NHTSA Complaint #10594831 — 2014 FORD EXPLORER

WE RENTED A 2014 FORD EXPLORER FROM AVIS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. MY 10 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE SECOND ROW REAR-FACING IN HER DIONO RADIAN RXT CAR SEAT (SITTING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUV). WHEN I PRESSED THE LEVER TO LET THE LEFT SIDE SEATS DOWN TO PUT MY TWO YEAR OLD INTO HIS CAR SEAT ON THE THIRD ROW, THE SPRING-LOADED SEATS LANDED ON HER LEG, TWISTING AND CRUSHING IT. NOW SHE HAS A BROKEN TIBIA! THERE IS A SERIOUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THESE SEATS. THEY ARE VERY HEAVY AND ARE SPRING LOADED SO THAT THEY FALL VERY HARD WHEN YOU PRESS THE LEVER. I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ACCOUNTED FOR CHILDREN SITTING IN REAR FACING CAR SEATS WHEN THEY DESIGNED THIS VEHICLE, IT IS LIKE A BOOBY TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR