NHTSA Complaint #11102626 — 2017 FORD FIESTA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE BACK TO THE ROADWAY; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS AND HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CVC JOINT UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, ARM, NECK, RIGHT KNEE, AND RIGHT HIP INJURIES AS WELL AS CUTS ON HIS LEFT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER FRANK FLETCHER FORD (3015 TURKEY CREEK RD, JOPLIN, MO 64801, (417) 317-5299) WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.