- NHTSA is investigating reports that liftgate windows could shatter on certain 2010-'11 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs.
- The agency's Office of Defects Investigation said it has received 18 consumer complaints concerning liftgate window breakage on the vehicles, including reports of four injuries.
- The investigation covers approximately 200,000 vehicles.
WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports that liftgate windows could shatter on certain 2010-'11 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs. The investigation covers approximately 200,000 vehicles.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation said it has received 18 consumer complaints concerning liftgate window breakage on the vehicles, including reports of four injuries. In one instance, ODI said "the complainant and her 10-year-old son were cut by glass fragments."
The agency said that "many of the incidents (of glass breakage) occurred during cooler temperature operation."
Ford last November issued an internal Technical Service Bulletin to dealers, noting: "Some 2010-'11 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 10/15/2010 may experience the liftgate window glass breakage, typically when colder ambient temperature are present."
Ford instructed dealers to "correct the condition by replacing the liftgate window glass after closely inspecting for any signs of impact or external damage that may have caused the glass breakage. If no evidence of external damage found, then proceed with glass replacement."
In response to an e-mail query Wednesday from Inside Line, a Ford spokesman said, "We are cooperating fully with the government as they review this matter."
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned vehicles, be aware that NHTSA has opened a defect investigation.
Add A Comment »