NHTSA Investigation
PE15020
Wheel Separation
Key Takeaways
- Investigation PE15020 currently maps to 1 tracked vehicle-year page across 1 make.
- This page summarizes the public investigation subject, status, timing, and affected tracked vehicles linked from NHTSA source data.
- The linked component on this record is wheels:rim.
What This Investigation Page Shows
This page summarizes a public NHTSA investigation record tied to one or more tracked vehicle-year pages in our database. Investigation records sit between owner complaints and recall campaigns: they can remain open, close without a recall, or connect to a later remedy action. Use this page to see which tracked vehicles are linked to the record, then open the individual vehicle pages for complaints, recalls, and crash test context.
Investigation Summary
On November 29, 2014, ODI received a complaint reporting the complete separation of an original equipment 22-inch alloy wheel rim mounted on the right front position of a model year 2014 Ford Edge vehicle (VOQ 10661278).The driver indicated that the right-front corner of the vehicle suddenly dropped while driving, causing the vehicle to go off the road to the right and into a field.The right-front wheel rim was found to have broken into two pieces. The owner said that there was no prior warning or wheel related problems with the vehicle. The vehicle had been driven approximately 8,500 miles at the time of the incident.On May 29, 2015 ODI sent an information request to Ford asking for detailed information related to the specific 22 inch alloy wheel used on the Edge as well as any peer vehicles which used the same type of wheel.On July 17, 2015 Ford provided ODI with the requested information. Ford's search showed that the single incident reported to ODI is the only instance of a wheel failure on the subject or peer vehicles.The failed wheel was sent to the National Transportation Service Board (NTSB) materials analysis laboratory for examination. The NTSB determined that the wheel failed because of a severe impact that caused a crack that rapidly propagated around the circumference of the wheel, The rim fracture surface had a predominantly rough appearance consistent with an overstress fracture (rapid fracture)There were no abnormalities or unique features associated with the fracture initiation site.Metallurgical analysis of the rim found that the material was within specification and no anomalies were identified that could have contributed to the failure.See the full NTSB report for more details.Based on the absence of additional failures and the results of the wheel material testing and failure analysis, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQ is associated with this investigation: 10661278
Manufacturer listed on the source record: Ford Motor Company
Component listed on the source record: WHEELS:RIM
Affected Vehicles (1)
| Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Ford | Edge |
Browse Affected Vehicles
All data is sourced from NHTSA public records. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or any government agency. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and may not reflect confirmed defects. For official information, visit nhtsa.gov.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026