The work aims to describe the filiform corrosion phenomenon of aluminum alloy based on relevant researches at home and abroad, points out the four necessary conditions (high humidity, coating defect, oxygen, and corrosive ions) for the occurrence of filiform corrosion. The initiation and development mechanism of the filaments was analyzed. Important factors (atmospheric environment, base metal, surface pretreatment, and coating) affecting filiform corrosion were listed. Commonly used test standards and research methods (scanning Kelvin probe detection method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical simulation method, and natural environment exposure) of filiform corrosion were summarized and compared. Inhibition and protection measures of filiform corrosion were discussed from three aspects of environmental control, surface pretreatment and coating application. Finally, four problems that need to be solved were pointed out:the correlation between the standard filiform corrosion test and the actual atmospheric corrosion, the formulation of standard for the filiform corrosion resistance of organic coatings, the study on the filiform corrosion of aviation aluminum alloys, and the improvement of surface pretreatment methods.