A major recall just dropped—what drivers need to know now
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A new safety recall is gaining attention after federal regulators flagged a manufacturing issue that could impact thousands of vehicles.
The concern isn’t just about appearance—it involves a part that may come loose while driving.
That kind of defect could pose real risks to you and others on the road.
Even if you don’t drive often, it’s worth checking if a vehicle in your household might be affected.
Here’s what you need to know and how to stay ahead of the issue.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some Ford 2020 to 2025 Lincoln Aviators were built with rear door window bars and C-pillar trim that may not have been properly secured during manufacturing.
That means those parts—essentially trim along the sides near the back of your SUV—could come loose while driving.
If a piece detaches at highway speeds, it becomes more than just a cosmetic problem. Loose trim can act as debris or even a projectile, potentially endangering nearby drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
That’s why this issue triggered an official safety recall.
The recall applies to Lincoln Aviator models from 2020 through 2025.
These midsize luxury SUVs are popular among families and older adults alike, thanks to their comfortable ride and upscale features.
According to Ford’s estimates, around 132,900 vehicles are impacted.
If you or someone you know owns an Aviator from those years, it’s worth checking in.
The good news? If your vehicle is affected, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will handle repairs free of charge.
Here’s what you need to know:
Vehicle recalls can sound alarming, but they’re actually a sign that systems are working to keep people safe.
In this case, the issue likely stems from adhesive problems during production—something that can happen due to a change in materials, shifts in manufacturing, or even environmental factors during assembly.
By catching and correcting these issues, carmakers like Ford aim to prevent accidents and maintain safety standards.
If you’re not familiar with car parts, don’t worry.
The C-pillar is the vertical support post near the back of your SUV, between the rear side window and the rear windshield.
The trim in this area helps with both appearance and aerodynamics—but more importantly, it needs to stay attached while you’re on the road.
Here are some quick steps to take if you own—or might own—an affected vehicle:
For many older adults, a vehicle means more than just transportation—it’s freedom, independence, and connection. Staying on top of safety recalls helps protect not only yourself, but your passengers and others on the road.
Plus, even if your Aviator isn’t affected, it’s a good reminder to check for other open recalls.
The NHTSA website makes it easy to search using your VIN, and you might be surprised by what you find.
A small fix today could prevent a big problem tomorrow.
If your Aviator is on the list, don’t wait—schedule your repair and drive with peace of mind.
Read next: Is your drink contaminated? Shocking FDA recall in 28 states you need to know about!
Have you ever gone through a vehicle recall? How did it go? Did you find the process smooth or frustrating? Or maybe you have a tip for keeping up with car maintenance and safety checks?
We’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below and help other GrayVine readers stay informed and protected.
The concern isn’t just about appearance—it involves a part that may come loose while driving.
That kind of defect could pose real risks to you and others on the road.
Even if you don’t drive often, it’s worth checking if a vehicle in your household might be affected.
Here’s what you need to know and how to stay ahead of the issue.
A recent vehicle recall has drivers across the country checking for potential safety issues—here’s what to know. Image Source: Pexels / Riccardo.
What’s the issue?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some Ford 2020 to 2025 Lincoln Aviators were built with rear door window bars and C-pillar trim that may not have been properly secured during manufacturing.
That means those parts—essentially trim along the sides near the back of your SUV—could come loose while driving.
If a piece detaches at highway speeds, it becomes more than just a cosmetic problem. Loose trim can act as debris or even a projectile, potentially endangering nearby drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
That’s why this issue triggered an official safety recall.
Also read: Is your car a ticking time bomb? Urgent recall issued over fire risks!
Which vehicles are affected?
The recall applies to Lincoln Aviator models from 2020 through 2025.
These midsize luxury SUVs are popular among families and older adults alike, thanks to their comfortable ride and upscale features.
According to Ford’s estimates, around 132,900 vehicles are impacted.
If you or someone you know owns an Aviator from those years, it’s worth checking in.
Also read: Toyota issues recall for over 440,000 vehicles—find out which models are affected
What to expect from Ford
The good news? If your vehicle is affected, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will handle repairs free of charge.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What’s being fixed: Dealers will repair or replace the C-pillar trim and rear window division bars, ensuring they’re properly secured.
- When you’ll hear from Ford: Official notification letters are scheduled to go out by July 28. Keep an eye on your mailbox.
- How to check your vehicle now: Don’t want to wait? You can check using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at www.nhtsa.gov, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Mention recall number 25S66 when you call.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is among the models included in a new safety recall affecting thousands of vehicles nationwide. Image Source: YouTube / AutoWeb.
Also read: Is your Ford on the new recall list? Here's what you need to know now
Why do recalls like this happen?
Vehicle recalls can sound alarming, but they’re actually a sign that systems are working to keep people safe.
In this case, the issue likely stems from adhesive problems during production—something that can happen due to a change in materials, shifts in manufacturing, or even environmental factors during assembly.
By catching and correcting these issues, carmakers like Ford aim to prevent accidents and maintain safety standards.
Also read: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Not sure what a C-pillar is?
If you’re not familiar with car parts, don’t worry.
The C-pillar is the vertical support post near the back of your SUV, between the rear side window and the rear windshield.
The trim in this area helps with both appearance and aerodynamics—but more importantly, it needs to stay attached while you’re on the road.
Also read: Vitamin recall alert: Peanut allergy risk prompts urgent warning
How to stay safe and proactive
Here are some quick steps to take if you own—or might own—an affected vehicle:
- Watch for the letter: If you receive a recall notice from Ford or Lincoln, don’t ignore it. Schedule the repair promptly.
- Use your VIN to check now: Head to nhtsa.gov and type in your VIN to check for any active recalls.
- Talk to your dealer: If you're unsure or want help, your local Lincoln or Ford dealer can walk you through next steps.
- Let others know: If someone in your family or friend group drives an Aviator, send them this article or give them a heads-up.
Also read: Don’t eat this chip until you’ve seen the latest recall warning
Why it matters—especially for older drivers
For many older adults, a vehicle means more than just transportation—it’s freedom, independence, and connection. Staying on top of safety recalls helps protect not only yourself, but your passengers and others on the road.
Plus, even if your Aviator isn’t affected, it’s a good reminder to check for other open recalls.
The NHTSA website makes it easy to search using your VIN, and you might be surprised by what you find.
A small fix today could prevent a big problem tomorrow.
If your Aviator is on the list, don’t wait—schedule your repair and drive with peace of mind.
Read next: Is your drink contaminated? Shocking FDA recall in 28 states you need to know about!
Have you ever gone through a vehicle recall? How did it go? Did you find the process smooth or frustrating? Or maybe you have a tip for keeping up with car maintenance and safety checks?
We’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below and help other GrayVine readers stay informed and protected.
