Just days after announcing a massive recall that impacted more than one million vehicles, Ford is now launching another safety campaign, this time involving one of its retired models. The Ford Taurus, discontinued after the 2019 model year, has been recalled due to a potential issue with a trim piece that could detach while the car is in motion.
The problem specifically concerns the B-pillar trim appliqué located on the front driver and passenger doors. These decorative panels, meant to provide a sleek look, may become loose or separate entirely. While at first glance the defect might appear to be only cosmetic, the risk goes beyond appearance. If these trim pieces break free from the vehicle, they could fall onto the roadway and create a hazard for surrounding traffic. According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), owners might notice the trim beginning to peel when they open or close their doors. Other early warning signs include unusual wind noise or rattling sounds while driving, both of which could indicate that the appliqué is in the process of detaching.
This is not a minor campaign, as the recall covers 101,944 units of the Taurus built between July 2016 and March 2019. That production window spans four model years: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019—the final years of the sedan’s run in North America. Ford explained that the issue is tied to incomplete adhesion during the manufacturing process. Specifically, changes at the assembly plant led to the removal of hand rollers, which had previously been used to ensure the adhesive mounting tape bonded the trim securely to the door sheet metal. Because of this procedural change, vehicles produced before 2016 are not affected by the defect.
Between 2017 and 2022, Ford recorded 452 warranty claims linked to this problem. Fortunately, the automaker confirmed that there have been no accidents or injuries associated with the defective trim. As part of the recall process, affected owners will receive official notification letters by mail. In the meantime, they can check the recall status of their vehicle by contacting Ford directly or by visiting a local dealership. Once a vehicle is confirmed to be part of the campaign, technicians will inspect the B-pillar trim appliqué. If necessary, the part will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the owner.
This recall represents another step in Ford’s broader efforts to address quality concerns, even for models no longer in production. It underscores the company’s commitment to safety, ensuring that even discontinued vehicles like the Taurus continue to meet proper standards for reliability and roadworthiness.