Cab trim is coming off vehicle, causing likelihood of vehicle getting water inside the body/ structure of the vehicle, which can lead to degradation and loss of structural integrity during a collision.
2021 Ford F-250 Sd
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2021 Ford F-250 Sd do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 89.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-250 Sd 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
49 reports with mileage · 114 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.
- Fuel System, Diesel. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. 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.
Structure complaints
11 reportsThe drivers side door latch does not allow the driver to exist the vehicle as the door lock on the drivers door has only worked intermittently. When the lock doesn’t unlock on the drivers door, I have to use the passenger or rear doors to enter and/or exit the vehicle. The drivers door won’t even allow me to manually unlock t…
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The drivers side door latch does not allow the driver to exist the vehicle as the door lock on the drivers door has only worked intermittently. When the lock doesn’t unlock on the drivers door, I have to use the passenger or rear doors to enter and/or exit the vehicle. The drivers door won’t even allow me to manually unlock the door using the latch—when I grip the latch tight enough to grab the door lock pin it cannot even be pulled up manually, it’s as if it is being pulled back down with heavy force. This is a significant hazard in the event of an emergency as I cannot exit the vehicle. The truck only has -7,000 miles on it and is in like new condition. This began back in August of 2024, but then stopped for a while and returned intermittently, but now seems to be a regular occurrence. This need to be addressed by Ford ASAP.
Electronic tailgate randomly opens while driving and causes significant safety issue while hauling materials. Has happened multiple times.
On or about [XXX], [XXX] I contacted Ford customer relations about the roof installed molding Rear mounting points had broken apart on my vehicle (both sides) and the molding is lifting up. Advised that if could become dislodged during operation. Received a Case # [XXX]. After several calls, I was told no action will be taken…
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On or about [XXX], [XXX] I contacted Ford customer relations about the roof installed molding Rear mounting points had broken apart on my vehicle (both sides) and the molding is lifting up. Advised that if could become dislodged during operation. Received a Case # [XXX]. After several calls, I was told no action will be taken on their part because the vehicle over 3yrs old. I contacted the local Ford dealership (Lafayette Ford) and was told by one of the addon tech that it's a known issue and that Ford currently carries the newly designed replacement part. He spoke to manager in the service department . He then sttn that I would need to get a case number, I told him that I'd had one and provided it to him. More phone calls made and they will not change their position. On 11/1/2024 I was told that the case was closed almost immediately after it was opened. Ms Tara sttd that the supervisor was going to request that the case be reopened. 11/18/2024, I called back because of no response. Ms Jaclyn sttn, not covered, Ford not doing anything. I don't know how long or when they broke. The roof has never been used to carry anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to submit a formal complaint concerning a persistent and costly issue with the 2021 Ford F-250 and models from previous and newer years, specifically related to the roof molding. It has come to my attention that numerous owners of these vehicles, including myself, are facing significant financial burdens due to a de…
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I am writing to submit a formal complaint concerning a persistent and costly issue with the 2021 Ford F-250 and models from previous and newer years, specifically related to the roof molding. It has come to my attention that numerous owners of these vehicles, including myself, are facing significant financial burdens due to a design flaw that necessitates the replacement of the roof molding. The core of the issue lies in the fact that replacing the roof molding is not a straightforward task; it requires the removal of the rear window, which significantly escalates the cost and complexity of what should be a simple repair. The trim pieces alone are priced at approximately $125 per side, not including labor costs, which can be substantial given the necessity to remove and reinstall the rear window. Given the frequency and consistency of these complaints across multiple owners and vehicles, it is evident that this is a widespread defect rather than isolated incidents. The financial impact on consumers is considerable, making it an urgent matter that I believe warrants a recall. As a safety and regulatory body, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the responsibility to ensure that manufacturers like Ford address such defects that not only impose undue financial strain on consumers but may also pose potential safety risks associated with improper installations or failures of the molding in question. I urge the NHTSA to initiate an investigation into this matter and to consider mandating a recall to correct the roof molding issue at the manufacturer’s expense. This would alleviate the financial burden on current owners and ensure that future models are free from this costly defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action on this issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor cat odor in the vehicle after a car wash or during inclement weather. The driver added an air freshener to the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was stronger while using the A/C unit in the recycle air position. Additionally, the molding st…
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The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor cat odor in the vehicle after a car wash or during inclement weather. The driver added an air freshener to the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was stronger while using the A/C unit in the recycle air position. Additionally, the molding strip had detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who added spray to the air filter and checked for dead animals. The vehicle was taken to an independent body shop, which replaced the weather strip. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Rear window across back of cab shattered for no apparent reason while traveling down the road. Contacted dealership and ford warranty and they said this was not a warranty issue. The truck only has 13,000 miles. I feel this is a defective product .
This is what happen Thursday Night to my Truck sitting in my drive way. My entire wiring harness on the drivers side was under water.. I drove it to the dealership and it was still pouring water from the rear plugs. I have rubber floor mats and wouldn't have even noticed the issue if I didn't pull them to clean the truck. T…
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This is what happen Thursday Night to my Truck sitting in my drive way. My entire wiring harness on the drivers side was under water.. I drove it to the dealership and it was still pouring water from the rear plugs. I have rubber floor mats and wouldn't have even noticed the issue if I didn't pull them to clean the truck. There are tons of truck having this issue. to fix it properly the bed has to be taken off the truck. The insurance company's total cars for electrical being covered in water. This is a recall issue Ford Surly needs to address and fix. Go look at this video fast forward to the 4 minute mark. https://youtu.be/9azod47j8KM
While I was driving on the highway my hood popped up thankfully the safety catch held it but it was very unnerving I haven't been able to recreate the problem
The truck tailgate opened by itself 4 times since receiving the vehicle (5 month period). It happened both while stopped and while driving. This put drivers behind me at risk for cargo spilling out, though luckily that did not happen. The last incident scratched and dented the lift gate as it fell upon an attached bicycle rack …
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The truck tailgate opened by itself 4 times since receiving the vehicle (5 month period). It happened both while stopped and while driving. This put drivers behind me at risk for cargo spilling out, though luckily that did not happen. The last incident scratched and dented the lift gate as it fell upon an attached bicycle rack in its raised storage position. I have not yet reported it to the dealer and plan to do so when I return from a trip. No messages on the dash were noticed. The problem appeared during the first month of use, but I assumed it must have not been fully closed. Since then I have been much more careful of closing and checking the liftgate, and I still find it open or hear a thud as it fully opens while parked or driving.
Official recalls
1226V158000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
Mar 17, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
25V686000 · Back Over Prevention:software
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
25V626000 · Steering:column
Sep 19, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
25V455000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 7, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software
Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
25V048000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Jan 31, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
24V957000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
Dec 20, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.
23V420000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
Jun 9, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
22V250000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
22V087000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft; Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
Feb 16, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Consequence: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Consequence: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.
22V013000 · Fuel System, Diesel
Jan 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.
21V090000 · Visibility:windshield; Visibility:windshield:critical Fasteners
Feb 18, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield:critical Fasteners
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.
Visibility:windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.
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
1PE24014 · Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
Opened May 9, 2024 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Diesel; Fuel System, Other:fuel Filter
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Diesel
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Fuel System, Other:fuel Filter
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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