Ford Taurus Recall Due to Trim Handling Defect
Ford has announced a recall of 101,944 Taurus sedans due to the possibility of the decorative applique on the B-pillar delaminating. This part can completely separate while the vehicle is in motion, creating a hazard for other road users. Owners will be offered a free inspection and repair at official dealerships.
Scale of the Problem and Causes
The issue concerns models manufactured between July 2016 and March 2019, including model years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. According to the manufacturer, the cause lies in the insufficient adhesion of the part to the metal door section during installation at the factory. A change in the manufacturing process, which eliminated the use of manual rollers, led to the improper bonding of the mounting tapes.
Ford explained in the recall documents that the delamination is related to “an incomplete adhesion of the part to the metal door section during installation.”
Symptoms and Company Response
Owners may notice signs of the problem, such as the trim delaminating when entering or exiting the vehicle, increased wind noise, or rattling while driving. From 2017 to 2022, Ford registered 452 warranty claims related to this defect. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported due to this flaw.
Additional Aspects
This recall is part of a series of similar initiatives by Ford this year, indicating systemic issues in quality control. Although the Taurus has already been discontinued, the company continues to be responsible for the safety of its former models, which may positively impact consumer trust in the long term. At the same time, such mass recalls may indicate a need to review manufacturing processes in the future.