flight—literally.
Nearly 133,000 Lincoln Aviators are now part of a recall due to the risk of exterior trim pieces detaching from the vehicle. Specifically, the affected parts are located on the doors and the C-pillars. Ford has identified the problem in Aviators built between October 19, 2018, and May 30, 2025, citing insufficient bonding material used during manufacturing. Over time, environmental factors such as wind, vibration, and changes in temperature can weaken the bond, causing the trim pieces to come loose and potentially fall off entirely.
Although this defect may not seem as alarming as some previous recalls—such as the F-150 Lightning’s ball joint nut issue, which could cause total loss of vehicle control—it still raises valid safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed worry that dislodged trim could become a road hazard, potentially striking other vehicles or leading to accidents. Initially, Ford downplayed the risk back in 2023. However, after further testing and discussions with NHTSA, the company reconsidered and opted to take corrective action. Fortunately, Ford has reported no known crashes or injuries connected to the issue.
Beyond safety, the defect presents an image and reliability problem for a luxury vehicle. For customers who invested up to $80,000 in a Lincoln Aviator, discovering missing or dangling trim after a routine drive can be both frustrating and disappointing—especially when rival brands like Lexus, Volvo, or Audi offer comparable SUVs with fewer reported issues.
To address the problem, Ford began notifying affected owners on June 28. The company sent out initial letters to the 132,914 registered Aviator owners, informing them of the potential defect. A second letter with instructions for repairs will follow, although Ford has not provided a timeline for the fix, as it is still finalizing the remedy. Notably, over 1,100 warranty claims related to this defect have already been filed, indicating that many owners were already aware of the problem.
This recall is the third affecting the Aviator in just one month. Previous issues involved a second-row seat that could shift unexpectedly, especially in a crash scenario, and a radio software glitch that wasn’t properly addressed in an earlier fix. With so many quality-related problems to juggle, Ford is clearly facing a critical moment in regaining customer trust and restoring confidence in its vehicles.