NHTSA Complaint #11434334 — 2017 FORD FUSION

Lug nuts on 2017 Ford Fusion SE swollen/distorted and very difficult to remove from tire. It is available for inspection upon request. There is potential for safety risk due to driving with these damaged lug nuts as one may break, causing the added weight to shift to the other lug nuts, breaking them as well and worst case scenario my wheels comes off while I’m driving. Problem was identified/presented itself during the process of attempting to get state inspection when car failed for rear brakes and independent service member was trying to charge $300 to replace, attempted to change out brakes on own as well as through personal mechanic, which is when true problem with lug nuts came to fruition. Even unable to take them off with included lug removal tool that came with car as well as universal lug wrench. Now in the process of going to get lug nuts inspected, extracted and replaced via professional, independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and the issue first appeared on August 14, 2021.