2010 Ford Flex

While traveling at highway speeds 75+ a loud bang and then control of vehicle was hard to keep on road, swerved left then right, left rear quarter panel hit guard rail and caused car to spin around and went sideways and backwards down a 30 ft embankment. Fortunately did not roll. left side tires came off of rims and damage to driver side door was done. Highway Patrol had car towed to holding lot, where I then got car towed to my mechanic. The left side Lateral stabilizer Rod had broken due to rusted part, causing left rear wheel to go out of alignment. The rubber boot on the rod was attached, rust was internal would never had known about a problem. Had both lateral rods replaced tires re-balanced and alignment done.

Vehicle was shaking in the rear area for some time at highway speeds. I took the vehicle in to the local tire shop to get the alignment checked. After that the vehicle still shook. I took the vehicle back to the tire shop and the alignment was already off quite a bit in the back tires. I took the vehicle in to the local ford dealership and was informed that the rear passenger toe link was cracking. This was replaced and the vehicle still shakes/vibrates a little bit at highway speeds. After tire rotation ,the vibration is getting better. The toe link had caused the tires to wear down inconsistently, which caused the secondary vibration.

UNKNOWN I was on the highway during dry conditions, and very suddenly fishtailed and swerved into another lane. Caused an accident. Could have been much worse. Rear driver's side wheel is not facing forward - tow driver says looks like a broken toe link. Insurance company has possession of the vehicle and will likely total the car, with no inspection by a repair shop.

Rear suspension toe-link failure on left side. Incident occurred without any notice at speed of approximately 30-35 MPH on highway after pulling away from having stopped for traffic light at intersection. Vehicle swerved uncontrollably to right at approximately 45 degrees, then began slow drift to left during which I was finally able to regain control by applying throttle pressure and torque to front wheels to pull it forward. This fortunately occurred on a multi-lane roadway with no other traffic to either side of vehicle. No insurance claim has been filed as vehicle was otherwise undamaged during this event, but it was towed to Vogler Ford, Carbondale, IL, where it remains in their service lot. It is available for inspection. I do not know if they have discussed this situation with any Ford Motor Co. personnel.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BILL KNIGHT FORD (9607 S. MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74133) WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR TOE LINK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 351,000.