NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
299 reports43,654 miles · Aug 18, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN GREATER THAN 60 MPH. THE HIGHER THE SPEED, THE MORE THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE FAILU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN GREATER THAN 60 MPH. THE HIGHER THE SPEED, THE MORE THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE JUNE 24, 2008, BUT THEY STILL CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/29/08.*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONVERTER. UPDATED 09/29/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10238652
45,000 miles · Aug 14, 2008
Wheels
THE 17" STEEL TIRE RIM ON THE 2006 FORD EXPEDITION HAD SPLIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238153
30,000 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANEUVERED ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, BUT WAS RESTARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/11/08.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10234170
31,000 miles · Jun 30, 2008
Structure
I HAVE A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. 31,000 MILES. I HAVE PAINT BUBBLES ON THE HOOD AND REAR TAIL GATE ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. FORD TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICE CENTER. SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY WON'T FIX IT UNTIL IT BECOME A HOLE IN THE METAL. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! $35,000 SUV 2YRS. OLD AND I HAVE TO SPEND $1,200.00 OUT OF PO…
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I HAVE A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. 31,000 MILES. I HAVE PAINT BUBBLES ON THE HOOD AND REAR TAIL GATE ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. FORD TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICE CENTER. SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY WON'T FIX IT UNTIL IT BECOME A HOLE IN THE METAL. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! $35,000 SUV 2YRS. OLD AND I HAVE TO SPEND $1,200.00 OUT OF POCKET TO FIX IT. LAST FORD I'LL EVER OWN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232716
29,890 miles · Jun 24, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2006 FORD EXPEDITION SUDDENLY SHUTS DOWN FOR THE THIRD TIME NOW WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN SUDDENLY AND GIVES OUT THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE MESSAGE ON THE BOARD. DEALER SAYS NOTHING SHOWING UP ON THE DIAGNOSTICS. HOW COULD THAT BE. THERE'S GOT TO BE A REASON WHY THAT SUV SUDDENLY SHUT ITS ENGINE DOWN. …
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MY 2006 FORD EXPEDITION SUDDENLY SHUTS DOWN FOR THE THIRD TIME NOW WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN SUDDENLY AND GIVES OUT THE ENGINE FAIL SAFE MODE MESSAGE ON THE BOARD. DEALER SAYS NOTHING SHOWING UP ON THE DIAGNOSTICS. HOW COULD THAT BE. THERE'S GOT TO BE A REASON WHY THAT SUV SUDDENLY SHUT ITS ENGINE DOWN. ACCIDENT WILL HAPPEN IF THIS WILL NOT BE RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232177
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureSuspension
2006 FORD EXPEDITION HAS SAFETY ISSUES WITH ENGINE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE GAGS OR SHAKES UPON IGNITION. CONSUMER IS MOSTLY WORRIED ABOUT THE WOBBLING WHEN MAKING TURNS. CLAIMS THERE IS LOSS OF POWER. *KB THE REAR LATCH WOULD STICK AT TIMES TO THE POINT WHERE THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10230648
19,398 miles · Apr 7, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
2006 FORD EXPEDITION THAT CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING, STARTED AT APPROX 18K AND HAS BEEN TO SAME FORD DEALER 5 TIMES. PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE LAST VISIT TO DEALER BUT COULD COME BACK AND IS SERIOUS SAFETY FACTOR AS A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. LAST REPAIR NOTED A ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR TO THROTTLEBODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10223551
25,707 miles · Mar 5, 2008
Wheels
VEHICLE VIBRATION, SLOW LEAK OF TIRE PRESSURE. NEED FOR REPAIR INDICATED A WHEEL FAILURE WITH 25% TO 50% OF OUTER RIM CRACKING AWAY FROM WHEEL. VEHICLES ARE FORD EXPEDITIONS ONE A MODEL YR 2004 AND THE OTHER A MODEL YEAR 2006. USED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CONTACTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220133
23,000 miles · Jan 7, 2008
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC, SIZE P265/70R18 TIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLATTEN EVEN AFTER REFILLING IT WITH AIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05T022000 (TIRES:TREAD/BELT) A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC, SIZE P265/70R18 TIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLATTEN EVEN AFTER REFILLING IT WITH AIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05T022000 (TIRES:TREAD/BELT) ALTHOUGH SHE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. AFTER INSPECTING THE TIRE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAM WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE. PRIOR TO OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL AND THE TIRE TREAD WAS 5/30 SECONDS. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,000. UPDATED 02/12/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL 4 TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THEY WERE ONLY A YEAR OLD.
NHTSA ODI #10214028
18,000 miles · Dec 15, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION IN APRIL OF '06, BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER OF '06 MY ENGINE BEGAN STALLING. THE CONSEQUENCES INCLUDED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, FREEZING OF STEERING, VEHICLE SLOWING WITH NO CONTROL. I BROUGHT THIS TO MY DEALERS ATTENTION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AS THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT 2007. I AM VERY …
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I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION IN APRIL OF '06, BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER OF '06 MY ENGINE BEGAN STALLING. THE CONSEQUENCES INCLUDED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, FREEZING OF STEERING, VEHICLE SLOWING WITH NO CONTROL. I BROUGHT THIS TO MY DEALERS ATTENTION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AS THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT 2007. I AM VERY CONCERNED OF THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10211999
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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