NHTSA Complaint #11632591 — 2021 FORD EXPEDITION

The “handless” rear hatch opening activates when not intended. This has caused a concussion to a driver while loading a vehicle. While this is not a “driving” system, it causes injuries to occupants immediately prior to driving. It is entirely possible that a driver could suffer a head injury without knowledge, then begin driving. This causes a dangerous driving environment. In particular the system is supposed to operate when the key is in a persons pocket and the foot is waived in the air by the hitch receiver area. The issues exists because it activates even if an object moves under the vehicle when key is in the correct proximity. This can even pin a driver down with the door over thier back while loading. Again this causes injuries and issues that may not be discovered until driving. In this particular incident the driver was loading the cargo area, when the door activated to close unknown to driver. At the same time the driver was leaning back and standing back up hitting his head on the door while it was closing on him. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes later after finishing loading, the driver drove away (sole occupant). After another 10 to 15 minutes later driver was feeling dizzy and un able to focus. The driver stopped the vehicle and sought medical attention. The driver was diagnosed with a minor concussion. While this had a good result, it could have easily escalated or caused a serious accident. It is recommended that a safety advisory about the potential risks of automatic door opening/closing is released. In addition it is recommended that the manufacturer enable the ability to disable the automatic function in the vehicle system in a manner where it only comes back on after a user turns it on.