Imagine driving down the highway, only to see parts of your SUV peeling off mid-journey. Ford is facing a serious safety concern with nearly 133,000 Lincoln Aviator SUVs, where defective components could detach while the vehicle is in motion, creating a hazard for drivers and others on the road. This isn’t just a minor glitch—it’s a reminder of the importance of quality control in an industry that directly impacts lives.
According to the New York Post, Ford’s recall targets 132,914 Lincoln Aviator vehicles from the 2020-2025 model years due to rear door window bars and C-pillar trim that may come loose, posing a crash risk as noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The problem lies in insufficient adhesive bonding on these parts near the back windows. If they detach, they could become dangerous debris on the road. For drivers who value safety and reliability, this is a stark warning about potential flaws even in premium brands like Lincoln.
Ford estimates that about 3.2% of the recalled vehicles—roughly 4,250 cars—may have this defect. That’s a small percentage, but for those affected, the risk is real and unacceptable.
As of May 29, 2025, Ford had already received 1,105 warranty claims related to these window bars or trim separating. This isn’t a theoretical issue; it’s happening to real drivers who trusted the brand.
Thankfully, Ford reports no known accidents or injuries tied to this defect. But with parts potentially flying off at highway speeds, it’s only a matter of time before luck runs out if the issue isn’t addressed.
Drivers might notice the C-pillar appliqué or division bar starting to separate from their vehicle. If you see this, don’t ignore it—your safety and that of others could be at stake. Ford took action by removing the faulty part from production on May 30, 2025. That’s a step forward, but it doesn’t help the thousands of vehicles already on the road with this potential flaw.
The company is offering free repairs or replacements at authorized Ford or Lincoln dealers. For a corporation of Ford’s size, this is the least they can do to maintain trust with customers who invest hard-earned money in their products.
Ford plans to notify owners of affected vehicles with letters by July 28, 2025. A second round of letters will follow once the remedy is ready, ensuring everyone knows how to get their vehicle fixed.
Until then, owners should stay vigilant and check for signs of separating trim. Proactive steps like these are what separate responsible drivers from those who wait for disaster to strike.
Don’t wait for a government mandate or a corporate nudge to act. If you own a Lincoln Aviator from the 2020-2025 model years, contact your dealer now to see if your vehicle is impacted and schedule a check.
This recall isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a hit to Ford’s reputation and bottom line. Warranty claims and free repairs add up, diverting resources from innovation to damage control—hardly the efficient market outcome investors want.
For consumers, it’s a reminder to demand accountability from manufacturers while protecting your own financial interests. A vehicle is a major investment—don’t let shoddy craftsmanship erode its value or your safety.
Ultimately, this recall underscores a free-market truth: companies like Ford must prioritize quality to retain customer loyalty, not just to avoid regulatory headaches. As wealth-builders, we should reward firms that deliver reliability and punish those that cut corners with our dollars. If you’re in the market for an SUV, consider this incident when weighing brand trust and long-term costs.