2021 Ford Transit

Per Mr. [XXX]: My daughter and members of our church’s high school youth group were on their way to a summer missions project in western Virginia/eastern Tennessee in an Enterprise rental van when the [DRIVERS' SIDE] rear tire started to separate from the vehicle as they were driving south on [XXX] near Staunton! Fortunately, the dad who was driving was able to safely steer the van to the side of the road, where the kids and their suitcases were re-distributed among the other vehicles in the caravan. They called Enterprise, but they had no vehicles to spare, so they told the driver to leave the van by the side of the road and they would dispatch a wrecker to pick it up. Have you seen this happen before with Ford Transit axles? But for the driver’s alertness, this could have been a headline-making event! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I received a letter fromKIA that said a fire can occur in the area of the tow hitch harness module while driving or while the vehicle is parked with the ignition off.Debris and moisture contamination on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board ( PCB) which may cause an electrical short circuit , increasing the risk of a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury.I received a letter from KIA America Headquarters that a Recall Number 22V703 applies to my 2017 KIA Sportage which is equipped with a Genuine KIA tow hitch harness accessory. It said KIA has identified my vehicle as one that has the above defect. This letter was dated 11/11/22 but I received it in my mail today 12/20/22. It also said KIA will send me a letter when a remedy is found. In the mean time I should park my vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until They have this recall performed. KIA also said in this letter they will send me another letter when a recall remedy is available.I need a vehicle to take me, my wife and family to doctor appointments, the hospital and other medically necessary places. This is not an acceptable nor reasonable request from KIA. It is causing unreasonable and untimely risk to us and we are asking you for help with this issue. The least KIA should provide is another vehicle to drive until they resolve this safety risk. Thank you for your help.

The Transit van has an optional "Front Overhead Shelf." This shelf is installed on the Ford assembly line, this is not an aftermarket install. This overhead shelf is designed to hold hats, gloves and other light items. The issue is this shelf bounces and vibrates when the van is in motion. Any items stored on the shelf, falls on the driver's head and face. Ford has addressed this issue with a center support. But is not addressing previously manufactured vehicles. Ford manufacturer part number is: BK3Z-61519A-AC Dealership recognizes the issue and estimates $1,000 fee to correct. Ford warranty and support is not addressing this issue and offers no guidance. The Ford Transit Forum has multiple owners experiencing the same issue. https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/search/467794/?q=Front+overhead+shelf&o=relevance Ford would correct this issue on passenger configurations and ignore cargo configurations.