NHTSA Complaint #11316007 — 2013 FORD FLEX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FLEX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, A LOUD POPPING NOISE OCCURRED AND DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIOLENTLY SWERVE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER OBSERVED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS ANGLED SIDE WAYS. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. DURING THE INCIDENT THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A LEFT SHOULDER RE-INJURY WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE LOCAL DEALER ST. GEORGE FORD (145 HILTON DR. ST. GEORGE, UT) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) BUT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.