Underbody Shield problems of the 2000 Ford Ranger

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving 55 mph, the contact heard a rattling noise underneath the vehicle. Suddenly, the rear driver's side shock detached from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the entire frame was rotted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

I have a 13 year old Ford Ranger that has frame rust. My mechanic states I have to condemn the vehicle, because it will break and cause a dangerous incident. It seems to me this should not be happening at such a young age of a vehicle. Also I do not reside or take the truck near where heavy applications of road salt is used. I have done some research via google and have found numerous incidences of this type of wear. I don't know if you have had any reported malfunctions, but let's add this to the list. No failures have occured with my truck yet.

Cracked frame on passenger side by shock mount, both rear shock mounts rusted off. Also rear leaf spring shackles rotted off. As well as the spare tire crossmember completely rotted off causing my spare tire to fall off while driving!. Thank god no one was behind me. Truck only have 124k on it and it is imaculent shape other than the frame. . Very disappointed also I clean and maintain my trucks very well. . I wash it at least one a week and I wash the underneath then I drive around till its dry and still its in poor shape. . None of my other trucks do this so its not how I maintain them.

This is the second time this truck has failed n h state inspection for frame problems,first time was for a rusted through cross member which I had to have welded,11/17/2009. Now I go back for another inspection on 11/30/2012 and was told I had to replace rear shackles which I say ok,the repair shop calls me and tells me the frame is rotted through and they can not put in the, frame has to be replaced from back to about 4 feet to the front and at another cost of 350$ the last cost was the same 350$. I take very good care of this truck and the body looks like new. The welding shop guy told me he had to do several of these repairs to even 2002 Ford trucks,I can not see the reason for this,this is the first of any cars or trucks I have ever owned that had frame problems,can you help recoup some or all of my money on this,I am disabled and on a fixed income and can not afford to throw money out the window,thanks for your help. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).