2012 Nissan Titan

On [XXX], my 2012 Nissan Titan was serviced by Pep Boys in Gainesville, FL for brake-related work. After they returned the truck, the brake assembly was reinstalled incorrectly — the caliper was not secured properly and the rotors were damaged/warped as a result. This failure created an immediate and severe safety risk. My father drove the vehicle shortly afterward, unaware of the problem, which could have led to complete brake failure at speed and a serious crash or fatality. The issue was later inspected and confirmed by a Pep Boys location in Tampa, FL, which documented that the prior service work left the brake assembly in an unsafe, dangerous condition. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the discovery of the defect. The unsafe condition was only discovered after the truck was brought to another Pep Boys location for inspection. This defect and improper repair practice by the service provider placed my fathers safety and the safety of others at significant risk. I am submitting this report to document the incident and to ensure that similar unsafe repair practices are investigated and prevented in the future. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

THE TAIL PIPE ON A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD 2012 NISSAN TITAN PREMATURELY SEPARATED AT THE FLANGE IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE. THE REASON THE FLANGE SEPARATED WAS THE POOR DESIGN. THE FLANGE IS POSITIONED TO HOLD WATER, DIRT AND SALT INDUCING CORROSION. ONCE THE FLANGE SEPARATES THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST MELTS THE REAR MAIN WIRING HARNESS IN LESS THAN 100 MILES OF DRIVING. THE MELTED HARNESS CAUSES FAILURE TO THE FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL SITUATION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WHICH RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THE AFFECTED PORTION OF THE REAR HARNESS ALSO CONTROLS THE STOP, TURN AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS. THE FAILURE AND RESULTING DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HAS POTENTIAL TO CREATE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION.