NHTSA Complaint #11602789 — 2018 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side key panel detached. The contact stated that after the failure the liftgate ajar warning light illuminated and the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the liftgate could no longer be opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the panel adhesive, resulting in damages to the electrical wiring and preventing the liftgate from functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,000.