NHTSA Complaint #759247 — 2001 FORD EXPLORER

MFG INSTALLATION OR DESIGN DEFECT--- UPPER RADIATOR HOSE LAYS ON THE UPPER PART OF ENGINE. IT LAYS AGAINST THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE. THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE HAS A CLAMP THAT CUTS INTO THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE., NORMAL ENGINE VIBRATIONS ARE ENOUGH TO CUT THROUGH THE HOSE. NOTE: THE HOSE HAS A NYLON NETTING WHICH IS ABRAIDED. THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. THE OFFENDING CLAMP IS OF POOR DESIGN AND PLACEMENT. IT IS MADE FROM STAMPED SHEET METAL AND HAS OBVIOUS SHARP EDGES, HENCE CUTTING INTO THE RADIATOR HOSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED AT DESIGN WITH A DIFFERENT HOSE CLAMP OR AT ASSEMBLY BY TURNING THE OFFENDING CLAMP APROX 90 DEGREES.*AK