NHTSA Complaint #11455651 — 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

I took my 2018 Ford Ecosport in for routine inspection, and the shop told me they had trouble getting my lug nuts off to rotate the tires. They suggested I get all the lug nuts replaced. My model has the rare option of the full size spare tire mounted on the back, with an included tire changing kit. The problem is the lug nuts that Ford has been using include caps that do not seal out debris and moisture, so the caps can swell, distort shape and size, and in turn the lug wrench I have will not be able to fit over the caps to remove the lug nuts. The whole reason I bought the vehicle with the full size spare was so that I would not be stranded anywhere. This flaw totally defeats that purpose. I took the vehicle to the dealer who refused to change out the lug nuts saying it was not a warranty issue, that exposure to moisture and debris is from normal use of the vehicle. This is a known issue with accumulating consumer complaints against Ford’s use of these lug nuts.