NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
66 reportsClear category filter85,000 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A BEEPING NOISE AND A WARNING LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING TO CHECK THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. HE LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. HE COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A BEEPING NOISE AND A WARNING LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING TO CHECK THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. HE LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. HE COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. HE CALLED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ORDERED THE PARTS BASED ON HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10376271
69,400 miles · Jan 4, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK …
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THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT ANY FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #4), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO A SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT IN CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND. AS THE CAR PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, THE "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" WARNING APPEARED IN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER. THANKFULLY, THE CAR HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO SAFELY PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED, AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374084
36,000 miles · Dec 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ON US 95 NORTH THE VEHICLE ALL OF THE SUDDEN STALLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 AND GREATER ON BUSY INTERSTATES. THE ENGINE JUST STOPS AND THE CAR MUST COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT WILL START AGAIN AND RUN FINE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK OR TWO. …
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WHILE DRIVING ON US 95 NORTH THE VEHICLE ALL OF THE SUDDEN STALLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 AND GREATER ON BUSY INTERSTATES. THE ENGINE JUST STOPS AND THE CAR MUST COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT WILL START AGAIN AND RUN FINE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK OR TWO. RECENTLY THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN JAN OF 2010 ON A TRIP FROM MISSOURI TO VIRGINIA. NOW THAT WE LIVE IN VIRGINIA, NEAR DC THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE FIND VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WITH FOUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10371673
58,000 miles · Dec 16, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHEN THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHEN THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD DOCUMENT THE COMPLAINT AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 58,000. UPDATED 07/18/11
NHTSA ODI #10370958
63,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT 3 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK EL…
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THIS IS INCIDENT 3 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #3), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A TWO-LANE (ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION) DC CITY STREET. THE CAR LOST POWER COMPLETELY, AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE OF TRAFFIC, THEREBY BLOCKING THE HEAVY LINE OF TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366744
60,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT #2 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK E…
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THIS IS INCIDENT #2 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #2), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON A FOUR-LANE (IN EACH DIRECTION) INTERSTATE HIGHWAY (THE INNER LOOP OF THE CAPITAL BELTWAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD). THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE SECOND LANE FROM THE RIGHT TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER TO ACCELERATE, ALTHOUGH AT RAPIDLY DECELERATING SPEED, THIS MANEUVER WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEXT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER DID NOT REPORT AN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS INCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366741
53,000 miles · Nov 18, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
THIS IS INCIDENT #1 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK E…
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THIS IS INCIDENT #1 OF 3 WITH RESPECT TO THIS VEHICLE. IN EACH CASE, THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR EITHER LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF SUDDENLY OR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWED TO A STOP. IN EACH CASE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER WARNING "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" (OR SOMETHING SIMILAR) APPEARED. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION, WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED THE CAR. THE WARNING MESSAGE NO LONGER APPEARED AND THE CAR RAN FINE WITHOUT FURTHER IMMEDIATE INCIDENT. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE (INCIDENT #1), THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 - 40 MPH ON A THREE-LANE (IN EACH DIRECTION) STATE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER TO ACCELERATE. THIS ROAD HAS NO SHOULDER, SO THE CAR BLOCKED TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE UNTIL IT WAS RESTARTED. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEXT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER DID NOT REPORT AN ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC CODE THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS INCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366740
82,000 miles · Nov 4, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
DRIVING APROX. 45 MPH LOSS CONTROL OF THROTTLE 2ND. TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10364072
75,000 miles · Oct 14, 2010
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY THE "CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" LIGHT CAME ON AND SHUT DOWN MY CAR.. I HAD NO ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTROL. THIS OCCURS ON AVERAGE ONCE A MONTH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ,YOU HAVE NO POWER. YOU HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360572
65,000 miles · Jun 30, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH HE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL , SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH HE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL , SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 65000.
NHTSA ODI #10340758
NHTSA investigations
1PE08070 · Steel Wheel Fracture
Opened Dec 9, 2008 · Closed Apr 15, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:rim
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
Additional source detail variants (2)
Wheels
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
Wheels:rim
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION) WERE PRODUCED WITHIN MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 AND SOLD PRIMARILY FOR USE BY STATE, FEDERAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) AGENCIES.FORD STIPULATES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH SPEED OR PURSUIT OPERATIONS AND ALSO IDENTIFIED A 2004 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE VEHICLE EVALUATION REPORT WHICH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THIS LIMITATION. THE FULL FACE WHEEL IS FABRICATED FROM TWO PIECES: A STAMPED OUTER WHEEL DISC AND A FORMED RIM.THE TWO PIECES, WHICH TOGETHER COMPRISE THE OUTER BEAD SEAT, ARE JOINED TOGETHER WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.A CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT OCCURS IN THE OUTER BEAD SEAT AREA AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, RESULTING IN FATIGUE STRESSES IN THE WELD'S HEAT AFFECTED ZONE THAT CAN LEAD TO FRACTURING (CRACKING) OF THE RIM MATERIAL.BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURS UNDER THE OUTBOARD TIRE BEAD, AIR LEAKAGE MAY NOT READILY OCCUR WHEN THE RIM CRACKS, DEPENDENT ON HOW WELL THE BEAD SEALS ON THE RIM.IF MULTIPLE CRACKS GROW UNDETECTED AND SUDDENLY JOIN INTO A SINGLE LARGE CRACK, THE WHEEL'S STRUCTURE CAN BECOME COMPROMISED LEADING TO RAPID AIR LOSS.A RAPID AIR LOSS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEED, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. FORD RESPONDED TO ODI'S JANUARY 5, 2009 INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) ON FEBRUARY 24.FORD'S RESPONSE ACKNOWLEDGES A NUMBER OF WHEEL FRACTURES ON THE SSVS.HOWEVER, BASED ON ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE PERTINENT FACTORS, IT CONCLUDES THAT THE CONDITION DOES NOT REPRESENT AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY.THE LACK OF REPORTS OF RAPID AIR LOSS, NO ALLEGED CRASHES, AND THEIR ASSESSMENT THAT A CRACKED WHEEL CAN BE DETECTED THROUGH SLOW, REPEATED AIR LOSS OR VIBRATION, WERE THE BASES FOR FORD'S CONCLUSION.FORD DISCUSSES THE RESULTS OF A STUDY IT PERFORMED ON WHEELS RETURNED FROM LE FIELD USE, DESIGN REVISIONS IT MADE TO THE SUBJECT WHEEL, AND THE OUTCOME OF DURABILITY TESTING IT CONDUCTED ON THE OLD AND NEW WHEEL DESIGNS. THE COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A DUPLICATE ODI AND FORD REPORT; THE FORD COUNTS ARE UNIQUE VEHICLES ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE(S).SOME WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVED MORE THAN ONE WHEEL REPLACEMENT.ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO-PIECE WHEEL FRACTURE, ODI DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY ALLEGATIONS OF CRASHES, RAPID AIR LOSS EVENTS DUE TO WHEEL FRACTURES OR ALLEGATIONS OF EFFECTS ON VEHICLE CONTROL OR STABILITY, AS WERE THE CASES IN PAST INVESTIGATIONS WHERE SAFETY RECALLS WERE CONDUCTED TO REPLACE AFFECTED WHEELS.THE AGENCY AGREES THAT THE SSV IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PURSUIT OR HIGH SPEED USAGE, REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRASHES OR LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS TO BE CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT. FORD IMPLEMENTED A 'SHOT PEENING' PROCESS IN JUNE 2006 WHICH REDUCED THE WHEEL'S SURFACE STRESS AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ITS DURABILITY, AND ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAILURES OF SHOT PEENED WHEELS (SERVICE PART NUMBER 7L1Z-1015-B).FORD'S TESTING SHOWED A SLIGHTLY REDUCED DURABILITY FOR THE NON-SHOT PEENED WHEELS WHEN 'LT' INSTEAD OF FORD APPROVED 'P' METRIC TYPE TIRES ARE USED. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FURTHER C
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