NHTSA Complaint #10132051 — 1996 FORD F-150

DT: 1996 FORD F150 XLT PICK UP TRUCK. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND THE SHAFT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IN THE BACK SLID OUT. THE TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A SIDE ROAD ABOUT 35 -40 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THESE VEHICLES WERE DESIGNED TO FAIL. IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1300.00. ALSO, WHILE TRYING TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE SHIFTER WAS FLOPPING AROUND AND A BOLT FELL OUT AT THE CONSUMER'S FEET. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR. THE BOLT FELL OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE TWO HALVES MEET. OF THE TWO BOLTS ONE FELL OUT, AND THE OTHER WAS VERY LOOSE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIX THEM WITH A RETAINING DEVICE WITH LOCK WASHERS ON BOTH BOLTS. THE THIRD PROBLEM, WAS SIMILAR TO THE FIRST PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING SOMEONE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE TRUCK WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WHEEL AND SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE REAR AXLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB