NHTSA Complaint #11588464 — 2021 FORD F-250

I am writing to submit a formal complaint concerning a persistent and costly issue with the 2021 Ford F-250 and models from previous and newer years, specifically related to the roof molding. It has come to my attention that numerous owners of these vehicles, including myself, are facing significant financial burdens due to a design flaw that necessitates the replacement of the roof molding. The core of the issue lies in the fact that replacing the roof molding is not a straightforward task; it requires the removal of the rear window, which significantly escalates the cost and complexity of what should be a simple repair. The trim pieces alone are priced at approximately $125 per side, not including labor costs, which can be substantial given the necessity to remove and reinstall the rear window. Given the frequency and consistency of these complaints across multiple owners and vehicles, it is evident that this is a widespread defect rather than isolated incidents. The financial impact on consumers is considerable, making it an urgent matter that I believe warrants a recall. As a safety and regulatory body, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the responsibility to ensure that manufacturers like Ford address such defects that not only impose undue financial strain on consumers but may also pose potential safety risks associated with improper installations or failures of the molding in question. I urge the NHTSA to initiate an investigation into this matter and to consider mandating a recall to correct the roof molding issue at the manufacturer’s expense. This would alleviate the financial burden on current owners and ensure that future models are free from this costly defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action on this issue.