NHTSA Complaint #11462523 — 2014 FORD EDGE

The vehicle began emitting a strong smell intermittently, which was later determined to be gear oil from the transfer case dripping down. After the smell was originally noted the car was driven only at low speeds and short distance to get repaired. The car was not able to be put into reverse. Eventually, the car began to make a grinding sound while steering and stopping. Luckily after the strong smells started the car was never driven over 35mph and was only driven for a short distance. I could only imagine if the car was going at highway speeds. This is putting customer's safety at risk. This is a dangerous situation and needs to be resolved. No warning lights illuminated during this ordeal. I was told by the mechanic that the transfer case "blew up" and would need to be replaced. The car has less than 48,000 miles on it and has always been kept in a garage and up to date on service.