NHTSA Complaint #11518529 — 2013 FORD ESCAPE

Ford two-piece lug nuts distort during installation/removal as a result of regular vehicle servicing, tire replacement or rotation, brake maintenance, and other maintenance requiring removal of tires. “Swollen” lug nuts with Ford vehicles is a well known safety issue. Many service outlets, including dealers refuse to service tires due to lug nut issues. Due to this issue, it is impossible to determine if appropriate torque requirements are met during installation. This may result in broken lugs, improperly torqued nuts, stranded drivers on major roadways causing traffic hazards, or complete failure resulting in vehicle crash. This is a safety critical issue that should be addressed by FoMoCo, and not be a cost burden passed on to the consumer. Please take necessary steps to enact a recall campaign for these improperly designed two-piece lug nuts.