NHTSA Complaint #723590 — 1997 FORD EXPEDITION

IN DECEMBER 1998, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LUGS: NUTS NOT BEING TIGHTENED PROPERLY BY MARINA FORD (MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA). THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO MAGIC FORD FOR REPAIR. IN APRIL/MAY OF 2000, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE PEELED LIKE AN ONION AND DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE REAR PANEL OF THE TRUCK. AT THAT TIME, THE AAA TOWING SERVICE SAID THAT THE STEMS AND LUG NUTS WERE STRIPPED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MANHATTAN BEACH FORD FOR REPAIR AND INVESTIGATION. THEY WERE TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER THE WHEELS, TIRES AND LUG NUTS WERE PROPER FOR THIS VEHICLE. THEY FIXED IT AND ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON JUNE 2, 2000, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE CARPOOL LANE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELTY OFF THE VEHICLE (YES - FOR THE 2ND TIME - DIFFERENT WHEEL). I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO FORD AS OF THIS MORNING. THE PROBLEM IS THAT APPARENTLY, THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE (FORD OF UPLAND) HAD PUT ON AFTERMARKET WHEELS, TIRES, AND LUG NUTS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO ME. FORD IS CLAIMING THAT THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH AFTERMARKET ASSEMBLIES. MY CONCERN IS THAT WE HAVE NOW PUT OUR LIFE IN FORD'S HANDS IN WHICH WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THREE LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS ON THE FREEWAYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. NO ONE APPEARS TO WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND EVERYONE IS POINTING A FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A FORD PRODUCT AND EXPECT THE WHEELS AND TIRES TO REMAIN ON THE VEHICLE.*AK