NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
76 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH ON BUSY STREET CAR POWER FAILED, SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY INCLUDING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED AFTER THAT AND DROVE FINE. SINCE THEN IT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES OVER LAST MONTH. LAST WEEK OCCURRED AT WHEN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN WITH A TURN SIGNAL BUT SHUT OFF BEFORE I …
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WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH ON BUSY STREET CAR POWER FAILED, SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY INCLUDING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED AFTER THAT AND DROVE FINE. SINCE THEN IT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES OVER LAST MONTH. LAST WEEK OCCURRED AT WHEN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN WITH A TURN SIGNAL BUT SHUT OFF BEFORE I COULD MAKE THE TURN. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THOUGHT IT HAD TO DO WITH LOW GAS TANK BUT HAD PLENTY OF GAS LAST WEEK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377708
69,400 miles · Jan 4, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK …
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THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT ANY FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #4), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO A SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND. AS THE CAR PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, THE "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" WARNING APPEARED IN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER. THANKFULLY, THE CAR HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO SAFELY PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED, AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374084
38,000 miles · Dec 24, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Other
STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. WHILE I WAS MAKING THE RIGHT TURN ABOUT 5 MPH, THE 2005 FORD EXPEDITION STALLED AND ALL THE LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS TO TURN ON THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED. I STOPPED 5 MINUTES LATER TO STOP THE ENGINE TO SEE IF EVERYTHING WAS OK. IT TOOK TWO TR…
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STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. WHILE I WAS MAKING THE RIGHT TURN ABOUT 5 MPH, THE 2005 FORD EXPEDITION STALLED AND ALL THE LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS TO TURN ON THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED. I STOPPED 5 MINUTES LATER TO STOP THE ENGINE TO SEE IF EVERYTHING WAS OK. IT TOOK TWO TRIES TO START THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER THE NEXT DAY TO GET IT INSPECTED. THEY CLAIM IT WAS THE "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR". I GOT THAT REPLACED FOR ~$340.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372365
60,000 miles · Dec 9, 2010
Electrical System
I OWN A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION AND HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSING ALL THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS SCARED . THERE WERE 5 PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE INCLUDING TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. VERY DANGEROUS! THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTE…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION AND HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSING ALL THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS SCARED . THERE WERE 5 PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE INCLUDING TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. VERY DANGEROUS! THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. TODAY I HAVE A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. O/D LED FLASHES ON DASH AND VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC. THEY SUSPECT A TRANSMISSION FAULT. I WISH I NEVER DECIDED ON GETTING THIS SUV. I SHOULD NOT BE SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ASAP!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369724
63,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT 3 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK EL…
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THIS IS INCIDENT 3 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #3), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A TWO-LANE (ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION) DC CITY STREET. THE CAR LOST POWER COMPLETELY, AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE OF TRAFFIC, THEREBY BLOCKING THE HEAVY LINE OF TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366744
60,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT #2 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK E…
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THIS IS INCIDENT #2 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #2), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON A FOUR-LANE (IN EACH DIRECTION) INTERSTATE HIGHWAY (THE INNER LOOP OF THE CAPITAL BELTWAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD). THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE SECOND LANE FROM THE RIGHT TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER TO ACCELERATE, ALTHOUGH AT RAPIDLY DECELERATING SPEED, THIS MANEUVER WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEXT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER DID NOT REPORT AN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS INCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366741
53,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT #1 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK E…
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THIS IS INCIDENT #1 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #1), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 - 40 MPH ON A THREE-LANE (IN EACH DIRECTION) STATE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER TO ACCELERATE. THIS ROAD HAS NO SHOULDER, SO THE CAR BLOCKED TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE UNTIL IT WAS RESTARTED. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEXT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER DID NOT REPORT AN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS INCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366740
75,000 miles · Oct 14, 2010
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY THE "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" LIGHT CAME ON AND SHUT DOWN MY CAR.. I HAD NO ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTROL. THIS OCCURS ON AVERAGE ONCE A MONTH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ,YOU HAVE NO POWER. YOU HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360572
65,000 miles · Sep 21, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON HIGHWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS NO POWER TO GAS PEDAL. THE CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHED, I PULLED OVER THREE LANES TO SIDE OF ROAD. I SAT THERE TRYING TO START VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY, FINALLY AFTER 10 MINUTES IT STARTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356743
37,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipment
OUR 2005 FORD EXPEDITION HAS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM MISSOURI TO VIRGINIA AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID TO L…
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OUR 2005 FORD EXPEDITION HAS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM MISSOURI TO VIRGINIA AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID TO LET IT SIT FOR 30 MINUTES AND THEN TRY TO START THE CAR AGAIN. WE DID AND IT WORKED. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE COLD WEATHER. JUST YESTERDAY 12 SEPT 2010 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. THE COLD HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT YESTERDAY. BOTH TIMES WE WERE FORCED TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. LIVING IN THE DC AREA AND USING INTERSTATE 95 ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. HAVING YOUR VEHICLE JUST STOP RUNNING IS INSANE. I AM UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL, BUT IN A SEARCH OF THE WEB I FOUND NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE. WHAT IS FORD DOING ABOUT THIS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355191
NHTSA investigations
1PE08070 · Steel Wheel Fracture
Opened Dec 9, 2008 · Closed Apr 15, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:rim
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
Additional source detail variants (2)
Wheels
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
Wheels:rim
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
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