All Investigations » Investigation PE99060

  Defect Investigation of Factory Installed Towing Hitch Separatio

Investigation of Factory Installed Towing Hitch Separatio

Subject: Factory installed towing hitch separatio
Components covered:
  • Equipment
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Sep. 27, 1999. It was closed on Mar. 8, 2000. Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall.
Odi has received five reports involving 1997 through 1999 Ford expedition and Lincoln navigator vehicles that allege some of the eight hitch mounting bolts either became loose or came completely out ofits retaining plate. One of the complainants indicated that while towing a trailer the hitch actually separated from the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle when the four mounting bolts on the side came completely out. This allower the hitch and trailer to contact the pavement. Inspection of the four bolts on the driver's side reveled that they were loose as well. This investigation has been opened to further study the issue.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 1997 Ford Expedition
  • 1998 Ford Expedition
  • 1999 Ford Expedition
  • 1997 Lincoln Navigator
  • 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  • 1999 Lincoln Navigator

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