NHTSA Complaint #10182598 — 2003 FORD EXPLORER

TL*- WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE BACK OF THE SUV BEGAN TO VIBRATE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE DEALER FORGOT TO PUT THE LUGS:NUTS BACK ON THE WHEEL. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILED ,ALMOST CAUSINGA CRASH AFTER THE DEALER HAD WORKED ON IT. ONLY ONE NUT WAS HOLDING THE SHAFT IN PLACE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS ALSO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST AND 20 DEGREES. IT SNOWED, BUT THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 60000.*AK