NHTSA Complaint #11615810 — 2023 FORD EXPLORER

While driving the vehicle, I noticed a sound like something was flapping in the wind. I checked around and under the vehicle and noticed the bottom of the back bumper was loose. I took the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. They told me there was nothing broken or loose. They also told me the stabilizing piece that is usually on the bumper is taken off to install the hitch and nothing is put back on the bumper to secure it. The hitch on my vehicle was factory installed. This is a safety issue in that the bumper, or pieces of it, could break off while driving causing an accident or injury. In addition, the damage to my vehicle could be substantial.