NHTSA Complaint #11446306 — 2014 FORD EXPLORER

Re: 2014 Ford Explorer VIN: [XXX] I am writing to you with a problem with the Ford vehicle described above.. The two problems I am having seem to have been programmed into the onboard computer to fail after a certain time or mileage. I will address each problem individually starting with the most hazardous one first. The onboard navigation system utilizes a SD card program that becomes outdated as time passes. I have received numerous mailing from Ford notifying me that the original navigation system is outdated and that I should update to a current one at a cost to me of $149.00. The original system works fine for me and I felt no need to upgrade until the system began getting interrupted by prompts to update (see FIGURE 1 below). When the prompt appears the navigation system is no longer operational. The most recent of these interruptions became a serious and hazardous situation. I was driving on the interstate nearing an interchange to switch to a different highway. I was relying on the navigation system to direct me to the correct exit and this is when the prompt appeared. The navigation system was now useless and will only resume normal operation if the vehicle is shut off and restarted. You don’t do this at 70+ mph! My only option was to use my phone which meant I had to program it and while driving this is dangerous. I feel Ford was being irresponsible by programming the prompts into the onboard computer that disable the navigation system in return for the sale of an updated SD card. Ford was profit motivated in this programmed failure. FIGURE 1 IMG_1978.JPG 75.5kB INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).