NHTSA Complaint #11686019 — 2018 FORD F-150

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact felt a thump and observed a loud noise simultaneously coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected, and the contact became aware that the tailgate had unexpectedly opened. The contact closed the tailgate. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt a thump and observed a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that a large toolbox with 6-foot drawers fell from the vehicle onto the road. The contact stated that the toolbox falling from the vehicle could have caused injuries to other drivers. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the tailgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.