IllustrationPAINT IS BUBBLING ON TAILGATE. COMMON PROBLEM. FORD DEALER KNOWS ABOUT IT, FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR AS THERE IS NO METAL PERFORATION. ALUMINUM TAILGATE IS CORRODING UNDER PAINT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A 3 -4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.
2012 Ford Expedition
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Expedition do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 155.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Expedition years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
140–25K
625–50K
1750–75K
1575–100K
21100–150K
12150K+
85 reports with mileage · 33 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
118 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST AND SECOND GEAR INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST AND SECOND GEAR INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ON LOOKING AT THE REAR TAILGATE I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE RUST SPOTS ( 4 IN ALL ). THE PAINT IS BUBBLED TO THE POINT I THINK WILL BREAK SOON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY (6/7/16) THEY SAID IT WAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH FORD . THE DEALER GUS JOHNSON FORD SPOKANE, WASH SAID IT IS A FORD PROBLEM AND NOT THERE'S. I FEEL IF I WO…
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ON LOOKING AT THE REAR TAILGATE I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE RUST SPOTS ( 4 IN ALL ). THE PAINT IS BUBBLED TO THE POINT I THINK WILL BREAK SOON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY (6/7/16) THEY SAID IT WAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH FORD . THE DEALER GUS JOHNSON FORD SPOKANE, WASH SAID IT IS A FORD PROBLEM AND NOT THERE'S. I FEEL IF I WOULD OF BE TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM I WOULD OF NEVER BOUGHT ANY FORD CAR. I FEEL THIS PROBLEM WAS KEEP FROM JUST TO MAKE A SALE. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT OTHER CARS BUT SURLY NOT FORDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS MODERATELY CORRODED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,382. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
HAVE RUST BUBBLES ON INSIDE BOTTOM OF REAR LIFT GATE. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WHERE LIFT GATE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. FOR A CAR LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD, THIS SHOULD NOT BE RUSTING.
RECENTLY, THE REAR TAILGATE AROUND THE LIFT HANDLE HAS BECOME CORRODED AND THE PAINT IS PEELING. I KEEP THE VEHICLE STORED AND RARELY USE IT. I KEEP IT IN IMMACULATE CONDITION AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS THE ONLY BLEMISH ON IT, BUT I CAN SEE IT IS GETTING WORSE AND WILL EVENTUALLY NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND REPAINTED. I…
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RECENTLY, THE REAR TAILGATE AROUND THE LIFT HANDLE HAS BECOME CORRODED AND THE PAINT IS PEELING. I KEEP THE VEHICLE STORED AND RARELY USE IT. I KEEP IT IN IMMACULATE CONDITION AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS THE ONLY BLEMISH ON IT, BUT I CAN SEE IT IS GETTING WORSE AND WILL EVENTUALLY NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND REPAINTED. I UNDERSTAND THE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL EXPEDITIONS AND BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATLEY 40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE READINGS FLUCTUATED AND THE TRANSMISSION JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V190000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATLEY 40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE READINGS FLUCTUATED AND THE TRANSMISSION JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V190000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *CN
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN KING ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIMS WERE REPLACED IN APRIL 2015. HOWEVER, THE NEW ARE MISSING THE CLEAR COAT IN CERTAIN AREAS AND THE SURFACE OF THOSE AREAS WERE ROUGH. *JB
PAINT BLISTERS ARE STARTING TO APPEAR ON REAR LIFT GATE WHERE THE HANDLE IS ATTACHED. DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS CORROSION DUE TO THE ALUMINIUM MATERIAL THAT THE LIFT GATE IS MADE OF AND POOR PREP WORK OR CONTAMINATION FROM THE FACTORY PAINT.
COULD HEAR A LOUD METAL TO METAL GRINDING SOUND. FINALLY HAD THE EXPEDITION TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. 3 STRUTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE SHOCKS. DRIVER SIDE BEARING WAS WORN OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE IS ALMOST THERE. THE EXPEDITION ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES. AFTER GETTING THIS INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER WE READ THE POWER TRAIN W…
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COULD HEAR A LOUD METAL TO METAL GRINDING SOUND. FINALLY HAD THE EXPEDITION TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. 3 STRUTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE SHOCKS. DRIVER SIDE BEARING WAS WORN OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE IS ALMOST THERE. THE EXPEDITION ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES. AFTER GETTING THIS INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER WE READ THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING. WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE IS MAKING THE SAME NOISE DEALERSHIP SAID TO BRING IT IN.
Official recalls
316V248000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Apr 27, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
12V190000 · Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
May 3, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
12V034000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Feb 2, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ17010 · Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Opened Dec 25, 2017 · Closed Oct 22, 2019
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.