NHTSA Investigating Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner for Shattering Rear Glass

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating 2010 and 2011 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners due to several complaints of shattering rear glass. According to Detroit News, there have already been 18 reports of such incidents occurring while the liftgate is being operated or closed, one of which have reportedly resulted in the owner and a 10-year old child getting cuts from the glass.

"The liftgate window glass shattered spontaneously, while opening the liftgate or while closing the liftgate. In one alleged injury incident, the complainant and her 10 year old son were cut by glass fragments," NHTSA said that many of the incidents have occurred in colder weather.

The bulletin also warned that "some 2010-2011 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before Oct. 15, 2010 may experience the liftgate window glass breaking, typically when colder ambient temperatures are present. 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."

Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the company is aware of the investigation and will cooperate with the investigation.

The investigation covers 200,000 vehicles built on or before October 15, 2010, but that total pales in comparison to a Ford recall that has already been issued for the same problem. In 2004, Ford was forced to recall 955,000 2002 and 2003 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers for liftgate glass issues, so this is not the first problem of this type, as at the time a total of 5,000 complaints were received, much more than that what received for this latest issue.